Study costs in Canada for Indian students 2026: Tuition fees, living expenses and visa costs explained

rofessional courses such as medicine, dentistry, engineering and MBA programmes typically cost more than arts, humanities and social sciences. (File)

Canada is among the most preferred study-abroad destinations for Indian students, but official government data show that studying there involves high tuition fees and significant living costs. Here is a breakdown of what Indian students should expect to spend, based on figures published by Canada’s education authorities.

According to EduCanada, the official education platform of the Canadian government, international students pay substantially higher tuition fees than domestic students. Undergraduate programmes: International students pay an average of CAD 36,100 per year. Postgraduate programmes: Average tuition is around CAD 21,100 per year. For Indian students, this roughly translates to ₹23–24 lakh per year for bachelor’s degrees and ₹13–14 lakh per year for master’s degrees, depending on currency exchange rates and the course chosen. Tuition varies widely by subject. Professional courses such as medicine, dentistry, engineering and MBA programmes typically cost more than arts, humanities and social sciences.

Yes. EduCanada data show that college and vocational programmes are generally more affordable. Annual tuition fees for international students at colleges usually range from CAD 7,000 to CAD 22,000. These programmes are popular among Indian students looking for shorter, skill-based courses with work placements, especially in fields such as healthcare support, IT, hospitality and business administration.

Tuition is only part of the expense. Living costs add significantly to the overall budget. EduCanada estimates that international students should plan for about CAD 15,000 per year for living expenses. This includes accommodation, food, transport and daily necessities. Rent: Typically CAD 500 to CAD 2,000 per month, depending on the city and housing type. Food and groceries: Around CAD 240–480 per month. Public transport: Monthly passes cost CAD 80–156, varying by city.

Major cities such as Toronto and Vancouver are among the most expensive, while smaller cities and towns can be relatively cheaper.

Under rules set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), students must show proof that they can pay tuition fees and support themselves while studying. (AI-generated graphic)

Yes. Health insurance is compulsory for international students in Canada.

According to EduCanada, students usually pay CAD 75–120 per month for health coverage. Some provinces offer public health insurance after a waiting period, while others require students to enrol in institution-managed or private insurance plans.

Apart from tuition and living expenses, students must budget for several mandatory and incidental costs: Study permit fee: CAD 150 Biometrics fee: CAD 85 Books and study materials: Often CAD 500–1,000 per year Other expenses: Phone bills, internet, winter clothing and personal expenses Students also need to account for international travel costs between India and Canada.

With housing shortages and rising living expenses in several Canadian cities, education experts advise Indian students to look beyond tuition fees when planning their studies. EduCanada notes that actual costs vary widely based on location, lifestyle and programme choice, and students should budget conservatively to avoid financial stress once they arrive.