Cost of Studying in Canada for Indian Students 2026: Detailed Guide

The total cost of studying in Canada is CAD 30,000 (INR 19 Lakhs) to CAD 42,000 (INR 26 Lakhs), with CAD 56,000 (INR 35 Lakhs) being the average cost of studying. With strong academic quality, diversity, and a high quality of life, Canada is one of the most popular study abroad destinations in the world. There are more than 20 globally-ranked universities in Canada, like the University of Toronto and McGill University, offering excellent programs in business, technology, and healthcare. 

In this blog, let’s discuss the tuition, living expenses, and other fees you need to keep in mind while planning your education in Canada.

The total cost of studying in Canada ranges from CAD 30,000 (INR 19 Lakhs) to CAD 42,000 (INR 26 Lakhs), depending on your program level, institution, and lifestyle. This includes both one-time costs, such as application fees, visa charges, flights, and language tests, as well as recurring expenses like tuition, rent, and living costs. 

Indian students applying through the SDS category also need a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) worth over CAD 20,000 (INR 12.5 Lakhs), making it one of the largest upfront expenses. Rent in major Canadian cities like Toronto can range from CAD 700 (INR 43,908) to 1,200 (INR 75,272) per month, adding to your total cost of studying in Canada. 

Here's a detailed table to help you understand the average costs:

The tuition cost of studying in Canada can range from CAD 15,000 (INR 9.4 Lakhs) to CAD 30,000 (INR 19 Lakhs) per year. According to Statistics Canada, the average cost of an undergraduate degree in Canada is close to CAD 22,000 (INR 1.4 Lakhs) per year, while for a postgraduate, it is generally cheaper, at about CAD 17,000 (INR 11 Lakhs) annually. But this may change depending on your program, university, and other factors. 

Here is an overview of average program fees along with their usual durations.

UG Course Fees in Canada

UG course fees in Canada can range from CAD 22,000 (INR 1.4 Lakhs) to CAD 30,000 (INR 19 Lakhs). Humanities courses are usually cheaper, while STEM-related degrees are more expensive. Surprisingly, undergraduate business courses are cheaper than the national average, at CAD 6000 (INR 4 Lakhs). 

Below is a breakdown of yearly fee ranges for leading undergraduate universities, which will assist you in comparing fees as you plot your education path.

(Note: A typical academic year has 30 credits, but this may differ depending on various programs and universities).

PG Course Fees in Canada

Generally, postgraduate courses are cheaper in Canada than undergraduate courses. The average cost of studying PG in Canada can range from CAD 15,000 (INR 9.4 Lakhs) to CAD 30,000 (INR 19 Lakhs). The cost may differ depending on credits. 

Below is a summary of the annual fee brackets and top institutions for major postgraduate programs to facilitate your next move.

Canada offers many cheap universities that give you an excellent education without breaking your bank. Some of these include the University of Prince Edward Island and the University of the Fraser Valley. While the cost is not dramatically different, they still offer cheaper alternatives. 

Check out the most affordable universities in Canada below:

The cost of education in Canada varies widely across provinces, depending on the differences in government assistance, institutional needs, and regional living expenses. One of the most expensive provinces for international undergraduate students is Ontario, where the average tuition fee is CAD 42,100 (INR 25 lakhs). Ontario is home to some of Canada’s top universities, such as the University of Toronto, the University of Waterloo, and Western University. 

In contrast, New Brunswick offers the lowest tuition fees for both undergraduate and graduate students. With undergraduate fees averaging CAD 16,400 (INR 10 lakhs) and graduate fees at CAD 13,100 (INR 7 lakhs), it is a popular choice for students seeking affordability without compromising educational quality.

The combination of resource-hungry programs (labs, clinical placements) and classroom-based programs impacts each province's mean, so you get the spreads you see in the table below:

Indian students' living costs and tuition at Canadian universities are included in their overall cost of attendance. The Canadian university and the course you enroll in determine the fees. You must pay the university the Canadian tuition fees for your course after you get the university's unconditional offer letter. While some colleges may ask you to pay tuition fees for the entire first year, others may charge you per term.

The cost of living in Canada varies according to the city you live in and the lifestyle you choose. Need clarity on the factors influencing the total and average expenses of studying in Canada? Check the table below!

Vancouver and Toronto are the most expensive Canadian cities for international students due to high rents and other costs, often exceeding CAD 4,000 (INR 2.5) per month. On the other hand, cities like Winnipeg, Montreal, and Calgary offer significantly lower monthly expenses, around CAD 2,000 to CAD 2,400 (INR 1.2 to INR 1.4 lakhs), while still providing strong education infrastructure and quality of life. When choosing where to study in Canada, it's essential to look beyond tuition and factor in city-wise living expenses, which can have a major impact on your overall budget.

To get a general idea of the spectrum of prices across cities, refer to the table below:

Monthly accommodation costs in Canada range from CAD 600- 2500 (INR 36,000- 1.5 lakhs). Where you decide to stay and how close it is to campus or the city centre can influence your rent a great deal, which is your biggest monthly expense. While some charge higher rents for ease of location, others have more affordable alternatives in quieter suburbs. 

The table below highlights the different monthly housing options to provide you with a better sense of how these variations affect your overall cost of living.

If you are applying for a Canadian student visa as an Indian student, it will be around CAD 150 (INR 9000). The process of getting to Canada entails two sets of charges in the official domain. These are application fees and visa costs. 

To give you a clear idea of what to expect, each category has been broken down into the sections below:

Canada Student Visa

If you're planning on studying in Canada, getting a student visa is one of the most important things to do. The process has a few compulsory fees that pay for review of the application, verification of identity, and other procedures.

• A processing fee of CAD 150 (INR 9000) for your study permit.
• A biometrics fee of CAD 85 (INR 5100) is charged when they take your fingerprints and photo at your visa appointment. 

Application Fees for Indian Students

Each university in Canada has a different application fee. The fees are used for processing your application, examining your academic credentials, and providing admission decisions. 

While these costs vary across courses and universities, the following provides a general idea:

• For the  Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC), there is a fixed fee of CAD 156 CAD/ INR 9500 with which you can select up to 3 courses. 
• For additional courses, a fee of CAD 50 / INR 3050 is added per subject. As an international student, you also need to pay CAD 10/ INR 610 as a service fee.
• For the applications of individual universities, you can expect to pay CAD 100 to CAD 250/ INR 6000 to INR 15,000 on average.

As an international student, you have to submit English proficiency test scores along with your application to a Canadian university.  Depending on the stream of immigration, one might have to sit for certain versions of standardised tests such as IELTS, CELPIP, or PTE. Here is a brief test version requirement and fee comparison.

As an international student, you will also need to pay certain miscellaneous fees, such as the overseas student health cover and GIC (guaranteed investment certificate). These add up to your total cost of studying in Canada. 

Let’s discuss them in detail below:

Certificat d’acceptation du Quebec (CAQ)

To study at universities in Québec,  you need permission from the governments of Québec and Canada. It can be done by applying for a certificate of acceptance based on the course duration. This requires you to pay an application fee of CAD 124 (INR 7,500) and charges CAD 31.98 (INR 2000)  for sending the documents to Quebec.

Overseas Student Health Cover

The average yearly cost of health insurance premiums varies between CAD 600 (INR 37,210) to CAD 900 (INR 55,820). Having health insurance as an international student is obligatory. Some provinces in Canada offer free health care, make sure you check them.

It is also mandatory to have health insurance coverage before you apply for your Canadian student visa. The insurance certificate must be produced for your university before you begin your term.

Proof Of Funds

You need to submit proof of funds to get a student permit in Canada. This also depends on the region, so make sure to check the requirements of the universities and the provinces you’re applying to. 

GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate)

This form is a part of the documents required to get a student permit as part of the financial proof. The students must buy a special guaranteed investment certificate (GIC) from participating banks like Nova Scotia Bank, ICICI Bank, SBI Canada Bank, and CIBC Bank for CAD 20,635 (INR 12 lakhs), which adjusts for the living expenses of the first year. Approximately CAD 200 (INR 12,400) will be deducted as administrative charges of the bank.

As an Indian student, you can avail many scholarships to study in Canada, like the Ontario Trillium Scholarship and the York University International Student Scholarship. These can offer up to CAD 70,000 (INR 44 lakhs) and cover your tuition as well as living expenses. 

The Canadian Government, different universities, and even private sources recognise the need to offer financial aid. These scholarships and grants are both need-based and merit-based. 

As studying on a scholarship significantly lessens your economic burden, we strongly recommend pursuing and applying for the scholarship choices outlined below.

Studying in Canada as an international student can be expensive. But there are multiple ways to budget in order to save money, by applying for scholarships and financial aid, using student discounts wherever applicable, and sharing accommodation with flatmates/roommates. 

The following are some intelligent, practical tips to assist you in stretching your dollars and getting the most out of your student experience:

Apply for Scholarships & Financial Aid

Several Canadian universities provide generous scholarship opportunities to international students. With these, you can wipe off much of the expenditure on tuition and travel. Early and proper applications pay off, quite literally.

Share Accommodation to Cut Costs

As a student in Canada, your largest monthly expenditure will be on housing. You will find that sharing an apartment can bring your rent down by  CAD 600 (INR 36,000), which is half the amount you would pay for a one-bedroom apartment, CAD 1,200 (INR 73,000). Utilities such as heating and the internet also become cheaper. 

Make the Most of Student Discounts

From travel and technology to food and clothing, most Canadian merchants and service companies provide discounts of as much as 20% for students. Presenting your student ID is all it takes to tap into bargains that keep living easy without sacrificing enjoyment.

Work Part-Time on Campus

Foreign students in Canada can work for a maximum of 20 hours a week during term time.  On-campus jobs pay approximately CAD 13- 15 per hour (INR 700-900). This amount can greatly increase your purchasing power while you get some local experience and interact with people.

Purchase Used Textbooks

Books for courses are unexpectedly pricey, but you don’t need to pay the full price every time. Most campus bookstores and websites offer second-hand or electronic copies at a 50% discount or more. 

Use Public Transport 

Some cities, such as Vancouver, provide monthly student transit passes for around CAD 98 (INR 6000), which provide you with unlimited travel on buses, subways, and trains. It's a secure, efficient, and cost-effective alternative to taxis or ride-shares.