Pursuing the right course at your dream university in Canada will help accomplish your educational goals. To facilitate a smooth study process in Canada, you need to plan the expenses and available funds. Several steps are involved in the admission procedure, and payment has to be made at each step. Knowing the amount of money required helps prepare you to study in Canada.
Tuition fees
The following list mentions the typical fees for undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) programs, including the fee structure, depending on the course selected.
Undergraduate – 31,200 CAD to 49,130CAD
Postgraduate – 24,760 CAD to 45,035 CAD
The course fees vary depending on the type of course selected. The fees for different courses annually include:
- BTech – 35,472 CAD
- BSc – 31,190 CAD
- BBA – 26,730 CAD
- MS – 18,227 CAD
- MBA – 45,084 CAD
Living expenses
The total cost of studying in Canada for Indian students encompasses both the university fees for international students and the cost of living. The Canadian university and program you choose will determine your international student fees in Canada, which must be paid to the university after you receive an offer letter. Depending on the institution, tuition fees may be due per term or for the first year of study.
The cost of living in Canada for Indian students can vary according to the city and lifestyle they adopt. The factors influencing the total cost of studying in Canada are listed below.
- Accommodation – 400 CAD- 600 CAD
- Transportation – 100 CAD- 250 CAD
- Food – 200 CAD- 300 CAD
- Internet- 30 CAD- 50 CAD
Location
The cost of living varies widely in different regions of Canada. The cities with a higher cost of living are Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, while smaller cities and towns may have a lower cost of living.
Accommodation
The cost of accommodation depends on the type of housing chosen by the student. On-campus housing is typically more expensive than off-campus housing in Canada, and shared accommodation costs are usually lower than renting a private apartment.
Food and Dining
The cost of food and dining can also vary depending on the student’s eating habits and preferences. Cooking at home is usually less expensive than eating out, and students can save money by purchasing groceries from discount supermarkets.
Transportation
The cost of transportation can vary depending on the location of the student’s accommodation and the distance to the school. Students may choose to use public transportation, bike or walk, or have their own vehicle.
Tuition and fees
The cost of tuition and fees varies depending on the university and program of study. The tuition fees for international students are usually higher than those for Canadian students.
Lifestyle
The cost of living can also depend on the student’s lifestyle choices. Some students may choose to travel, attend social events, or participate in extracurricular activities, which can increase their expenses.
Visa fees
The visa fees in Canada consist of the application for a study permit and the cost of biometric verification. The study permit application cost in Canada is 150 CAD. The fee for providing biometrics is 85 CAD.
Application fees
The application fee for each institution varies depending on the program you are applying for, ranging from 45 CAD to 200 CAD for international students. In addition to academic or work experience transcripts, you will also need to submit your language proficiency test scorecard to each university during the application process.
Health insurance
International students who study in Canada are obligated to obtain health insurance. For Indian students, it is an essential requirement included in the cost of studying in Canada. Several Canadian provinces provide free health insurance coverage for international students who reside in their region. To determine whether the university you have been admitted to in Canada provides free health insurance, you can visit the official Canadian immigration website. If the Canadian state where you will be studying does not provide free health insurance coverage, you must obtain health insurance coverage that covers all health issues for the entire duration of your stay. Before applying for your Canadian student visa, you must have health insurance coverage and the insurance certificate that must be presented to your university before the start of your term.
The average annual cost of health insurance premiums ranges from 600 CAD to 900 CAD. This expense must be taken into account when calculating the average cost of studying in Canada.
Additional costs
It is important to consider both pre-arrival and post-arrival expenses to determine the total cost of studying in Canada for Indian students.
Pre-arrival expenses typically include English Language Proficiency tests for international students from non-English speaking countries. These tests evaluate an individual’s reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Subject-specific tests may also be required depending on the course and university you choose to study.
These costs are factored into the total cost of studying in Canada for Indian students.
- IELTS – Rs 15,500
- GMAT – Rs 2900
- TOEFL – Rs 1650
When it comes to air travel, you have the option of choosing either a direct flight from India to Canada or one with stopovers. The cost of the tickets depends on several factors, such as the type of flight, the boarding and destination cities, the class of the ticket, and the booking and boarding dates. Generally, airfare can range from 100,000 INR to 200,000 INR.
Before departure, it is mandatory to undergo a medical exam recommended by the Canadian government’s immigration authorities. You must pay all related fees for the medical exam, including the doctor’s fee, the radiologist’s fee, and any required tests, investigations, or treatment.
After arrival in Canada, your university tuition fees may or may not include tuition, stationery, and book costs that you have already paid before arrival. This applies if you are required to make payments after the commencement of your term.
As previously discussed, living costs are a significant component of the total cost of studying in Canada for Indian students. Accommodation rent constitutes the most substantial part of living expenses. The amount spent on accommodation is determined by the type of accommodation you choose and the city or town in which you live.
Overall, the cost of living in Canada for Indian students can vary widely depending on their individual choices and circumstances. Students should carefully research and plan their expenses to ensure they can afford to live in comfort while studying in Canada.
Tips for international students to save money while studying in Canada
- Look for scholarships
There are several scholarships available for international students in Canada. These scholarships can help you with your tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs associated with studying in Canada. Make sure to check with your university or college’s financial aid office for information on scholarships and bursaries.
- Use public transportation
Canada has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, trains, and subways. Consider using public transportation instead of owning a car, which can be costly due to Canada’s high gas prices and insurance premiums.
- Cook your meals at home
Eating out in Canada can be expensive, so consider cooking your meals at home. You can save money by buying groceries from local supermarkets and preparing your meals at home. Not only is it more cost-effective, but it’s also a healthier option.
- Buy used textbooks
Textbooks can be expensive, but you can save money by buying used textbooks instead of new ones. Look for used textbook sellers online or check with your university or college’s bookstores for used textbooks.
- Share accommodation with roommates
Accommodation can be one of the most significant expenses for international students. Consider sharing accommodation with roommates to cut down on costs. You can search for shared accommodation on rental websites or through your university or college’s housing office.
- Take advantage of student discounts
Many businesses in Canada offer discounts to students. Make sure to carry your student ID card with you and ask for discounts when shopping or using services such as transportation.
Overall, saving money as an international student in Canada requires careful planning and budgeting. By being mindful of your expenses and seeking out cost-effective options, you can enjoy your time in Canada without breaking the bank. Making a definitive plan and sticking to it can help to minimise the overall cost of living in Canada for Indian students.
FAQs
Vancouver and Toronto are among the Canadian cities where international students face a relatively high cost of living. This is due, in part, to higher accommodation costs than in many other cities in Canada.
One can apply for scholarships offered by Canadian universities to lower the expenses of studying in Canada. International students are required to pay certain mandatory expenses, but scholarships can help reduce tuition fees. Various Canadian universities provide scholarships for international students, and you can explore the options available to you on the official website of the university you plan to attend. If you are eligible and your scholarship application is approved, the university will deduct the scholarship amount from your tuition fees. Scholarships have largely helped to reduce the total cost of studying in Canada for Indian students when planned right.
In Canada, there are no universities that offer free education. Nonetheless, there are numerous reasonably priced universities and also a variety of scholarships accessible for international students.
If your study permit includes a work condition, you may be permitted to work while studying in Canada. This means that you can work on or off campus. However, if your study permit doesn’t contain this condition, you can request a free amendment to add it.