The cost of studying in Canada for various programs has relatively increased for both undergraduate and postgraduate students for the 2021-2022 academic year. This article will explore in detail the tuition fees and the cost of studying in Canada for international students.
Canada is increasingly becoming a popular study destination attracting international students. Tuition fees at Canadian universities are slightly high but generally lower than in countries like the UK, the US, or Australia. Tuition fees in Canada can vary from year to year, and you may also notice differences depending on the city or program of study. For example, universities in Newfoundland have the lowest tuition fees, while Ontario is the most expensive region.
Tuition fees: 550 – 30,000 CAD/year. Medicine, Engineering, and Social Sciences are among the most expensive programs.
According to Statistics Canada, the average undergraduate tuition fee for international students in the 2020-2021 academic year was 32,041 CAD (558 million VND), an increase of approximately 7.1% from the previous year. For postgraduate programs, the average tuition fee will be 19,252 CAD (335 million VND), an increase of about 7.3%.
Tuition fees: 1,075 – 65,000 CAD/year. Business, Engineering, Computer Science, and Law master’s programs are the most expensive.
Check out the list of the most affordable universities in Canada:
Even at these affordable universities, you may find some programs with tuition fees over 30,000 CAD/year. These are typically in fields such as Business, Law, Dentistry, or an MBA (Master of Business Administration). The MBA degree is particularly expensive, with tuition fees reaching over 50,000 CAD/year.
The cost of living in Canada is slightly above average, but a high quality of life is still guaranteed. You will need between 800 – 1,500 CAD/month in most provinces, such as Quebec, Montreal, and Ottawa. Vancouver and Calgary are some of the most expensive cities in Canada, where living costs can go up to 2,000 CAD/month.
Accommodation Costs
You will have various housing options to choose from in Canada, with prices just as diverse.
Other Costs Related to Accommodation
When you rent an apartment or studio, you must pay additional fees:
Food Costs
You won’t have to spend too much on food, only about 300 CAD/month for shopping at local supermarkets and grocery stores. Some of the cheapest supermarkets you can find across Canada are Canadian Superstore, Walmart, and No Frills. If you want to dine in a restaurant, you will have to pay around 10 – 25 CAD. A three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant will cost between 50 – 65 CAD.
Transportation Costs
Students enrolled at a Canadian university, aged 18 to 25, will receive discounts when purchasing monthly travel passes.
When you study for a Bachelor’s degree in Canada, you are ensured that you have been provided with the necessary knowledge and skills to pursue a career in your chosen field or to continue studying for a Master’s/Doctorate degree.
Students can choose programs offered within their faculty. Canada offers the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) to encourage international students to find employment after completing their studies. 90% of those who stay in Canada after completing their postgraduate studies join the workforce within 6 months!
Canada and the U.S. only accept students with a 4-year Bachelor’s degree when applying for Master’s programs. While most countries offer Bachelor’s programs that can be completed within 3 years, the demand for international students wanting to study in Canada has increased significantly (by 17% compared to 3 years ago), and universities are now accepting 3-year Bachelor’s degrees as prerequisites for Master’s programs.
Most Master’s programs take 1-2 years to complete and are available as Master of Science (MSc) or Master of Arts (MA). If you want to further enhance your postgraduate qualifications, you can also choose between a Master of Business Administration (MBA), a Master of Engineering (MEng), or a Master of Fine Arts (MFA).
There are currently nearly 200,000 international students enrolled in doctoral programs in Canada. The duration of study can range from 3-6 years to complete. After completing your doctorate, you will be granted a 3-year work permit, which could eventually lead to permanent residency in Canada.
Students studying in Canada are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week. You can choose to work on or off-campus. In most provinces, if you work off-campus, you will not need a work permit, except in Ontario. Part-time job wages in Canada range from 10-12 CAD/hour. With this wage, if you work regularly, you will be able to cover all your living expenses in Canada.
The co-op program is applied to most fields in Canada, with each school having its regulations for internships. Most schools require students to complete at least the first year and the first semester of the second year before going on a co-op.
For each field, the school will have grade requirements before students apply for co-op. Students who meet the grade requirements will submit a registration form to the school and participate in interviews with employers. If accepted, they will go on co-op for about 4-8 months after each semester. The total co-op duration of international students cannot exceed 50% of the course duration.
It depends on the field and the company you choose. Co-op wages range from 12-32 CAD per working hour. This wage increases with the work experience of each student. Fields such as computer science, architecture, bioengineering, and financial accounting often have higher starting wages than other fields. A small note is that you can only participate in the co-op program for up to 50% of your course duration.
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