Canada is regarded as one of the best destinations for international students seeking higher education. The country offers high-quality education, job and internship opportunities, and liberal government policies related to post-study work, PR, and immigration.
Luckily, compared to countries like the UK and the USA, the total cost of study in Canada for Indian students is less expensive.
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Knowing the amount of money required at each step helps prepare students to study in Canada.
But, before planning to study in Canada, aspirants must clearly view expenditures related to tuition, accommodation, health coverage, travel and others, and get a clear picture of the average cost of studying in Canada. For example, to cover tuition expenses, a candidate might need INR 8L ( CAD 13,000) to INR 21.5L (CAD 35,000) annually and an additional INR 9.2L (CAD 15,000) for personal expenses.
This blog is the ultimate guide for understanding the average cost of studying in Canada, miscellaneous costs, scholarships and all the other pivotal details.
Cost of Studying in Canada for Indian Students: Bachelor’s Courses
The tuition fee mainly determines the average cost of studying in Canada. This can vary on many factors such as degree level, course specifications, location and university.
Below is the average cost of studying in Canada for popular Undergraduate courses.
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| Field of Study | Average tuition (in INR) |
| Education | 13L |
| Humanities | 17L |
| Visual and performing arts, & communications technologies | 15L |
| Law, legal professions & studies | 20L |
| Social & Behavioural sciences | 17L |
| Business management & public administration | 16L |
| Physical and life sciences & technologies | 19L |
| Engineering | 20L |
| Mathematics, computer & information sciences | 20L |
| Architecture | 16L |
| Agriculture, natural resources & conservation | 16L |
| Medicine | 16L |
| Dentistry | 35L |
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Cost of Studying in Canada for Indian Students: Master’s Courses
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An average cost of studying in Canada based on discipline for graduate studies is given below:
| Field of Study | Average tuition in INR |
| Education | 9L |
| Humanities | 8L |
| Visual and performing arts, and communications technologies | 9L |
| Law, legal professions & studies | 10L |
| Social and behavioural sciences | 9L |
| Regular MBA | 24L |
| Executive MBA | 41L |
| Business management & public administration | 15L |
| Physical and life sciences and technologies | 9L |
| Engineering | 12L |
| Mathematics, computer and information sciences | 10L |
| Architecture | 14L |
| Agriculture, natural resources & conservation | 9L |
| Medicine | 36L |
| Dentistry | 14L |
| Veterinary medicine | 6L |
| Pharmacy | 8L |
| Nursing | 11L |
As studying abroad is expensive, candidates can opt for available scholarships to fund their education. These scholarships provide compensation for studies for deserving candidates.
Average Cost of Studying in Canada: Living & Accommodation
The cost of living and accommodation is a crucial component of the average cost of studying in Canada. The type of accommodation you opt for forms the most significant part of the living expenses. Let’s discuss the rental for accommodation, which is included in the total cost of studying in Canada in Indian rupees.
Various universities offer on-campus residences, but you can live off-campus as well. Depending on the accommodation type, the cost may range from CAD 5,000 to CAD 10,000 per annum.
However, the accommodation costs in big cities like Toronto and Montreal can be higher than in other cities. Students can also opt for options such as dormitories and townhouses. Off-campus options are single apartments, homestays, condominiums or living with host families.
| Accommodation Type | Cost Range in INR (per month) |
| Shared Apartment | 25k – 50k |
| Townhouse | 16k – 41k |
| Dormitory | 22k – 38k |
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Average Cost of Studying in Canada: Miscellaneous Costs
Sometimes, you need help to predict the expenses that occur while studying abroad. Knowing the overall cost is vital when preparing to study abroad.
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Apart from the tuition fee and living expenses, there are a few other miscellaneous expenses that you will incur as an international student in Canada. A detailed breakdown of the miscellaneous costs to determine your average cost of studying in Canada is given below –
| Type of Expenditure | Cost Range in INR |
| Flight | 1L – 3L |
| Study Permit | 9k |
| Accommodation | 2L – 5L per year |
| Local Transportation | 3.7k – 5.6k per month |
| Food | 18k – 24k per month |
| Health Insurance | 17k – 45k |
| Entertainment (Shopping, Concerts, Movies & Theme parks) | 45k a year |
| IELTS Test Fees | 16,250 |
Ways to Reduce Cost of Studying in Canada: Scholarships
There are two types of funding in Canada: scholarship and fellowship. A scholarship is given to students to help them with their graduation studies. In contrast, a fellowship is given to research scholars to help them research in a particular field after they have completed their graduation or post-graduate studies.
The most important thing to consider when applying for a scholarship is academics. However, the availability and eligibility of a scholarship also depend on the subject, level of study and designation.
But, few scholarships also require extra-curricular activities and volunteering experience as an add-on. Start your scholarship search by choosing your country and degree.
LeapScholar’s scholarship finder provides a free, up-to-date, comprehensive list of scholarships, grants and other awards available to international students from different parts of the world.
The top 20 scholarships available to decrease your average cost of studying in Canada are –
- Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships
- Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute
- York University International Student Scholarship Program
- Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan
- University of British Columbia Scholarships for International Students
- Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program
- Carleton Prestige Scholarships
- National Research Council of Canada (NRCC)
- Calgary International Entrance Scholarships
- Quebec Provincial Government Scholarship
- Winnipeg President’s Scholarships for World Leaders
- Ontario Trillium Scholarship
- Humber College International Entrance Scholarships
- Partnership Grants by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada
- University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships
- Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
- University of Waterloo Master’s Awards of Excellence
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
- University of Calgary Graduate Awards
- Trudeau Scholarships and Fellowships
Also Read: Difference between scholarships and fellowships!
Scope of Jobs in Canada
Canada has a booming job market for jobs in a variety of sectors. International students studying in Canada can take advantage of the following jobs in the Canadian market.
- University Professor and Lecturer
- Human Resource Manager
- Software Engineer
- Aerospace Engineer
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- Optician
- Business Development Manager
- Project Manager
- Web Developer
- Accountant
- Industrial Electrician
Apart from these jobs, other emerging job opportunities are –
- Information systems testing technicians.
- Data scientist
- Systems auditor
- Cybersecurity specialist
- Cyber forensic investigator
- Chief experience officer
- Automation engineer
- 3D architect.
- Artificial intelligence researcher
In Brief
Studying abroad is costly, but deserving candidates can decrease the average cost of studying in Canada by opting for scholarships. Experts advise that it is best to know the scholarships in detail from the official website or an official source.
With the above information on the average cost of studying in Canada, you can gain an in-depth understanding of individual costs. But, the actual cost for an individual depends on the choice, college, city, accommodation and standard of living. The first step to getting right is choosing the right course and a recognised university.
If you require guidance in making this decision, feel free to reach out to Leap Scholar’s counsellors anytime. Book a free session right now!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q. What types of accommodation are available for international students in Canada?
A. International students in Canada can opt for either on-campus or off-campus accommodation. On-campus accommodation consists of townhouses, dormitories, shared apartments, homestays, and furnished or unfurnished apartments. Off-campus accommodation ranges from single-bedroom flats and studio apartments to 4-bedroom houses (for shared accommodation).
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Q. What are the most affordable courses in Canada?
A. The price of courses depends on the universities you apply to. Top-ranking universities cost much more than mid-ranking universities. For instance, An MBA from a top university such as the University of Toronto may cost you above 30L INR. However, the same course can be found at the University of Saskatchewan, which is in the range of 2-3L INR per year.
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Q. What is the bank balance limit required for a Canadian student visa?
A. The minimum bank balance required to apply for a Canadian visa is INR 6,00,000 or more for a year. The minimum balance is the proof of funds that students will need to survive in the country. Along with proof of funds, you must also submit Letters of Recommendation, Statements of Purpose, and Academic Transcripts.
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Q. How much money is required to live in Canada as an international student for a month?
A. The cost of living in Canada is very affordable compared to other study destinations. The cost of living in Canada varies depending on the city. Monthly expenses can be around 1.5-3L INR, depending on the city and your expenditure.
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Q. Which city in Canada offers the highest job opportunities?
A. Most high-paying jobs can be found in the provinces like Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, and Alberta. Salaries vary depending on the factors such as geographical factors and the market range. Additionally, Salaries also depend on your own skill set and experience. If you are a fresher, your salary may be comparatively lower, but you can be assured that it will multiply as you gain experience and skills along the way.
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Q. How much money is required to study in Canada?
A. The cost of studying in Canada varies depending on the university, course and degree you choose. Undergraduate degrees can be completed within 8-16L per year on average. A Master’s degree will cost between 10L to 20L on average.
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Q. What province in Canada has the lowest cost of living?
A. Quebec is the lowest-cost-of-living province in Canada, with an estimated cost of CAD 1600 or 1L per month. The city has the lowest rents in Canada and subsidized medical care.
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Q. Can international students work while studying in Canada?
A. Yes, international students in Canada are generally allowed to work part-time during their studies (up to 20 hours per week) and full-time during scheduled breaks.
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Q. Can international students apply for PR after studying in Canada?
A. Yes, Canada offers various immigration pathways for international students to transition to permanent residency after completing their studies. Programs like the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and Express Entry are common routes for former international students.
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Q. How do I apply for a student visa to Canada?
A. To study in Canada, international students need to apply for a study permit. The application process includes obtaining an acceptance letter from a designated learning institution, providing proof of financial support, and meeting other specific requirements. It’s advisable to apply well in advance of the intended start date.
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Q. Are English language proficiency tests required for admission to Canadian universities?
A. Yes, most Canadian universities and colleges require proof of English language proficiency, typically through tests like IELTS or TOEFL. Minimum score requirements vary by institution and program.
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Q. What is the total cost for Canada student visa from India?
The total cost for Canada student visa from India is approximately INR 9,200 (CAD 150). The total cost for Canada student visa from India varies depending on several factors, such as the type of program you are applying for, the duration of your stay, and additional expenses like medical exams and biometrics.
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Q. What is the average cost of living in Canada for Indian students?
A. The average cost of living in Canada for Indian students is around CAD 1384 per month, which is approximately INR 85,000. This includes expenses such as accommodation, food, transportation, books, and other miscellaneous costs. However, the cost of living may vary depending on the city and lifestyle of the student. It is recommended to plan and budget accordingly before moving to Canada to study.
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