Detailed Cost of Studying in Canada for Indian Students 2026

In 2026, if you are wondering about the cost of studying in Canada, you need around INR 28 to 45 Lakhs for the first year. This includes tuition, living expenses, accommodation, health insurance, visa, and travel. Tuition fees can range from INR 12 Lakh to 45 Lakh, including food, transport, and bills, costing around INR 10 to 15 Lakh per year. 

You also need to plan for visa fees, GIC for living, and some extra money for books and emergencies. This blog will solve your problem by giving you a complete breakdown of all costs. You will learn how much money you need, how to save with scholarships, how part-time work can help, and which cities are cheaper. After reading this, you can plan your budget smartly.

First-Year Total Cost to Study in Canada 

The cost of studying in Canada for Indian students has changed. On average, your first-year budget ranges from CAD 30,000 to CAD 50,000+ (INR 19,95,000 to INR 33,25,000). This total depends on your choice of university, program, and the mandatory living requirements set by the Canadian government. Here are the primary components of your first-year budget:

Expense Category	Cost in CAD	Cost in INR (Approx.)
Undergraduate Tuition	CAD 13,000 – CAD 36,000+	INR 8,64,000 – INR 23,93,000
Postgraduate Tuition	CAD 17,000 – CAD 25,000+	INR 11,30,000 – INR 16,62,000
MBA Program Tuition	CAD 30,000 – CAD 40,000+	INR 19,95,000 – INR 26,60,000
Living Expenses (GIC)	CAD 23,100 – CAD 23,200.	Around INR 15,34,858
Application Fees (per unit)	CAD 100 – CAD 250	INR 6,650 – INR 16,620
Study Permit / Visa Fee	CAD 150	INR 9,975
Health Insurance (Annual)	CAD 300 – CAD 800	INR 19,950 – INR 53,200

Disclaimer: The Indian Rupee (INR) amounts provided are estimates based on current exchange rates and are subject to market fluctuations. Final costs may vary depending on the daily rate at the time of payment and bank processing fees.

Tuition Fees in Canada for Indian Students

Tuition fees are the largest part of the cost of studying in Canada for Indian students. Fees depend on your program and province. On average, annual tuition ranges from CAD 13,000 to CAD 50,000 (INR 8,64,000 to INR 33,25,000). Here are the estimated annual tuition fees by program:

Program Level	Annual Cost in CAD	Annual Cost in INR (Approx.)
Undergraduate (Bachelor’s)	CAD 13,000 – CAD 36,100+	INR 8,64,000 – INR 24,00,000
Postgraduate (Master’s)	CAD 13,700 – CAD 25,000+	INR 9,11,000 – INR 16,62,000
MBA (Regular)	CAD 30,000 – CAD 42,000+	INR 19,95,000 – INR 27,92,000
PG Diploma	CAD 11,600 – CAD 25,000	INR 7,71,000 – INR 16,62,000
Doctoral (PhD)	CAD 7,000 – CAD 15,000	INR 4,65,000 – INR 9,97,000

For details, check Canada Fees 2025-2026: Full Tuition Guide for International Students

Affordable Universities in Canada for Indian Students

Choosing an affordable university helps you manage the cost of studying in Canada for Indian students. By looking beyond big cities like Toronto or Vancouver, you can find high-quality education at much lower tuition. Smaller provinces like the Atlantic and Prairie regions have the most budget-friendly options. Here are the top affordable universities and their estimated annual tuition:

University	Location	Approx. Annual Tuition (CAD)	Approx. Annual Tuition (INR)
Memorial University (MUN)	Newfoundland	CAD 12,000 – CAD 21,000	INR 8,00,000 – INR 13,95,000
Brandon University	Manitoba	CAD 10,500 – CAD 18,500	INR 7,00,000 – INR 12,30,000
University of Prince Edward Island	PEI	CAD 10,600 – CAD 16,500	INR 7,05,000 – INR 11,00,000
Cape Breton University	Nova Scotia	CAD 9,200 – CAD 19,500	INR 6,10,000 – INR 13,00,000
University of Regina	Saskatchewan	CAD 13,300 – CAD 28,700	INR 8,85,000 – INR 19,00,000
University of Winnipeg	Manitoba	CAD 16,000 – CAD 21,000	INR 10,65,000 – INR 14,00,000

Read in detail: 5 Universities in Canada with Low Tuition Fees

Cost of Living in Canada for Indian Students

Managing the cost of living in Canada requires a clear plan. You should budget CAD 1,200 to CAD 2,500 per month (INR 79,800 – INR 1,66,250). The exact cost depends on your city and lifestyle. Here are the key monthly expenses you will face:

Expense Category	Monthly Cost (CAD)	Monthly Cost (INR)
Accommodation (Shared/Off-Campus)	CAD 600 – CAD 1,500	INR 39,900 – INR 99,750
Food & Groceries	CAD 250 – CAD 500	INR 16,625 – INR 33,250
Public Transportation	CAD 100 – CAD 150	INR 6,650 – INR 9,975
Utilities & Internet	CAD 150 – CAD 300	INR 9,975 – INR 19,950
Personal & Miscellaneous	CAD 100 – CAD 300	INR 6,650 – INR 19,950

Also Read: MBA ROI in Canada: Cost, Salary, Jobs & Payback Period

Cheaper Secondary Cities to Study and Live in Canada

Choosing a secondary city helps you lower the cost of studying in Canada for Indian students. Big cities like Toronto and Vancouver are expensive. Smaller cities give good education at lower rent and daily costs. Here are the cheapest cities for students:

• Sherbrooke, Quebec: One-bedroom rent under CAD 800 (INR 53,180) per month. Top schools: Bishop’s University, University of Sherbrooke.
• Moncton, New Brunswick: Rent CAD 835 – CAD 900 (INR 55,510 – INR 59,830) per month. Top schools: New Brunswick Community College, Crandall University.
• Winnipeg, Manitoba: Shared rent CAD 500 – CAD 900 (INR 33,240 – INR 59,830) per month. Top schools: University of Manitoba, University of Winnipeg.

• Montreal, Quebec: Rent CAD 1,200 – CAD 1,600 (INR 79,775 – INR 1,06,370) per month. Top schools: McGill University, Concordia University.
• Saskatoon, Saskatchewan: Rent CAD 1,200 (INR 79,775) per month. Top school: University of Saskatchewan.
• Calgary, Alberta: Rent CAD 1,100 – CAD 1,400 (INR 73,130 – INR 93,070) per month.

Make sure you check our guide on Affordable Cities in Canada for International Students in 2025-26

Accommodation Costs for Students in Canada

Finding the right housing is a big part of the cost of studying in Canada for Indian students. Monthly accommodation costs usually range from CAD 600 to CAD 1,500+ (INR 39,900 to INR 99,800) depending on your choice. Here is the breakdown of accommodation costs.

Accommodation Type	Cost in CAD	Cost in INR (Approx.)
Shared Apartment (Off-Campus)	CAD 600 – 1,100 /mo	INR 39,900 – 73,150
Homestay (with meals)	CAD 850 – 1,300 /mo	INR 56,500 – 86,450
On-Campus Residence	CAD 9,000 – 16,000 /yr	INR 5,98,000 – 10,64,000
Private 1-Bedroom Apartment	CAD 1,400 – 2,300+/mo	INR 93,100 – 1,52,900

Health Insurance Costs for Indian Students in Canada

Health insurance is mandatory for every international student in Canada. You should budget CAD 600 – CAD 1,100 (INR 39,800 – INR 73,000) per year. The cost depends on the province where you study because Canada does not have a single national plan for international students. Here is the health insurance cost breakdown:

Province	Plan Type	Annual Cost in CAD	Annual Cost in INR (Approx.)
Ontario	University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP)	CAD 792	INR 52,650
British Columbia	Medical Services Plan (MSP)	CAD 900 (~CAD 75/mo)	INR 59,830
Alberta	Alberta Health Care Insurance (AHCIP)	CAD 0 (Free*)	INR 0
Quebec	Private (e.g., Cowan)	CAD 900 – CAD 1,100	INR 59,830 – INR 73,130
Saskatchewan	Provincial Health Coverage	CAD 0 (Free*)	INR 0

Also Read: MS in Computer Science ROI in Canada for International Students

Travel and Miscellaneous Expenses in Canada

When you calculate the cost of studying in Canada for Indian students, don’t ignore travel and lifestyle expenses. These can add up a lot in your first year. Many Indian students arrive and stay in an Airbnb/Hotel for 2 weeks while looking for a permanent room.

In 2026, a 2-week Airbnb stay plus the “First and Last Month” rent deposit required by most landlords means you need about CAD 3,000 (INR 2 Lakh) in “liquid” cash immediately upon landing, before your first GIC payout even arrives. Here is the rest of the cost breakdown:

Expense Category	Cost in CAD	Cost in INR (Approx.)
One-Way Flight (to Canada)	CAD 600 – CAD 1,500	INR 40,000 – INR 1,00,000
Study Permit Fee	CAD 150	INR 9,975
Biometrics Fee	CAD 85	INR 5,650
Medical Examination	CAD 150 – CAD 250	INR 10,000 – INR 16,500
Winter Clothing & Essentials	CAD 300 – CAD 600	INR 20,000 – INR 40,000

Tip: Budget direct flights if you want comfort, but layovers can save money.

Monthly Miscellaneous Expenses

Here is a list of some other monthly miscellaneous expenses. 

Item	Monthly Cost in CAD	Monthly Cost in INR (Approx.)
Mobile & Data Plan	CAD 35 – CAD 45	INR 2,300 – INR 3,000
Public Transportation	CAD 80 – CAD 150	INR 5,300 – INR 10,000
Books & Supplies	CAD 500 – CAD 1,000/semester	INR 33,000 – INR 66,500
Personal & Entertainment	CAD 150 – CAD 300	INR 9,975 – INR 19,950
Groceries	CAD 250 – CAD 450	INR 16,600 – INR 30,000
Laundry & Personal Care	CAD 50 – CAD 100	INR 3,300 – INR 6,600

Tip: Buy used or digital books. Cook at home. Use subsidised transit passes to save.

Student Visa and Application Fees for Canada

Getting your study permit is a key step in managing the cost of studying in Canada for Indian students. The official fees remain stable, but currency conversion affects the final amount in INR. You must also show proof that you can cover living expenses, which increased after September 2025. Here is a list of mandatory fees:

• Study Permit Application: CAD 150 (INR 9,975)
• Biometrics Fee (per person): CAD 85 (INR 5,650)
• Total Mandatory Official Fees: CAD 235 (INR 15,625)

Proof of Funds Requirements

You must prove you can cover your first-year costs without financial stress.

• Living Expenses (GIC): CAD 23,100 to CAD 23,200 for a single applicant outside Quebec.
• Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL): If you are doing a Post-Graduate Diploma (PG Diploma) or a Graduate Certificate, you are not exempt from the PAL. Even though these are “postgraduate” level, IRCC only exempts Master’s and PhD degree students. If you’re going for a PG Diploma (very common for Indian students), you still need to secure a PAL before applying for your visa.
• GIC Disbursement: Your CAD 23,100 to CAD 23,200. is released monthly after you arrive to help pay daily costs.

Additional Service and Third-Party Costs

Here is the cost breakdown of some additional services and third-party costs that you may come across:

• VFS Global Service Charges: INR 1,200 – INR 1,500 (for VAC submission or biometrics)
• Immigration Medical Exam (IME): INR 3,000 – INR 5,500
• Police Clearance Certificate (PCC): INR 500
• University Application Fees: CAD 100 – CAD 250 (INR 6,650 – INR 16,600)

Tip: Always check updated IRCC requirements before applying. Proper budgeting here makes your first year easier and stress-free.

Budgeting Tips to Manage Expenses in Canada

Managing the cost of studying in Canada for Indian students is more than knowing the prices. You must adopt a “student-saver” mindset. Living in big cities is expensive, so planning every expense helps your GIC last longer.

Use tools like Mint or YNAB to track spending and plan meals. This ensures you cover essentials and still enjoy weekends. Here are some budgeting tips for students to manage their expenses.

• Share Your Space: Live with roommates to cut rent and utilities by up to 50%.
• Master Meal Planning: Shop at No Frills, Walmart, or FreshCo. Cook in bulk to avoid expensive takeout.
• Flash Your Student ID: Ask for student discounts at stores, restaurants, and cinemas; save 10 to 15%.
• Get an SPC Card: Pay CAD 12 for a card that gives deals at over 450 brands.
• Use the “U-Pass”: Take the subsidised transit pass instead of paying full bus fares.
• Buy Second-Hand: Use Facebook Marketplace or Kijiji for furniture and winter clothes.
• Never Buy New Textbooks: Rent, buy digital versions, or get used books from seniors.
• Hunt for “Loss Leaders”: Use apps like Flipp to buy groceries only on deep discounts.
• Bank for Free: Open a student account at CIBC or Scotiabank to avoid monthly fees.
• Shop “Out of Season”: Buy winter clothes in spring or summer to get up to 70% off.

Also Read: Top High Paying Jobs in Canada

Scholarships & Financial Aid for Indian Students in Canada

Scholarships and financial aid help you reduce the cost of studying in Canada for Indian students. Top universities and the government offer awards that cover tuition, books, and sometimes living expenses. Applying early and targeting high-value scholarships can save you lakhs. Here are some scholarships you can consider: 

Scholarship Name	Level of Study	Award Value (CAD)	Award Value (INR Approx.)
Lester B. Pearson (U of T)	Undergraduate	Full Tuition + Books + Residence	Full Coverage (4 Years)
Vanier Canada Graduate	Doctoral (PhD)	CAD 50,000 per year	INR 33,25,000 per year
Banting Postdoctoral	Postdoc	CAD 70,000 per year	INR 46,55,000 per year
Ontario Graduate (OGS)	Master’s / PhD	CAD 15,000 per year	INR 9,97,500 per year
York University Global Leader	Undergraduate	CAD 32,000 per year	INR 21,28,000 per year
UBC Entrance Scholarship	Undergraduate	Up to CAD 25,000 per year	INR 16,62,500 per year

Also Check:

• Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada for International Students
• Canada Scholarships for Indian Students 2026: Government and University-Specific Funding

Part-Time Work to Offset Costs in Canada

Working part-time helps you manage the cost of studying in Canada. New rules allow you to earn more while studying full-time. Here are some new work regulations for students. 

• 24-Hour Rule: You can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during school sessions.
• Scheduled Breaks: You can work full-time during winter, summer, or reading weeks.
• Eligibility: You must study full-time at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN).

Estimated Earnings 

Earnings depend on your job type and province. Here are typical wages and monthly incomes at 24 hours per week:

Job Category	Avg. Hourly Wage (CAD)	Avg. Monthly Earnings (CAD)	Avg. Monthly Earnings (INR Approx.)
Retail / Food Service	CAD 16.50 – CAD 18.50	CAD 1,584 – CAD 1,776	INR 1,05,400 – INR 1,18,200
On-Campus Roles	CAD 18.00 – CAD 25.00	CAD 1,728 – CAD 2,400	INR 1,14,900 – INR 1,59,600
Delivery / Warehouse	CAD 17.50 – CAD 22.00	CAD 1,680 – CAD 2,112	INR 1,11,700 – INR 1,40,500
Tutor / Freelance	CAD 20.00 – CAD 40.00	CAD 1,920 – CAD 3,840	INR 1,27,700 – INR 2,55,000

Fact: Based on February 2026 indexation, the Federal Minimum Wage is actually set to reach CAD 18.15 per hour on April 1, 2026. 

Popular Job Sectors

Here is a list of popular job sectors for Indian students in Canada. 

• On-Campus Jobs: Library Assistant, Research Assistant, Residence Advisor. Pay above minimum and save travel costs.
• Retail & Hospitality: Work in stores or cafes like Walmart, Loblaws, and Tim Hortons. Flexible shifts fit your school schedule.
• Gig Economy: Use Uber Eats or DoorDash. Account for vehicle or bike costs.
• Professional Tutoring: If you are good at maths, Science, or English, tutoring pays CAD 25+/hour.

Compliance Warnings

You must follow these rules as an international student in Canada if you are considering working part-time while studying to cut costs down. Working the allowed hours can cover almost all your living expenses in Canada.

• Follow the 24-Hour Limit: Exceeding this can cancel your study permit or Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
• Record Keeping: Track all hours across jobs to avoid violations.

Monthly Budget with Part-Time Work

Here is your final monthly budget plan with part-time work. 

Monthly Expense	Cost (CAD)	Monthly Income (24 hrs/week)	Net Status	Cost in INR
Living Costs (Rent + Food)	CAD 1,500	CAD 1,700 (Avg.)	+CAD 200	INR 99,700 / INR 1,13,000

Cost Comparison: Germany, Australia, USA, UK 

Canada is popular for PR pathways. Germany is very affordable. The USA is expensive but has top research facilities. The UK saves you time with one-year Master’s programs. Australia pays high student wages but has strict visa rules. Here is a quick comparison for you: 

Country	Avg. Annual Tuition	Avg. Annual Living	Total Annual Cost
Germany	INR 0 – INR 70,000*	INR 9 Lakh – INR 12 Lakh	INR 10 Lakh – INR 13 Lakh
Canada	INR 12 Lakh – INR 25 Lakh	INR 15 Lakh – INR 20 Lakh	INR 27 Lakh – INR 45 Lakh
UK	INR 18 Lakh – INR 35 Lakh	INR 12 Lakh – INR 18 Lakh	INR 30 Lakh – INR 53 Lakh
Australia	INR 15 Lakh – INR 30 Lakh	INR 16 Lakh – INR 22 Lakh	INR 31 Lakh – INR 52 Lakh
USA	INR 20 Lakh – INR 50 Lakh	INR 12 Lakh – INR 22 Lakh	INR 32 Lakh – INR 72 Lakh

FAQs

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Canada Fees: Full Tuition Guide for International Students	Cost of Living Comparison: UK vs Canada vs USA vs Australia

In this blog, you learned the cost of studying in Canada for Indian students. Finally, plan your budget carefully, choose the right university, and pick a city that fits your budget. Always save a little extra for emergencies and unexpected costs. By doing this, you can study in Canada without stress and make the most of your time there.

Keep learning and stay connected with the Study Abroad page on Leverage Edu for more helpful and student-friendly blogs. And if this helped you, don’t forget to share, rate, and drop a comment. Your support helps more students find the good stuff.