Savanna Hoffman
Canada is a popular destination for international students, offering a high standard of education in an immigrant-friendly country. However, international students often face higher costs than domestic students, with tuition fees varying depending on the program, level, and institution. In addition to tuition fees, international students must also budget for living expenses, such as accommodation, food, transportation, and health insurance. To finance their studies, international students can utilize personal savings, family support, scholarships, grants, part-time work, and student loans. While Canadian universities offer some scholarships and bursaries for international students, they are limited, and students may need to supplement their finances with private loans.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tuition fees | Generally lower than colleges and universities in Australia, the U.K. and the U.S. |
| Undergraduate: $36,631 CAD for international students and $7,571 CAD for domestic students | |
| Graduate: $27,239 CAD for international students and $14,293 CAD for domestic students | |
| Postgraduate: $17,744 CAD for international students | |
| $7,056 CAD per year for a graduate degree for Canadian citizens | |
| $29,714 CAD per year for undergraduate international students (2019/2020) | |
| Living costs | Around $15,000 per year (2019) |
| $3,000-7,500 CAD per year for on-campus accommodation | |
| $8,400 CAD per year for private shared accommodation | |
| $600-800 CAD per year for health insurance | |
| Scholarships | Offered by most universities, including the University of Waterloo, University of Alberta, University of Ottawa, University of Calgary |
| University of Ottawa offers a Differential Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship and an International Doctoral Scholarship | |
| Bursaries are also offered by some universities, such as the University of Waterloo and University of Alberta | |
| Work | Students can work part-time during studies and full time during breaks |
| Students with a student study permit can work on and off-campus without a work permit | |
| Loans | Private student loans are available from select schools |
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What You'll Learn
Scholarships, grants, and bursaries
The Government of Canada International Scholarships website provides information on awards currently offered for study abroad programs and individual students. The Canadian government offers a few financial aid options for international students, including the Canada Student Loan program, which offers loans with the same terms, including interest rates, as permanent Canadian residents. However, international students may not be eligible for these loans depending on provincial law.
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship is another option open to both Canadian and international PhD students studying at Canadian universities, awarding $50,000 per year for three years. The Quebec government also offers scholarships and grants through its research funds FRQNT (nature et technologies), FRQS (santé), and FRQSC (société et culture) for doctoral studies, postdoctoral fellowships, and short-term research or professional development.
Many schools also offer scholarships for outstanding academic achievement, and some provide aid purely for being an international student. For example, UBC offers 50 scholarships each academic year across four categories: the Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award, the Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award, the International Impact Award, and the Vantage One Excellence Award.
International students can also explore scholarship and bursary options through Canadian organizations such as the International Council for Canadian Studies. Students can use the College Scholarship Search tool to find contact information for more than 1,600 awards and then apply through the scholarship sponsor's website.
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Student loans
International students can take out student loans from private lenders, although federal and provincial student loans from the Canadian government are usually restricted to domestic students. The Canada Student Loan Program is a federal option for international students with protected status, such as refugees. However, the primary loan source for international students is through private lenders.
To be eligible for a Canadian study permit, international students must show proof of finances to support themselves and any accompanying family members. This typically means demonstrating that they have enough funding to cover their tuition fees and an additional CAD 10,000 for a year.
The amount that can be borrowed from a private lender is up to the lender, and the repayment schedule will depend on the terms of the loan agreement. In most cases, there will be either zero or reduced payments required while the student is in school and for six months post-graduation. The application process for private student loans is relatively simple and can be completed online. Once approved, the funds are disbursed directly to the university to pay tuition fees, which usually takes about six weeks.
It is important to note that international students may be required to have a co-signer for their loan, typically a family member who will take responsibility for repayment if the borrower defaults. However, some lenders and select Canadian institutions do not require a co-signer, instead considering factors such as academic success, career path, home country, expected graduation date, and the school attended.
Students should carefully research the different loan options and their eligibility, as well as consider other sources of financial aid such as scholarships and grants, before committing to a loan agreement.
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Part-time work
International students in Canada are usually allowed to work part-time during their studies, with a limit of 20 to 24 hours per week during term time. Students can work full-time during breaks, such as the summer or winter holidays. The hourly salary for part-time work in Canada varies from CA$10 to CA$100 or more per hour, depending on the type of work and the province.
International students can work on or off-campus, even without a work permit, as long as they meet certain eligibility criteria. These criteria include having a valid study permit, a Social Insurance Number (SIN), and being enrolled in a full-time program at a designated learning institution (DLI).
There are various part-time job opportunities available for international students in Canada, including on-campus and off-campus positions. On-campus job openings are typically advertised on bulletin boards and online platforms. Off-campus jobs can provide higher-than-average pay rates for international students.
Some popular part-time jobs for international students in Canada include:
- Retail positions, such as sales associates, which offer transferable skills and flexible hours.
- Working in coffee shops, such as Starbucks, which often provide perks like free coffee and a pleasant working environment.
- Dog walking or pet-sitting, which can offer flexibility and the opportunity to increase earnings by taking on multiple clients.
- Driving for rideshare services like Uber or Lyft, which provides flexibility in choosing working hours.
- Freelance work, such as writing or translation, which can utilise language skills and provide a valuable service.
It is important for international students to be mindful of regulations and requirements to ensure their employment does not violate their student status. For example, working more than 24 hours per week may violate study permit conditions and result in losing student status.
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Living costs
The living costs for international students in Canada depend on the province or city they plan to study in and their chosen accommodation. According to Universities Canada, on average, living costs are around $15,000 per year for university students. However, international students can generally expect to pay between $10,000 and $15,000 every year for basic living expenses.
The three main types of student accommodation (homestay, university accommodation, and private accommodation) vary considerably in cost. Homestays, where students live with a Canadian host family, can cost between $800 and $1,500 per month, including room and board. University accommodation costs around CA$3,000-7,500 (~US$2,271 – 5,680) per year, and private shared accommodation can cost around CA$8,400 (~US$6,361) per year, excluding bills.
Students can also choose to share an apartment or house with other students to reduce rental costs. Dormitory rent can range from $500 to $1,500 per month, depending on the location and amenities offered.
Eating out can be a significant expense, with a meal at a sit-down restaurant costing anywhere from $15 to $30 or more. A three-course meal for two in a mid-range restaurant will cost 50 - 65 CAD. However, dining halls at universities and colleges provide a more affordable option, with meals ranging from $5 to $15 or more.
Transportation costs for international students can vary depending on their location and transportation needs. Public transit is generally the most affordable option, with monthly passes costing between $70 and $120, and one-way tickets costing around $3. Students aged 18-25 can also benefit from discounts on monthly transport passes, which typically cost 90 CAD/month. Taxis are another common mode of transportation, with fares ranging from 2 to 6 CAD/km.
Utilities are another important consideration, as they can significantly impact living costs. The cost of electricity can range from $50 to $150 per month, while gas for heating and hot water can cost between $30 to $100 per month, depending on the region and usage. Water is usually included in the rent for students living in apartments or dorms.
International students should also be aware of other expenses, such as recreational activities. For example, a day of skiing or snowboarding can cost anywhere from $50 to $150. Additionally, students must be able to prove they can support themselves and any family members accompanying them during their stay in Canada.
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Tuition fees
The cost of tuition for international students in Canada also varies by province. In Quebec, for example, tuition costs vary based on the student's home country, field of study, and institution chosen. Starting in 2023, some international students in Quebec may be eligible for lower tuition, paying the same fees as Quebec students.
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. They also offer an International Doctoral Scholarship of $45,000 over five years to international students.
In addition to tuition, international students in Canada should consider other expenses such as housing, transportation, meals, health insurance, and entertainment. To reduce the financial burden, international students can explore scholarships, grants, or loans. Many universities in Canada offer scholarships to international students, and some universities, such as the University of Waterloo and the University of Alberta, provide emergency bursaries to international students in financial need. Alternatively, international students can consider taking out a private student loan to cover tuition fees and other costs.
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Frequently asked questions
The cost of studying in Canada varies depending on the program and school you choose. On average, tuition costs for international undergraduate students are $36,100 per year, while international graduate students pay $21,100 per year. These fees are higher than those paid by domestic students.
You may be able to fund your studies through a combination of personal savings, family support, scholarships, and grants. Many universities in Canada offer scholarships to international students. Alternatively, you can take out a private student loan, although this will need to be paid back.
In addition to tuition fees, you should consider the cost of living, which varies across Canada. This includes accommodation, food, health insurance, transportation, textbooks, and other miscellaneous expenses. On average, living costs are around $15,000 per year for students in Canada.
