Studying in Canada can cost a Brazilian student approximately R$ 231,000 for the first year of a bachelor's degree or R$ 170,000 for a master's degree, based on the tuition estimates and minimum living-expense requirement used in this guide. Your actual costs will depend on your institution, program, destination, and lifestyle. This guide breaks down the cost of studying in Canada in Brazilian reais (BRL), including average tuition, immigration application fees, proof-of-funds requirements, and practical ways to manage your budget.
Compare Programs by Cost
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Note: Currency conversions in this guide use the Bank of Canada's October 13, 2026, rate of R$ 1 = CAD 0.2837, equivalent to approximately CAD 1 = R$ 3.52. These are indicative exchange rates, not necessarily the rates your bank or transfer provider will offer. Check the Bank of Canada's daily exchange rates before finalizing your budget.
Average Tuition in Canada in Brazilian Reais
Tuition is often one of the largest expenses for international students in Canada. According to Statistics Canada's 2026/2027 tuition-fee release, average fees vary by level of study, field, and province.
Actual fees depend on your institution, program, field of study, and province. Professional programs can be substantially more expensive than other degrees, while some college programs may have lower tuition. However, college tuition also varies, so compare the total cost of specific programs rather than assuming that every college is cheaper than every university. Learn more about the cost of studying in Canada.
IRCC Fees and Other Application Costs
In addition to tuition and living expenses, budget for immigration application fees and other costs associated with applying to study in Canada.
These are standard federal application-fee amounts, not a complete list of expenses. Check the official IRCC fee schedule before applying. A PGWP is a separate application made after graduation, and eligibility depends on the applicable rules; it is not a mandatory first-year expense.
Also budget for costs that vary by applicant, school, and destination:
- School application fees charged by your chosen institutions
- Language test fees, if you need an English or French test for admission or immigration
- Certified translations of Portuguese-language documents, where required
- Visa Application Centre service charges or other third-party fees, where applicable
- A medical examination, if required by IRCC
- Flights from Brazil to Canada
- Health insurance, depending on provincial coverage rules, your eligibility, and your institution's requirements. Learn about health insurance in Canada.
- Initial housing expenses, such as a rental deposit, temporary accommodation, and household essentials
How Much Money Must You Show for a Canadian Study Permit?
IRCC requires study permit applicants to demonstrate that they can pay their tuition, living expenses, and transportation costs without relying on employment in Canada. You must show enough funds for your first year and explain how you plan to pay for the remaining duration of your program if it lasts longer than one year.
For applications submitted on or after September 1, 2026, a single student studying outside Quebec must demonstrate the following financial capacity:
- First-year tuition fees for your program
- CAD 23,448 (approximately R$ 82,700) for one year of living expenses
- Transportation costs to Canada and, where applicable, the return journey
The living-expense amount is a minimum financial-capacity requirement, not a guarantee that this amount will cover your actual living costs. Your expenses may be higher in expensive cities or if you have additional financial responsibilities. The required amount is also higher when family members accompany you. Quebec has separate financial requirements.
How to Show Proof of Funds from Brazil
You can use different types of financial documents to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds. The documents you submit should clearly establish the amount available, its source, and your access to the money.
- Bank statements: Statements for your Canadian or foreign bank accounts covering the past six months, including the month you submit your application or the preceding month. Include evidence explaining the source of funds when relevant.
- A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC): Documentation from a Canadian financial institution showing the funds you hold.
- An education loan: Proof of an approved student or education loan from a bank.
- Financial support from a parent or sponsor: A support letter, evidence of your relationship, and documents showing the sponsor's income and available funds.
- Tuition or housing payment receipts: Evidence of payments already made, accompanied by proof that you can cover your remaining living and transportation expenses.
- Scholarships or other funding: Official documents showing the amount, duration, and conditions of your financial support.
These are examples rather than a complete list. You do not necessarily need every document, but you must provide sufficient evidence to satisfy IRCC's financial requirements. Review the official list of acceptable financial evidence and any applicable instructions for applicants from Brazil.
Tip: If your parents are sponsoring your studies, include a signed support letter, evidence of your relationship, their bank statements, and proof of income or employment. Documents in Portuguese may need certified English or French translations. Check IRCC's requirements before arranging translations. Read the financial support guide.
Sample First-Year Budget in Brazilian Reais
The example below combines the draft national tuition estimates with IRCC's minimum living-expense amount for a single student applying on or after September 1, 2026, outside Quebec. It is a planning illustration, not a quote for a specific institution or city. Confirm the tuition figures against the latest Statistics Canada tables before publishing.
These estimates use the October 13, 2026, Bank of Canada exchange rate before rounding. Your bank or transfer provider may offer a different rate or charge conversion fees.
Important: The totals above exclude application and biometrics fees, flights, medical examinations where required, insurance where applicable, and initial expenses such as winter clothing, household essentials, and rental deposits. They also do not represent the full cost of a multi-year degree. Build a financial buffer for exchange-rate changes and unexpected expenses.
How to Lower Your Costs
Apply for Scholarships
Many Canadian institutions offer entrance scholarships or other awards to eligible international students. Availability, eligibility, and award amounts vary by institution and program. Learn about entrance scholarships.
Compare Cities and Housing Costs
Housing and other living expenses vary considerably across Canada. Compare the costs of specific cities and neighbourhoods rather than assuming that every location outside Toronto or Vancouver will be inexpensive. Explore affordable Canadian cities.
Understand Work Rules for International Students
Eligible international students can generally work up to 24 hours per week off campus during regular academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks, provided they meet the applicable requirements. Do not rely on future employment to meet IRCC's initial proof-of-funds requirement. Check IRCC's off-campus work rules.
Compare Graduate Programs
Some master's programs can be completed in one or two years, but tuition, program length, and funding differ widely. Compare the total tuition for the full degree, not just the annual average, and check whether scholarships or research funding are available.
How ApplyBoard Helps Brazilian Students
- Compare programs and fees: Explore Canadian study options and compare tuition, locations, and program types.
- Explore scholarships: Review scholarship opportunities associated with the programs you are considering. Learn how to search for scholarships.
- Get application guidance: Learn about application steps, admission requirements, and available support through ApplyBoard.
- Prepare for your study permit: Use our guides to understand proof-of-funds requirements, supporting documents, and application steps. Read the guide for Brazilian students.
How to Study in Canada from Brazil
Follow the steps involved in choosing a program, preparing your application, and planning your arrival in Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
Using the draft tuition estimates in this guide and IRCC's minimum living-expense amount, a first-year budget is approximately R$ 230,900 for a bachelor's degree or R$ 169,700 for a master's degree. These figures exclude flights, application fees, and other initial expenses. Confirm the tuition averages against the latest Statistics Canada tables before relying on these estimates.
For applications made on or after September 1, 2026, a single student studying outside Quebec must demonstrate first-year tuition, at least CAD 23,448 for living expenses, and transportation costs. The required living-expense amount increases if family members accompany the student. Check the official IRCC requirements.
Yes. You can provide evidence of financial support from your parents, such as a support letter, proof of your relationship, bank statements, and evidence of their income or employment. IRCC assesses whether the funds are sufficient and available to you. Review IRCC's financial evidence guidance.
The answer depends on the institution, program, financial aid, and cost of living. For comparison, the College Board reported average 2025–2026 undergraduate tuition and fees of USD 31,880 for out-of-state students at public four-year US institutions and USD 45,000 at private nonprofit four-year institutions. These figures are not directly comparable with Canadian international tuition because the countries use different fee categories and currencies. Compare the full cost of attendance for individual schools. See the College Board's tuition data.
Studying in Canada is a significant investment, but careful planning can help you understand the costs before you apply. Compare tuition at individual institutions, research scholarships, estimate your living expenses, and budget for exchange-rate changes. ApplyBoard can help you explore study programs that align with your academic goals and budget.
Find a Program That Fits Your Budget
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