Tuition Fees in Canada for International Students in 2023/2024

Jenny Barry March 09, 2023 | 15:48

Canada is a popular study destination for international students. Tuition fees at Canadian universities are a bit high but generally lower than those in countries like the United Kingdom, the USA, or Australia.

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Best and Cheap Universities in Canada

Tuition fees in Canada for international students in 2023 reflect the many opportunities the country has to offer: there are both expensive and cheap universities in Canada.

Canada has over 30 universities listed among the best academic institutions worldwide according to the World University Rankings created by THE (Times Higher Education).

Tuition fees for top universities in Canada range from 25,000 to 65,000 Canadian dollars (CAD), depending on the major and the university.

Check More: Top 9 Best Colleges In Canada For International Students

Tuition Fees of the Best Universities in Canada in 2023

The ranking of the best universities in Canada 2023 by THE ranking organization announced on October 12 has seven universities. These are also the universities in the top 200 of THE world.

The University of Toronto, which is ranked first in Canada and 18th overall, charges undergraduate tuition fees to overseas students at a rate of around 63,768 CDN year, according to the institutions' websites.

The University of British Columbia in Vancouver, which charges 58,803 CAD (more than 1 billion VND) in annual tuition, came in second. Third place went to McGill University, which charged a far lower annual tuition of CAD 25,842. Following them are McMaster University, which charges 43,000 CAD in tuition, and the University of Montreal, which charges 24,000 CAD in tuition, the lowest among the top 7.

The most overseas students attend two of the three least expensive schools. With 30%, McGill University leads, followed by the University of Alberta (28%), the University of British Columbia (18.9%), and the University of Alberta. The remaining percentage of schools' overseas pupils ranges from 20 to 26%.

According to Top Universities, who cite the most recent Statistics Canada data, the average yearly tuition cost for overseas students pursuing bachelor's degrees in the 2019–2020 academic year is CAD 29,714. Majors in the humanities and social sciences typically charge lower tuition rates than those in engineering and medical.

Tuition Fees for Bachelor's Degrees

Surely you can find cheap universities in Canada. The tuition range is 550 – 30,000 CAD/year. Bachelors in Medicine, Engineering, and Social Science are among the most expensive study programmes available.

Tuition costs for popular disciplines:

→ Bachelors in Business & Management: 550 – 56,000 CAD/year

→ Bachelors in Computer Science & IT: 1,535 – 55,500 CAD/year

→ Bachelors in Engineering & Technology: 1,350 – 55,000 CAD/year

→ Bachelors in Social Sciences: 1,025 – 56,000 CAD/year

→ Bachelors in Natural Sciences: 1,780 – 53,000 CAD/year

Tuition fees for Master's degrees

Tuition range: 1,075 – 65,000 CAD/year. Masters in Business, Engineering, Computer Science and Law are the most expensive.

Tuition costs for popular disciplines:

→ Masters in Business & Management: 2,150 – 52,700 CAD/year

→ Masters in Computer Science & IT: 2,150 – 52,500 CAD/year

→ Masters in Engineering & Technology: 2,150 – 52,500 CAD/year

→ Masters in Medicine & Health: 2,150 – 58,300 CAD/year

→ Masters in Social Sciences: 2,150 – 37,000 CAD/year

Tuition Fees of the Cheap Universities in Canada

• Memorial University of Newfoundland – tuition fees: 2,150 – 11,460 CAD/year

• University of Regina – tuition fees: 1,715 – 20,050 CAD/year

• Royal Roads University – tuition fees: 3,750 – 27,600 CAD/year

• University of Saskatchewan – tuition fees: 4,110 – 24,000 CAD/year

• Athabasca University – tuition fees: 1,625 – 17,250 CAD/year

Even at the cheapest university in Canada you can find several study programmes that cost over 30,000 CAD/year. They are usually Master’s degrees in Business, Law, Dentistry, or MBAs (Master of Business Administration). An MBA is particularly expensive, with tuition fees that go above 50,000 CAD/year.

Student Living Costs in Canada

According to the Canadian Consulate General's representative at the Canadian Education Expo, the annual cost of living in Canada is approximately 10,000 CAD.

For the majority of provinces, including Quebec, Montreal, and Ottawa, you would require between 800 and 1,500 CDN each month.

Among of Canada's most costly cities include Vancouver and Calgary, where monthly living expenses can exceed $2,000 CDN.

Accommodation costs

The main housing options for students in Canada are:

→ Student residences: 250 – 625 CAD/month

→ University-arranged homestays: 400 – 800 CAD/month

→ Rent & share an apartment: 300 – 700 CAD/month, prices for rent depend on location and facilities. If you choose to rent a studio/one-room apartment, you can pay over 1,000 CAD/month.

Other costs associated with accommodation

When you rent an apartment or studio, it comes with extra costs:

→ basic utilities (electricity, water, heating, garbage): 150 CAD/month

→ internet: 50-70 CAD/month

Food costs

Your monthly food budget will be less than 300 CDN for groceries and shopping at neighborhood grocers. In Canada, Canadian Superstore, Walmart, and No Frills are a few of the least expensive stores you may visit. You might be able to afford a Canadian education if you combine this with a degree from one of the least expensive Canadian universities!

But, you will need to pay between 10 and 25 CDN if you wish to dine in a restaurant. In a mid-range restaurant, a three-course meal for two will run you between 50 and 65 CDN.

Transportation costs

Students enrolled in a Canadian university, aged between 18 and 25, will benefit from discounts when purchasing a monthly transport pass.

→ The total price of a transport pass is 90 CAD/month, while a one-way ticket is worth 3 CAD.

→ Taxis are also a common way of transport all over Canada and fares are between 2 and 6 CAD/km.

Note: Opting for cheap universities in Canada might spare you some money, but keep in mind that living costs in Canada are above average.

The Scholarships and Work Part-Time for International Students in 2023

Ms. Mai Minh Chau, enrollment representative for Southeast Asia at Queen's University in Kingston, the school ranked 10th in the list of top Canadian research universities, said international students can apply for scholarships or join participate in a paid internship program to reduce the cost burden.

This school offers scholarships depending on the industry, the highest about 50% of the tuition fee from 35,000 to 60,000 CAD a year. The school also has a full-time internship program with a salary of 45,000-55,000 CAD (810 - 990 million VND) for 12 to 16 months.

In addition, Ms. Chau said international students can also work part-time if they are in a training program of 6 months or more at colleges or universities on the DLI list (schools that train international students). of the Canadian government.

According to the international education data site The Pie, from November 15, 2022 to December 31, 2023, international students in Canada can work unlimited part-time instead of 20 hours per week as before. This is to address the short-term labor shortage in Canada.

However, Vinitha Gengatharan, York University's assistant vice-chancellor for global partnerships, notes that students need to balance part-time work with professional and personal goals.

Student permit and visa in Canada

To study in Canada, you will need a student permit. It costs 150 CAD, and you should apply for it before you travel to Canada. These are some of the documents you need to provide during the application process:

→ Acceptance letter from the university

→ Valid passport or travel document

→ Documents that show you can financially support yourself in Canada

The university ranking organization THE evaluates that Canada can offer cheaper tuition fees, a simpler application process and more permanent residency opportunities for international students after graduation than the US.