mpared to many other countries, studies are very affordable in Canada. As a rough guide, your tuition could be between CA$20,000 and CA$30,000 per year. This cost scale represents an average that varies by educational institution and program of study. Costs for accommodation and food, and other living expenses vary depending on location and your personal needs, and could be close to CA$15,000 per year.

Tuition fees for international students vary by province and study program. The table below presents the weighted average tuition fees (in Canadian dollars) for full-time international students, by discipline.

Tuition fees for international students by field of study in 2019-2020*
Discipline groups
Health, other, parks, recreation and fitness

Personal protection and transportation services

Source: Statistics Canada Tuition and living expenses

However, keep in mind that the costs associated with a university education are not limited to tuition fees. Your budget should also consider books, personal living expenses, and housing.

The University of British Columbia-students in campus room with pictures of past presidentsIn accordance with Citizenship and Immigration Canada regulations, you must prove that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your studies in Canada before starting your study program. From the first stages of the process, it is important that you take stock of your financial situation and examine the possibility of obtaining a scholarship that will help finance your studies.

Lodging

Most universities offer students on-campus residences, some of which are reserved for international students. However, admission to a Canadian institution does not guarantee a room in residence. Students must apply separately for accommodation on campus. Costs vary from one establishment to another and will depend on the options chosen, such as a single room or a meal plan.

Some international students choose to live in apartments off campus. A two-bedroom apartment rents on average for $1,577 per month* in Canada. This price varies according to the city, the district and the type of accommodation. As a tenant, you may also have to pay for services such as electricity, telephone, Internet access and cable TV, in addition to personal expenses and tenant insurance.
*Source: CMHC (Fall 2019)

Some students decide to share an apartment or a house to reduce their housing costs, or to rent a room from a private individual with the possibility of using the kitchen for a certain fee.

Most universities have a housing or student services office that can answer questions and find on-campus or off-campus accommodation.

Transport

Depending on where you live, you might be able to walk or bike to college. In large cities, students often opt for public transportation: the bus, subway, commuter train or ferry. Individual one-way tickets usually cost a few dollars and monthly passes between $80 and $150, although most transit companies offer student discounts.

Health Insurance

All international students in Canada must have health insurance. Covered medical expenses for international students vary from province to province. In Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador and Saskatchewan, international students are covered by the provincial health insurance plan, but coverage generally depends on the length of stay.