How much budget should I keep for studies abroad in Canada or the UK?

Budgeting accurately for a Master's abroad requires accounting for tuition, living costs, visa fees, health insurance, flights, and a contingency buffer. Both Canada and the UK are established destinations with predictable cost structures, but actual amounts vary significantly based on city and institution choice.

Full Budget Breakdown - UK vs Canada

Ways to Reduce the Total Budget

My Advice

Always budget 10-15% more than your best estimate for unexpected expenses. The first month abroad is always the most expensive - deposits, winter clothing, kitchen equipment, and local SIM and transport setup costs add up quickly and are rarely factored into initial budgets. For the UK, London is genuinely 40-50% more expensive to live in than cities like Manchester, Sheffield, or Coventry - if your program exists at a non-London university, choosing it could save you Rs 8-12 lakhs over the year on accommodation alone. For Canada, choosing Ontario or BC versus a prairie province like Manitoba or Saskatchewan can make a similar difference. Part-time work (20 hours per week) at minimum wage will contribute roughly Rs 8-12 lakhs in income over an academic year - enough to cover a significant portion of your living costs.