What it costs to study in Canada: tuition, living and one-off fees
Tuition fees
| Level | Typical annual fee |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | CA$20,000 to CA$40,000 |
| Postgraduate | CA$17,000 to CA$35,000 |
College diplomas and postgraduate certificates are cheaper, typically CA$15,000 to CA$22,000.
Living costs
| Monthly cost | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | CA$700 to CA$1,500 (Toronto and Vancouver at the top) |
| Food and groceries | CA$300 to CA$450 |
| Transport | CA$80 to CA$160 with a student pass |
| Utilities and phone | CA$100 to CA$180 |
| Health insurance | CA$60 to CA$90, provincial or university plan |
Total: CA$1,300 to CA$2,300 a month depending on the city.
One-off costs
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa fee | CA$150 plus CA$85 biometrics |
| Health cover | Health cover is provincial or through a university plan, budgeted above |
| Flights | Return flights from South Asia or West Africa typically £500 to £900 or equivalent |
| Accommodation deposit | Usually one month's rent, refundable |
| Set-up costs | Bedding, kitchen items, winter clothing: budget the equivalent of £200 to £300 |
Build your own budget
Enter your own figures. This adds them up; it does not know your course.
Where students save
- Choose a city outside the capital: the difference is often 20 to 40 percent on rent.
- Book accommodation with bills included before you arrive.
- Apply early for automatic merit scholarships; see the scholarship guide.
- Plan part-time work at 12 to 15 hours a week, not the maximum.
Figures are indicative for the 2026/27 cycle, change with exchange rates and policy, and should be confirmed with the university or the relevant government before you decide.
Get this checked for your case
Rules change and every application is different. A counsellor confirms the current position for your country and course. Free.
Talk to a counsellorRelated questions
Is a study gap accepted in Canada?
Yes, up to about two years for undergraduate study and five for postgraduate, with documents to explain it. Longer gaps are harder for a study permit unless you have relevant work experience.
How much money do I need to show for a Canadian study permit?
First-year tuition, plus CA$22,895 for living costs for a single applicant outside Quebec, plus travel. A GIC from a Canadian bank is the cleanest evidence. Add roughly CA$5,000 to CA$6,000 for each accompanying family member.
How long is the Post-Graduation Work Permit?
It matches programme length for programmes between 8 months and 2 years, and is 3 years for programmes of 2 years or more and for all master's degrees. You must apply within 180 days of your final results.