Cost of Living in Canada for Indian Students

Cost of Living in Canada for International Students

Cost of Living in Canada: A Comparison with Other Countries

While it is obvious that studying abroad is going to cost way more than studying in the home country, an international student should make certain of doing a careful comparative study of the cost of living in the top study destinations. Here, the below-mentioned table will help one find out how expensive Canada is in comparison to other countries.

Note: The cost has been calculated based on the exchange rate as of August 2021.

GIC Account for Living Expenses in Canada

All international students who wish to study in Canada need to purchase a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) which is a short-term liquid investment for one year. A GIC is offered by Canadian banks with a guaranteed return rate. The GIC account is required to:

• Prove to the Government of Canada that you have enough funds to meet your living expenses until you stay and complete your program of study in Canada
• Facilitate the application and processing of Candian visa/study permit for which financial sufficiency is again required
• A GIC worth C$ 10,000 from an approved bank in Canada would act as evidence of funds.

How to Apply for a GIC?

Step 1: Register for an E-mail Service Secured by an Authorised Bank

You must sign up with an authorised Canadian bank online by filling out your personal information. Register for the Canadian bank's secure email service. After registration, you will receive a password to log into your email account. 

Step 2: Submit the GIC Application

You will get an email with a link to the GIC Application Form on your email account after registration. The same can be submitted online or offline. 

• For online submission, the form should be filled completely and submitted along with a scanned copy of your passport and admission letter through your secure email account.

• For offline submission, the form can be downloaded from your email account. Take a printout of it, fill it out and submit it in person to the concerned bank.

Step 3: Add CAD 10,000 to your GIC Account

After you have submitted your Student GIC Program Application, you will be sent an ‘Investment Account Number’ and your funding details on your email account. Fund your account with CAD 10,000 + CAD 150 (processing fee) using any Indian bank account. 

This money should come from your account or joint account held by you. Once you have successfully funded your 'Canada Student GIC Program' account, you will get an ‘Investment Balance Confirmation’ in your account of investment. 

Step 4: Apply for a Canadian Visa/Study Permit

Submit a copy of your ‘Investment Balance Confirmation’ and apply for the Canadian study permit by visiting the Canadian visa office in India. 

Step 5: Submit the Required Documents

The following documents should be submitted to any of the bank branches in Canada upon arrival: 

• Investment Balance Confirmation

• A valid passport

• Study permit

• A letter of admission from a university in Canada

Note: CAD 2,000 will be deposited in your personal bank account and CAD 8,000 will be deposited in your GIC account for one year. The same will be paid monthly in equal instalments.

Province-Wise Average Cost of Living in Canada

Canada is the world's second-largest country in terms of land area with 10 provinces. The cost of living in Canada for international students varies among cities and provinces, based on a variety of factors, circumstances and lifestyle choices. Some well-known metropolitan cities in Canada are rich in natural beauty and flora. The table below provides a clear picture of the typical cost of living in Canada for international students in various cities:

Cost of Studying in Canada for International Students

Tuition fee in Canada varies course-wise and also the university that you choose. Every year, the university sets a revised tuition fee for international students for undergraduate and postgraduate students. If you plan to take admission in one of the courses in Canadian universities you must confirm the tuition fee for a specific university at the time of admission. Here you check the average cost of study for popular  undergraduate and postgraduate courses offered in Canada:

The average cost of study for undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Canada is as follows: 

Cost of Accommodation in Canada

It has been discovered that the monthly cost of living in Canada for international students is heavily influenced by the type of accommodation chosen. There are four types of popular student housing or accommodation alternatives in Canada.

Dormitories and Townhouses

The majority of Canadian colleges and universities offer on-campus or adjacent student housing. Dormitories are larger buildings that house numerous students, whereas townhouses are detached and typically house three to six students. Apart from the in-house food, both establishments include a cafeteria or food court where you may have your usual meals. Both alternatives may include utilities such as heat, hot water, and internet for a discounted cost.

Off-Campus Shared Apartment or Condominium

Off-campus shared flats/apartments or condominiums provide students with a single room in a living environment shared by one or more other roommates. They frequently have a single-occupancy bedroom or living space with a shared kitchen, bathroom, dining, and living room area, similar to townhomes.

Furnished or Unfurnished Apartments

There are numerous options for finding temporary furnished apartment rentals before travelling to Canada to study. You can get similar information on websites like Airbnb, Craigslist, HouseTrip, and Wimdu. Typically, these are furnished private apartment rentals. Check out the reviews and ratings, and ask for feedback from prior guests.

Note: The most expensive cities in Canada to live in are Vancouver, Toronto, and Calgary. As a result, an international student must spend between CAD 750 and CAD 2200 per month on off-campus housing.

Cost of Food and Groceries in Canada

Food is not a problem anywhere in Canada. One can find all types of cuisines in every town, be it Indian, American, Continental, Italian, Chinese etc. However, the cost of food must be counted as a part of expenses while staying in Canada.

The average monthly costs in Canada for food and other expenses may cost around CAD $200-600 per month. For instance, breakfast, lunch or dinner in a restaurant may cost between CAD 10 to CAD 15 per person.

Transportation Cost in Canada

The cities in Canada are well connected by aeroplanes, trains, buses, taxis, subways etc. To commute in local areas within the cities one can use the metro services or public buses. 

A monthly pass for trains and buses is available for commuters. Special discounts on passes are also available for students. With a valid ID from the college. The cost of transportation in Canada ranges between CAD 80 and CAD 120 per month.

Cost of Books and Study Material

When international students arrange their budgets, they must factor in the cost of books, electronics, and other educational equipment. The cost students pay varies from year to year and also depends on their studies. When it comes to textbooks, they may wish to consider e-books, used books, or rental books to save money. Students should set aside at most CAD 1,000 each year for books and other college equipment/study material. Here are the top five Canadian institutions, together with the average cost of books:

Cost of Living in Canada - Health Insurance Costs in Canada

All international students, regardless of where they study, are required to have health insurance. Medical coverage for international students in Canada varies by city. Provincial Health Care and Private Health Insurance are the two major types of medical health insurance in Canada.  

• The provincial medical health care system includes both preventive and emergency care. All international students studying in Canada on a study visa are entitled to this provincial health care card, which allows them to access medical services as and when needed.

• International students can also choose private health insurance, which provides far more benefits than provincial health care. Private hospital rooms, ambulance services, dental charges, and prescription drugs are among the services covered by private health insurance.

• In Canada, the average cost of private health insurance is between CAD 500 and CAD 1,000.

Which are the Most Expensive and Cheapest Cities in Canada?

While picking the right student city for you and learning about the average cost of living in Canada, it is important to look at the most expensive and affordable Canadian cities. So, here it is:

Most Expensive Cities in Canada

Most Affordable Cities in Canada

Taxes in Canada

Depending on their residency status, international students studying in Canada are required to file Canadian income tax returns. Even if international students do not obtain citizenship, filing taxes can be advantageous in terms of perks such as GST credits, the Child Tax Benefit, or requesting a refund. Students who earn money through teaching, research assistantships, work in Canada, or investments must file an income tax return. Even students who receive income from sources outside of Canada must report it.

Are There Pay Cheque Deductions in Canada for an International Student?

Given that the cost of living in a foreign country is way higher than in one’s home country, many international students work part-time while studying in Canada. For most jobs in the country, the employer will deduct a certain amount of money from the pay cheque which may reduce the pay by 25-35%.

These deductions usually pay for income taxes, Canada Pension Plan, employment insurance, union dues, or any other deductions that the employee and employer may agree to in writing.

How to Save Money as an International Student in Canada?

After reading so much about the cost of living in Canada as an international student, most of the aspirants must be intrigued to know how can they save money while studying in Canada. No matter how large international students' living expenditures in Canada are, they can live independently if they know how and where to spend their money. We frequently try to minimise costs and save money, but the key is to be prudent with our money. There are methods for dealing with and lowering the cost of living in Canada. Some of them are highlighted below:

Scholarships in Canada

In Canada, there are over 800 scholarships available to international students. The scholarships provide a stipend as well as tuition, housing, travel expenses, and health insurance. The cost of living in Canada for students can be greatly reduced if they obtain a scholarship to pay for and support their education and stay in Canada. The following is a list of some scholarships available in Canada:

• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

• Ontario Graduate Scholarship

• Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program

• Presidents Scholarship for World Leaders

• International Leader of Tomorrow Award

• University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship (UMGF)

• The Seneca Renewable Entrance Scholarship of Merit for International Students

• Trudeau Foundation Scholarships

Student Cards in Canada

Canada values and cares about its student population. To help Indian students reduce the expense of living in Canada, the country provides day-to-day discounts to students. This requires the user to present his or her I-card or student card at the time of purchase or payment. These discounts are accessible at department stores, bookstores, restaurants, and on public transportation.

Part-Time Jobs in Canada

Part-time jobs in Canada are one of the best options for international students to reduce their monthly cost of living and expenses in Canada. The student visa allows you to work various on-campus part-time jobs. You may also apply for an off-campus work permit after completing six months of education. A Canadian student visa allows international students to work 20 hours per week in part-time jobs in Canada.

Life as International Student in Canada

Canada is a popular option to study abroad among international students because of the numerous parks the country has to offer. Students have the opportunity to participate in the various on-campus programmes aimed at integrating students, as well as the immigration programmes, which are designed to encourage permanent residency applications. With the number of international students in Canada increasing year after year, the Canadian government and educational institutions are devising new strategies to improve student life in the country and make it easier for international students who want to work and live in the country after finishing their studies.

The 500,000 international students who come to Canada for college and university education each year are only the tip of the iceberg. Thousands more come here to attend primary or secondary education, exchange programmes, or language school. As a student, Canada is an excellent environment to develop and prosper.

While we are discussing the cost of living in Canada for international students, aspirants must also know what is awaiting them and what their new journey might look like while studying in Canada. Read on to get a detailed insight intostudent life in Canada for international students.

A Day in Canadian Classroom

Undergraduate University or College

In Canada, higher education includes both college and university. Each provides distinct chances for learning and development. An international students days at college or vocational school will be filled with career-focused coursework that is very practical. This may include extracurricular activities in addition to attending classes. Students You might spend the day doing and learning various things that would help them create their profession choice in the future. In short, students will have various opportunities to practice and hone their skills in real-world settings.

Students' days at university will consist of lectures and labs, tutorials and workshops. This is what university life is all about: providing students with a mix of learning and doing that will help them prepare for their future careers. Students can meet with professors and instructors during office hours to discuss projects or difficulties. Each class also has at least one teaching or lab assistant, who is usually a graduate student in their field and is ready to give students with extra learning support.

Postgraduate University or College

As an international graduate student enrolled in a master's, PhD, or doctorate programme in Canada, you will attend classes and spend the majority of your time conducting original research or conducting fieldwork for your final research project, thesis, or dissertation. They will prosper under the skilled tutelage of Canada's world-class professors, researchers, and educators. They may also work as teaching, research, or lab assistant on campus. Student life is an important aspect of your experience at every level of higher education in Canada. College and university introduce them to friends and colleagues who will be required contacts for the rest of their lives.

Students will most certainly have a lively and active social life, whether it's meeting up with friends for coffee, going out to pubs or clubs, exploring the city outside of school hours, or travelling around Canada with pals during their study vacations.

Leisure Life in Canada

When it comes to leisure activities, students' favourite destination is Canada. Canadians enjoy outdoor activities such as bicycling, curling, reading, horseback riding, bowling, golfing, walking, skating, hiking, cooking, skiing, and swimming. An international student's life in Canada becomes a delightful adventure with countless recreational activities.

Along with a willingness to live life to the fullest, Canada is endowed with several natural wonders such as Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Big Muddy Badlands, Red Sands, Cathedral Grove, and many others. Low temperatures and frequent showers usually contribute to Canada's allure. International students can take a break from their hectic schedules and spend time in nature during their stay in this tranquil area.

Social Life in Canada

Canada ranks 10th in the global peace index, making it one of the more appealing options for overseas students. Canada is also a progressive and diversified country. The immigrant-friendly country offers free societies that are willing to accept and recognise international students as they are. The social life of international students starts in their residence. Canada welcomes all international students with open arms, and they will almost certainly find suitable accommodation in this country even if they do not know anyone previously. With a significant Indian population in Canada, life in Canada for an Indian student becomes a little easier.

City Life in Canada

To international students, Canada has much more to offer than just big cities and glamorous lifestyles. Work-life balance is the only way to thrive in Canadian cities, with an average of 35- 40 working hours. Most Canadian institutions allow students to work part-time and provide them with the necessary work permits, but with some restrictions, such as limiting students' work time to a maximum of 20 hours per week. This allows international students to earn a livelihood in Canada and afford the average cost of living in Canada for international students. In short, Canadian cities are vibrant, dynamic areas that are ideal for student life in Canada.

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