Thinking about studying in Canada but unsure about the total cost? You're not alone. Many Sri Lankan students dream of studying abroad, but the biggest question is—Can I afford it? The cost of studying for international students in Canada would be a sum of tuition fees and living expenses, which vary based on the course and university of study as well as lifestyle and city of residence. Combining tuition and living expenses, the total estimated annual cost for international students in Canada generally ranges from CA $35,000 to CA $65,000, depending on the programme and lifestyle choices.
As of 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) updated the financial requirement for study permit applicants to CA $20,635 annually for living expenses (excluding Quebec). This amount is set to increase further to CA $22,895 from September 1, 2025 for all new study permit applications outside Quebec. This estimate includes accommodation, food, transportation, and other personal expenses. The average annual tuition fee for international undergraduate students in Canada is approximately CA $36,100, with engineering and business programmes often having higher fees. For postgraduate studies, the average annual tuition fee is around CA $21,100. However, professional programmes like MBAs can cost between CA $30,000 and CA $100,000+ per year depending on the institution.
Cost of Study in Canada 2025
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Study Level
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Cost of Study in Canada
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Cost of Living in Canada
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Undergraduate Courses
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CA $36,100+ per year
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CA $20,635 per year to be increased to CA $22,895 from September 2025
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Postgraduate Courses
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CA $21,000+ per year
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MBA
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CA $30,000 - $100,000+
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If budget is a concern, you can explore the cheapest universities in Canada for international students or consider affordable colleges in Canada for international students that offer quality education at lower tuition fees. Additionally, students can offset expenses through Canadian scholarships for international students and part-time work opportunities. Let us break it all down — how much does it really cost, what are the hidden expenses, and is studying in Canada worth the investment?
Cost of Studying in Canada: Tuition Fees 2025
When choosing a study destination, tuition fees play a major role in decision-making. Understanding the cost of studying in Canada for various programmes and locations can help you plan your finances better.
While choosing an affordable university is important, tuition fees also depend on your programme of study, location, and level of education. Let's break down the cost of studying in Canada for international students by degree type, province, and field of study to help you plan your budget more effectively.
Canadian Tuition Fees by Programme 2025
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Programme Type
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Average Annual Tuition Fees (in CAD)
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Undergraduate Programmes
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Engineering
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CA $39,562+
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Humanities
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CA $34,186+
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Business
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CA $37,694 - $70,894
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Medical/Health Sciences
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CA $58,790 - $59,515
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Postgraduate Programmes
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Masters (Overall Average)
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CA $21,100
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PhD (Overall Average)
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CA $7,000 – $15,000
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Business (MBA, Regular)
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CA $46,228
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Business (MBA, Executive)
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CA $54,365
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Engineering/Technology (Masters)
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CA $17,127 – $19,865
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Medical/Health Sciences (Masters)
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CA $27,550 – $27,712
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College & Vocational Programmes
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Diploma/Certificate Programmes
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CA $7,000 – $22,000
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Source: Statistics Canada | Note: Tuition fees vary significantly by institution, specific programme, and province. The figures provided are averages and may differ based on specific universities and courses.
International Tuition Fees by Province 2025
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Province
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Undergraduate Tuition Fees (CAD/year)
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Graduate Tuition Fees (CAD/year)
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Ontario
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CA $42,185
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CA $26,236
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British Columbia
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CA $30,903
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CA $20,295
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Alberta
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CA $28,014
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CA $15,167
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Quebec
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CA $27,406
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CA $18,557
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Saskatchewan
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CA $22,197
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CA $7,583
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Prince Edward Island
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CA $20,417
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CA $10,564
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Nova Scotia
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CA $20,397
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CA $23,048
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Manitoba
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CA $17,786
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CA $11,887
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New Brunswick
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CA $16,458
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CA $13,123
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Newfoundland and Labrador
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CA $12,037
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CA $4,082
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Study in Canada vs. Other Top Study Destinations
As a Sri Lankan student, you are likely weighing your options across various countries. To help you put Canada's costs into perspective, here's how average tuition fees compare with other popular study destinations like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. We've converted these figures to Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR) for easier comparison.
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Programme Level
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Fee in Canada
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Fee in United States
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Fee in United Kingdom
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Fee in Australia
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Undergraduate
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CA $36,100 / LKR 7,942,000
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US $30,780 / LKR 9,234,000
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GBP 15,000 / LKR 5,700,000
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AU $45,000 / LKR 8,280,000
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Postgraduate
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CA $21,100 / LKR 4,642,000
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US $18,000 / LKR 5,400,000
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GBP 18,000 / LKR 6,840,000
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AU $50,000 / LKR 9,200,000
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Diploma/Certificate
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CA $7,000-$22,000 / LKR 1,540,000 - 4,840,000
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US $10,000 / LKR 3,000,000
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GBP 10,000 / LKR 3,800,000
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AU $26,000 / LKR 4,784,000
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Cost of Studying in Canada: Living Expenses 2025
Living in Canada as an international student requires budgeting for major expenses such as accommodation, food, transportation, and utilities. Costs can vary significantly depending on the city you choose to study in. Here's a breakdown of estimated living costs covering various types of expenses and utilities for international students to help you plan.
Estimated Monthly Living Expenses in Canada 2025
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Expense Category
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Estimated Monthly Cost (in CAD)
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Factors to Consider
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Accommodation
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CA $600 – $1,500
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Varies by city and type (on-campus, off-campus, shared, private apartment)
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Food & Groceries
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CA $200 – $400
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Cooking at home is more economical than dining out
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Transportation
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CA $70 – $150
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Public transit; varies by city and pass type
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Utilities & Internet
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CA $100 – $250
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Includes electricity, heating, water, internet; varies by usage and city
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Miscellaneous Expenses
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CA $100 – $300
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Includes entertainment, clothing, personal items
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Total Estimated Monthly Living Expenses 2025
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City Type
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Estimated Monthly Cost (in CAD)
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Major Cities (e.g., Toronto, Vancouver)
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CA $2,000 – $3,500
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Mid-Sized Cities (e.g., Calgary, Ottawa)
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CA $1,500 – $2,500
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Smaller Cities (e.g., Halifax, St. John's)
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CA $1,200 – $2,000
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City-Wise Accommodation Costs in Canada 2025
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City
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Shared Accommodation (CAD/month)
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Private Accommodation (CAD/month)
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Toronto
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CA $700 – $1,200
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CA $1,500 – $2,500
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Vancouver
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CA $800 – $1,300
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CA $1,600 – $2,600
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Montreal
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CA $500 – $900
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CA $1,000 – $1,800
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Ottawa
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CA $600 – $1,000
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CA $1,200 – $2,000
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Calgary
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CA $600 – $1,100
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CA $1,100 – $1,900
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Halifax
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CA $500 – $800
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CA $950 – $1,700
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Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal are the most popular and diverse cities for international students in Canada. These cities not only have a large number of renowned universities but also represent different regions of Canada, offering varied experiences and cost structures.
Cost of Study in Canada: Additional Costs 2025
We have got the tuition fees covered and the accommodation sorted. But there are a few other costs you'll need to factor into your budget to avoid surprises down the road. While this breakdown covers the key expenses, keep in mind that additional costs may arise based on your lifestyle, course requirements, and location.
Let us take a quick look at what other costs you might encounter while studying in Canada.
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Expense Category
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Estimated Cost (in CAD)
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Factors To Consider
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Health Insurance
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CA $600 – $1,000/year
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Varies by province; mandatory in most provinces and often administered by universities
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Study Materials
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CA $500 – $1,000/year
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Depending on programme and course load; consider buying second-hand
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Laptop & Software
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CA $800 – $2,000
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One-time cost; varies by specifications; essential for most programmes
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Miscellaneous Expenses
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CA $200 – $1,500/year
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Includes entertainment, clothing, personal items, travel within Canada
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Visa & Administrative Fees
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Canada Student Visa
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CA $150
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Application fee for the study permit
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Biometrics
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CA $85 per individual / $170 per family
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Required for most applicants, including family members applying together
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Work Permit (if applicable)
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CA $155
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Application fee for work permits (e.g., co-op work permit, post-graduation work permit)
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Application Fees
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CA $50 – $250 per university
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Varies by institution; some universities may waive fees for certain programmes or periods
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Personal Expenses
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CA $300 – $1,000/month
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Includes mobile phone plans, leisure activities, dining out, and other personal costs
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Study in Canada: Cost-Saving Tips for Students 2025
The essentials of student life in Canada are non-negotiable, but that doesn't mean you can't find ways to cut costs. Here are some practical, Canada-specific tips to help you manage your budget without compromising on the important stuff.
Find Affordable Housing Options in Canada
- On-Campus Housing: Many universities offer reasonably priced on-campus accommodation. It's also convenient, as you're close to your classes and other campus amenities.
- Off-Campus Housing: Consider sharing an apartment or renting a room with other students. Cities like Montreal and Vancouver have affordable student neighbourhoods—just be sure to research your options early to secure the best deal.
- Homestay: If you're looking for a more affordable, comfortable option, living with a Canadian family can save you money on rent and help you immerse yourself in the culture.
Use Student Discounts
- Transportation: Most Canadian cities offer student passes for public transport, which can save you up to 50% off regular fares. Don't forget to use your student ID for discounts on buses, trains, and metros.
- Food: Look for student discounts at grocery stores and restaurants. Grocery chains and local cafes often have special deals, especially in university towns.
- Entertainment: Many attractions like museums, movie theatres, and even local events offer student discounts. Always ask about student pricing—those little savings add up.
Budgeting Tips for Managing Daily Expenses
- Track Your Spending: Monitor your spending using apps like Mint or YNAB (You Need A Budget). Set a monthly limit for essentials like food, transportation, and entertainment.
- Cook at Home: Eating out can quickly add up. Try to cook at home as much as possible, or prepare meals in bulk for the week to save both time and money.
- Shop Smart: Look for student deals on textbooks and study materials. Second-hand books, digital versions, or rental options are often much cheaper than buying new ones
Studying in Canada is a significant investment but with the right financial planning, it doesn't have to break the bank. Balancing tuition and living expenses might seem like a lot, but there are plenty of ways to make it work. Think about Canadian scholarships for international students, grab those part-time job opportunities, and get creative with budgeting.
Ready to get started? If you are looking for some extra guidance, check out AECC Sri Lanka—our experts are here to help you make studying in Canada more affordable and stress-free.
Study in Canada FAQs
What is the minimum bank balance required for a Canadian study permit for Sri Lankan students?
All study permit applicants (excluding Quebec) must prove they have at least CA $20,635 for living expenses for one year, in addition to their first year's tuition fees and travel costs. This amount is set to increase to CA $22,895 from September 1, 2025. For Sri Lankan students, this means demonstrating these funds in a verifiable bank account or through a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC). Always check the latest official requirements on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website
Are tuition fees in Canada generally cheaper than in the UK or USA for international students?
Generally, Canada offers more competitive tuition fees for international students compared to the USA and often the UK, especially for undergraduate and college programmes. However, highly specialised or professional programmes at top-tier universities in all three countries can have comparable costs. Canada also tends to have relatively more affordable living costs outside its major metropolitan centres.
Can Sri Lankan students work legally while studying in Canada?
Yes, most full-time international students in Canada, including those from Sri Lanka, with a valid study permit are eligible to work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks. This work authorisation is often automatically included on the study permit. Students must maintain good academic standing to retain this privilege.
What are the main types of scholarships available for Sri Lankan students in Canada?
Scholarships for international students in Canada come from various sources: the Canadian government (e.g., Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships), individual universities (merit-based, programme-specific), and private organisations. Some scholarships might be specifically for students from developing countries or particular regions, so thorough research on university websites and official Canadian scholarship portals is recommended.
How much should I budget for annual living expenses in Canada, excluding tuition?
For 2025, the Canadian government's revised financial requirement for living expenses (excluding tuition) is CA $22,895 per year for most provinces (effective September 1, 2025). This is a baseline. Actual living costs can range from CA $15,000 to CA $23,000 (or more in major cities like Toronto or Vancouver) depending on your lifestyle, accommodation choices (shared vs. private), and personal spending habits. Always factor in additional costs like health insurance, books, and initial settlement expenses.
