How Much Does It Cost to Study in Canada? (2026)
Canada attracted over 800,000 international students in 2024 before new admission caps were introduced. It remains one of the most accessible English/French-language study destinations globally.
Tuition fees
| Level / Field | Annual tuition (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate (arts, social sciences) | $25,000–$33,000 |
| Undergraduate (engineering, business) | $28,000–$40,000 |
| Postgraduate (master’s coursework) | $16,000–$30,000 |
| MBA | $30,000–$70,000 |
| Medicine (Ontario/BC) | $40,000–$70,000 |
Quebec exception: Concordia, McGill and UQAM charge lower provincial tuition — McGill arts undergraduate fees are around CAD$20,000/year for international students, significantly below Ontario equivalents.
Living costs and IRCC requirement
From January 2024, IRCC requires study permit applicants to show CAD$20,635/year in funds (up from CAD$10,000). Actual student living costs by city:
| City | Annual living cost |
|---|---|
| Vancouver, Toronto | CAD$18,000–$25,000 |
| Calgary, Ottawa | CAD$16,000–$20,000 |
| Montreal, Halifax | CAD$14,000–$18,000 |
Montreal is notably affordable — a fully furnished student room can be found for CAD$700–$900/month.
Working while studying
- During academic sessions: up to 24 hours/week (expanded from 20 hours in 2024)
- During scheduled breaks (summer, winter): full-time, unlimited
- Federal minimum wage: CAD$17.30/hour (April 2025)
At 20 hours/week for 30 weeks: approximately CAD$10,380 — meaningful contribution to living costs.
Scholarships
- Vanier CGS: $50,000 CAD/year for 3 years (doctoral level)
- Banting Postdoctoral: $70,000 CAD/year (postdoctoral)
- University merit scholarships: most offer CAD$5,000–$20,000 entrance awards for top international undergraduates
International student caps (2024)
Canada introduced admission caps for undergraduate international students starting 2024. This means some programmes and institutions have fewer international student places than previously. Apply early and have backup options.
Sources: IRCC 2025, Statistics Canada, individual university fee schedules.