- Canadian universities have some of the lowest tuition rates in the world, as well as leading research and education programs.
- The cost of living varies widely across Canadian cities and towns, with a steep rental market in Vancouver and Toronto but less expensive housing in Montreal and Hamilton.
- Canadian universities are committed to supporting Indian students with international student services, scholarships, grants, and other resources.
Attending university in a new country is a valuable and immersive experience, and Indian students can affordably study at Canadian universities with world-class programs and campuses.
Studying abroad affordably isn’t just about cheap tuition but also about managing your budget and lifestyle efficiently. Check out cost-saving tips below, as well as Canadian universities that offer affordable online and in-person education.
Average Costs of Attending Canadian Universities
Between tuition, living costs and other expenses, studying in Canada is generally more affordable than in many other countries. Tuition costs depend on your school and program, with average ranges of:
- Undergraduate Studies: ₹1,09,946 to ₹12,21,629 per year
- Graduate Studies: ₹1,52,703 to ₹10,99,466 per year
- Colleges and Vocational Schools: ₹1,22,162 to ₹10,99,466 per year
Fees for online and distance education vary depending on the institution, program, and education level. You can also expect to pay approximately ₹9,16,221 per year for other expenses such as housing, food, and books.
Compare Cost of Living
Aside from tuition, living costs such as housing, transportation, utilities, and food are one of the most expensive parts of studying in Canada. The cost of living in Canada varies dramatically across major cities and small towns, and each option offers certain pros and cons.
For example, cities such as Toronto and Vancouver are among the most expensive in Canada but offer great access to convenient transportation, exciting city life, prestigious schools and more. Cities such as Montreal, Edmonton, and Hamilton may provide cheaper housing and other amenities but may not have the same salary levels, entertainment, or climate advantages as more expensive cities.
Work Part-Time
Working part-time not only expands your skills, resume and budget but can help you meet new people and get better immersed in Canadian culture. Since many part-time jobs are in hospitality or retail positions, you can usually save money with access to special employee perks or discounts.
If you’re eligible for the Federal Work-Study program, you can earn money by working for an on-campus employer. These jobs often serve the institution’s community and may involve working at a library, assisting with research, or working at school amenities with flexibility that suits your class schedule. Work-study jobs are also subsidised by the federal government, which means they often come with attractive wages.
Keep in mind any work permit restrictions and requirements before you start working.
Live Off-Campus
On-campus housing is a popular choice with international students as it’s conveniently located and easy to settle into. Although dorm costs include utilities and meal plans, they can sometimes be more expensive than off-campus housing.
Instead of staying in a dorm, consider off-campus alternatives such as rental apartments or shared housing. You may have to live with strangers, but many university towns cater to student tenants and provide convenient campus access to housing with like-minded roommates.
Before deciding to live in a dorm or off campus, compare the costs of either. For example, living off campus may offer more affordable rent, but you might pay expensive transportation costs if you live far from campus.
Save on Food
It’s tempting to pick up takeout or splurge on coffees when you have a busy study schedule, but these costs can add up quickly.
Taking time to pick up groceries and planning your meals can help save on costs and keep you fuelled for study sessions. Check the sales flyers, sign up for rewards programs, and even split bulk groceries with roommates.
Other cost-saving strategies for food include:
- Buy cost-effective staples such as pasta, rice, canned vegetables, and beans;
- Shop for clearance items that are close to expiry;
- Potlucks with friends or roommates;
- Buy family-pack or wholesale items;
- Avoid expensive convenience foods and snacks, and;
- Stockpile and freeze meats when on sale.
University of Montreal
Many international rankings recognize the University of Montreal as one of the best universities for foreign students, and it attracts thousands of new students from around the world each year. Studying at the University of Montreal provides access to an enriching and culturally diverse metropolitan experience and world-class education.
The Foreign Students Office is dedicated to supporting international students with services such as entry formalities, scholarship, financial aid, admissions, and more. Graduating students can stay in Canada and gain work experience and qualifications towards permanent residence through the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program.
Tuition fees for online and in-person undergraduate programs range from ₹646.32 to ₹852.26 per credit, and fees for graduate students range from ₹2,62,528 to ₹5,84,977 per trimester.
McGill University
McGill University hosts over 11,000 international students who make up 30 percent of its total student population. It supports students’ transition and success to a new school and home. Located in Montreal, students experience the exciting and culturally diverse city life, as well as top research facilities and global perspectives.
International students enjoy other benefits such as:
- International Students’ Association;
- Free airport welcome service;
- Buddy Program that matches new and current international students, and;
- Wide range of online programs and courses.
Annual fees for international students are:
- Undergraduate: ₹17,83,700 to ₹35,82,365
- Graduate: ₹5,68,633 to ₹15,33,804
- Continuing Studies: ₹2,17,524 to ₹3,69,619
University of British Columbia
The University of British Columbia (UBC) is an international leader in teaching, learning and research. With multiple campuses, its roughly 70,000 student population can enjoy either metropolitan life in Vancouver or experience the rapidly growing city of Kelowna in the Okanagan Valley. The Vancouver campus alone hosts nearly 60,000 students, 28.6 percent of which are international.
UBC also has ties to India, with offices in Bangalore and New Delhi run by the Sauder School of Business. These offices create partnerships with educational institutions in India and support increased student exchange, research, and program development.
Annual tuition fees are:
- Undergraduate: ₹24,74,837 to ₹34,11,276
- Master’s Degree: ₹2,15,251 to ₹13,07,882
- Doctoral: ₹1,89,635 to ₹10,25,771
University of Toronto
Located in one of Canada’s most metropolitan cities of Toronto, the University of Toronto is a world-renowned university recognized for leading academics and employers and 700 academic programs.
International students get access to services from the Centre for International Experience for support with immigration, healthcare and more. The Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarships program recognizes and awards international students for their potential to contribute to the global community and covers tuition, books, residence, and other fees for four years.
Depending on the area and level of study, students can expect approximately ₹3,79,315 annually in program fees.
Brandon University
Located in Brandon, Manitoba, Brandon University has a long history of a multicultural campus and commitment to supporting international students. Compared to other Canadian cities, Brandon is affordable and small, providing a closer community and fewer study distractions, and the school’s small size allows for one-on-one interactions with professors and better research opportunities. Many programs also support online and remote learning.
The estimated cost for tuition, meal plan, books, and health insurance for the first year of undergraduate study is ₹35,000. Depending on course load, international graduate students can expect ₹75,020 to ₹3,91,318 in tuition fees.
Memorial University
With several campuses located across Newfoundland, Memorial University is a globally ranked university, and over a third of its graduate students are international students from more than 90 countries. You can join about 19,000 students and explore its many undergraduate and graduate programs in science, nursing, pharmacy and more.
Students can also benefit from a small student-to-faculty ratio for engaging classroom experiences, as well as 1,600 co-op placements and internships around the world.
International undergraduate tuition is estimated at ₹12,21,629, and graduate program tuition ranges from ₹3,90,310 to ₹10,98,733.
University of Guelph
The University of Guelph is highly ranked by international students as one of the best institutions in the province for learning environments and student support. It provides advice and support, as well as a variety of campus and financial resources to its 1,750 international students from more than 130 countries.
Yearly undergraduate tuition fees range from approximately ₹18,32,443 to ₹24,43,258. Full-time tuition fees for graduate programs range from ₹4,40,438 to ₹8,55,140.