Study in Canada Costs: A Comprehensive Guide for International Students at Top Universities
The study in Canada cost has moved to the front of international students’ minds when considering studying at universities such as the University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of British Columbia. Beyond the tuition fees at these institutions, the overhead of the cost of living may be a very expensive overhead. In this blog, we break down the expense associated with studying at these great institutions, from tuition to the cost of living.
1. University of Toronto
The University of Toronto ranks first in Canada and 25th internationally in the QS World University Rankings 2024 rankings.It has three campuses—Toronto, Mississauga, and Scarborough with courses running in a vast number of programs. The tuition fees for international students vary so much depending on the course.
Arts $61,720
Commerce $61,720
Engineering $67,370
Aside from tuition, international students will also be responsible for other living costs. Living in the Toronto region is quite expensive – on-campus fees will be between $8,000 to $15,000 per year. Off-campus Median rent for a two-bedroom apartment: around $3,000 per month. If shared with another student, it would be $1,500 per student.
2. McGill University
McGill University, situated in Montreal, is a strong contender in the Canadian education sector. With over 1,200 programs offered, it holds a diverse student body, with nearly 30% coming from international backgrounds.
Arts $47,281.69
Commerce $70,894.37
Engineering $66,327.91
The city of Montreal is also known to have a lower cost of living as compared to other big Canadian cities like Toronto and Vancouver. A two-bedroom apartment in the city costs about $2,300 per month ($1,150 per student).
3. University of British Columbia (UBC)
One of Canada’s oldest and most respected institutions, the University of British Columbia (UBC) offers a wide range of undergraduate programs at its two campuses in Vancouver and Okanagan. Renowned for innovative research and services to international students, UBC welcomes students from all over the world.
Arts: $47,189.40
Commerce: $61,061.10
Engineering: $60,622.65
While UBC offers world-class academic opportunities, the cost of living in Vancouver is rather steep. The two-bedroom apartment costs $3,700 monthly as of September 2024, which translates to $1,850 for each student.
4. University of Alberta
The University of Alberta is situated in Edmonton. It has three campuses and an outstanding reputation in terms of academics. The university offers more than 200 undergraduate programs and was ranked among the top 100 globally in 2024. Its tuition fees are pegged at $33,968.40 for Arts, $61,061.10 for Commerce, and $60,622.65 for Engineering.
With the costs of living being lower than in other major cities across Canada, international students can quite enjoy quality education without having to take up much from their pocket money. In Edmonton, median rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,650 per month, $850 per student when split.
5. University of Waterloo
Apart from being known for their innovative co-op programs that provide students with practical skills in their chosen domain, the University of Waterloo is one of those universities in Ontario that have gained excellent status and recognition for their programs on engineering, business, and arts.
Honours Arts: $57,000
Global Business and Digital Arts: $55,000
Engineering: $73,000
Waterloo, ON, is not that affordable for a student: a median two-bedroom apartment costs $2,350 per month or $1,175 per student.
Factors Other Than Tuition: Canadian Cost of Living
International students will be expected to cover other living expenses in Canada, such as rent, groceries, utilities, transportation, among other personal expenses, besides tuition. Some costs with cities like Vancouver and Toronto are pricey, while cities like Edmonton and Montreal are more affordable. Sample Monthly Living Expenses:
Rent: $1,150 – $1,850 (depending on city, live shared accommodation)
Groceries: $300-$500
Utilities (Internet, electricity, heating): $100 – $200
Public transport: $100 – $150.
Conclusion
Tution at some of Canada’s top universities is quite high, especially factoring the tuition fees and life expenditures. Nevertheless, academic courses and quality living remain among the reasons why students from all around the world prefer the Canadian study destination. Financial planning, therefore becomes part of the planning for students who plan to come and study in Canada to ensure coverage of both academic and relevant life costs throughout their stay in the country.
