Cost of Living in Canada for Indian Students – Updated Jan’23

Canada is one of the world’s most popular destinations for international students. The country offers diverse opportunities for personal and professional growth. For those keen to study in Canada, the good news is that living expenses in Canada for international students are generally cheaper than in other Anglophone destinations (the UK, Australia, and USA).

Moreover, studying in Canada is considered a rewarding investment for the future of the students as they will get access to premier education in tandem with a globally recognized degree. It would be a prudent choice to plan and reckon their expenses before going to Canada. 

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) needs evidence that candidates have sufficient funds to study and live in the country. Canadian universities provide a cost of living estimate to the incoming students. Moreover, to live a comfortable life in Canada, students should have CAD 12,000/per annum.

Canadian Education System 

The Canadian education system is administered by provinces and is divided into four levels: pre-elementary, elementary or primary, secondary, and post-secondary. In Canada, colleges primarily offer certificates, diplomas, and vocational training programs, whereas universities offer degree programs such as bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees.

With its unique culture, scenic beauty, extraordinary wildlife, excellent medical and healthcare facilities, best colleges and universities, Canada is rightfully the best country in the world for living. No wonder so many people choose to migrate to Canada every single year. Everything about Canada is perfect and promising. This country is worth all the praise associated with it. 

Important Link: Cost of Living for Studying Abroad

Average Living Expenses for International Students in Canada 

Students need to set aside money for other day-to-day and unavoidable expenses and  should be prepared for recurring expenses such as housing and accommodations, food and groceries, travel health insurance, transportation, clothing, and entertainment. Moreover, the best way to manage the cost of living in Canada for international students and other expenses, they should apply for an International Student Identification Card, on reaching Canada for additional benefits. 

Monthly Cost of Living in Canada for Students

Cost of Accommodation for International Students

Student living expenses are usually based on their lifestyle. Moreover, if they decide to live on-campus or off-campus, the accommodation cost would vary. The on-campus facility will be offered to them depending on the university they decide to apply to. It is advisable to apply separately for on-campus accommodation. 

Moreover, the cost for on-campus accommodation may range anywhere from CAD 8,000  to CAD 10,000 (annually). However, a shared condo would cost the student around CAD 400 to CAD 700 (monthly). It depends on their location and the time of the year they are renting it. 

Moreover, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation published housing research and the market report, states that the average two-bedroom rent in Canada is CAD 1,167/month. The rent may vary based on the city. 

City-Wise Average Rentals in Canada 

Source: Rental Market Report by CMH

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Cost of Living for International Students: City-Wise

Without an iota of doubt, living expenses in Canada for international students will vary based on the province the student decides to live in. 

Travel Expenses 

Depending on where the student chooses to put up in Canada; on-campus or off-campus, their commute expense would vary. If they choose to travel by public transportation; subways or commuter trains. One-way public transit fares can cost a few dollars, and monthly passes can cost from about CAD 80 to CAD 150. 

Education Cost in Canada

The education cost in Canada depends on the course, university, and tuition fee. Every year, universities revise their tuition fees for both undergraduate and undergraduate international students. Students must confirm the tuition fees before applying to a university. Let us look at the average education cost of different courses in Canada:

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More Resources to Read About Canada:

University Tuition Fees in Canada 

Like most developed and smart countries, students in Canada enjoy free public school up to 18. The cost of education in Canada is comparatively less than that in the USA. That said, the quality of education is equally remarkable and practical, if not better. College hunting can be a tedious task, and to make sure you land the college best suited for your course, you can use upGrad Abroad. It sorts out your educational preferences for you, so you can have the best affordable college options available for you. 

The average cost of a single year for a four-year graduate program in Canada is $22,750 for students with college residence and $11,330 for students living at home.

For more expensive universities, the same fee can be as much as $135,000 and $65,000, respectively.  

Tuition costs for undergraduate courses in Canada: 

Tuition costs for  postgraduate courses in Canada: 

Average Tuition Fees in Popular Universities in Canada:

Canadians like to ride or drive to work. In major Canadian cities, people prefer to use public transport, being aware of the effects of pollution and climate crisis. The local transport is affordable in Canada – a one-way ticket costs $3.25 while the cost of a monthly transport pass is $92. A car costs $24,000 and can go unbelievably high depending upon the model and features.  

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Health Insurance for International Students

All international students in Canada must have health insurance, and the available medical coverage varies based on the province. If they have decided to apply to New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan, then their provincial health care plans would keep them covered. 

However, the coverage depends on the duration of their stay. Moreover, they should meticulously read about health insurance on the university’s official website. If they have planned to study in Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec, or Edward Island, then they should arrange for private health insurance. 

Taxes in Canada

Once students start studying in Canada and decide to work, then they would require a Social Insurance Number (SIN). It indicates that they will be allowed to work 20 hours/week during academic sessions and full-time during vacations. Moreover, if they decide to work during the study period, then their income would be taxable.

Affordable Cities in Canada for International Students

To manage the living expenses in Canada for international students, they should gather in-depth information about the cities and the cost of living before shifting to Canada. 

Affordable Cities in Canada 

Factors Affecting Cost of Living in Canada for Students

Once a student has decided to study in Canada, multiple factors affect the cost of living in Canada. Major factors that affect the cost of living in Canada for international students are as follows:

Based on educational institutions 

It is a no-brainer that the cost of living varies based on the city the university is located in. Every college living expense will depend on the university a student is planning to attend. To comprehend which university will best suit the needs of students, read ahead.
 

Big suburban areas vs city

The cost of living in urban centers is higher than those in the suburbs. Many students prefer on-campus housing, which might not be the lowest-cost option available always, but would be relatively a convenient option. In Canada, Vancouver and Toronto are the most expensive cities to live in, and with the scarcity of affordable housing in Toronto, costs have accelerated there and continue to skyrocket. 

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6 Tips to Save Money in Canada 

Students should comprehend that it is essential to keep in mind that savings will always get them through. Students need pragmatic planning to avoid debt. Here are a few steps that can help students to save money in Canada:  

1) Make a spending plan

Allocate the amount that they want to spend on clothing, grocery, entertainment, and so on. Restrict themselves from going beyond. Stick to the plan. When they formulate how they want to spend their money, they automatically keep in mind the factor of saving money. Prioritize saving instead of putting in crumbs that are leftover at the end of the month. This bank account will be their safe door. 

2) Apply for scholarships 

Students should ensure to apply for scholarships. Canada offers several scholarships to international students. Check the official university website for this information.

3) Students should outline their priorities

It is important to list down the necessary expenses for the month. Students should act pragmatically when handling their expenses. In a nutshell, they should cut out on stuff that they can easily manage without for a few months, but they end up buying every month.

4) Travel through public transit 

Students should consider using public transit instead of cabs or Ubers. Moreover, students should ensure to check for student discounts on public transit passes. 

5) Part-Time Jobs  

One of the best ways to manage expenses in Canada is via opting for part-time jobs. The student visa allows international students to take up different on-campus part-time jobs. After completing six months of study, they may also leverage off-campus employment permits.  

6)Students Card 

To alleviate the burden of expenses for international students, the country has the provision of offering discounts to them. International students can leverage the discounts available at bookstores, departmental stores, etc. 

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Canada vs Other Countries

International students must make a thorough comparative study before choosing a country to study in. Every destination has a different cost of accommodation, education, etc. Let us have a look at the accommodation cost of different countries for international students:

Study with upGrad Abroad 

With a commitment to providing quality education at affordable prices, upGrad has launched study abroad programs. These programs enable students to study for one year online from home and then on-campus for the following years. With this, learners can save a lot on living costs and other additional expenses. These programs cost around 1/10th of the traditional programs. 

Country-Wise Cost of Living Guides

• Cost of Living in Australia
• Cost of Living in Germany
• Cost of Living in Ireland
• Cost of Living in Europe
• Cost of Living in United Kingdom
• Cost of Living Singapore
• Cost of Living in Netherlands
• Cost of Living in France
• Cost of Living in Switzerland
• Cost of Living in Spain
• Cost of Living in Quebec
• Cost of Living in Dublin

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Top Universities in Canada

• University of British Columbia
• University of Alberta
• University Canada West
• Concordia University
• University of Windsor
• University of Manitoba
• University of Saskatchewan
• Thompson Rivers University
• Trent University
• University of Victoria
• Ontario Tech University
• University of the Fraser Valley
• University of Northern British Columbia
• University of Prince Edward Island
• Toronto Metropolitan University

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