Cost of Studying in Canada for Indian Students
Explore the cost of studying in Canada for international students. Learn about tuition fees, living expenses, scholarships, and more.
Explore the cost of studying in Canada for international students. Learn about tuition fees, living expenses, scholarships, and more.
Canada stands tall as one of the top choices for international students pursuing higher education, offering a blend of quality education, scenic landscapes, and cost-effectiveness. Compared to renowned destinations like the UK and the USA, studying and living in Canada is often a more economical choice for students. With its picturesque campuses, vibrant urban environments, and close-knit campus communities, Canada provides an ideal backdrop for holistic student development. Among the country's esteemed institutions, the University of Toronto, the University of Alberta, and the University of Winnipeg shine as beacons of academic excellence. In this comprehensive blog, we aim to delve into the intricacies of studying in Canada, including the cost of education and living expenses, with a special focus on the perspective of Indian students.
In addition to covering other expenses, international students planning to study in Canada should be prepared to pay application fees when applying to colleges or universities. While Canada is known for its affordable education, the majority of institutions charge application fees that typically range from CAD 50 to CAD 250. It's important to note that the specific fee amount may vary depending on the university and the student's country of origin. For instance, the University of Calgary charges CAD 145 for international students and CAD 125 for undergraduate Canadian students. However, it's worth mentioning that only a small percentage, around 5%, of Canadian universities offer application fee waivers for students. Therefore, if you intend to apply to multiple universities, you should budget for these application fees accordingly.
Studying in Canada comes with various expenses, with tuition fees being a significant part of the total cost. The specific tuition fees depend on the type of qualification you're pursuing and the university you choose. International students should budget anywhere from CAD 12,360 to CAD 33,450 to cover this expense. On average, tuition fees in Canada can reach up to CAD 35,000 at some of the top colleges. In addition to this, students should consider the monthly cost of living in Canada, which is estimated to be around CAD 2000, excluding tuition fees.
The cost of pursuing a bachelor's degree in Canada can vary depending on the field of study. On average, students can expect to pay around CAD 30,000 annually. However, this cost range can fluctuate, with some programs being as low as CAD 12,000 and others reaching CAD 30,000. Engineering and medicine programs tend to be slightly more expensive, with an average tuition fee of CAD 22,000. Meanwhile, humanities, business, and management courses typically fall within the range of CAD 5,500 to CAD 6,500.
In addition to undergraduate programs, many students opt for postgraduate or master's degree programs in Canada, such as MBBS. On average, international students can expect to pay approximately CAD 18,000 per year in tuition fees for these programs. However, MBA programs, in particular, tend to be on the expensive side. Executive MBA courses have an average tuition fee of CAD 57,000 while regular MBA programs cost around CAD 28,000.
|
Expense Category |
Monthly Cost |
Yearly Cost |
|
Flight Expense |
INR 1,00,000–2,00,000 (one-time) |
N/A |
|
Study Permit Fees |
INR 11,123 (one-time) |
N/A |
|
Work Permit Fees |
INR 11,493 (one-time) |
N/A |
|
IELTS test fees |
INR 14,700 (one-time) |
N/A |
|
Accommodation |
CAD 5,000-CAD 10,000 (monthly) |
INR 2,67,000–INR 5,39,000 (annually) |
|
Travel Costs |
CAD 80-CAD 110 (monthly) |
INR 4,300-INR 6,000 (monthly) |
|
Health Insurance |
CAD 300-CAD 800 (monthly) |
INR 17,000–INR 44,000 (monthly) |
|
Food |
CAD 300-CAD 400 (monthly) |
INR 17,508-INR 23,344 (monthly) |
|
Entertainment |
CAD 750 (monthly) |
INR 43,770 (monthly) |
Please keep in mind that some expenses are one-time costs, while others are recurring monthly expenses. Additionally, accommodation costs can vary depending on your preferences and location.
Flights traveling from India to Canada are served by airlines like Air India, Indigo, Vistara, Go Air, and Spicejet. The cost of non-stop flights fluctuates, typically falling between INR 1,000,000 and INR 2,000,000, with potential increases during the months of August and September due to seasonal demand.
Apart from tuition fees, accommodation costs are a significant aspect of the overall living expenses in Canada. Universities typically offer on-campus housing, but students also have the option to live off-campus. The accommodation expenses vary depending on the type of rooms or apartments chosen, ranging from approximately CAD 5,000 (INR 2,67,000) to CAD 10,000 (INR 5,39,000) per year. It's worth noting that accommodation costs may be higher in major cities like Toronto and Montreal compared to other cities.
International students in Canada have two main accommodation choices: on-campus or off-campus. On-campus housing options include dormitories and townhouses, while off-campus choices encompass shared apartments, single apartments, condominiums, homestays, or residing with host families.
In Canada, the transportation options you choose largely depend on your location and the proximity of your college. For those who reside nearby, walking or biking to campus is convenient. In larger cities, such as Toronto or Montreal, many students opt for public transportation, which encompasses buses, subways, commuter trains, and even ferries. Single-journey fares for public transit can be somewhat costly, with monthly passes typically ranging from CAD 80 (INR 4,300) to CAD 110 (INR 6,000). It's worth mentioning that transit providers frequently offer discounts to students.
Before commencing their studies in Canada, students are obligated to have health insurance coverage that is provided by the respective province. The cost of health insurance can vary based on the chosen policy and typically falls between CAD 300 (INR 17,000) and CAD 800 (INR 44,000) annually. For more detailed information about medical coverage, students can visit the websites of their universities or the provincial ministries of health.
|
City |
Average Cost of Living |
|
Toronto |
37,000 CAD yearly (INR 22,18,460) |
|
Vancouver |
38,484 CAD yearly (INR 23,08,210) |
|
Montreal |
25,000 CAD yearly (INR 14,99,845) |
|
Ottawa |
20,000 CAD yearly (INR 11,99,301) |
|
Calgary |
26,904 CAD yearly (INR 16,13,865) |
Many students from India are now applying to Canadian universities, and to facilitate their journey, several scholarships and waivers have been introduced. These scholarships play a crucial role in reducing the financial burden and cost of living in Canada, benefiting both Indian and international students. These scholarships are typically awarded based on merit, academic achievements, or exceptional skills. To take advantage of these opportunities, students should carefully review the eligibility criteria for each scholarship and submit their applications accordingly. Below is a compilation of scholarships available to Indian students in Canada:
· Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
· Ontario Graduate Scholarship
· Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program
· President’s Scholarship for World Leaders
· International Leader of Tomorrow Award
· University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship (UMGF)
· The Seneca Renewable Entrance Scholarship of Merit for International Students
· Assist-on Scholarship
· Trudeau Foundation Scholarships
Part-time jobs in Canada serve as a practical solution for managing daily living expenses. Students can explore various part-time employment opportunities to alleviate financial burdens during their time in the country. To qualify for such work, individuals must hold a valid study or work permit and maintain full-time student status at a Canadian university. Furthermore, they should be enrolled in a program, whether professional, vocational, or academic, with a duration exceeding six months and culminating in a certificate or degree. During academic semesters, students can engage in part-time employment for up to 20 hours per week, both on and off-campus, without the need for an additional work permit.
In conclusion, studying in Canada offers a wealth of opportunities for international students, but it's essential to be well-prepared for the associated costs. From tuition fees to living expenses, health insurance to transportation, the financial aspect of studying abroad can be daunting. However, with careful planning and consideration of scholarships, part-time jobs, and budgeting, students can make their Canadian dream a reality without breaking the bank.
At Maxxcell Overseas, we understand the challenges students face when pursuing higher education abroad. That's why we're here: to provide comprehensive guidance and support at every step of the journey. From helping you select the right course and university to assisting with the application process, securing a visa, and arranging accommodation, we are committed to ensuring your dreams become a successful reality. Your academic future is our priority, and we're here to help you achieve it. Connect with us today!