Study in Canada - Study abroad destination

Costs & Funding - Study in Canada

A realistic breakdown of tuition fees, living costs by city, scholarships, GIC requirements, and part-time work earnings for international students in Canada.

Updated March 1, 2026 14 min read

Costs & Funding

Studying in Canada is a significant financial commitment — but it's also an investment with strong returns. Canadian graduates benefit from a generous post-graduation work permit, competitive salaries, and a pathway to permanent residency. The key is going in with accurate numbers and a solid funding strategy.

Here's the reality: total costs for international students typically range from CAD 35,000 to CAD 60,000 per year, depending on your program, university, and city. That includes tuition and living expenses. But with scholarships, part-time work, and smart choices about where and what you study, many students bring their out-of-pocket costs down significantly.

Tuition Fees (2025-2026)

International student tuition in Canada varies enormously by program type, university, and province.

Tuition by Program Level

Program Level	Annual Tuition (CAD)	Notes
College diploma	15,000 - 22,000	2-year programs, career-focused
Post-graduate certificate	16,000 - 25,000	1-2 year programs at colleges
Bachelor's degree	20,000 - 45,000	4-year programs
Master's (coursework)	18,000 - 50,000	1-2 year programs
Master's (research)	7,000 - 25,000	Often funded via scholarships/TA positions
PhD / Doctorate	7,000 - 20,000	Most funded; some charge minimal tuition
MBA	30,000 - 120,000	Total program cost, 1-2 years

Tuition by Field of Study (Undergraduate)

Field	Annual Tuition Range (CAD)
Humanities, Social Sciences, Education	20,000 - 30,000
Business, Accounting, Economics	25,000 - 42,000
IT and Computer Science	30,000 - 55,000
Engineering	30,000 - 55,000
Science (Lab-based)	25,000 - 40,000
Law (JD/LLB)	30,000 - 45,000
Nursing and Health Sciences	22,000 - 38,000
Medicine	60,000 - 90,000
Architecture	25,000 - 40,000

Pro tip: The same program can cost CAD 15,000+ more per year at a top-ranked university compared to a mid-tier one. A computer science degree at the University of Waterloo costs about CAD 55,000/year, while a similar program at the University of Manitoba costs about CAD 20,000/year. Both are accredited, both qualify for PGWP — the difference is brand, co-op access, and research intensity.

Tuition at Top Universities (2025-2026 Examples)

University	Bachelor's (Arts)	Bachelor's (Engineering)	Master's (CS/Eng)
University of Toronto	CAD 47,000	CAD 62,000	CAD 25,000-52,000
UBC	CAD 40,000	CAD 52,000	CAD 9,000-45,000
McGill	CAD 28,000	CAD 42,000	CAD 20,000-45,000
Waterloo	CAD 42,000	CAD 55,000	CAD 12,000-30,000
McMaster	CAD 36,000	CAD 48,000	CAD 18,000-35,000
Alberta	CAD 28,000	CAD 38,000	CAD 12,000-25,000
Queen's	CAD 42,000	CAD 52,000	CAD 10,000-30,000
Dalhousie	CAD 22,000	CAD 28,000	CAD 12,000-22,000

Note: Research-stream master's and PhD students at many Canadian universities pay significantly lower tuition (often CAD 7,000-15,000/year) and are typically funded through teaching assistantships, research assistantships, or scholarships.

Monthly Living Costs by City

Living costs vary significantly across Canada. Here's a realistic monthly breakdown:

Category	Toronto	Vancouver	Montreal	Ottawa	Calgary	Edmonton	Halifax
Rent (shared apartment)	900-1,400	850-1,350	550-850	600-950	600-950	550-850	550-850
Groceries	300-450	300-450	250-350	270-380	270-380	260-370	260-370
Transport	130-160	110-140	57-94	100-130	110-130	100-120	80-100
Utilities (share)	60-100	50-90	50-80	50-90	50-80	50-80	50-80
Phone/Internet	50-80	50-80	50-80	50-80	50-80	50-80	50-80
Health insurance	50-75	0 (MSP)	50-75	50-75	0 (AHCIP)	0 (AHCIP)	0 (MSI)
Entertainment/Social	100-200	100-200	80-150	80-150	80-150	80-150	70-130
TOTAL/month	1,590-2,465	1,460-2,310	1,087-1,679	1,200-1,855	1,160-1,770	1,090-1,650	1,060-1,610
TOTAL/year	19,080-29,580	17,520-27,720	13,044-20,148	14,400-22,260	13,920-21,240	13,080-19,800	12,720-19,320

Pro tip: Montreal is one of the most affordable major student cities in North America. Rent is 30-40% lower than Toronto, public transit is cheaper (student pass CAD 57/month), and the food scene offers incredible value. Quebec City, Halifax, and cities in the Prairies are even more affordable.

Housing Costs in Detail

Housing is your largest expense. Here are the main options:

Housing Type	Monthly Cost (CAD)	Includes
University residence	800-1,500	Usually includes utilities, internet; meal plan sometimes required
Purpose-built student housing	700-1,300	Utilities, internet, some furnishings
Shared apartment (2-3 roommates)	550-1,000	Rent only — add utilities and internet
Homestay	800-1,200	2-3 meals/day, utilities, internet
Private studio apartment	1,200-2,200	Rent only
Basement apartment	700-1,100	Common in suburban areas; rent only

Health Insurance

Health insurance coverage for international students varies by province — and this is one of the most confusing aspects of studying in Canada.

Provincial Coverage by Province

Province	Coverage for International Students	Additional Insurance Needed?
British Columbia	MSP covers students after 3 months (free since 2020)	First 3 months only
Alberta	AHCIP covers students (free)	Generally no
Saskatchewan	Provincial coverage available	Minimal
Manitoba	Provincial coverage available after waiting period	First 3 months
Ontario	NOT covered by OHIP	Yes — UHIP mandatory (CAD 684/year)
Quebec	Limited RAMQ — depends on home country agreements	Usually yes — university plan (CAD 800-1,100/year)
Nova Scotia	MSI covers students after 3 months	First 3 months
New Brunswick	NOT covered by Medicare	Yes — university plan required

Universities in provinces without provincial coverage arrange mandatory health plans (like UHIP in Ontario) and include the cost in ancillary fees.

For comprehensive coverage including dental, vision, and extended benefits, many student unions offer supplementary plans at reasonable rates.

Compare health insurance options for Canada

The Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)

The GIC is a unique Canadian requirement. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires most international students to purchase a GIC as proof of financial support.

Key facts:

Amount: CAD 20,635 (2026)
Purpose: Demonstrates you have funds for living expenses
How it works: You deposit the full amount with a Canadian financial institution before applying for your study permit. After arriving in Canada, the funds are released in monthly installments (approximately CAD 1,700/month) over 12 months.
Where to purchase: Scotiabank, CIBC, BMO, RBC, ICICI Bank Canada, China Construction Bank

GIC Provider	Processing Time	Interest Rate
Scotiabank	2-5 business days	Variable (0.5-1%)
CIBC	3-5 business days	Variable
BMO	5-10 business days	Variable
RBC	3-7 business days	Variable

Pro tip: Purchase your GIC early — you'll need the GIC confirmation letter for your study permit application. Scotiabank is the most popular choice among international students due to faster processing and established support for student accounts.

Scholarships & Funding Options

Scholarships can dramatically reduce your costs. Here are the main categories:

Canadian Government Scholarships

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

Value: CAD 50,000/year for 3 years
Level: PhD students only
Eligibility: Outstanding academic record, research potential, and leadership
Competition: Approximately 166 awards per year across all Canadian universities
Application: Through your Canadian university (nominated by institution)

Canada Graduate Scholarships — Master's (CGS-M)

Value: CAD 17,500 for 12 months
Level: Master's students
Application: Through SSHRC, NSERC, or CIHR depending on field

IDRC Research Awards

Value: Up to CAD 20,000
Level: Master's and PhD students from developing countries
Focus: Research on development issues

University-Specific Scholarships

Most Canadian universities offer merit-based scholarships for international students:

University	Scholarship	Value
University of Toronto	Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship	Full tuition + books + living (4 years)
University of Toronto	International Scholar Award	Up to CAD 10,000/year
UBC	International Major Entrance Scholarship	Up to CAD 40,000 (renewable)
UBC	Outstanding International Student Award	Up to CAD 10,000/year
McGill	Entrance Scholarships	CAD 3,000-12,000 (renewable)
Waterloo	International Master's Award of Excellence	CAD 2,500
Waterloo	President's Scholarships	CAD 2,000-10,000
McMaster	Honour Awards	Up to CAD 4,000
Alberta	International Entrance Leadership Scholarship	CAD 5,000-9,000
Dalhousie	Entrance Scholarships	CAD 1,000-40,000
Queen's	International Admission Scholarships	CAD 4,000-36,000
Calgary	International Entrance Scholarship	CAD 15,000

Pro tip: The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship at the University of Toronto is one of the most prestigious and generous awards in Canada — covering full tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for 4 years. Approximately 37 students are selected annually. Nominations come from your high school, so speak with your school counselor early.

Provincial Scholarships

Ontario Trillium Scholarship: CAD 40,000/year for PhD students at Ontario universities
Quebec Merit Scholarship (PBEEE): Various amounts for graduate students in Quebec
Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship: CAD 12,000-15,000

Scholarships from Your Home Country

Many countries fund students studying abroad:

India: Check with your state government and UGC
China: China Scholarship Council (CSC) funds study in Canada
Brazil: CAPES and CNPq offer international study awards
Middle East: Many governments fund students at Canadian universities
Nigeria: PTDF and other federal scholarships

Other Funding Sources

Teaching assistantships (TAs): Graduate students can earn CAD 10,000-20,000/year as TAs
Research assistantships (RAs): Graduate students funded by professors' research grants
Education loans: Banks in your home country may offer international education loans
Co-op earnings: CAD 40,000-80,000+ total over the program (at universities with co-op)

Part-Time Work

International students on a study permit can work up to 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks (winter, summer, between semesters).

Minimum Wages by Province (2026)

Province	Minimum Wage (CAD/hour)
Ontario	16.55
British Columbia	17.40
Alberta	15.00
Quebec	15.75
Nova Scotia	15.20
Manitoba	15.30
Saskatchewan	15.00

Typical Student Jobs and Wages

Job Type	Hourly Rate (CAD)	Common Employers
Retail	16-20	Walmart, Canadian Tire, Shoppers Drug Mart
Food service	16-20 + tips	Tim Hortons, Starbucks, restaurants
Campus jobs	17-25	Library, admin, IT, research assistant
Tutoring	25-50	Private, university programs
Warehouse/logistics	18-22	Amazon, Purolator, Canada Post
Delivery/gig work	15-25	Uber Eats, DoorDash, Skip the Dishes
Freelancing (IT, design)	25-60	Upwork, Fiverr, direct clients

Earning Potential

Working 20 hours/week at CAD 18/hour average:

Weekly earnings: CAD 360
Monthly earnings: CAD 1,440
Annual earnings (8 months semester + 4 months break at full-time): approximately CAD 17,000-22,000

This can cover most or all of your living costs in cities like Montreal, Ottawa, Edmonton, or Halifax.

Pro tip: On-campus jobs (library, student union, research assistant) are ideal — they're convenient, often pay above minimum wage, and look great on your resume. Apply during the first week of classes, as positions fill quickly.

Budgeting Examples

Example 1: Bachelor's in Business at University of Alberta — 4 Years

Item	Annual Cost (CAD)	4-Year Total (CAD)
Tuition	28,000	112,000
Living costs (Edmonton)	15,000	60,000
Health insurance	0 (AHCIP covered)	0
Books and supplies	800	3,200
Setup costs (first year)	2,500	2,500
Total cost	—	177,700
Part-time work income	-18,000	-72,000
Net cost	—	105,700

Example 2: Master's in Computer Science at UBC — 2 Years (Research Stream)

Item	Annual Cost (CAD)	2-Year Total (CAD)
Tuition	9,000	18,000
Living costs (Vancouver)	22,000	44,000
Health insurance	0 (MSP covered)	0
Books and supplies	500	1,000
Setup costs (first year)	3,000	3,000
Total cost	—	66,000
TA/RA income	-18,000	-36,000
Net cost	—	30,000

Example 3: College Diploma (IT) at Seneca College, Toronto — 2 Years

Item	Annual Cost (CAD)	2-Year Total (CAD)
Tuition	16,000	32,000
Living costs (Toronto, shared housing)	20,000	40,000
Health insurance (UHIP)	684	1,368
Books and supplies	600	1,200
Setup costs (first year)	2,500	2,500
Total cost	—	77,068
Part-time work income	-18,000	-36,000
Net cost	—	41,068

Financial Proof for Your Study Permit

IRCC requires you to demonstrate sufficient funds:

Requirement	Amount (CAD)
Living costs	20,635/year (via GIC or bank statements)
Tuition	First year as per LOA
First family member	4,025/year additional
Each additional family member	3,332/year additional
Return transportation	Estimated 1,500-3,000

Acceptable evidence:

GIC confirmation letter (most common method)
Bank statements showing required balance for 4+ months
Student/education loan approval from a recognized bank
Scholarship letter confirming funding
Proof of a Canadian bank account in your name with the funds deposited
A combination of the above

Compare health insurance options for Canada

Money-Saving Tips

Study in an affordable city — Montreal, Edmonton, Halifax, or Winnipeg can save you CAD 5,000-10,000/year vs. Toronto
Choose a college diploma — Save CAD 5,000-25,000/year on tuition while still qualifying for a 3-year PGWP
Cook at home — Eating out costs CAD 15-25/meal; cooking costs CAD 5-8
Buy used textbooks — Check Facebook groups, university book exchanges, and Amazon/ThriftBooks
Use student discounts — SPC card, UNiDAYS, and student transit passes save hundreds per year
Shared housing — Splitting an apartment with 2-3 roommates is 40-60% cheaper than living alone
Apply for every scholarship you qualify for — Even small awards (CAD 1,000-5,000) add up
Work during breaks — Full-time work during summer and winter breaks can build a significant financial buffer
No-fee bank accounts — Most Canadian banks offer free accounts for students (Scotiabank, CIBC, TD, BMO)
Cook in bulk — Meal prep on weekends saves both time and money during the week

Next Steps

Apply for your study permit — Visa process and GIC requirements explained
Browse programs and universities — Compare institutions and find the best fit
Plan your living costs — City guides, housing, and daily expenses
Explore work opportunities — Part-time work, co-op, and post-graduation careers

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to study in Canada as an international student?

Total costs are typically CAD 35,000-60,000 per year, including tuition (CAD 20,000-40,000) and living costs (CAD 12,000-20,000). Costs vary significantly by program, university, and city. Toronto and Vancouver are the most expensive; cities in Quebec, the Prairies, and Atlantic Canada are more affordable.

What is the cheapest province to study in Canada?

Newfoundland and Labrador, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba generally have the lowest combined tuition and living costs. Memorial University of Newfoundland historically has some of the lowest international tuition rates. Quebec is also affordable, especially for francophone programs, though tuition for non-Quebec residents is higher.

Are there full scholarships for international students in Canada?

Yes. The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships cover CAD 50,000/year for PhD students. The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship at U of T covers full tuition, books, and living for 4 years. Many universities offer 100% tuition waivers for exceptional students, though these are highly competitive.

How much can I earn working part-time as a student in Canada?

Working the maximum 20 hours per week during semester at CAD 16-22/hour (varies by province), you can earn approximately CAD 1,400-1,800/month. During scheduled breaks, you can work full-time. Many students earn CAD 15,000-20,000/year through part-time work.

What is a GIC and do I need one for my study permit?

A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) is a Canadian investment product worth CAD 20,635 (2026 amount) that proves you have funds for living expenses. It's required by IRCC for study permit applications from most countries. You purchase it from a Canadian bank (Scotiabank, CIBC, BMO, etc.) before applying, and the funds are released to you in monthly installments after arrival.

How much money do I need to show for a Canadian study permit?

You need to demonstrate: first-year tuition (as stated on your LOA), CAD 20,635 for living expenses (via GIC or bank statements), and return transportation costs. If accompanied by family members, add CAD 4,025 per year for the first family member and CAD 3,332 for each additional.

Is health insurance included in tuition in Canada?

It depends on the province. In BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, international students are covered by the provincial health plan (often after a waiting period). In Ontario, Quebec, and other provinces, universities arrange a mandatory health plan (UHIP) typically costing CAD 600-900/year, included in ancillary fees.

Can part-time work really cover my living costs in Canada?

In many cities, yes — especially outside Toronto and Vancouver. Working 20 hours/week at CAD 17-20/hour earns approximately CAD 1,500-1,700/month. In cities like Montreal, Ottawa, Edmonton, or Halifax, this can cover most basic living expenses including rent in shared housing.

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