Will my budget of ₹20 lakh cover both tuition and living expenses for a master's degree in Canada, or should I consider studying in India instead?
The gap is not just tuition. Canada also requires proof of living funds before it issues a study permit, and that requirement sits on top of tuition rather than inside it, which is why the two costs need to be added separately rather than treated as one number.
Canada versus India: What the Numbers Actually Show
| Cost | Canada (per year) | India (total programme) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | CAD 24,028 average, ranging CAD 13,556 in Manitoba to CAD 28,624 in Ontario | Included in typical 10 to 40 lakh total |
| Required living funds | CAD 23,448 for a single applicant from September 2026 onward | Usually lower and self reported, not a visa requirement |
| Rough first year total | Around 30 to 32 lakh rupees | Often the entire programme cost |
Where 20 Lakh Could Still Work in Canada
- A substantial tuition waiver or scholarship that offsets a large share of the CAD 24,028 average.
- A funded research masters that pays a stipend rather than charging full international fees.
- A lower cost province, such as Manitoba, combined with 20 lakh as only your own contribution alongside a loan.
My Advice
If 20 lakh is a hard ceiling rather than your minimum contribution, treat Canada as unrealistic without a scholarship and compare specific Indian programmes in your field instead, since a strong public Indian institution can deliver a similar outcome without the additional living cost burden Canada requires you to prove upfront.
This Information Is Also Available On
Statistics Canada's own tuition release for 2025/26, and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada's study permit financial support page.
Got a budget of 40 to 50 lakhs? See what Canada costs.
Full tuition and living breakdown, plus universities that fit your number.
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