Life Abroad | Here’s How Pursuing Your Studies In Canada Can Be Highly Affordable

Depending on your program of choice, tuition fees at the undergraduate level are around CAD$29,000 per year, while fees for Certificate, Diploma and Associate Degrees or Degree courses range from CAD$12,000 to $20,000 per year.

In general, humanities courses tend to be cheaper while courses in engineering and medicine tend to be in the more costly range.

Having said that, it is an investment to get your degree in your desired course, so if there’s one area to not cut costs on, this is it!

As an international student in Canada, you’ll likely live on campus for your first year of accommodation. Most of the time, you’ll be sharing your living space with a roommate and have access to communal social areas, a laundry room and kitchen.

Depending on the region you study in, the cost of on-campus accommodation varies and can range between CAD$3,000 to $15,000 per year.

After you get used to living in Canada and getting around, you might want to opt for off-campus accommodation and save on costs by sharing an apartment with your friends or living with host families.

For off-campus accommodation, expect to spend between CAD $750 to $2,200 each month.

As there are different options available for accommodation in Canada, it ultimately boils down to your personal preference and lifestyle, as well as budget.

Regardless of which country you choose to study in, you’ll be required to have health insurance as an international student.

Depending on your location’s provincial policy, you’ll have to get your medical insurance either through a private provider or various provincial health plans such as the compulsory Medical Services Plan (MSC) in British Columbia or the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) in Ontario.

The Provincial Health Care system is made up of essential preventive and emergency services which cover doctor visits, hospital visits and medically required services. You can also get Private Health Insurance for more holistic coverage as the services included are dental costs, prescription drugs, ambulance services and private hospital rooms.

Expect to fork out anywhere between CAD$600 to $1,000 for Private Health Insurance each year.

Assuming that you primarily take public transport, it helps to set aside around CAD$90 to $170 per month for your bus and train rides.

As for food and entertainment, having around CAD$900 to $1,200 each month should be enough to cover your expenses.

Although this could feel daunting, the good news is that you’re allowed to take up a part-time job for up to 20 hours per week – so you’ll have the option of earning some extra pocket money!

Besides that, there are some Canadian cities with a lower cost of living, for those on a tighter budget. These include Red Deer and Edmonton in Alberta, Abbotsford and Quesnel in British Columbia, Winnipeg in Manitoba, as well as Kingston and London in Ontario.

Thinking of furthering your studies and pursuing a rewarding career in Canada?

We can help assist you with selecting the best colleges and cities to live and study in.

At IDP, we have an experienced and friendly team of education counsellors that can answer your questions and take you through the different universities and course application process.

Get started with a free counselling session today.