Last Updated on December 13, 2024
For international students, enrolling in Canadian universities and colleges requires careful planning and spending before going. To begin with, here are some tips to help you calculate the costs. International students must pay tuition fees and living expenses in Canada. Regarding the cost of living in Canada, you may be considering it for higher education, and if so, you are likely here to consider those costs. Indeed, this is the right way to plan for studying abroad as an international student. However, the cost of living in Canada is higher than in India, but it is cheaper than living in the US or UK.
Therefore, it is essential to have good financial planning to cover the expenses. Living expenses, groceries, and health insurance are the main factors affecting the cost of living in Canada. Moreover, when applying for a Canadian student visa, IRCC also asks for proof that you have enough money to cover your expenses. In this blog post, we will give you an overview of the cost of living in Canada and other related information.
Cost of Living in Canada for Indian Students
An Indian student needs INR 88,400 a month to pay for their monthly expenses, according to Numbeo. Since house rent varies depending on where you live, it is not included in this sum. Because hospital and medical insurance are so expensive in Canada, students must get them.
Every province oversees its public health insurance program. Certain universities mandate that students carry insurance. The first week following arrival is when the coverage should be obtained. A few variables influence how much it costs for Indian students to live. Below is a list of them:
Big City Life vs. Suburban Areas
Like many other places, the city’s cost of living is higher than in rural areas. As a result, many students prefer on-campus housing, which, while not the cheapest option, is often better in terms of convenience and community. In particular, Toronto and Vancouver are the most expensive cities to live in, and due to the lack of affordable housing in Toronto, prices are excessively high and are expected to continue rising. Specifically, the cost of living in Toronto for international students ranges from 1,945 to 3,713 Canadian dollars. Of course, a lot depends on where you live. For clarity, the table below shows the cost of living in Toronto for international students based on data from the University of Toronto:
| Head | Cost of Living in Canada in CAD Per Month |
| Rent | 1,900 – 2,600 |
| Utility Expenses | 230 |
| Tenant Insurance | 30 |
| Food & Grocery | 400 |
| Clothing & Shoes | 100 |
| Transport | 105 |
| Entertainment | 100 |
| Total | 2800 to 3500 |
Cost of Studying in Canada
Indian students’ living expenditures in Canada differ from city to city, and the university you are applying to will determine the best estimate of living expenses based on the school’s location. As previously stated, all Canadian colleges offer estimated costs for tuition and housing expenses. While some universities offer fair and cost-effective on-campus housing alternatives, others demand a significant amount for the same. What is the cost of living for Indian students in Canada? Indian students’ average cost of living in Canada is about CAD 18,340, with rent and housing accounting for most of that amount. This table will help you understand Canada’s approximate annual and monthly prices.
| Expenses | Monthly Cost in Canada | Annual Cost in Canada |
| Tuition | – | $19,186* |
| Student Fees | – | $400 |
| Health Insurance | $70 | $840 |
| Textbooks | – | $600 |
| On-campus Rent | $600 | $7,200 |
| Mobile phone (basic package) | $30 | $360 |
| Public Transit Pass | $40 | $480 |
| Groceries/Food | $300 | $3,600 |
| Entertainment/Clothes/Gifts | $80 | $960 |
| Car: Insurance | – | $1,500 |
| Car: Fuel | $200 | $2,400 |
| Total Expenses | $1320 | $37,526 |
University Fees for Study in Canada
| University Name | Annual Tuition Fees (CAD) |
| University of Toronto | $6,100 – $15,000 |
| University of British Columbia | $5,500 – $13,000 |
| McGill University | $7,000 – $18,000 |
| University of Alberta | $5,800 – $12,000 |
| University of Waterloo | $6,000 – $14,000 |
| Queen’s University | $6,200 – $16,000 |
| Western University | $6,500 – $15,500 |
| Simon Fraser University | $5,800 – $14,000 |
| University of Ottawa | $6,000 – $15,000 |
| Dalhousie University | $6,200 – $14,500 |
How Much Money is Required to Study in Canada
Now that prospective international students know the approximate cost of living in Canada let’s examine the amount of money needed to study there from the standpoint of the cash you must demonstrate while obtaining a student visa. Depending on whether a student is studying in Quebec or outside of it, a minimum bank balance is required for a student visa to Canada. To clarify further, the information for each is provided in the tables below:
Minimum Bank Balance for Canada Student Visa (Except Quebec):
| Person | Funds Required Annually (excluding tuition fee) – Outside Quebec |
| Primary applicant | CAD 20,000 |
Student Visa and Application Fee
Regarding student visas and application fees, students who wish to apply for academic or professional courses at a university must have a Canadian study permit. Specifically, a study permit is required for courses longer than six months. However, students enrolled for less than six months must apply for a study permit to extend their stay. As for the cost, the Canadian student visa fee is 8,542 Indian Rupees (150 Canadian dollars). Additionally, application fees vary depending on the student’s nationality and the university they are applying to. Students must submit proof of funds along with the admission letter and other necessary documents. Notably, the minimum bank balance required to apply for a Canadian student visa is INR 6,00,000 or more for one year.
Taxes in Canada
Regarding taxes in Canada, as an international student studying in Canada, you must file Canadian income tax returns depending on your residency status. Even though international students may not be earning citizenship in the country, filing taxes can be beneficial in terms of benefits like GST credits, the Child Tax Benefit, or claiming a refund. In particular, students who receive income from teaching, research assistantships, employment in Canada, or investments must file an income tax report. Furthermore, even students who receive income from outside Canada must report it.
Scholarships to Study in Canada
Indian students can get scholarships, grants, or scholarships in Canada. Fortunately, the Canadian government, along with our provinces, territories, and many educational institutions, offers scholarships for international students. Moreover, many colleges and universities in Canada provide scholarships to students to facilitate their studies and lives. For more information, see the link provided.
In addition to scholarships, students can apply to Canadian colleges without an application fee to further reduce costs. Now that students know how expensive it is to live in Canada for international students, they should apply for scholarships and seek part-time jobs to reduce expenses. For assistance with university applications, students interested in studying abroad can contact our Shiksha study abroad programs. Additionally, the contact section below allows candidates to reach out to us.
| Scholarships to Study in Canada | Vanier Canada Graduate ScholarshipsOntario Graduate ScholarshipTrudeau Scholarships and FellowshipsUBC International Leader of Tomorrow AwardBanting Postdoctoral FellowshipsUniversity of Manitoba Graduate FellowshipCanada Memorial ScholarshipLester B. Pearson International ScholarshipsOntario Trillium Scholarship |
Wrapping Up!!
Indian students in Canada face higher living costs than in India but cheaper compared to the US or UK. They must pay tuition fees and living expenses, including groceries and health insurance. The average cost is around CAD 18,340, with rent and housing being the main expenses. Students must have a minimum bank balance to study in Canada, which varies depending on their location. Scholarships and grants are available from the Canadian government, provinces, territories, and educational institutions. Students can also apply to Canadian colleges without an application fee. To reduce expenses, students should apply for scholarships and seek part-time jobs. Assistance with university applications can be found through Shiksha study abroad programs.
FAQs
Is it expensive to live in Canada?
Living in Canada can be expensive, especially in major cities like Toronto and Vancouver. However, smaller cities and towns may offer a lower cost of living, making them more affordable.
How much is a salary enough to live in Canada?
A monthly salary of around CAD 4,000-5,000 is typically enough for a comfortable lifestyle in Canada, covering essentials like rent, groceries, and transportation, but this varies by location.
What is the cost of living in Canada for Indians?
For Indians, the monthly cost of living in Canada can range from CAD 1,500-3,000, depending on lifestyle and location, including expenses like rent, food, and transportation.
How much is rent in Canada per month?
Rent in Canada can vary widely, from CAD 1,200-2,500 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in city centres to lower amounts in suburban or rural areas.
Kanishka Garg specializes in crafting informative content on study abroad education. Her passion lies in simplifying the journey for students through SEO-optimized articles and blogs. Kanishka’s commitment to clear communication and her deep understanding of international admissions processes make her blogs essential for students aiming to gain insights into top universities worldwide. With Kanishka’s blogs, students can confidently get solutions to the complexities of applying to their dream universities and achieve their academic aspirations abroad.
