Study in Canada
By admin 26/10/2026 21/10/2026
Canada remains a top choice for Indian students, but the cost picture has shifted. Since 1 September 2026, study permit applicants must show more money for living costs, and the study permit cap means fewer seats and more careful planning. Before you apply, you need a realistic number for tuition, living expenses and one-time costs. This guide breaks down the cost of studying in Canada for Indian students for 2027 intakes, with figures in Canadian dollars and rupees, and practical ways to keep the total down.
What this guide covers
- Total cost at a glance
- Tuition fees by programme type
- Living costs by city
- Proof of funds for the study permit
- One-time costs
- Part-time work
- How to reduce the cost
- FAQs
Cost of studying in Canada at a glance
Using an approximate rate of ₹63 to the Canadian dollar (check the current rate before planning):
| Expense | Per year (CAD) | Per year (approx. ₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate tuition | $20,000 to $40,000 | ₹12.6 lakh to ₹25 lakh |
| Master's tuition | $18,000 to $40,000 | ₹11.3 lakh to ₹25 lakh |
| College diploma or postgraduate certificate | $14,000 to $22,000 | ₹8.8 lakh to ₹13.9 lakh |
| Living costs (outside Quebec) | $18,000 to $26,000 | ₹11.3 lakh to ₹16.4 lakh |
Ranges are typical for international students and vary by institution, course and city. Engineering, business and health programmes at research universities sit at the top of the range.
Tuition fees by programme type
University bachelor's degrees
Four-year degrees at universities such as Toronto, UBC and McGill usually cost more than at smaller or regional universities. Some programmes charge more in later years.
Master's degrees
Course-based master's (MEng, MBA, MPP) usually charge full international fees. Thesis-based master's (MSc, MASc) often come with research assistantships or funding that can reduce the cost significantly. See our guide to masters programs in Canada for Indian students for options by field.
College programmes
One: and two-year college programmes are cheaper, but check post-graduation work permit eligibility carefully. Since 2024, only some college fields lead to a PGWP.
Living costs by city
| City | Typical monthly cost (CAD) | What drives it |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto | $1,800 to $2,500 | High rents, even for shared rooms |
| Vancouver | $1,800 to $2,600 | Very high rents |
| Montreal | $1,400 to $2,000 | Lower rents, but French helps with jobs |
| Ottawa, Calgary, Edmonton | $1,400 to $2,000 | Moderate rents |
| Halifax, Winnipeg, Regina, Saskatoon | $1,200 to $1,700 | Lower rents and smaller cities |
Rent is the biggest variable. A shared apartment off campus is usually cheaper than university residence, but budget for a deposit and furniture.
Proof of funds for the Canadian study permit
IRCC raised the living-cost requirement for study permit applications made on or after 1 September 2026 :
| Family size | Funds required for living costs (outside Quebec) |
|---|---|
| Student only | CAD 23,448 (about ₹14.8 lakh) |
This is on top of your first-year tuition and travel costs. Larger amounts apply if family members come with you, and Quebec sets its own figures. You can show funds through a GIC, bank statements, an education loan, scholarships or a combination. Check the current table on the official IRCC proof of financial support page , and read our guide to Canada study permit new rules for the cap and PAL requirement.
One-time costs to budget for
| Item | Approx. cost |
|---|---|
| Study permit fee | CAD 150 |
| Biometrics | CAD 85 |
| IELTS, PTE or TOEFL | ₹17,000 to ₹18,000 |
| Application fees (per institution) | CAD 100 to 200 |
| Medical exam (if required) | ₹5,000 to ₹6,000 |
| Flight from Chennai | ₹70,000 to ₹1.2 lakh one way |
| Health insurance (if not covered by the province) | CAD 600 to 1,000 a year |
| Winter clothing and settling in | CAD 800 to 1,500 |
Government fees can change, so confirm them on the IRCC website before you apply.
Part-time work while studying
Eligible students can work up to 24 hours a week off campus during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks. At typical entry-level wages, this can cover a good part of your groceries, transport and phone, but it is not enough to pay tuition. Do not plan your budget assuming you will find work immediately.
How to reduce the cost of studying in Canada
- Choose cities wisely: universities in the Prairies and Atlantic Canada often have lower tuition and much lower rent.
- Apply for scholarships early: many entrance scholarships are automatic for strong applicants who apply before priority deadlines. See our list of scholarships for Indian students in Canada .
- Consider thesis-based master's: funding packages can offset most tuition.
- Share accommodation and cook at home.
- Use an education loan from a specified lender to avoid TCS on remittances and, under the old tax regime, claim a deduction on the interest.
FAQs on the cost of studying in Canada
How much does it cost to study in Canada for Indian students per year?
Roughly CAD 36,000 to CAD 66,000 a year including tuition and living costs, or about ₹23 lakh to ₹42 lakh, depending on the programme and city.
How much bank balance is needed for a Canada student visa?
First-year tuition plus CAD 23,448 for living costs for a single student outside Quebec, for applications made from 1 September 2026, plus travel costs.
Is a GIC mandatory?
No. A GIC is one accepted way to show funds, but you can use other proof such as bank statements, loans or scholarships.
Which is the cheapest city to study in Canada?
Smaller cities such as Regina, Saskatoon, Winnipeg and Halifax are usually cheaper than Toronto or Vancouver.
Can I fund my studies with part-time work?
Part-time work helps with daily expenses but cannot cover tuition. You must show sufficient funds before applying.
Plan a realistic Canadian budget
Canada is still achievable for many Indian families when the course, city and funding are chosen carefully. Plan for the new funds requirement and the cap from the start.
edbgo helps Indian students planning to study in Canada compare institutions by total cost, apply for scholarships, arrange education loans and prepare complete study permit files. Talk to our Chennai team for a personalised budget.
Post Tags: # Canada Study Permit # Study Abroad Cost # Study in Canada
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