Cost of studying in Canada for Indian students: Complete Guide

Canada has become a top choice for Indian students looking for high-quality, affordable international education. While tuition is relatively lower than in other popular countries, you should still prepare for a variety of expenses—like accommodation, food, health insurance, and transport.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to plan your study budget in Canada.

1. Tuition Fees – What to Expect

Tuition fees are the biggest part of your study budget. Costs vary based on your program and university.

Here’s a quick overview:

Study Program	Average Annual Tuition (CAD)
Undergraduate Program	13,000 – 20,000
Postgraduate (Master’s)	17,000 – 25,000
Doctoral Program	7,000 – 15,000
MBA	30,000 – 40,000

Arts and humanities programs are generally more affordable.
Engineering, medicine, and business programs tend to cost more.

MBA programs are among the most expensive.

2. Accommodation Costs

Where and how you live in Canada greatly impacts your overall expenses. You have three main options:

On-campus housing: CAD 8,000 – 10,000/year

Shared off-campus apartment: CAD 400 – 700/month

Homestay with a local family: CAD 750 – 950/month (+ CAD 200 placement fee)

3. Visa and Study Permit Costs

Before you can study in Canada, you’ll need a study permit, which costs about CAD 150.

Make sure to apply early and check for updates on visa rules.

4. Living Expenses

Besides tuition and rent, you'll spend on daily needs like food, mobile services, transport, and books. Here's a breakdown:

Phone & internet: ~CAD 20/month
Groceries, entertainment, and personal needs: Varies, but average CAD 15,000/year
Books & supplies:
Engineering books: CAD 250–350
Medicine/law books: Higher

Save by using second-hand books or digital editions

5. Health Insurance

Health insurance is mandatory for all international students in Canada.

Cost: CAD 600 – 900/year

In some provinces (like British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec), you may be covered under provincial health plans based on your stay.

6. Transportation

How much you spend on getting around depends on the city:

Public transport pass: CAD 80 – 110/month
Larger cities have subways, buses, and trains; smaller towns may have limited transport
Park & Ride options are available in some cities

For longer travel, you can use trains, intercity buses, or domestic flights

7. Working While You Study & Taxes

As an Indian student in Canada, you can:

Work up to 20 hours/week during classes

Work full-time during breaks

But remember:

You must apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN)

Any income earned in Canada (including scholarships or assistantships) may be taxable

Final Budgeting Tips

Here’s how to make your study abroad plan more affordable:

Apply for scholarships and bursaries
Take up part-time jobs
Opt for shared or budget-friendly housing
Use student discounts for transit, shopping, and entertainment

Monitor exchange rates to better manage remittance from India

Estimated Annual Budget for an Indian Student in Canada:

Expense Type	Estimated Annual Cost (CAD)
Tuition Fees	13,000 – 40,000
Accommodation	4,800 – 11,400
Food & Daily Living	3,000 – 5,000
Books & Supplies	500 – 1,000
Health Insurance	600 – 900
Transportation	960 – 1,320
Total (approx.)	22,860 – 59,620/year

🎯 Final Thoughts

Studying in Canada is a smart investment if you plan and budget wisely. With affordable tuition, good quality of life, and part-time work opportunities, it’s possible to make the most of your experience without breaking the bank.