Moving abroad for education is exciting, but understanding the cost of studying in Canada 2025 is crucial before making the leap. Tuition, housing, daily living, and scholarships all add up — and planning carefully ensures that you can focus more on your studies and less on financial stress. This article walks you through every aspect of expenses and opportunities, so you know exactly what to expect.
When planning to study in Canada, knowing the costs ahead of time is more than just about budgeting. It also plays a role in visa approvals, since Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires proof of funds for tuition and living. In fact, as of September 1, 2025, Canada raised the minimum financial proof requirements, meaning students now need to show even more funds before securing a study permit. This makes financial preparation not just smart but mandatory.
Tuition is usually the largest cost international students face, and it varies widely depending on your level of study and program. Undergraduate programs in Canada typically range between CAD 15,000 and CAD 35,000 annually, with courses in humanities often on the lower end, while business, engineering, and technology programs lean toward the higher side. Postgraduate or master’s programs generally cost between CAD 18,000 and CAD 40,000 or more, with MBAs and specialized business courses often being the most expensive. For PhD students, the cost tends to be lower, typically around CAD 7,000 to CAD 20,000, especially since many receive research grants, scholarships, or teaching assistantships that cover a good portion of expenses. College diplomas and certificate programs are relatively affordable, often costing between CAD 10,000 and CAD 20,000 per year. Universities in large cities like Toronto and Vancouver usually charge more, while smaller provinces may offer lower tuition.
Beyond tuition, daily living costs form the second largest expense. Accommodation costs vary depending on whether you live on or off campus. On-campus housing ranges from CAD 6,000 to CAD 12,000 per year, while off-campus shared apartments can go from CAD 8,000 to 22,000 annually, depending on the city. Groceries and food cost about CAD 3,000 to 6,000 yearly, though cooking at home is much cheaper than eating out regularly. Transportation expenses are another factor — in major cities, monthly public transit passes average CAD 80 to 150, adding up to over CAD 1,000 per year. Utilities such as electricity, heating, and internet average around CAD 100 to 150 monthly, though shared housing helps reduce this. Health insurance is mandatory and typically costs CAD 600 to 1,000 per year, depending on the province. Don’t forget about books and supplies, which can cost between CAD 500 and 2,000, plus miscellaneous items like clothing, phone bills, and entertainment. On top of this, visa application fees, biometrics, and airfare add another CAD 1,500 to 2,500 at the start of your journey. Overall, most students spend between CAD 13,000 and 23,000 yearly on living costs.
This year, one of the biggest changes is the increase in the proof-of-funds requirement. International students must now show approximately CAD 22,895 as living expenses in addition to tuition, which is about CAD 2,260 higher than before. Housing shortages in big cities like Toronto and Vancouver have also pushed rental prices to new highs, making location an even more important factor in budgeting. On the positive side, many universities are increasing scholarship opportunities to remain competitive and attract top international talent.
Where you study in Canada significantly affects your budget. Montreal and other cities in Quebec are often more affordable both in tuition and living expenses, especially if you study in French. Smaller cities in provinces like Manitoba or the Atlantic regions also offer much lower rents and food costs compared to metropolitan areas. In contrast, Toronto and Vancouver remain the most expensive places for students due to high accommodation and transport costs. Choosing a smaller city or university town can drastically reduce your overall spending without compromising education quality.
Putting all this together, a typical undergraduate in a mid-range program might spend between CAD 31,000 and 43,000 annually when tuition and living are combined. For students in high-cost programs such as engineering or business in large cities, the annual cost could reach CAD 50,000 to 65,000 or more. Master’s students usually spend between CAD 35,000 and 65,000 per year, depending on their program and location. PhD students, thanks to funding opportunities, may end up with yearly costs closer to CAD 20,000 to 35,000.
Scholarships play a vital role in reducing the cost of studying in Canada 2025. The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship is among the most prestigious, offering CAD 50,000 per year for up to three years to exceptional PhD students. For undergraduates, options like the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship at the University of Toronto or UBC’s International Leader of Tomorrow Award provide full tuition coverage and sometimes living stipends. Provincial programs such as the Ontario Graduate Scholarship also help graduate students. Many universities offer entrance and merit-based scholarships, so applying early and keeping grades high is crucial. Alongside scholarships, international students can work up to 20 hours a week during semesters and full time during breaks, helping cover everyday expenses.
The Canadian government’s increased financial requirements mean careful planning is more important than ever. Rising housing costs are putting pressure on students in large cities, so exploring smaller towns can be a cost-saving strategy. At the same time, the demand for scholarships is growing, so competition is fierce. Universities are also adjusting their fees annually to account for inflation, so costs may rise further.
Students from countries like India should factor in exchange rates and remittance charges when budgeting. It’s wise to prepare extra funds for emergencies or unexpected expenses like winter clothing or medical needs. Looking into scholarships and grants offered by your home country’s government is also a smart way to secure financial support. Choosing to cook at home, living in shared accommodation, and using student discounts for transportation can also cut down costs.
For a master’s student in Toronto or Vancouver in 2025, the yearly breakdown might look like this: tuition between CAD 25,000 and 35,000, accommodation at 10,000 to 15,000, food at 4,000 to 6,000, transportation at about 1,000 to 1,500, health insurance at roughly 800 to 1,200, books and supplies at around 1,000 to 2,000, and visa plus travel costs at 1,500 to 2,500. Adding these together, the total first-year cost comes to around CAD 45,000 to 65,000 or more, with subsequent years being slightly cheaper after the initial setup expenses.
The cost of studying in Canada 2025 is undoubtedly significant, but with smart planning, scholarship hunting, and careful budgeting, it’s manageable. Tuition ranges greatly depending on program and city, while living expenses depend heavily on lifestyle and location. With the new proof-of-funds requirements, students must prepare even more carefully, but opportunities for scholarships and part-time work balance the challenge. By making informed decisions, you can focus on building your academic and professional future in one of the most welcoming countries for international students.
UAE and Yemen attorney generals met in Abu Dhabi to strengthen legal ties, enhance public prosecutio
UAE and African Union held first political talks in Abu Dhabi, focusing on peace, investment, health
Phil Salt smashed 141* as England posted 304/2, a T20 record, to crush South Africa by 146 runs at O
Demon Slayer Infinity Castle delivers breathtaking fights and visuals, but its long runtime and too
