How Much Does It Cost to Study in Canada in 2026? Tuition, Living Expenses and Student Visa Fees
How Much Does It Cost to Study in Canada in 2026? Tuition, Living Expenses and Student Visa Fees
Canada remains a major destination for international students, but studying there has become significantly more expensive. Tuition varies by university, province, and degree level, while students must also budget for housing, food, health insurance, transportation, study permit fees, and travel.
So, how much does it cost to study in Canada in 2026?
For many international students, a realistic first-year budget can exceed CAD $45,000 for graduate study and CAD $60,000 for undergraduate study. The final amount can be much higher in expensive provinces or programs.
This guide explains the main costs international students should expect in 2026.
How Much Does It Cost to Study in Canada?
| Expense | Estimated or Official Amount |
|---|---|
| Average international undergraduate tuition | CAD $41,746 per year |
| Average international graduate tuition | CAD $24,028 per year |
| Minimum living funds required outside Quebec | CAD $22,895 per year |
| Study permit application fee | CAD $150 |
| Biometrics fee | CAD $85 |
| Books, insurance and travel | Additional cost |
| Estimated undergraduate first-year minimum | About CAD $64,876 plus extras |
| Estimated graduate first-year minimum | About CAD $47,158 plus extras |
The tuition figures above come from the latest nationwide Statistics Canada data available as of July 2026, covering the 2025/2026 academic year. Actual university fees for 2026/2027 may differ.
Average Tuition Fees in Canada
Tuition is usually the largest expense for international students.
According to Statistics Canada, average annual tuition for international students in 2025/2026 is:
- Undergraduate students: CAD $41,746
- Graduate students: CAD $24,028
International undergraduate tuition increased by an average of 2.5%, while graduate tuition increased by 1.5% compared with the previous academic year.
These are national averages. Some students pay far less, while others in expensive professional programs may pay significantly more.
Undergraduate Tuition Costs
International bachelor’s students should generally expect the highest tuition costs.
The nationwide average is:
CAD $41,746 per year
However, the cost can vary according to:
- University
- Province
- Field of study
- Number of credits
- Program length
Programs in business, engineering, computer science, and other high-demand fields may have different fee structures.
Graduate Tuition Costs
Graduate study is often cheaper than undergraduate study in Canada.
The national average for international graduate students is:
CAD $24,028 per year
This category may include:
- Master’s degrees
- Research graduate programs
- Professional graduate degrees
MBA and specialized professional programs can cost much more than the national graduate average.
Cheapest and Most Expensive Provinces for International Students
The province you choose can make a major difference.
According to Statistics Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador had the lowest average international tuition in 2025/2026:
- Undergraduate: CAD $18,867
- Graduate: CAD $6,964
Ontario was the most expensive province in the same dataset:
- International undergraduate tuition: CAD $49,802
- International graduate tuition: CAD $28,624
More affordable provinces may include:
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- New Brunswick
- Manitoba
- Prince Edward Island
Students should still compare individual universities because a low provincial average does not guarantee that every program is cheap.
How Much Money Do You Need for Living Expenses?
International students must prove that they have enough money to support themselves without depending on employment in Canada.
For study permit applications submitted on or after September 1, 2025, a single student studying outside Quebec must show at least:
CAD $22,895 for one year of living expenses
This amount does not include:
- Tuition
- Travel to and from Canada
The required amount increases when family members accompany the student.
Current financial support requirement outside Quebec:
| Family Members Including Student | Required Annual Living Funds |
| 1 | CAD $22,895 |
| 2 | CAD $28,502 |
| 3 | CAD $35,040 |
| 4 | CAD $42,543 |
Quebec has separate financial requirements.
Important: This Is a Minimum, Not a Guaranteed Budget
The immigration requirement should not be treated as proof that CAD $22,895 will comfortably cover every student.
Actual expenses depend on:
- City
- Type of accommodation
- Lifestyle
- Transportation
- Food costs
- Health insurance
Students in expensive cities may need a much larger budget.
Housing Costs
Accommodation can be one of the biggest expenses after tuition.
Common options include:
University residence
May include:
- Furnished accommodation
- Utilities
- Internet
- Meal plans
Shared apartment
Sharing accommodation can reduce monthly costs.
Private apartment
Usually the most expensive option, especially in major cities.
Before choosing a university, students should compare local housing prices as carefully as they compare tuition.
A lower-cost university in an expensive city may not be the cheapest option overall.
Food and Daily Expenses
Students should budget for:
- Groceries
- Mobile phone service
- Internet
- Clothing
- Personal expenses
- Entertainment
Cooking at home and living with roommates may significantly reduce the total cost.
Health Insurance
International students may need private or provincial health coverage depending on the province and institution.
Costs vary, so applicants should check:
- Whether insurance is mandatory
- Whether the university automatically enrolls students
- What medical services are covered
- Whether dependants need separate insurance
Do not assume healthcare is automatically free for every international student in Canada.
Study Permit and Biometrics Fees
Most international students need a Canadian study permit.
Current federal fees include:
- Study permit: CAD $150
- Biometrics: CAD $85 for an individual applicant, when required
Applicants may also face additional expenses for:
- Medical examinations
- Police certificates
- Document translation
- Passport services
- Visa application centre services
- Travel
How Much Does the First Year Really Cost?
Using official national averages and minimum immigration funds, a basic first-year calculation looks like this.
Average undergraduate student
- Tuition: CAD $41,746
- Required living funds: CAD $22,895
- Study permit: CAD $150
- Biometrics: CAD $85
Basic calculated total: approximately CAD $64,876
This does not include airfare, insurance, books, deposits, or additional personal expenses.
Average graduate student
- Tuition: CAD $24,028
- Required living funds: CAD $22,895
- Study permit: CAD $150
- Biometrics: CAD $85
Basic calculated total: approximately CAD $47,158
Again, the actual cost can be higher.
Can International Students Work While Studying?
Eligible international students may work off campus without a separate work permit if they meet the required conditions.
During regular academic terms, eligible students can work:
Up to 24 hours per week
During scheduled academic breaks, eligible students may work unlimited hours.
Students must meet conditions such as:
- Being enrolled at a designated learning institution
- Having started their program
- Studying in an eligible program of at least six months
- Having appropriate work conditions on the study permit
- Obtaining a Social Insurance Number
Can a Part-Time Job Pay for Your Studies?
Students should not plan to finance their entire education through part-time employment.
Canada requires applicants to demonstrate enough money for:
- Tuition
- Living expenses
- Transportation
without relying on future Canadian employment.
Part-time work may help with some daily expenses, but it should not replace a proper financial plan.
How to Reduce the Cost of Studying in Canada
1. Compare provinces
Do not focus only on Toronto or other high-cost locations.
2. Consider graduate study
Average international graduate tuition is considerably lower than average undergraduate tuition.
3. Apply for scholarships
Look for:
- University entrance scholarships
- Merit awards
- Graduate funding
- Research assistantships
- Teaching assistantships
4. Compare total cost, not tuition alone
Calculate:
- Tuition
- Housing
- Insurance
- Food
- Transportation
- Travel
5. Choose shared accommodation
Housing is a major expense, and sharing can reduce costs.
Is Canada Expensive for International Students?
Yes. Canada can be expensive, particularly for undergraduate students.
However, costs vary significantly. A student choosing a relatively affordable province and university may spend far less than someone studying in an expensive program in Ontario.
For example, the latest official data show average undergraduate international tuition of CAD $18,867 in Newfoundland and Labrador compared with CAD $49,802 in Ontario.
That difference alone shows why university location matters.
Final Thoughts
The cost of studying in Canada in 2026 depends heavily on the degree, university, province, and lifestyle.
Based on the latest official data:
- Average international undergraduate tuition is about CAD $41,746 per year
- Average international graduate tuition is about CAD $24,028 per year
- A single student must currently show at least CAD $22,895 for annual living expenses outside Quebec
- Study permit and individual biometrics fees total CAD $235, when biometrics are required
For an average student, a basic first-year budget may start around CAD $47,000 for graduate study and CAD $65,000 for undergraduate study, before additional expenses.
The best strategy is to compare the total cost of at least five universities before applying.
Official Sources
- Statistics Canada – Tuition Fees in Canada
- Statistics Canada – Canadian and International Tuition Data
- Government of Canada – Study Permit
- Government of Canada – Proof of Financial Support
- Government of Canada – Work Off Campus
- Government of Canada – Biometrics
