In reality, a degree from Canada is quite affordable. So, the cost of studying in Canada for international students can be between CAD $15000 to CAD $40000 per year. So, it can be easily estimated by considering the cost of education and accommodation.
In reality, the study cost in Canada will vary depending on your course, school, and lifestyle. However, managing your living expenses more effectively is possible if you have an efficient budget plan when you are going to Canada as a student.
Therefore, in this article, I have summarized the data available to those seeking an education in Canada, which may be very helpful to them.
Education Expenses
In reality, the most basic expenses for students going to Canada are program fees, course materials, and extracurricular expenses of the institute. So, for tuition fee:
- UGP (Undergraduate programs) cost: CAD $12,000 to $33,623.
- PGP (Postgraduate degree programs) cost: CAD $20.120 to $66,503. Also,
- PhD (Doctoral degree) cost: CAD $7,000 to $16,000.
Institute-wise cost of study in Canada
Many Canadian educational institutions have different fee structures for international students. For example, here is an overview of some programs of three Canadian universities and their costs.
01. University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI)
Undergraduate Program: Faculty of Arts
| International Fee | $7,548/year | Full-Time Student | $6,450/year |
| Per semester | $3225 | Fitness and Administration fee | $266 |
| Technology Fee | $50 | Laboratory Fee | $75 per course |
| Library Fee | $50 | Canadian Federation of Students | $10 |
| Health Insurance | $927 | Dental Insurance | $150 |
| Transit Pass | $62 | Student Centre Fee | $40 |
| WUSC | $10 | CASA | $4 |
| Student Union Fee | $172 | Others (if applicable) |
Graduate Programs (Faculty of Business)
| International Fee | $754 per 3 credit course | Technology Fee | $50 |
| Master of Business (Executive) | $2,706 per 3 credit course | Fitness and Administration Fee | $266 |
| MBA Global (Leadership) | $1,473 per course | Library Resource Fee | $50 |
| Health Insurance | $927 | Canadian Federation of Students | $10 |
| Student Dental Insurance | $150 | Transit Pass | $62 |
| Student Centre Fee | $40 | WUSC/CASA | $14 |
| Student Union Fee | $172 | Maintenance of Status Fee | $172 |
02. Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton University (CBU)
The following expenses apply for an international student who takes courses at the CBU:
Undergraduate Courses (30 credits/year)
- Tuition fee: $8,529
- International differential fees: $8,529
- Medical plan: $744. Also,
- Fees: $713
Graduate Programs
Master of Business Administration (Community Economic Development)
- Application Fee: $80.
- MBA Program Fee: $440.
- Tuition fee: $1,640.10.
- Differential fee: $852.90.
- Campus Renewal fee: $22.20. Also,
- IT fee: $17.10.
The University of the Fraser Valley
At UFV in British Columbia, the first year of study may cost to international students approximately CAD $30,000. For example:
| Undergraduate Programs | Graduate Programs |
| Tuition fee: $15,120 | Master’s Programs Tuition fee: $25,000 |
| Student & Ancillary fees: $860 | Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Programs: $678 per credit |
| International Administration fee: 1,450 | Graduate Certificate in Program Evaluation: $643 per credit |
| Medical & dental premiums: $800 | Graduate Studies in Citizenship & Migration: $1,000 per credit |
| Transfer Credit Evaluation Fee: $250 | Enrollment fee |
| Books and supplies: $1,280 | Others (if applicable) |
Subject/Course Cost
The above figures make it clear what elements are included in the cost to study in Canada. So, now I’m going to describe the approximate tuition fee (only) of different subjects and programs below:
- Humanities: Cost $30,676 to $15, 00
- Engineering: $34,000+
- Regular MBA: $38,000+
- Medicine: $34,000+
- Architecture: $25,000+
- Agriculture/natural resources: $15,000+. Also,
- Pharmacy: $40,000+
Accommodation costs
The average accommodation cost for international students in Canada could range from CAD $10,000 to $15,000/year. Above all, most Canadian universities offer international students on-campus accommodation.
Otherwise, students can arrange their accommodation off campus, so it depends on their choice and budget. Therefore, student expenses in Canada can include food, housing rent, transportation, course supplies, books, internet, phone bills, and entertainment.
Health insurance cost for students
In Canada, international student health insurance and dental insurance are often included in university fees. However, if this is not the case, you will need to purchase health insurance depending on the length of your stay in Canada, which can range from CAD $700 to $1000.
In addition, the cost of insurance depends on the company and the health plan for international students in the Canadian province you are going to study. In contrast, international students will need to get private health insurance if they are going to study in Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Manitoba, or Quebec.
Expenses prior to study in Canada
First, the spending figures I’ve presented so far relate to education and other expenses after arriving in Canada. In fact, the cost of studying in Canada for an international student begins as soon as you apply for admission to an educational institution there. When you apply for admission to a Canadian university or college, the initial fee starts at a minimum of CAD $100.
Second, if the university confirms your admission, apply for a Canadian student visa, which costs $150, but including the biometrics fee it could be $200.
Third, once a Canadian student visa is approved, you also have to buy a plane ticket to get there, which starts at a minimum of $400, but it depends on whether you are from India, the Philippines, Nigeria, and Russia, Europe or any other country.
So, if you are a student who has chosen Canada as your destination for study abroad, include these expenses in the cost to study in Canada so that you can estimate your budget.
Scholarships in Canada
You can apply for a scholarship if you want to study in Canada and reduce the cost. Most Canadian educational institutions also provide financial aid and scholarships to needy and eligible foreign students. So if you have an excellent academic record, you can take advantage of this option to make it easier to get your degree in Canada.
FAQs
Obviously, you can work in Canada as a foreign student while studying, there is no restriction on it. Hence, you can work for 20 hours per week during the academic year, and full-time during the summer break. Also, students are free to work for any employer in any profession in Canada. Earning money for your expenses and gaining valuable work experience is a good idea while studying in Canada.
Of course, you can bring your family to Canada as an international student. In fact, family reunification is an excellent benefit to study in Canada as a foreigner.
So, your spouse and children come along to Canada if you include them in your study permit visa application. Depending on their situation, they may qualify for a study or work permit, or a visitor visa.
In fact, the cost to study in Canada is quite affordable, talented students may get scholarships there. However, there is no chance to study in Canada for 100% free, even local Canadians need to pay tuition fees.
Conclusion
The number of international students in Canada is increasing every year since it is one of the most popular destinations on the globe. The colleges and universities set their own fees structure, so the cost to study in Canada depends on several factors.
Therefore, I have tailored this article to summarize expenses you may bear if planning to move to Canada for studies. So, higher education is one of Canada’s most popular pursuits for students, making it an excellent choice for international students looking for an affordable degree.