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Estimated costs of studying in Canada

Published on July 30, 2024

Estimated costs of studying in Canada

Studying in Canada is a dream for many young people. A common question is: How much does it cost to study in Canada? This article will provide you with a comprehensive and detailed overview of the expenses associated with studying in the maple leaf country.

What expenses are involved in studying in Canada?

Canada is an ideal study destination thanks to its high-quality education system, safe and multicultural living environment. Universities here offer diverse programs that combine theory and practice, helping students develop comprehensively. The Canadian government also supports international students with work and residency policies post-graduation. Reasonable tuition and living costs, along with scholarship and financial aid opportunities, are major advantages. Studying in Canada not only improves language skills but also broadens perspectives and advances careers in an international setting.

Estimated expenses when studying in Canada

  • Tuition Fees
  • Application Fees
  • Visa Application Fees
  • Living Expenses

How much are tuition fees in Canada?

Tuition fees are the largest expense and vary depending on the program and school. Generally, programs in Canada have tuition fees ranging from $15,000 to $40,000 per year. Programs in engineering, medicine, and business typically have higher tuition fees compared to social sciences and humanities.

  • High School: $23,000 - $29,000/year (public) and $25,000 - $40,000/year (private)
  • College: $15,000 - $20,000/year
  • Undergraduate: $18,000 - $40,000/year
  • Postgraduate: $17,000 - $40,000/year

To reduce financial burden, many international students seek scholarships and grants from schools or external organizations. Scholarships can significantly save money, and many Canadian schools offer scholarships specifically for international students. Choosing a school and program that fits your family’s financial capability is also important.

Does studying in Canada offer scholarships?

Application Fees for Schools in Canada

Application fees are paid to schools for processing admission applications from international students. Application fees usually range from 50 CAD to 250 CAD, depending on the school. This fee is non-refundable and must be paid when you submit your application. The fee can vary between schools and programs. For prestigious schools or special programs, application fees may be higher.

Before, during and after applying for a Letter of Acceptance Canada

 

 Estimated costs of studying in Canada for international students

Visa application fees for studying in Canada 

To study in Canada, you need to apply for a student visa and pay certain fees:

  • Government Fee: $150
  • Biometrics Fee: $85
  • Medical Examination Fee: $126 (Ho Chi Minh City), $147 (Hanoi)

If applying for a visa under financial proof, students need to prepare certain financial documents such as:

  • Bank deposits for the last 2 months
  • Savings account
  • Employment contract, social insurance, personal income tax receipts, salary account statements, etc., to prove employment and income from salary
  • Business license, tax receipts (for 6 months) if parents run a business
  • Property documents such as house, land, car,…

For visa applications under the SDS program without financial proof, students need to prepare:

  • Purchase of a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a Canadian bank: 20,635 CAD
  • Payment of the first-year tuition fee

6 things to know about medical exams for Canada Visa application

Details of 6 steps for a Canada study visa

Living expenses in Canada

Living expenses include accommodation, food, transportation, and other personal expenses.

  • Accommodation: Depending on the type and location, accommodation costs range from $600 to $1,600 per month. You can choose to live in a dormitory, rent a private house, or share a house with friends. Dormitories are often more convenient as they are close to the school and have good security, but the cost can be higher than renting a private house.
  • Food: Approximately $300 - $400 per person per month. You can save money by cooking for yourself instead of eating out. Many supermarkets and food stores in Canada offer weekly discounts, so take advantage of them to shop economically. Dining out costs about $20 - $60 per person per meal.
  • Transportation: Public transportation costs around 100 CAD to 150 CAD per month. Many cities offer monthly passes for students at discounted rates.
  • Other Expenses: Include books, study materials, health insurance, and entertainment activities. On average, about 1,000 CAD to 2,000 CAD per year, specifically, study materials cost around $200 - $1,000 per year, health insurance $300 - $800 per year, and other expenses $200 - $300 per month.

In conclusion, studying in Canada opens up many learning and new experiences opportunities but also requires thorough financial preparation. Hopefully, this article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the necessary expenses when studying in Canada. Plan and prepare well for a smooth and successful study journey.