Does the tuition fee of 20 to 25 lakhs include accommodation and living costs in Canada for a Master's?
No, a 20 to 25 lakh rupee budget covers only your institutional tuition for a Canadian Master's, not accommodation or living costs. Living expenses run roughly CAD 12,000 to 20,000 yearly, around 7.5 to 12.5 lakh rupees, so a two year Master's needs 35 to 50 lakh rupees total.
No, that 20 to 25 lakh figure only pays for your credits, tuition, and access to campus facilities, not where you live or eat. Your accommodation and living costs sit entirely on top of that number, and the gap is bigger than most applicants expect.
What Your Budget Covers vs What It Does Not
| Cost Component | Typical Annual Range |
|---|---|
| Tuition (non-MBA Master's, public university) | CAD 15,000 to CAD 30,000 per year, roughly 20 to 25 lakhs over two years |
| Living costs (rent, food, utilities, transport) | CAD 12,000 to CAD 20,000 per year, roughly 7.5 to 12.5 lakh rupees |
| Total 2-year Master's outlook | 35 to 50 plus lakh rupees combined, before scholarships or assistantships |
Do not Forget the Visa Financial Requirement
- IRCC requires proof your first year of tuition is paid or accounted for before approving your study permit.
- You must also purchase a Guaranteed Investment Certificate, currently CAD 20,635 or more, to cover first-year living costs.
- Toronto and Vancouver sit at the higher end of the living cost range compared to smaller university towns.
My Advice
Add the GIC amount and your city's realistic rent figure on top of your 20 to 25 lakh tuition estimate before you finalize your loan or savings plan, since underestimating the living cost side is what most often creates a funding shortfall mid-program.
Got a budget of 40 to 50 lakhs? See what Canada costs.
Full tuition and living breakdown, plus universities that fit your number.
More Cost & living questions
- If I get an education loan, can I proceed with the application after the loan amount is clear?
- Is it better to spend 12 lakhs in India or go abroad for higher studies in Germany for a Master's?
- Does the agency provide end-to-end services including visa, loan guidance, and accommodation?
- Do I need to show living expenses in my bank account for visa purposes, and can I withdraw it after reaching Ireland?
- How do I get an education loan for an MBA abroad as an Indian student?
- Which is more suitable for my son's master's education: Dubai or the USA, considering cost, location, program variety, post-study work options, and pathways to permanent residency?
- Which country is more suitable for a Computer Science master's student who prioritizes lower costs and a strong job market, Germany or Ireland?
- Should I choose the UK for a one-year master's program with a 2-year post-study work visa, or Germany for affordable tuition and a longer program with more internship opportunities?
More Canada questions
- Other than Canada and Netherlands, are there better countries to study science and technology in Germany/Singapore?
- Which master's course suits a Supply Chain Management graduate planning to study in Canada?
- What are the options for pursuing a master's in psychology or clinical psychology given my bachelor's background in biology in Australia/Canada?
- Will there be any problems if I do my studies offline abroad given the education structure is different from India in Ireland/Canada?
- What should I do to improve my chances of going to Canada as a teacher?
- Which Sociology master's options in Canada suit a Sociology graduate with IELTS 7.5 for the January 2027 intake?
- What is the minimum budget required for studying abroad in Canada or Ireland for two years?
- What are the differences in career opportunities and PR options between Germany and Canada?