The cost of studying in Canada is about CAD $30,000 to $70,000 a year for international students, including tuition and living costs. This guide uses the latest 2026/2027 figures. Below, you will find average tuition by level and province, living costs by city, the money you must show for your study permit, and the one-time costs to plan for before you arrive.
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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?
Every international student needs to plan for three types of costs. Many students focus only on tuition, but living expenses and first-year setup costs add up quickly.
Tuition Fees in Canada for 2026/2027
Tuition is your biggest cost. According to Statistics Canada, international students paid these average yearly fees at Canadian universities in 2026/2027:
Programs such as engineering, business, and medicine usually cost more than the average.
Average International Tuition by Province (2026/2027)
Where you study makes a big difference. Ontario has the highest average undergraduate tuition, while Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island are among the lowest.
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Living Expenses in Canada for International Students
After tuition, living costs are your biggest expense, and the one you can control most. Your choice of city alone can change your budget by $5,000 to $10,000 a year. These estimates cover housing, food, transport, and personal costs.
Note: Even if your city is cheaper, you must still show at least CAD $23,448 for living costs when you apply for your study permit (see below). For city-by-city guides, see our cost of living guides and affordable Canadian cities.
Other Monthly Expenses to Budget For
Proof of Funds for a Canada Study Permit
To get a study permit, you must show that you can pay for your first year. For applications made on or after September 1, 2026, a single student studying outside Quebec must show:
- Your first-year tuition, plus
- At least CAD $23,448 for living expenses, plus
- Travel costs to Canada
The amount is higher if family members come with you, and Quebec sets its own amount. Having the money is not always enough: IRCC officers also check that your funds are genuine, stable, and available to you. They look at:
- Where the money came from: Officers compare your funds with the income and history of the person paying. Large, sudden deposits just before you apply can raise concerns.
- Who is paying: Funding from parents is usually the strongest. If someone else is paying, explain your relationship and why they are supporting you.
- Whether you can move the money: If your home country limits foreign exchange, officers may check that you can transfer the funds to Canada.
Common ways to show proof of funds include a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a Canadian bank, bank statements for the past four months, an approved education loan, a scholarship letter, and proof of your sponsor's income.
Warning! The CAD $23,448 covers living costs only. You must show your tuition separately. Showing only part of the amount, or funds with an unclear source, is one of the most common reasons study permits are refused. Read the full proof of funds guide.
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Upfront Costs to Plan For in Your First Year
Budget an extra CAD $3,000 to $10,000 for one-time costs before and after you arrive:
- Study permit and biometrics: $235 ($150 permit fee + $85 biometrics)
- Medical exam (if required): $200–$400
- School application fees: $50–$250 per application
- Tuition deposit: $500–$5,000, depending on your school
- Flights: $500–$2,000
- Winter clothing: $200–$500
- First-month setup (bedding, kitchen items, groceries): $500–$1,000
- Emergency buffer (recommended): $500–$1,000
Working While You Study
Most international students can work up to 24 hours a week off campus during classes and full-time during scheduled breaks. There is no limit on on-campus work hours. Provincial minimum wages range from about CAD $15 to $18.25 an hour, so working the full 24 hours could earn about $1,550 to $1,900 a month before tax.
Note: Treat work income as a bonus, not your main plan. You cannot count future earnings as proof of funds, and your hours may change. Learn about part-time work rules in Canada.
How to Lower Your Cost of Studying in Canada
Choose an Affordable Province
Average undergraduate tuition in Newfoundland and Labrador is less than half of Ontario's, and living costs in smaller cities are lower too.
Share Accommodation
Living with roommates can cut your housing costs by 40 to 50% compared with renting alone.
Cook at Home
Cooking instead of eating out can save $200 to $400 a month. Discount grocery stores are popular with students.
Apply for Scholarships
Many schools offer entrance scholarships, and some are automatic when you are admitted. See top scholarships in Canada.
Buy Used Textbooks
Buying secondhand or using the library can cut your textbook costs in half.
Use Student Discounts
Your student card can save you money on transit, software, entertainment, and shopping. Always ask before you pay full price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most international students need about CAD $30,000 to $70,000 a year. In 2026/2027, average international tuition was $42,062 for undergraduate programs and $24,693 for graduate programs, and you must show at least $23,448 for living costs.
For applications made on or after September 1, 2026, a single student outside Quebec must show their first-year tuition plus at least CAD $23,448 for living costs, plus travel costs.
Newfoundland and Labrador had the lowest average international undergraduate tuition in 2026/2027, at $18,911. New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island were also among the most affordable.
Ontario had the highest average international undergraduate tuition in 2026/2027, at $50,088, followed by British Columbia at $40,314.
Yes. Most students can work up to 24 hours a week off campus during classes and full-time during breaks. Work income helps with living costs, but it cannot be used as proof of funds.
Canada offers international students high-quality education, work rights, and a Post-Graduation Work Permit of up to three years for eligible graduates. With careful planning, a realistic budget, and the right province and program, studying in Canada is within reach.
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