Student life in Canada: housing, work, weather and culture
Work and money
24 hours a week off campus during term, full time in scheduled breaks, at CA$15.00 to CA$17.60 an hour depending on the province. Living costs of CA$1,300 to CA$2,300 a month depending on the city.
Where students live
| City | Student areas | Room rent |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto | Scarborough, North York and the Annex. | CA$1,000 to CA$1,600 for a room |
| Vancouver | Burnaby, Richmond and Kitsilano. | CA$1,000 to CA$1,700 for a room |
| Montreal | Plateau, Mile End and Côte-des-Neiges. | CA$600 to CA$1,000 for a room |
Everyday life
- Canada has two official languages; Quebec programmes are often in French, and most other provinces teach in English.
- Co-op programmes alternate study terms with paid work terms, often four months at a time.
- Winter temperatures in Toronto and Montreal drop well below zero; universities run indoor tunnel systems.
- A Social Insurance Number is free and needed before your first pay cheque.
- Study permits since 2024 are capped by province; your college must have allocation left.
- The Express Entry system awards extra points for Canadian education and work experience.
- Most colleges call a two-year programme a diploma and a one-year one a certificate.
- Tim Hortons, hockey and a tax refund every spring are part of student life.
Health cover
Health cover is provincial or through a university plan, budgeted above.
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.