Studying in Canada costs between $30,000 and $60,000 per year in total, covering tuition, living expenses, and upfront costs. This 2026 guide breaks down the real numbers by program type, city, and lifestyle so you can plan with confidence.
Disclaimer: Figures in this guide are based on official sources including Statistics Canada and IRCC. Tuition fees vary by institution and program. Always confirm costs directly with your school before applying.
What does it cost to study in Canada?
There are three costs every international student needs to plan for. Most students underestimate their total budget because they focus only on tuition — but living expenses and upfront costs add up quickly.
Tuition fees in Canada 2026
Tuition is your largest fixed cost and varies significantly by program type, field of study, and province. Here are the 2026 figures by credential level, based on Statistics Canada data.
Tuition also varies by province. Ontario and British Columbia are the most expensive; Quebec and the Atlantic provinces are more affordable.
Find programs that fit your budget
Browse thousands of Canadian programs on ApplyBoard and filter by tuition, location, and intake date.
Living expenses in Canada for international students
After tuition, living costs are your biggest variable — and where you have the most control. Your city choice alone can save you $5,000–$10,000 per year. The figures below cover housing, food, transport, and personal expenses.
Note: These figures cover housing, food, transport, and personal expenses. They do not include tuition. If you are planning to bring your family to Montreal, see our guide to Montreal international school fees and family cost of living (2026).
Other monthly expenses to budget for
IRCC proof of funds and financial requirements for a Canada study permit
To get a Canadian study permit, IRCC requires you to show you can cover your living expenses, tuition, and travel costs. As of September 1, 2025, the minimum living expense amount is $22,895 CAD per year for a single student — on top of your full first-year tuition and return travel costs.
IRCC accepts several types of documents as proof of funds:
- Bank statements covering the last four months (consistent balance, no sudden large deposits)
- A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a major Canadian bank
- An approved education loan from a recognized lender
- A scholarship or official funding letter specifying the amount and duration
Warning! The $22,895 figure covers living expenses only. You must show your full tuition amount separately. Showing only tuition, making last-minute large deposits, or having unclear fund sources are among the most common reasons study permit applications are refused on financial grounds.
Note: For the full breakdown of accepted documents, minimum amounts by family size, and GIC guidance, see our dedicated guide to proof of financial support for a Canada study permit.
Open a GIC through ApplyBoard
ApplyBoard partners with TD, BMO, and RBC to help you open a Guaranteed Investment Certificate — one of the most trusted proof of funds options for your study permit.
Upfront costs to plan for in your first year
First-year students face a set of one-time costs that are easy to overlook. Budget $3,000–$10,000 on top of your regular expenses to cover these before you arrive.
- Study permit and biometrics: $235 CAD
- Medical exam (if required): $200–$400
- School application fees: $50–$250 per application
- Tuition deposit: $500–$5,000
- Flights: $500–$2,000
- Winter clothing: $200–$500
- First-month setup (bedding, household items, groceries): $500–$1,000
- Emergency buffer (recommended): $500–$1,000
Working while you study
International students in Canada can work up to 24 hours per week during the semester and full-time during scheduled breaks. At typical student wages of $15–$18 per hour, this translates to roughly $960–$1,600 per month — which can help offset living costs over time.
That said, work eligibility depends on your study permit conditions, your program type, and your institution. You should always build your budget around your confirmed funding sources first, and treat part-time income as a supplement — not a financial plan. Relying on work income to cover essential costs puts you at risk if your hours are reduced, your permit conditions change, or you need to prioritize your studies.
Learn more about part-time work options for international students in Canada.
Tips to reduce your cost of studying in Canada
Choose an affordable city
Winnipeg, Halifax, and other smaller cities cost $5,000–$10,000 less per year than Toronto or Vancouver, with no compromise on education quality.
Share accommodation
Living with roommates reduces housing costs by 40–50% compared to renting alone. On-campus residence is another convenient option with utilities included.
Cook at home
Cooking versus eating out regularly saves $200–$400 per month. Canada's major discount grocers are student-friendly on budget.
Apply for scholarships
Most Canadian universities offer entrance scholarships of $500–$10,000 based on grades. Apply early — many are automatic at the time of admission.
Buy used textbooks
Textbooks cost around $500 per semester new. Buying secondhand through campus boards or online platforms can cut this in half.
Use student discounts
Your student card unlocks discounts on transit, software, entertainment, and retail. Always ask before paying full price.
Find scholarships for your Canadian program
Browse Canadian programs on ApplyBoard and see available scholarships alongside each program — so you know what funding is on the table before you apply.
Frequently asked questions about the cost of studying in Canada
Total annual costs range from $30,000 to $60,000 CAD, covering tuition ($7,000–$45,000 depending on program), living expenses ($12,000–$24,000 depending on city), and first-year upfront costs ($3,000–$10,000). College diploma programs are significantly cheaper than university degrees.
IRCC sets a minimum of $22,895 CAD per year for living expenses as of September 2025. This is the legal minimum required to obtain a study permit — actual costs are typically higher, especially in cities like Toronto or Vancouver.
Winnipeg and Halifax are among the most affordable cities, with living costs of $10,800–$15,600 per year — compared to $18,000–$24,000 per year in Toronto or Vancouver. Choosing a smaller city can save $5,000–$10,000 annually without sacrificing education quality.
As of September 2025, IRCC requires proof of at least $22,895 CAD for living expenses, plus your full first-year tuition and return travel costs. For example, if your tuition is $35,000, you need to demonstrate approximately $59,000 in available funds. A GIC from a Canadian bank is one of the most accepted ways to show proof of funds.
Canada is moderately priced. Generally 20–30% cheaper than USA, similar to UK. Affordable cities like Halifax or Winnipeg offer significant savings compared to Toronto or Vancouver.
Yes. International students can work up to 24 hours per week during the semester and full-time during scheduled breaks. At $15–$18 per hour, students can earn $960–$1,600 per month, which covers a meaningful portion of living expenses.
Plan for $3,000–$10,000 in first-year upfront costs, including your study permit and biometrics, medical exam (if required), application fees, tuition deposit, flights, winter clothing, and initial setup costs. Building in an emergency buffer of $500–$1,000 is also strongly recommended.
Start planning your Canadian education with ApplyBoard
Canada offers exceptional value for international students: world-ranked universities, affordable college diploma pathways, a three-year post-graduation work permit, and a clear route to permanent residence. Whether you are comparing programs, exploring affordable cities, or working out your proof of funds, ApplyBoard is here to help you take the next step.
Ready to find your Canadian program?
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