Aarushi Jain
Updated on Dec 21, 2022 5:15 PM IST
Being an international student in Canada can be extremely difficult at times. This approach gets considerably more difficult when attempting to navigate Canada's restrictive system for international students. Previously, international students may only work a maximum of 20 hours per week under the law. This work-hour limit left overseas students vulnerable as they sought jobs in an already competitive market.
International students are no longer restricted to a 20-hour work week as of November 15. Instead, individuals can work full-time and part-time jobs with unrestricted hours. While this change is a positive start, it is not permanent. This policy shift, according to Sean Fraser, Canada's Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship is just temporary and will cease in 2023. It also applies solely to full-time students.
Given its small population, Canada frequently requires qualified individuals. As a result, international students have a much better chance of staying in the country after they graduate. Students can stay and work in the country for three years if their application is approved under the PGWP (Post-Graduate Work Permit) visa scheme. Once this visa has been granted, students can apply for permanent residency in Canada.
In addition, potential immigrants who complete the requisite education might obtain permanent resident status quickly (PR). Furthermore, it provides international students who want to study in Canada with a high-quality education as well as a time frame to find a decent career in the country.
According to the UN, Canada has the best standard of living and is the most friendly to immigrants. In Canada, immigrants from all around the world are welcome. A fantastic destination for anyone considering relocating to a safe, comfortable country with a high standard of living that speaks English.
International students around the world are often concerned about tuition fees, as well as the cost of living while studying and other expenses that will be incurred during the course term. While intending to study in Canada, they should budget for living expenditures, medical insurance, and lodging costs. International students must demonstrate to the Canadian government that they have the funds to meet the financial requirements of studying and living in Canada.
Living Costs/Expenses in Canada for International Students |
Average Expected Costs |
---|---|
Flight Expense (one-time cost) |
INR 1,00,000 - INR 2,00,000/- per flight (*cost can be less or more depending upon the airlines and class of travel) |
Study Permit Fees (one-time cost) |
CAD 150 |
Work Permit Fees (one-time cost) |
CAD 155 |
IELTS Test Fees (one-time cost) |
INR 14,700 |
Purchase of GIC (one-time cost) |
CAD 10,200 |
Tuition Fees |
Bachelor's Degree: CAD 12,000 – CAD 30,000 per year Master’s Degree: CAD 18,000 – CAD 45,000 per year |
Accommodation |
CAD 5,000 – CAD 10,000 per annum |
Travel Costs |
CAD 80 – CAD 200 per month |
Health Insurance |
CAD 500 – CAD 1000 annually |
Food |
CAD 200 – CAD 400 per month |
Textbooks + Study Materia |
CAD 500 – CAD 700 annually |
Entertainment + Miscellaneous |
CAD 600 – CAD 750 per month |
Note: International students should be aware that the cheapest cost of living in Canada as an international student is determined by the popularity, lifestyle, and size of the city; the larger the city, the higher the cost of living. Living expenditures are typically higher in places such as Ontario.
Need More Information About Pursuing Higher Education in Canada?
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.
Country |
Accommodation Cost |
Transportation Cost (INR) |
Food & Water Costs (INR) |
Education Cost (INR) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Canada |
|
Rs. 4,750 - Rs. 7,125 per month | Rs. 11,875 - Rs. 35,625 per month |
|
USA |
|
Rs. 2,969 - Rs. 7,424 per month |
Rs. 3,260 per day |
|
UK |
|
Rs. 4,420 - Rs. 7,812 |
Rs. 20,560 per month |
|
UAE |
|
Rs. 4,043 |
Rs. 1,010 - Rs. 2,021 per day |
|
Australia |
|
Rs. 70 - Rs. 7,000 |
Rs. 120 per week |
UG & PG Courses: Rs. 4,91,539 to 87,93,090 per year |
Germany |
|
0 - Rs. 13,065 per month |
Rs. 13,065 - Rs. 21,776 per month |
UG & PG Courses: Rs. 20,000 - Rs. 30,10,000 per year |
Note: The cost has been calculated based on the exchange rate as of August 2021.
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:
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.
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:
Popular Canadian Cities for International Students |
Average Yearly Cost of Living (in CAD) |
---|---|
Toronto |
25,000 - 37,000 |
Montreal |
15,000 - 25,000 |
Vancouver |
17,000 - 21,000 |
Ottawa |
15,000 - 22,000 |
Quebec |
17,000 - 22,000 |
Calgary |
25,000 - 30,000 |
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:
Discipline | Average UG Course Fee (Annual) | Average PG Course Fee (Annual) |
---|---|---|
Pharmacy | CAD 32,886 | CAD 10,500 |
Nursing | CAD 18,000 | CAD 12,000 |
Medicine | CAD 33,000 | Not Available |
Architecture and Related Technologies | CAD 22,100 | CAD 20,000 |
Engineering | CAD 26,582 | CAD 15,800 |
Mathematics and Computer Science | CAD 25,000 | CAD 13,000 |
Business Management | CAD 23,500 | CAD 20,000 |
Law | CAD 27,056 | CAD 16,549 |
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.
Accommodation Types for International Students |
Average Estimated Monthly Rent in CAD |
---|---|
Dormitories |
350 - 600 |
Townhouses |
250 - 650 |
Shared Apartment |
400 - 800 |
Unfurnished Apartment Rentals |
300 - 500 |
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 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.
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.
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 $200-600 per month. For instance, breakfast, lunch or dinner in a restaurant may cost between CAD 10 to CAD 15 per person.
Item | Price |
---|---|
Meal for 1 | CA$ 18 |
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 L) | CA$ 2.30 |
Water (0.33 L) | CA$ 1.85 |
Milk (1 L) | CA$ 2.47 |
Bread (500g) | CA$ 2.94 |
Rice (White, 1 kg) | CA$ 3.71 |
Eggs (1 dozen) | CA$ 3.54 |
Banana (1 kg) | CA$ 1.72 |
Onion (1 kg) | CA$ 2.66 |
Learn How to Finance Your Higher Education 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.
Transportation/Vehicle |
Average Cost |
---|---|
Monthly Transport Pass (Toronto) |
CA$ 90 |
Taxi Tariff, 1 km |
CA$ 4 |
2020 Volkswagen Golf, new |
CA$ 26,000 |
2021 Toyota Corolla, new |
CA$ 24,547 |
Bus Ticket, single-use |
CA$ 3.25 |
Gasoline (1 litre / 0.25 gallon) |
CA$ 1.17 |
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:
Top Universities in Canada |
Average Cost of Books and Study Material (in CAD) |
---|---|
University of Montreal |
480 |
McMaster University |
680 |
McGill University |
570 |
University of British Columbia |
750 |
University of Toronto |
710 |
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.
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:
City |
Average Cost of Living Per Month (in INR) |
---|---|
Toronto |
Rs. 71,888 excluding rent |
Ottawa |
Rs. 67,310 excluding rent |
Vancouver |
Rs. 66,277 excluding rent |
Victoria |
Rs. 65,357 excluding rent |
Montreal |
Rs. 62,148 excluding rent |
City |
Average Cost of Living Per Month (in INR) |
St.Catharines |
Rs. 61,852 excluding rent |
Abbotsford, British Columbia |
Rs. 57,124 excluding rent |
Moncton |
Rs. 58,206 excluding rent |
Laval |
Rs. 55,157 excluding rent |
Sherbrooke |
Rs. 51,099 excluding rent |
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.
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.
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:
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
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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Is it difficult to obtain citizenship in Canada?
The process of becoming a Canadian citizen is straightforward. To obtain permanent residency, you need to prove that you have another source of income unless you have a Canadian job. According to Settlement, being physically present in Canada for at least 2-years (or 730 days) in every five-year period is required.
What is the cost of rent in Canada compared to the United States?
Compared to Canadians, Americans have higher living expenses. As calculated by the Cost of Living Index, Toronto's consumer prices are about 24.05% lower than New York City's, and Toronto's rent is about one-half of the cost of renting in New York.
What is the minimum amount of money you need to live comfortably in Canada?
The magic number for Canadians, according to a survey conducted by financial services firm Edward Jones, is -wait for it - $250,000 per year per person. Taking into account taxes (to $155,000 in B.C., for instance), this figure drops significantly, but it is still nearly triple what the average Canadian makes after taxes.
Are jobs available for Indian freshers in Canada?
All you need to do is score 67 points under Canada's Express Entry system and apply for a visa online. As soon as you secure this visa, you will be allowed to work anywhere in Canada. You can work at any employer in the country.
How much can an Indian student earn in Canada?
Monetary Pay: On average, hourly wages are around 12-13 CAD. You do not need a work permit if your only goal is to gain experience, such as assisting your professor with his or her research. You will receive a lower wage for doing this kind of work on-campus; you may work more than the stipulated number of hours.
As an international student, how much money do I need to study in Canada?
The cost of study varies depending on the Canadian province you are staying in, your institution. Course opted etc. In addition to the tuition fee of the course, you must have adequate funds to manage living expenses, travel costs, transportation costs, health insurance, and miscellaneous expenses. Apart from the tuition fees, you must have a minimum fund of $11,000, if you are living in Quebec. The minimum fund required outside of Quebec is $10,000.
What all documents are needed as the financial proof to study in Canada?
You must prove that you have funds to manage your studies and living expenses throughout your studies in Canada. When you apply for a Canadian study visa, you must submit these necessary documents: - Four-month bank statement - An account in your name at a Canadian bank - Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating Canadian financial institution - Proof of education loan and scholarship (if any) - Payslip of tuition fee - A letter from the person/organization lending you money - Canadian-funded educational programme
How to manage the living expenses in Canada?
Once you are enrolled in an institution in Canada, you can choose to take a part-time job while studying. Both on-campus and off-campus part-time job options are available for international students in Canada. The maximum duration for which you can work as a part-time employee is 20 hours per week. The working hours can be extended during vacations or holidays. Meanwhile, you can keep applying for scholarships that are best suited for you based on your performance in higher educational institutions.
How can I prepare financially before planning to study in Canada?
Before moving to Canada for higher education, figure out the overall cost of studying in Canada. Apart from tuition fees, find out the accommodation expenses, travel expenses, transportation expenses, cost of food, insurances, and miscellaneous expenses in Canada for international students. Based on the overall expense, ensure you have enough funds to manage your stay in Canada throughout the completion of the course. Speak to a financial adviser to know how to manage your expenses, if needed. You can also apply for education loans and scholarships if your admission is confirmed in Canada.
What type of accommodation is available for international students in Canada?
Most colleges/universities in Canada provide on-campus hostel facilities to international students at an affordable cost. The on-campus living expense may range between INR 1.75 and INR 4.25 Lakh per year. Students can also choose to stay off-campus. There are several sharing apartments, flats, private hostels, and PGs that provide accommodation facilities to international students around the city. The place of stay can be decided based on the budget, location, and preference of students. The off-campus living expenses may range between INR 25,000 to INR 35,000 per month.
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