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Landscape of calgary

Your guide to studying in Calgary, Canada

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Know why Calgary is one of the most affordable Canadian cities for international students

Cost of living in Calgary, Canada

Calgary is known for its reasonable cost of living compared to other major cities in Canada. According to Numbeo, a cost-of-living comparison website, the average cost of living in Calgary is about 30% lower than in Toronto and 20% lower than in Vancouver. This includes the cost of housing, food, transportation, and other essentials.

Housing is one of the biggest expenses for students in any city. In Calgary, students can find affordable housing options like shared apartments, student residences, or homestays. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre can range from CAD 700 to CAD 1,200 per month, while a room in a shared apartment costs anywhere from CAD 500 to CAD 700 per month.

Average wage rates in Calgary, Canada

The average minimum wage in Alberta is CAD 15 per hour, and students can earn up to CAD 20 per hour depending on the job and their experience. Many students also choose to work part-time while studying to help offset their living expenses and gain valuable work experience.

Part-time job opportunities in Calgary, Canada

There are a variety of part-time job opportunities available in Calgary for international students, including:

  • Retail and hospitality: Students can find work in retail stores, cafes, and restaurants

  • Customer service: Call centres and customer service positions are also available for students

  • Tutoring: Students with strong academic skills can offer their services as tutors

  • Internships: Many companies offer internships to students, providing them with valuable work experience in their field of study

Whether you are interested in pursuing a degree program, vocational training, or language studies, there is something for everyone. However, one of the main concerns for international students is the cost of their studies. In this blog, we will discuss the different study options available in Calgary and the estimated cost of studies for international students.

Degree programs in Calgary, Canada

Calgary has many universities and colleges that offer degree programs in a wide range of subjects. International students’ estimated cost of a bachelor's degree program is between CAD 15,000 to CAD 30,000 per year, depending on the program and the institution. Some of the popular universities in Calgary for international students include the University of Calgary, Mount Royal University, and SAIT Polytechnic.

Vocational training in Calgary, Canada

Calgary also offers many vocational training programs in areas such as business, technology, and health sciences. The cost of these programs varies depending on the program and the institution, but the estimated cost is between CAD 5,000 to CAD 10,000 per year. Some of the popular vocational training institutes in Calgary include Bow Valley College, CDI College, and Alberta College of Art and Design.

Calgary is an affordable and welcoming destination for international students. With its reasonable cost of living, average wage rates, and plentiful part-time job opportunities, it's a great place for students to live and study. Whether you're exploring the city's cultural offerings, enjoying its outdoor recreation, or building your professional skills, Calgary has something for everyone.


Whether you are interested in pursuing a degree program, vocational training, or language studies, there is something for everyone. The cost of studies in Calgary for international students varies depending on the program and the institution, but with careful planning and budgeting, studying in Calgary can be an affordable and fulfilling experience.

If you want to know more about studying Canada, you can get in touch with our international education experts at IDP, they will help you with courses, universities, and place selection. They will also help you with admission process to study abroad.

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