Content Writer - Study Abroad | Updated On - Oct 7, 2024
Canada has become a top destination for Indian students in recent years. Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) shows that 41% of international students in Canada are from India. The majority of the students stay in Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec. Moreover, 30 Canadian universities are ranked in the latest QS World University Ranking, 2025. But how much does it cost to study in Canada?
The cost depends on your chosen course, university, province, and lifestyle. On average, the cost of studying in Canada for Indian students for undergraduate programs is 36,100 CAD per year. For graduate students, the average tuition fee is 21,100 CAD per year. For the cost of living in Canada, you need around 15,000 CAD per year. Hence, depending on your study level, the total cost of studying in Canada can range from 36,000 CAD to 52,000 CAD per year.
If you are going to Canada for primary and secondary education, the cost might be different. Tuition fees for public schools can range from 9,500 to 17,000 CAD per year. Private independent day schools cost 15,000 to 30,000 CAD per year while boarding schools can cost 63,000 to 83,000 CAD per year.
Tuition Fees in Top Universities in Canada
Here, we have listed the top 10 universities in Canada along with their tuition fee range and QS ranking.
| QS Ranking 2025 | University | Average Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|
| #25 | University of Toronto | 31,880 to 121,600 CAD per year |
| #29 | McGill University | 27,447 to 67,572 CAD per year |
| #38 | University of British Columbia | 9,131 to 74,464 CAD per year |
| #96 | University of Alberta | 7,604 to 45,482 CAD per year |
| #115 | University of Waterloo | 10,942 to 75,100 CAD per year |
| #120 | Western University | 29,656 to 44,767 CAD per year |
| #159 | University of Montreal | 21,786 to 28,727 CAD per year |
| #176 | McMaster University | 5,894 to 76,668 CAD per year |
| #189 | University of Ottawa | 4,456 to 38,692 CAD per year |
| #193 | Queen's University at Kingston | 5,772 to 105,000 CAD per year |
Pre-Arrival Cost to Study in Canada
As an international student, you need to pay some pre-arrival expenses like standardized exam fees, application fees, student visa Canada costs, health insurance, and air tickets. Refer to the table below to get an idea of the total cost of studying in Canada from India.
| Particulars | Cost |
|---|---|
| Test Fees | 280 to 371 CAD |
| Guaranteed Investment Certificate | 20,635 CAD |
| Canada student visa fees | 150 CAD |
| Application Fee | 50 to 150 CAD |
| Health Insurance | 600 to 900 CAD |
| Air Ticket | Approximately 1800 CAD |
Cost of Living in Canada
As an international student, you need around 15,000 to 25,000 CAD per year to cover living expenses in Canada. While we all have different lifestyles and spending habits, the cost of living in Canada varies from one to another. On average, the cost of living in Canada is 213.6% higher than in India. Check out the table below to learn more
| Parameters | Monthly Expense |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | 1-bedroom apartment in city center 1,873 CAD |
| 1-bedroom apartment outside city center 1,679 CAD | |
| 3-bedroom apartment in city center 3,014 CAD | |
| 3-bedroom apartment outside city center 2,557 CAD | |
| Food | 102 CAD |
| Utilities | 355.25 CAD |
| Transportation | 104 CAD for the monthly pass |
| Clothing | 1 pair of jeans 78 CAD |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store 56 CAD | |
| 1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes 121.36 CAD | |
| 1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes 148.31 CAD |
Indian students need to budget everything smartly before going to Canada. Many students often face trouble while handling expenses in their study abroad journey. You can also choose to work part-time jobs to be slightly more independent in your pocket. A post-graduation work permit in Canada is also helpful for Indians willing to work and settle in Canada.
FAQs
Ques: How much does it cost to study in Canada?
Ans: The cost depends on your chosen course, university, province, and lifestyle. On average, the cost of studying in Canada for Indian undergraduate students is 36,100 CAD per year. For graduate students, the average tuition fee is 21,100 CAD per year. For the cost of living in Canada, you need around 15,000 CAD per year.
Ques: Is Canada costly for Indian students?
Ans: Depending on the course type, the approximate cost of study in Canada for Indian students would range INR 3,50,000 to 19,00,000 a year. From this number, you can easily estimate whether Canada is costly for Indian students.
Ques: How much Indian money is required to study in Canada?
Ans: It completely depends on your chosen course, duration, and province you are in.
Ques: Is Canada or USA cheaper to study?
Ans: On average, US universities have 27% higher tuition rates than of Canadian universities.
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