Resources / Study info
Cost of Living in Canada as an International Student
5 min read
The cost of living and studying in Canada varies depending on location, institution, programme of study, and individual lifestyle choices.
Studying overseas can be expensive, but by budgeting correctly and ensuring you know all your incomings and outgoings, you can live a comfortable life while studying in Canada. Scholarships, grants, and part-time job opportunities can help alleviate the financial burden.
Student Expenses in Canada
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees for international students vary by province and course. For the 2025/2026 academic year, the national average for undergraduate overseas students is approximately CAD 41,700. Postgraduate fees are generally lower, averaging around CAD 24,000.
| Course Type | Undergraduate (Avg CAD) | Graduate (Avg CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Business & Management | CAD 40,300 | CAD 29,500 |
| Engineering | CAD 47,800 | CAD 26,400 |
| Humanities | CAD 45,100 | CAD 17,600 |
| Social Sciences / Law | CAD 40,200 | CAD 22,000 |
| Regular MBA | – | CAD 45,800 |
| Nursing | CAD 28,600 | CAD 21,400 |
| Dentistry / Medicine | CAD 60,000+ | CAD 31,000 |
The cost of living and studying in Canada varies depending on location, institution, programme of study, and individual lifestyle choices. While studying overseas is a significant investment, budgeting correctly ensures you can live comfortably while achieving your academic goals.
Cost of Living
Living expenses in Canada include everything from your housing and food to social activities and mobile plans. Students should expect to spend between CAD 15,000 and CAD 30,000 per year on living costs, depending largely on their choice of city and accommodation style.
Accommodation
Accommodation is your largest expense after tuition. Annual costs for on-campus housing typically range from CAD 9,000 to CAD 12,000, depending on the meal plan provided.
- On-Campus Housing: CAD 800 – CAD 1,800 per month. Many students choose this for their first year as it includes utilities and reduces commute times.
- Off-Campus Shared Housing: CAD 700 – CAD 1,500 per month. Sharing a house or apartment with other students is the most popular way to keep costs down in cities like Vancouver or Toronto.
- Private Studio (Major Cities): CAD 2,000 – CAD 3,000 per month. This is the most expensive option, usually reserved for those with a flexible budget seeking complete privacy.
Additional Monthly Expenses
Beyond your rent, you will need to budget for the day-to-day costs of living in a Canadian community.
- Food & Groceries: Budget CAD 300 – CAD 500. (Pro-tip: Shopping at discount grocers like No Frills, FreshCo, or Walmart can save you 20% compared to premium stores).
- Transportation: Monthly student passes range from CAD 90 to CAD 160. Most cities offer a “U-Pass” or discounted student rate; for example, Toronto’s TTC Post-Secondary pass is roughly CAD 128.
- Utilities (If off-campus): Internet, heating, and electricity usually total CAD 150 – CAD 250. These costs can fluctuate significantly during the winter months due to heating requirements.
- Health Insurance: Mandatory for all students. Costs range from CAD 600 to CAD 1,100 annually. This is often automatically added to your university tuition bill to ensure you are covered from the day you arrive.
Study Permit
All international students must hold a valid Study Permit to live and study in Canada. The application fee for the permit itself is CAD 150, but you must also factor in the Biometrics fee (CAD 85) and potential costs for a medical exam, which vary by country.
Proof of Financial Support
To secure a Canadian Study Permit, you must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your first year of tuition, travel costs, and living expenses. For 2026, the minimum “Proof of Funds” requirements are:
- Outside Quebec: You must show at least CAD 22,895 for a single applicant.
- In Quebec: As of 1 January 2026, you must show at least CAD 24,617.
Note: These figures represent the bare minimum for immigration purposes. In high-cost cities like Toronto or Vancouver, we recommend budgeting closer to CAD 30,000 for a comfortable lifestyle.
2026 Monthly Budget Comparison
To help you understand how location impacts your wallet, here is a comparison between a major metropolitan hub (Toronto) and a more affordable coastal city (Halifax) for the 2025/2026 academic year.
| Expense Category | Toronto (Major Hub) | Halifax (Affordable) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rent (Shared) | CAD 1,200 – 1,600 | CAD 700 – 1,100 |
| Monthly Groceries | CAD 400 – 500 | CAD 300 – 400 |
| Transport (Student Pass) | CAD 128 (TTC) | CAD 80 (HFX Transit) |
| Utilities & Internet | CAD 180 – 250 | CAD 120 – 180 |
| Total Est. Monthly | CAD 1,900 – 2,470 | CAD 1,200 – 1,760 |
Study in Canada
With the new financial requirements in place, accurate budgeting is more important than ever for visa success. Arrange a free consultation with StudyIn today to build your personalised financial plan.
FAQs
Can I work part-time to cover my costs?
International students are currently permitted to work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during academic terms. While this helps with “pocket money,” it is rarely enough to cover both rent and tuition. You must prove you have your funds before arriving.
What is the most affordable province?
Provinces like Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, and Manitoba offer significantly lower tuition and rent compared to Ontario and British Columbia.
Do I need to pay for health insurance separately?
Most universities automatically enrol you in a mandatory plan (like UHIP in Ontario) and add the cost to your tuition bill. Always check your university invoice to see if you are already covered.