This is the most complete guide that you will ever find on studying in Canada on the internet today!

We use this guide to help students like you move to Canada to study and work. 

So if you are looking to move to Canada to study, you will love this guide – as it is filled with actionable insights and useful information in capsule format.

So let’s dive right in…

CONTENTS 

• Is Canada a good destination for studying abroad?
• How much does it cost to study abroad in Canada?
• Is it cheaper to study in Canada when compared to the USA?
• What are the cheapest courses to study in Canada?
• Is it cheaper to study in Canada when compared to the USA?
• Can I stay in Canada after I finish my studies?

1. Is Canada a good destination to study abroad?

Yes, it is time to blame Canada for all its popularity in global education. But it is not unfounded. Canada consistently ranks as one of the best countries in the world to live. And currently it is the best country for quality of life.

Canada has some of the top universities in the world.
Here are some astounding facts about Canadian Education System:  

• 2 out of every 5 academics hold at least 1 international degree
•  10 of the top 250 universities worldwide – according to the QS World university rankings 2021

  From basic schooling to post-doctoral work, Canada is renowned for its academics. In my opinion, there is no other place better to study in 2021.

Canada welcomes international students with open arms
Canadians are known to be warm and friendly. It might be a stereotype but it’s true! There are more than a million international students studying in Canada right now. From urban centers to small towns, Canada is considered to be one of the safest places in the world.

Canada is ranked highest in quality of life

According to world university rankings, Canada has 4 of the top 100 student cities in the world. Needless to say Canadians enjoy a high standard of living – from healthcare, transportation, you name it, and they have it.

Affordable cost of living and tuition fees

As of 2021, there are 97 universities in Canada offering education in English and French. There is a huge variety of courses and chances are that you will find what you are looking for in this. Amongst all the English speaking countries, Canada has some of the lowest tuition fees.

An experience of a lifetime:

A Canadian study experience is like no other. It is a country that is diverse in ethnicity, culture, landscape and lifestyle.
From the resplendent colors of autumn to the snowflakes of winter, Canada has so much to offer. It is an experience like no other.

1. How much does it cost to study in Canada?

  Now that we have settled the argument that Canada is a great place to study. Let us look at how much it costs to study in Canada. Study abroad can be prohibitively expensive sometimes. But Canada has one of the most affordable tuition fees when compared to many other countries.

But first do make sure you are covered for accommodation, food, health coverage and travel before you depart to Canada.

Your primary expenditure will be tuition fees.

Compared to many other countries, education in Canada is very affordable. The table below gives you on an average of the annual tuition fees.
Typically humanities and the arts will be a bit cheaper while medicine and engineering will be on the higher side. 

Accommodation costs and types.

The total cost of living is roughly about CAD 10000 per annum. Many institutions provide on campus accommodation which are fully furnished, safe and secure.  We recommend international students to choose them as this will allow you to sample the local culture as well network with the international student community. Staying on campus will also give students regular access to the labs and library, gymnasiums and other facilities especially after college hours. International students also rent flats and share accommodation with other friends. Homestay is another option students can choose from and this will allow them to get a taste of the local community.

Cost of student visa and permit.

To study in Canada, the first step is to secure a valid study permit and that comes with its own costs (approx. CAD 235). 

Living Expenses.

All things considered, in our opinion, an annual budget of CAD 10,000 should see you through a year. Here are some of the major buckets of expenses:

Communication – If you are from India, you will definitely be face timing or whatsapping with your family back home. Make sure you use the public internet to save on data. If you need data, it will be around CAD 20 a month.
Stationery and Books – Books can easily creep up on your budget. Make sure to go for used books or use the college library.
Healthcare expenses – It is mandatory for all students going to Canada to get health insurance. This will be about $500 to $900 per year. In British Columbia, Quebec, Alberta, Newfoundland, Manitoba, Labrador or Saskatchewan, you will be insured under the respective provincial health plans as per the length of your stay.

Cost calculator

To help calculate your overall expenses and estimate the cost of living in Canada, try this useful cost calculator for students.

2. What are the cheapest courses to study in Canada?

Yes, Canada has some of the most affordable Universities in the western world. But that doesn’t mean they are average or mediocre. The fact is education is publicly funded in Canada. So, the quality of education is pretty high across the board.

Here are some of the most affordable Canadian universities that offer competitive tuition fees for international students.

• Memorial University of Newfoundland  
• University of Regina
• Royal Roads University  
• University of Saskatchewan
• Athabasca University  

But do note that master’s programs, medical related programs such as dentistry or MBAs will be on the higher side.

What are the cheapest courses to study in Canada?

If you are looking for the most affordable options, Canada has plenty.

Brandon University, Manitoba
Tuition fees: CAD 7203
Degrees offered: BA, BBA, BEd, BFA, BM, BN, BSc

Université de Saint-Boniface
Tuition: $7,482
Degree Programs: Bachelor’s Degrees in Arts, Social Work, Translation, Science, Nursing, Business and Education. Students may continue studies towards a Master’s degree at the University of Manitoba

University of Guelph
Tuition: $9,730
Degree Programs: Bachelor’s Degrees from 5 Colleges (Arts, Biological Sciences, Business & Economics, Engineering & Physical Sciences, Social & Applied Human Sciences)

Canadian Mennonite University
Tuition Fees: CAD 10,003
Degree Programs: Three- and four-year BA, BSc, BBA, and Master’s Programs

Memorial University of Newfoundland
Tuition Fees: CAD 11460
Degree Programs: More than 100 bachelors, masters and certificates

** Tuition fees vary a lot between programs and can change any time, please refer to the tuition fees page in each institution for exact costs per program. This expenditure estimate is given for information only and does not commit us in any way. The personal circumstances of each student can greatly affect this assessment.

3. Is it cheaper to study in Canada than in the USA?

Canada has lots going its way. But how does it compare to its next door neighbor, the USA? It has its perks studying in the US of course. But there could be some downsides too. Let’s find out…

With Canada and the US being the two main destinations for study abroad, it is always difficult to decide between the two. Let me break it down in the following paragraphs.

Tuition Fees
When compared with other English speaking nations, Canada has the cheapest tuition fees. It is definitely cheaper to study in Canada than in the US, UK, New Zealand or Australia. In Canada it ranges from $9000 to $20000 per year. While in the US it starts at $23000 per year.

Accommodation
Canada is comparatively cheaper when it comes to rent. In the US it will vary from $500 to $3500 per month. While in Canada it will be $1500 in the upper limit. Again it depends on the city and region where the university is located.
It is definitely cheaper to live, work and study in Canada. Some might argue that getting a degree in the US might be of better value. In the end, you need to study where you can afford it. It is useless to drop out of school because you could not afford it. Very importantly both the countries offer good quality education that is delivered by globally renowned faculties. 

4. Is it safe to study in Canada? 

Canada was rated 6th in the Global Peace Index 2018. So it is definitely one of the safest places to study in the world. It is also one of the most vaccinated places in the world. So it is a double ok when it comes to safety and security. As an international student, you will have many points of contact in case of emergency.

There are many reasons to study in Canada, like the 5 reasons in this video.But rest assured, Canada is one of the most safest countries in the world to study.


6. Can I stay in Canada after I finish my studies?

Most programs in Canada make you eligible for a work permit after you finish your studies. This is called a Post Graduate Work Permit. Depending on the program of study, you could get a work permit for up to three years. That means, you can stay in Canada after you finish your program and gain valuable Canadian work experience. Many students use this work permit as a stepping stone to become Permanent Residents of Canada.