How Much Does It Cost to Study in Canada in 2025/2026?

Let’s unpack this together, piece by piece, with real numbers you can budget around. Keep in mind the costs listed in this article are based on the latest data available for the 2025/2026 academic year, and is not regularly updated. Always double-check current tuition and fee information on official government or university websites. 

How Much Does Tuition Cost in Canada 

Tuition is the one cost you can’t escape and it’s a number that’s growing bigger. 

According to Statistics Canada projections for 2025/2026, international students can expect to pay: 

• Undergraduate programs: about CAD 41,746 per year (up roughly 2.5% from last year) 

• Graduate programs: about CAD 24,028 per year (up roughly 1.5%) 

That’s the national average but the reality depends heavily on where and what you study. 

Most affordable provinces: 

• Newfoundland and Labrador: around CAD 18,867 (undergraduate) and CAD 6,964 (graduate) 

• Manitoba: CAD 21,424 (undergraduate) and CAD 13,556 (graduate)
• New Brunswick: CAD 19,278 (undergraduate) and CAD 17,868 (graduate)

Most expensive provinces: 

• Ontario: around CAD 49,802 (undergraduate) and CAD 28,624 (graduate) 

• British Columbia: CAD 39,851 (undergraduate) and CAD 26,607 (graduate)
• Quebec: CAD 36,279 (undergraduate) and CAD 23,587 (graduate)

Costs climb even higher depending on the school. For example, at UBC (University of British Columbia), international students in Arts could pay around CAD 49,548 in 2025/26, and Engineering programs push that number above 60,000. 

Even colleges and vocational programs can range from CAD 7,000 to CAD 22,000+, depending on the field and intensity of the program. 

In short: expect wide variation. The program, the prestige of the institution, and whether it’s lab-heavy or theory-based will all swing the cost up or down. But most international students can expect to spend anywhere from about CAD 19,000 to CAD 60,000 a year in tuition alone. 

Living Expenses in Canada 

It’s not exciting to talk about groceries and transit, but that’s where a lot of your money really goes. 

What you’ll likely spend: 

• Housing / Rent: Rent still varies dramatically across the country. On-campus housing or homestays can cost between CAD 400 to 1,500+ per month. Off-campus shared apartments in big cities (Toronto, Vancouver) can cost CAD 700 to 2,500+ per month. While in smaller cities similar rentals have much more affordable housing options, averaging around CAD 1,300.

• Food & Groceries: Budget CAD 200–400/month (if you cook most meals). Eating out frequently will push that higher. 

• Utilities, Internet, Phone: Expect CAD 50–150/month, depending on your accommodation and city. 

• Transportation: Monthly transit passes typically cost CAD 80–150 in big cities. Some towns or campuses have lower rates or student discounts. 

• Books, Supplies, Misc.: There’s always the surprise cost – lab kits, software, course-specific fees, printing, trips. Budget CAD 500–1,500/year (or more for specialized programs). 

• Health Insurance & Miscellaneous Fees: Some provinces or universities require international students to carry mandatory health or insurance plans. Factor that in (hundreds per year), depending on your location. Take a look at our guide to see if you’ll need health insurance while studying in Canada.
  

Proof of Funds & Immigration Requirements 

You can’t just plan to “figure things out” later. Canada requires you to demonstrate financial support when you apply for your study permit. 

As of September 1, 2025, the minimum required proof of funds amount (for provinces outside Québec) for living expenses for a single student is CAD 22,895 (excluding tuition and travel). Previously, the requirement was CAD 20,635; this increase reflects rising living costs and inflation.  

If you’re bringing family members, the required funds are higher (for example: two people = CAD 28,502, three people = CAD 35,040). In Québec, there’s a separate schedule of living costs you must show (e.g. CAD 15,508 for one person under certain conditions).

So yes – when you apply, you’ll need to show real proof, such as bank statements, scholarship letters, or financial guarantees. 

Work Permit Costs (Study and Post-Study) 

Most international students in Canada will apply for at least one type of work permit, either during or after their studies. 

During studies (Co-op or Internship Work Permit)

If your program includes a mandatory internship or co-op term, you’ll need a co-op work permit. This is free of charge when you apply alongside your study permit. But you may have to pay an $85 biometrics fee if you have not provided biometrics in the last 10 years. 

After graduation (Post-Graduation Work Permit PGWP)

When you finish an eligible program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), you can apply for a Post Graduate Work Permit to stay and work in Canada. A PGWP will cost CAD 155, and you will also need to pay the $100.00 “Open Work Permit Holder” fee. 

Ways to Reduce or Offset the Costs 

Here are some strategies to cut some of those costs: 

• Scholarships & Bursaries: Many Canadian universities offer merit or need-based awards for international students. It’s worth applying early. 

• Graduate assistantships / research funding: For master’s or PhD candidates, securing a teaching or research role can offset tuition. 

• Part-time work: On a valid Canadian study permit, you can work up to 20 hours per week during classes and full time during breaks. That won’t cover everything but it definitely helps with you day to day expenses. 

• Choosing a lower cost city/province: A city like Winnipeg, Halifax, or smaller towns will have far cheaper housing. 

• Living frugally: This could be sharing apartments, cooking instead of eating out, biking instead of paying for public transit. 

• Program selection: Some fields (arts, humanities) are often less expensive than lab-intensive or professional ones (medicine, engineering, business).  

Surprise Costs and Tips 

• Tuition hikes: Universities often raise fees each year. What’s affordable now might get steeper in year 2 or 3.
• Mandatory fees: Student services, health, activity fees – these are often non-negotiable and sometimes hidden.
• Exchange rates matter: Depending on your home currency, fluctuations can make your life harder (or easier).
• Budget slack: Always overestimate, set aside 10–20% “buffer money” for surprises (medical, emergencies, travel).
• Early planning: The earlier you start financial planning, the more time you have to apply for aid or get a job lined up.

So, is Canada cheap? Not by any stretch, especially for international students. But compared to some countries, the value you get (quality, safety, work opportunities) can make it worth it. If you plan early, pick your location carefully, and use all the financial tools available, it’s entirely possible to study in this top destination for international students. 

Read more in our Study in Canada resources for tips on schools, visas, and life as an international student.