Is Studying In Canada Worth It?

Canada is one of the top destinations for international students looking for world-class education, high quality of life and diverse culture. Canada has the best universities and colleges that offer a wide range of programs that cater to every field of study. In the 2025 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, the top-ranked Canadian universities are the University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, and McGill University. The University of Toronto is ranked 21st globally, UBC is 41st, and McGill is 45th. These rankings are based on several factors, including research, teaching, and international outlook. Here’s how Canada’s top universities rank globally: Global Rank University 21 University of Toronto 41 University of British Columbia 45 McGill University 116 McMaster University 116 University of Alberta 163 University of Waterloo 191 University of Ottawa Graduating from a Canadian post-secondary institution may make you eligible for an open work permit lasting up to three years. This permit allows you to gain valuable Canadian work experience and potentially secure a job offer, which can enhance your chances of qualifying for permanent residency through Canada’s economic immigration programs. If you intend to study as part of your immigration journey, be sure that your chosen program qualifies for a post-graduation open work permit (PGWP). The financial aspects should be put first while making the life-changing decision to study in Canada. The total cost of studying in Canada for international students can vary greatly depending on a variety of factors such as the level of study, the university or college and the location. In this blog post we have given a break down of the cost structure. This includes tuition fees, living expenses and additional costs, helping you understand how much money you need to study in Canada. Canada University Fees For International Students When planning to study in Canada, one of the first expenses you’ll encounter is tuition fees. The tuition fee in Canada varies based on several factors such as the program you choose and the university if it is public or private. Living Expenses Apart from tuition fees living costs are an important consideration when studying abroad. The total cost of study in Canada for Indian students also includes accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses. Here’s an approximate breakdown of what you can expect: Accommodation: Based on each city and the type of housing the cost of accommodation in Canada keeps changing. Renting a flat or sharing an accommodation outside the campus canr ange from CAD 500 to CAD 2,000 per month. On-campus accommodation usually ranges from CAD 3,000 to CAD 7,000 per year. These costs varies based on the location of your preferred accommodation. Food costs for students usually range between CAD 200 to CAD 400 per month. This keeps changing depending on whether you make your own meal or eat out frequently. Transportation costs also varies for each city. A monthly transit pass costs around CAD 80 to CAD 120 but many cities offer student passes which are of less price. Other personal expenses include entertainment and miscellaneous costs ranges between CAD 200 to CAD 400 per month depending on your lifestyle. Additional Costs And Financial Considerations Apart from tuition fees and living expenses there are several other costs that international students need to account for when planning to study in Canada. Some of the additional costs include: Application Fees: Most Canadian universities charge an application fee, typically ranging from CAD 50 to CAD 150. Be sure to check the application fee details for the university you are applying to. Student Visa Fees: To study in Canada, international students must obtain a study permit. The study permit application fee is approximately CAD 150. If you plan to work during your studies you may need to apply for a work permit which has its own set of fees. Health Insurance: While Canada has a publicly funded healthcare system international students are often required to have private health insurance while studying in Canada. Health insurance costs usually range from CAD 600 to CAD 1,000 per year but this varies by province Books and Supplies: The cost of books and other course materials is another expense to consider. On average students spend between CAD 500 to CAD 1,000 per year on textbooks and other academic materials. Miscellaneous Expenses: Other costs to consider are phone bills, internet and various administrative fees. These additional costs can add up to CAD 100 to CAD 300 per month.