Canada has become one of the top destinations for Indian students looking to pursue higher education abroad. Its globally recognized universities, safe environment, multicultural society, and promising post-study work opportunities make it especially attractive. However, before planning your academic journey, it’s essential to understand the total cost of studying in Canada, including tuition, living expenses, travel, and miscellaneous costs.

In this detailed guide, we break down the average cost of studying in Canada for Indian students in 2025 so you can prepare a realistic budget and plan ahead.

Tuition Fees in Canada for Indian Students

Tuition fees form the largest portion of study expenses in Canada. Costs vary depending on your program and institution. On average, undergraduate courses range from CAD 15,000 to CAD 25,000 per year. Postgraduate programs typically cost between CAD 18,000 and CAD 30,000, while MBA programs can go up to CAD 40,000 annually. PhD programs are relatively more affordable, ranging from CAD 7,000 to CAD 15,000 per year. These figures help you estimate your academic investment in Canada accurately.

Popular Courses and Their Fee Range:

• Engineering/IT: CAD 20,000 – CAD 35,000

• Business/Management: CAD 20,000 – CAD 45,000

• Health Sciences/Pharmacy: CAD 30,000 – CAD 50,000

• Humanities/Arts: CAD 13,000 – CAD 20,000

Cost of Living in Canada

Living costs in Canada vary depending on the city, type of accommodation, and lifestyle choices. Cities like Toronto and Vancouver are more expensive, whereas places like Winnipeg or Halifax are more affordable.

Breakdown of Monthly Living Expenses in Canada for Indian Students

Living in Canada as a student requires careful budgeting. Here's a detailed overview of the average monthly and annual expenses you can expect:

• Accommodation (Rent): The cost of housing ranges between CAD 700 to CAD 1,200 per month, depending on the city and whether you choose on-campus or off-campus living. Annually, this adds up to CAD 8,400 to CAD 14,400.

• Food and Groceries: Monthly grocery expenses typically fall between CAD 200 and CAD 300, depending on your diet and eating habits. Annually, this can total CAD 2,400 to CAD 3,600.

• Public Transport: Most students rely on buses, trains, or metro services. Transportation costs are approximately CAD 80 to CAD 150 per month, or CAD 960 to CAD 1,800 annually.

• Utilities & Internet: Basic services like electricity, heating, water, and internet add up to around CAD 100 to CAD 200 per month, translating to CAD 1,200 to CAD 2,400 a year.

• Health Insurance: While some provinces cover health insurance under tuition fees, in others, private coverage is needed. It usually costs between CAD 50 and CAD 70 monthly, or CAD 600 to CAD 840 annually.

• Miscellaneous Expenses: These include personal items, entertainment, clothing, mobile bills, and unexpected costs. Students should budget around CAD 100 to CAD 300 monthly, totaling CAD 1,200 to CAD 3,600 per year.

Student Accommodation Options

Types of Accommodation:

1. On-Campus Residences: Usually offered by universities; costs range from CAD 800 to CAD 1,500 per month including meals.

2. Off-Campus Rentals: Shared apartments or independent housing; costs CAD 600 – CAD 1,200 per month.

3. Homestays: Living with a Canadian host family; costs around CAD 700 – CAD 1,000 monthly, often including meals.

Students often choose to live with roommates to cut down on rent and utility expenses.

Transportation Costs

Most Canadian cities have efficient and student-friendly public transport systems. Monthly passes for buses, trains, and subways cost between CAD 80 and CAD 150, with discounts available for students.

Owning a car is generally not recommended for students due to high fuel, insurance, and maintenance costs.

Health Insurance

Health coverage is mandatory for international students in Canada. Some provinces include health insurance in tuition fees, while others require private plans.

• Provincial Health Plans: Offered in provinces like Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario.

• Private Health Insurance: Costs about CAD 600 – CAD 1,000 per year if not covered by the province.

Always check with your university about the health insurance policy included.

Additional Costs to Consider

Visa Fees:

• Canada student visa application fee: CAD 150

• Biometrics fee: CAD 85

Flight Tickets:

• One-way flight from India to Canada: CAD 800 – CAD 1,500 depending on season and city

Textbooks and Supplies:

• Estimated cost: CAD 500 – CAD 1,000 per year

Clothing (especially winter gear):

• Initial shopping cost: CAD 300 – CAD 500

Scholarships for Indian Students in Canada

Scholarships can significantly reduce your financial burden. Some popular ones include:

• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

• Ontario Graduate Scholarships (OGS)

• Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships

• UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award

• Commonwealth Scholarship Plan

Scholarships are merit-based and may cover tuition, living expenses, or both. Always check deadlines and requirements early.

Post-Graduation Work and Earnings

After completing your studies, you can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) valid up to 3 years, allowing you to gain international work experience.

Part-time jobs during studies (20 hours/week) and full-time work during vacations can help support your living expenses. On average, students earn CAD 15 – CAD 20 per hour, depending on the job and location.

Total Cost Estimate for Indian Students Studying in Canada

For Indian students planning to study in Canada, the total annual cost typically ranges from CAD 30,000 to CAD 61,000, depending on the university, course, city, and lifestyle. This includes tuition fees, which range between CAD 15,000 to CAD 35,000 (approximately ₹9 to ₹21.5 lakhs), and living expenses, which range from CAD 15,000 to CAD 26,000 (around ₹9 to ₹15.9 lakhs). When converted to Indian Rupees, the total cost of studying in Canada annually comes to approximately ₹18 to ₹37.4 lakhs. Planning ahead with scholarships, part-time work, and smart budgeting can help Indian students manage these expenses effectively while enjoying a quality international education.

Conclusion

While studying in Canada involves considerable expenses, the long-term benefits—world-class education, global exposure, and career opportunities—make it a worthy investment. With proper planning, scholarships, part-time work, and budgeting, Indian students can successfully manage their finances and make the most of their academic journey.

Whether you're aiming for a top university or a career in Canada post-graduation, understanding the complete cost of studying in Canada is the first step toward a successful application and future.