Douglas Olsen
Canada is a popular study destination for international students, offering prestigious universities, vibrant student cities, and a well-organized lifestyle. Tuition fees in Canada for international students are generally higher than for domestic students, and they can vary depending on the program, location, and level of study. International students in Canada face more barriers to entry due to higher premiums, but the country offers a favourable exchange rate and is immigrant-friendly, with opportunities for post-graduation work and immigration. While tuition fees are higher for international students, they are still more affordable on average than in other popular study destinations such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Additionally, there are financial aid programs and scholarships available specifically for international students studying in Canada.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tuition fees for international students | Higher than for domestic students |
| Average undergraduate tuition fees | $38,000 CAD |
| Average postgraduate tuition fees | $22,000 CAD |
| Undergraduate education degrees | $26,166 CAD |
| Graduate education degrees | $19,533 CAD |
| Undergraduate engineering degrees | $43,606 CAD |
| Postgraduate engineering degrees | $25,137 CAD |
| Undergraduate tuition fees (all programs) | $35,360 CAD |
| Graduate tuition fees (all programs) | $22,061 CAD |
| Living costs | Around $15,000 per year |
| Proof of financial support | Required for study permit |
| Study permit cost outside Quebec | $20,000 |
| Study permit cost in Quebec | Varies based on country, field of study and institution |
| Tuition fees in Quebec | Lower for some international students starting in 2023 |
| Tuition fees at elementary and high schools | Range from $9,500 to $17,000 per year |
| Tuition fees at private or independent day schools | Range from $15,000 to $30,000 per year |
| Tuition fees at private or independent boarding schools | Range from $63,000 to $83,000 per year |
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What You'll Learn
Undergraduate fees
International students in Canada are required to pay higher tuition fees than domestic students. This is because Canadian students' tuition fees are subsidised, as they pay taxes to the government. Undergraduate fees for international students vary depending on the program and school chosen. For example, at the undergraduate level, international students pay on average $35,360 CAD for engineering programs, $36,100 CAD for education programs, and $43,606 CAD for aerospace, architecture, and manufacturing programs. These amounts are 4.4, 4.8, and 4.9 times higher, respectively, than what domestic students pay. The average undergraduate fee for all programs is $38,000 CAD, while the average for postgraduate courses is $22,000 CAD.
The University of Ottawa offers a Differential Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship to international Francophone and Francophile students enrolled in a bachelor's or master's program. The scholarship provides tuition fees equivalent to those for Canadian students residing outside Ontario. Additionally, the university offers an International Doctoral Scholarship valued at $45,000 over five years to international PhD students.
The cost of studying in Canada also includes living expenses, which average $15,000 per year for college students. The cost of living varies across provinces and territories and even between cities within the same region. Students should budget for housing, textbooks, a cellphone plan, internet access, food, clothing, and other expenses. To obtain a study permit, international students must prove they can financially support themselves and any accompanying family members. As of 2024, the financial requirement for applicants outside of Quebec has increased from $10,000 to over $20,000 to reflect the cost of living in Canada.
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Postgraduate fees
International students in Canada are required to pay tuition fees, which vary depending on the type of school and program. For instance, public schools can charge between $9,500 to $17,000 per year, while private or independent day schools can range from $15,000 to $30,000 per year. Private or independent boarding schools are even more expensive, with fees ranging from $63,000 to $83,000 per year.
When it comes to postgraduate fees for international students in Canada, the costs can vary significantly depending on the university and program chosen. According to Statistics Canada, the average tuition fee for international graduate students in 2022 was $21,100 per year. However, this average varies across different fields of study. For example, at the graduate level, degrees in education cost $19,533 for international students, while degrees in engineering cost $43,606. In another example, at the graduate level, programs in business management cost international students $27,575, while programs in the faculty of mathematics and sciences cost $25,137.
It is worth noting that tuition fees for master's programs in Canada are considered relatively affordable compared to other countries, such as the United States and the United Kingdom. For instance, McGill University, one of the top universities in Canada, offers a wide range of master's degree programs with fees ranging from $40,000 to $80,000. Additionally, international students may be eligible for scholarships, such as the Differential Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship offered by the University of Ottawa for Francophone and Francophile students enrolled in a master's program.
While the tuition fees themselves may be lower than in other countries, it is important to consider the cost of living in Canada, which can be quite high. International students must demonstrate that they can financially support themselves and any accompanying family members. As of 2024, the financial requirement for applicants outside of Quebec to obtain a study permit is just over $20,000, reflecting the cost of living in Canada. Living costs can vary across cities, with Vancouver and Calgary being among the most expensive, where costs can reach $2,000 CAD per month.
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Scholarships and exemptions
International students in Canada are required to pay tuition fees, which vary depending on the type of school and program. For instance, public schools range from $9,500 to $17,000 per year, while private or independent day schools can cost between $15,000 and $30,000 annually. International undergraduate students pay around $36,100 per year, while international graduate students pay approximately $21,100 per year.
Tuition Fee Exemptions
Some international students may be eligible for exemptions from paying the full international tuition fees. For example, at the University of Toronto, exemptions may apply to:
- Visitors or their dependents who are authorized to work in Canada and have been issued a work permit (with some exclusions).
- Dependents of Canadian citizens.
- Members of a foreign military force admitted to Canada under the Visiting Forces Act.
At Carleton University, exemptions may apply to:
- Canadian citizens, protected persons, permanent residents, and visitors with work permits.
- Members of a foreign military force or their dependents admitted to Canada under the Visiting Forces Act.
Students who believe they qualify for an exemption must submit an application and supporting documentation to the relevant office, such as the Registrar's Office or Graduate Studies Office. It is important to note that documentation must be original, valid, and in the same legal name as it appears in the university's records. Additionally, students must keep their documentation up to date to maintain their exemption status.
Scholarships
Several Canadian educational institutions offer scholarships specifically for international students. Here are some examples:
- University of Ottawa: The university offers the Differential Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship to international Francophone and Francophile students enrolled in bachelor's or master's programs, as well as those in the French Immersion Stream. The university also provides an International Doctoral Scholarship worth $45,000 over five years to international PhD students.
- Douglas College: The college offers entrance scholarships totaling nearly $100,000 to new international students each year, recognizing their academic achievements and engagement. There are two categories: the Douglas International Education Regional Entrance Award ($1,000-$2,000) and the Douglas International Education Entrance Scholarship. Additionally, the college has the International Education Returning Student Scholarship for continuing students.
International students can also benefit from discounts offered by various transportation providers, such as airlines, bus companies, and trains in Canada, by obtaining an international student identity card from the Canadian Federation of Students.
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Cost of living
The cost of living in Canada for international students varies depending on factors such as location and lifestyle. Generally, living costs in urban centres are higher than in the suburbs. For instance, Vancouver and Toronto are among the most expensive cities to live in, with high housing costs due to the scarcity of affordable housing.
On-campus housing is typically more expensive than shared off-campus apartments. A single apartment in a city centre like Toronto can be significantly more costly than shared apartments in suburban areas.
International students in Canada can choose from various accommodation options, including townhouses, dormitories, shared apartments, homestays, and furnished or unfurnished apartments. The cost of accommodation can range from CAD 1,000 to CAD 2,500 per month.
Food expenses can range from CAD 300 to CAD 500 per month. Students who eat out frequently may have higher living costs. Cooking at home can help reduce expenses.
Public transportation is well-connected, efficient, and safe in Canada. Monthly transit passes and student discounts are available and can significantly reduce travel costs. These can range from CAD 90 to CAD 150 per month.
The cost of utilities, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage collection, varies depending on the size of the apartment and the city. Internet costs also vary by location, household size, and provider. The average phone bill in Canada is around $101 per month.
Health insurance is mandatory for international students and can range from CAD 600 to CAD 900 per year, depending on the province and specific insurance plan.
To live comfortably, students should budget around CAD 20,635 annually for living expenses, excluding tuition and airfare. Planning and sticking to a budget is crucial for managing finances effectively. International students may also be eligible for scholarships, grants, or fellowships to help with living costs.
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Discounts and exchange rates
While tuition fees for international students in Canada are higher than for domestic students, they are still significantly lower than those in comparable countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Canada's favourable exchange rate compared to these countries' currencies is a cost-saving advantage, especially when converting foreign currency, which most international students will need to do.
In addition to tuition fees, international students should consider the cost of living in Canada, which is above average. The amount of money needed per month varies by province and city, ranging from 800–1,500 CAD/month in Quebec, Montreal, and Ottawa to 2,000 CAD/month in Vancouver and Calgary. Living costs for university students are estimated at around $15,000 per year.
Students enrolled in a Canadian university, aged between 18 and 25, can benefit from discounts on monthly transport passes (90 CAD/month) and one-way tickets (3 CAD). Many airlines, bus companies, and trains in Canada also offer discounts to students.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students pay higher tuition fees than domestic students in Canada. For example, at the undergraduate level, international students pay $26,166 CAD for degrees in education, while domestic students pay $5,358 CAD.
The average tuition fee for international undergraduate students in Canada is around $36,100 per year. For international graduate students, the average is $22,061 CAD per year.
International students may have to pay additional fees such as administrative fees, health and dental insurance, and other ancillary and incidental fees.
Yes, some universities in Canada offer scholarships to international students. For example, the University of Ottawa offers a Differential Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship and an International Doctoral Scholarship valued at $45,000 over five years.
