How much does it cost to study in canada

Attending college or university in Canada can be an amazing experience. Canada has some of the best ranked educational institutions in the world. Many international students go on to work and become permanent residents of Canada. 

However, it is important to understand the costs. 

Tuition: Public universities in Canada do not receive subsidies from the government for international students. As a result, your fees will be higher if you are not a citizen or permanent resident. In average you can expect to spend from $14,000 to $18,000 CAD per year for tuition for an international student depending on the school and program. For example, medical schools or some of the IT related programs tend to be more expensive than general arts and science programs. 

Housing: Housing is the other major expense you will encounter. There are many different options for housing based on your budget and your personal preferences. 

• College or university housing: Most universities and many community colleges offer housing which can include shared or private rooms and even shared apartments. The benefits are proximity to campus and opportunities to meet and get to know other students. 

• Homestay: Homestay is another popular option. Homestay can be a great way to ease your way into living on your own and provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in language and culture. Homestay arrangements often include family meals. There are many agencies that will help arrange this. Be sure to check the reviews before making any deposit. With meals, homestay may cost about $1,000 per month. 

• Rent a room in a home: Many families in Canada rent rooms to students to help with their expenses. In this case, they will share their home, kitchen and laundry with you, but will not necessarily provide any other support. This can cost anywhere from $500-$1000 depending on the community. 

• Rent an apartment solo or with roommates: Students who value their independence enjoy living in apartments either alone or with other students. You will need to learn to navigate a lot of things like utilities, grocery shopping and rental contracts. Rents can vary from $500 for a room in a shared apartment to $2,000 for a one-bedroom depending on the city. 

Textbooks: Textbooks are not included in tuition. You will need to spend about $600 a year on physical and digital textbooks.

Mobile phone plan: Canada has more expensive mobile plans than most countries. Budget about $50 a month.

Groceries: Groceries can also be more expensive in Canada than in other countries. Plan for about $250 a month or more if you like to eat out. Some student housing options offer meal plans which can cost around $5,000 a year.

Transportation: A student bus pass can cost $50-$100 depending on the community. 

Always budget more than you need to ensure a successful stay. 

The website, www.numbeo.com, is a great resource that can help you understand the cost of living in different cities in Canada.

Working as a Student

In most cases, students can work part-time during the school year (up to 20 hours) and full-time during study breaks. However, consider how much time you need to study before you plan to work the maximum number of hours. 

It’s estimated that a student should budget 7-9 hours per week for each class. Also remember that it might not always be easy to arrange work hours that align with your class schedule. 

If you arrive with a spouse or common-law partner, that person can apply for an open work permit while you are studying. 

How Much Funds Do You Need to Show the Government?

The Government of Canada’s minimum funds for living expenses requires that international students have a minimum of $10,000 for themselves, $4,000 for an accompanying family member and $3,000 for each additional family member. In most cases, we recommend that you show more than the minimum recommended amount. 

Should You Study in Canada?

Despite the expense, studying in Canada is an excellent opportunity that can lead to a temporary post-grad work permit or even permanent residency. Tuition and living costs can be less than many Western European countries and Australia. If you do not remain in Canada, Canadian education is well-respected in other countries. 

Do you need help with your study permit application? Book a consultation to discuss your goals and options for studying in Canada.