Douglas Olsen
International students in Canada face higher tuition fees than domestic students, but these fees are still lower than those of comparable international student destinations like the US, UK, and Australia. The fees vary depending on the type of school and program, with undergraduate international students paying an average of $38,081 CAD annually, and graduate students paying an average of $22,061 CAD. International students must also budget for living costs, which average $15,000 per year, and prove they can support themselves and any accompanying family members while in Canada.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tuition fees for international students in 2023 | Expensive and cheap universities available; generally lower fees than the UK, USA, or Australia |
| Average tuition fee for international undergraduate students (2022) | $36,100 per year |
| Average tuition fee for international graduate students (2022) | $21,100 per year |
| Average living costs for students (2019) | $15,000 per year |
| Tuition fee for international students enrolling in the first year in 2024-2025 | Unchanged from 2023 |
| Tuition fee for international students enrolled in master's and doctoral programs in 2024-2025 | Unchanged from 2023 |
| Tuition fee for international undergraduate students in education | $26,166 CAD |
| Tuition fee for international graduate students in education | $19,533 CAD |
| Tuition fee for international undergraduate students in engineering | $43,606 CAD |
| Tuition fee for international post-graduate students in engineering | $25,137 CAD |
| Average tuition fee for international undergraduate students across all programs | $38,081 CAD |
| Average tuition fee for international graduate students across all programs | $22,061 CAD |
| Average tuition fee for international undergraduate students in social and behavioural sciences | $39,501 CAD |
| Average tuition fee for international graduate students in social and behavioural sciences | $18,025 CAD |
| Tuition fee range for international students | 550–30,000 CAD/year |
| Tuition fee range for international students (including more expensive courses) | 1,075–65,000 CAD/year |
| Tuition fee range for international students at college | Up to 100,000 CAD/year or more |
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What You'll Learn
Undergraduate fees
Tuition fees for international undergraduate students in Canada are unregulated. On average, international undergraduate students paid $36,100 per year (according to 2022 data). The average tuition fee for undergraduate Canadian/domestic students was $7,076 CAD, while international students at the same level paid an average of $38,081 CAD, a difference of 5.3 times in tuition fees. At the undergraduate level, domestic students paid $8,879 CAD while international students paid $43,606 CAD (or 4.9 times). In another instance, for domestic students, the fees were $6,312 CAD, while international students paid $31,475 CAD, resulting in a 4.9 times tuition difference.
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 as of September 2021, or in the French Immersion Stream. The scholarship is also available for international students studying in French.
The cost of living in Canada varies by province and territory and can be quite different from city to city within the same region. When budgeting for university studies, it is important to consider the cost of housing (rent or residence fees), textbooks, a cellphone plan, internet access, food, clothing, and other items. International students must also prove that they can support themselves and any family members who come with them to Canada. In 2024, the financial requirement for applicants outside of Quebec to obtain a study permit increased from $10,000 to just over $20,000 to reflect the rising cost of living in Canada.
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Graduate fees
The cost of tuition for international students in Canada varies depending on several factors, including the type of school, the level of education, and the specific program or field of study.
At the graduate level, tuition fees for international students in Canada can vary significantly depending on the program and field of study. According to CIC News, for the 2023-2024 academic year, the average tuition fee for international graduate students across all programs was $22,061 CAD, compared to $7,573 CAD for domestic students. This represents a 2.9 times difference between the two averages.
However, tuition fees for specific graduate programs can deviate substantially from this average. For example, graduate degrees in education had an average cost of $19,533 CAD for international students, while graduate degrees in engineering had an average cost of $25,137 CAD for international students.
It is important to note that tuition fees for international students in Canada are typically higher than those for domestic students. Additionally, the cost of living in Canada should also be considered when budgeting for graduate studies. International students must also prove that they can financially support themselves and any accompanying family members during their stay in Canada.
Payment of tuition fees
Tuition fees for international students in Canada are typically paid annually. The official total of university fees that a student must pay is provided in a statement of account, which is usually available about a month before the start of each term.
Some universities, such as the University of Ottawa, have implemented policies to help newly admitted international students predict their tuition fees beyond the first year. For instance, future tuition fee increases at the University of Ottawa are limited to 7% per year for international students admitted for the Fall 2022 term or later.
Furthermore, international students should be aware of additional fees that may be incurred, such as ancillary, incidental, and administrative fees, which are not included in the tuition fee amount. These fees can vary depending on the province and the regulations set by the respective government.
Overall, it is essential for international students pursuing graduate studies in Canada to carefully review the tuition fee structure, payment deadlines, and additional costs associated with their chosen university and program to effectively plan their financial commitments.
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Scholarships
International students in Canada must pay annual tuition fees, which vary depending on the type of school and the program. For instance, public schools can range from $9,500 to $17,000 per year, while private or independent boarding schools can cost between $63,000 and $83,000 annually. University tuition costs an average of $36,100 per year for international undergraduate students and $21,100 per year for international graduate students.
To help fund their studies, international students can explore scholarship opportunities offered by the Canadian government, foreign governments, non-governmental organizations, and international organizations. Global Affairs Canada, for example, participates in major international scholarship programs and offers scholarships to international students wishing to study or conduct research in Canada.
The Study in Canada Scholarships is one such program that provides short-term exchange opportunities for international students from a wide range of countries to study or research at Canadian post-secondary institutions. Similarly, the Canada-China Scholars' Exchange Program offers scholarships for Canadians to pursue short-term studies or research in China.
Other scholarship opportunities include:
- Scholarships for students from Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa to pursue short-term studies or research in Canada.
- Scholarships for professionals and scholars in select countries to study and train in Canada, supporting the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.
- Scholarships available to students from other OAS member states to pursue graduate studies or research in Canada, such as the Flight PS752 Commemorative Scholarship.
Additionally, individual universities in Canada may offer scholarships specifically for international students. For example, the University of Ottawa provides the Differential Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship for international Francophone and Francophile students enrolled in a bachelor's or master's program, as well as an International Doctoral Scholarship valued at $45,000 over five years.
It is important to note that scholarship opportunities may have specific eligibility criteria and application processes, so interested students should research and apply for scholarships that align with their qualifications and interests. Websites like ScholarshipsCanada.com can be a helpful resource for finding scholarships, student awards, and bursaries in Canada.
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Cost of living
The cost of living in Canada for international students varies depending on location, lifestyle, and personal circumstances. The cost of living in urban centers is higher than in the suburbs. For example, Vancouver and Toronto are among the most expensive cities to live in, with high housing costs due to the scarcity of affordable options.
The average cost of living in Canada ranges from CAD 1,000 to CAD 2,500 per month for accommodation, CAD 300 to CAD 500 per month for food, and CAD 90 to CAD 150 per month for public transportation. To live comfortably, a single person needs about CAD 2,771 per month for living expenses.
International students in Canada must budget for accommodation, food, travel, textbooks, weather-appropriate clothing, and entertainment expenses. Students can save money on accommodation by living off-campus and sharing accommodation with roommates. Eating out frequently, international grocery preferences, or following a specialized diet can increase expenses, so cooking at home can help to reduce costs.
Students also need to budget for the cost of internet and phones. The monthly cost of the internet will vary based on connection type, speed, location, household size, and provider. The average phone bill in Canada is now $101 a month.
Health insurance is a mandatory expense for international students in Canada, ranging from CAD 600 to CAD 900 per year on average. However, some provinces, like British Columbia and Alberta, offer health coverage to international students through provincial health plans.
Students can save money by taking advantage of student discounts on transportation, restaurants, stores, and public transportation. Telecommunication providers also offer discounts for students with an International Student Identification Card.
Students can also take up part-time jobs, apply for scholarships, and use public transportation to save costs. Scholarships can sometimes help with living expenses, offering up to CAD 20,000 or more per year.
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Proof of financial support
International students in Canada must provide proof of financial support (also called 'proof of funds') to demonstrate their ability to support themselves and any accompanying family members. This proof is a crucial part of the study permit application and is evaluated by immigration officials.
There are several ways to demonstrate financial capacity:
- Proof of a Canadian Bank Account: You can provide documentation of a bank account in your name with the required amount.
- Student or Educational Loan: A loan from a bank or a government-funded educational program can serve as proof of financial support.
- Funding from Within Canada: If you have a scholarship or are enrolled in a Canadian-funded educational program, you can provide proof of this funding.
- Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC): A GIC is a reliable way to demonstrate financial support. It is an investment product similar to a Certificate of Deposit in the United States. The RBC International Student GIC Program and the TD International Student GIC Program are examples of GICs accepted in Canada.
- Financial Documents from Your Country: If your country uses foreign exchange controls, you must provide proof that you are allowed to export funds for your expenses.
Financial Requirements
The financial requirements for proof of funds vary and are typically updated annually. As of January 1, 2024, the minimum financial requirement for applicants outside of Quebec increased from C$10,000 to C$20,635 to reflect the rising cost of living in Canada.
On average, international undergraduate students can expect to pay around $36,100 per year in tuition fees, while graduate students pay approximately $21,100. Living costs for university students average $15,000 per year.
It is important to note that tuition fees for international students are unregulated, and costs can vary based on factors such as the province, type of school, and program. When budgeting, consider expenses beyond tuition, such as housing, textbooks, cellphone plans, internet access, food, and clothing.
Additionally, if you plan to bring family members, you will need to demonstrate access to additional funds to support them. As of September 1, 2025, the required funds for a student and two family members for a year in a province or territory outside of Quebec are $31,583.
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Frequently asked questions
The tuition fee range for international students in Canada is 550–30,000 CAD/year. However, fees can reach up to 100,000 CAD/year or more.
Bachelors in Medicine, Engineering, and Social Science are among the most expensive undergraduate programs. Meanwhile, Masters in Business, Engineering, Computer Science, and Law are the most expensive graduate programs.
The average tuition fee for international undergraduate students in Canada is $38,081 CAD.
The average tuition fee for international graduate students in Canada is $22,061 CAD.
