The cost of living in Canada for Indian students is about ₹86,000 to ₹1.3 lakh a month, roughly three to four times a shared budget in an Indian metro city. This guide compares everyday costs in Canada and India, explains the GIC and proof of funds you need in lakhs, and shows what you can earn from part-time work, so you can build a realistic first-year budget.
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Note: Rupee conversions use the Bank of Canada rate of ₹66.98 to CAD $1 (15 October 2026), rounded. Exchange rates and living costs change often, so check the current rate and the official IRCC website before making financial commitments.
Living Expenses: Canada vs. India
For your study permit, you must show at least CAD $23,448 (about ₹15.7 lakh) for one year of living costs. This is the minimum set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for applications made on or after September 1, 2026. Here is how shared living in a big city compares, for example Toronto vs. Delhi:
Overall, plan for monthly living costs in Canada about three to four times higher than in a major Indian city. Smaller Canadian cities, such as Winnipeg or Halifax, cost less than Toronto or Vancouver.
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Upfront Costs Before You Arrive
- Study permit and biometrics: CAD $235 (about ₹15,700)
- GIC deposit: CAD $23,448 (about ₹15.7 lakh), which matches IRCC's living cost amount
- Tuition deposit: CAD $1,000–$5,000 (about ₹67,000–₹3.35 lakh), depending on your school
- Flight from India: CAD $1,200–$2,200 (about ₹80,000–₹1.47 lakh)
- Winter clothing: CAD $300–$600 (about ₹20,000–₹40,000). Heavy coats are often cheaper to buy after you land. Read our winter weather guide.
Proof of Funds Example in Lakhs
You must show your full first-year tuition plus CAD $23,448 for living costs, plus travel. For example, with CAD $20,000 tuition, you need to show at least CAD $43,448 (about ₹29.1 lakh).
Warning! IRCC checks where your money comes from. Large, sudden deposits or funds with no clear source are a common reason for refusal. Read the full proof of funds guide.
Earning While Studying
Most Indian students can work up to 24 hours a week off campus during classes and full-time during scheduled breaks. At Ontario's minimum wage of CAD $17.95 an hour (from October 1, 2026), working the full 24 hours earns about CAD $1,870 a month (about ₹1.25 lakh) before tax. That can cover a large part of your living costs, but it cannot be counted as proof of funds. Many students work in retail, logistics, food service, or on campus.
Lower Your Costs with Scholarships
See Canadian university scholarships open to Indian students, and how to apply for upcoming intakes.
Money-Saving Tips for Indian Students
Share Accommodation
Renting with roommates can cut your share of the rent by half or more.
Cook Indian Food at Home
Indian grocery stores in areas like Brampton, Scarborough, and Surrey sell familiar ingredients at good prices.
Shop at Budget Stores
Discount grocers such as No Frills, FreshCo, and Walmart are much cheaper than premium chains.
Use Student Discounts
Always ask for a student price on transit, groceries, software, and entertainment.
Your First-Year Budget Checklist
These totals combine typical tuition with IRCC's minimum living cost amount and about ₹2 to ₹3 lakh in upfront costs:
University averages are from Statistics Canada for 2026/2027 (CAD $42,062 undergraduate and $24,693 graduate). See tuition by province.
Frequently Asked Questions
The GIC usually matches IRCC's living cost amount of CAD $23,448, which is about ₹15.7 lakh at ₹66.98 to CAD $1. Your tuition is shown separately.
Shared living in a big city costs about CAD $1,280 to $1,930 a month, or roughly ₹86,000 to ₹1.3 lakh. Smaller cities cost less.
At Ontario's CAD $17.95 minimum wage, working 24 hours a week earns about CAD $1,870 a month (about ₹1.25 lakh) before tax.
Most Indian students need about ₹28 to ₹47 lakh for the first year, depending on the program, including tuition, living costs, and upfront expenses.
Success in Canada is not about having unlimited money; it is about planning well. Yes, rent and groceries cost three to four times more than in Delhi or Mumbai, but you also gain a world-class education, work rights, and a Post-Graduation Work Permit of up to three years for eligible graduates.
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