Canada is a popular destination for international students, offering globally recognised qualifications, high-quality education and a wide range of study programmes.
The cost of studying in Canada depends on the university or college you choose, your qualification, the programme you study and the city where you live.
Tuition fees for international students vary considerably between institutions, provinces and fields of study. The following figures provide a general guide to annual tuition fees.
| Education Type | Indicative Annual Tuition Fee (CAD) |
| College Diploma / Advanced Diploma | CAD $18,000–$28,000 |
| Postgraduate Certificate / Diploma | CAD $25,000–$40,000 |
| Bachelor's Degree | CAD $40,000–$55,000 |
| Master's / Graduate Degree | CAD $25,000–$60,000 |
Note: Figures are indicative, not fixed tuition rates. College diploma fees are based on EduCanada guidance, while university averages are from Statistics Canada's 2025–2026 data. Professional programmes such as medicine, engineering and business may cost considerably more. Some master's programmes charge fees for the entire programme rather than annually.
In addition to tuition fees, international students need to budget for accommodation, food, transport, utilities, health insurance and personal expenses.
Living costs vary depending on your location, accommodation arrangements and lifestyle. Major cities such as Toronto and Vancouver can be more expensive than smaller cities and regional locations.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires international students to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to pay their tuition fees, living expenses and transportation costs without relying on employment in Canada.
For study permit applications submitted on or after 1 September 2026, the minimum annual living expense requirements for destinations outside Quebec are:
| Number of Family Members (Including Student) | Minimum Living Funds (CAD) |
| 1 person | CAD $23,448 |
| 2 people | CAD $29,192 |
| 3 people | CAD $35,888 |
| 4 people | CAD $43,572 |
These amounts exclude tuition fees and transportation costs.
Important: Quebec has separate financial requirements. Students planning to study in Quebec should check the applicable provincial rules.
For programmes longer than one year, students must demonstrate sufficient financial resources for their first year and explain how they intend to finance the remainder of their studies.
The following is an illustrative weekly budget for a single international student living in shared accommodation in Canada.
| Expense | Estimated Weekly Cost (CAD) |
| Shared accommodation | CAD $180–$350 |
| Utilities | CAD $20–$45 |
| Groceries and food | CAD $80–$140 |
| Phone and internet | CAD $15–$30 |
| Public transport | CAD $20–$45 |
| Personal expenses and entertainment | CAD $40–$90 |
| Estimated Total | CAD $355–$700 |
These figures are general planning estimates, not official government averages. Actual costs can be higher, particularly in major cities. Health insurance, textbooks, winter clothing and other expenses may be additional.
At Uni2Go, our experienced education counsellors can help you explore universities and colleges, compare tuition fees, understand study permit financial requirements and plan your overseas education journey.
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