The real cost of studying in Canada (it's more than just tuition)

If you're planning to study in Canada, you've probably already looked up tuition fees. But tuition is just one piece of a much bigger picture. Between the paperwork stage and your first winter here, there are many smaller costs that add up fast — and most guides don't mention them.

This post breaks down the real cost of studying in Canada in three stages: what you pay before you're approved, what you pay once you arrive, and the surprise expenses that catch almost every new student off guard.

Stage 1: Costs before you even get approved

Getting your study permit is not free, and neither is applying to schools. Here's what to budget for before you board your flight.

School application fees. Most Canadian schools charge CAD $50 to $250 per application. If you apply to four or five schools (a smart idea, since admission isn't guaranteed), that alone can cost CAD $500 or more. Some schools waive this fee for students from certain countries, so it's always worth asking.

English language test. If your first language isn't English, you'll likely need an IELTS or TOEFL score. Budget around CAD $300 for the test — and more if you need to retake it.

Study permit application fee. This is CAD $150, paid directly to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). You might also want to budget that amount again for immigration consultant support to help with a swift application.

Biometrics fee. Most applicants also pay CAD $85 for fingerprints and a photo. Together with the permit fee, that's CAD $235 in government fees alone.

Proof of funds. This is the big one people forget to plan for. IRCC needs to see that you can support yourself, so you must show at least CAD $22,895 for one year of living costs (outside Quebec), on top of your first year's tuition and a return plane ticket.

Some students show this through a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) with a Canadian bank: a set amount deposited before you arrive, released to you monthly once you're here. This isn't money you lose, but it is money you need to have ready and locked up in advance, which surprises a lot of families.

You can also show these proof of funds using Passage's supports (if eligible).

Medical exam. Depending on your country, you may need an immigration medical exam, which typically costs CAD $200 to $400.

Add it up, and many students spend CAD $1,000 to $1,500 in fees alone before they ever set foot in Canada — separate from the tens of thousands needed for proof of funds.

Stage 2: Tuition and living costs once you're here

Once you land, the two big ongoing costs are tuition and everyday living.

Tuition varies a lot by province and program. On average, international undergraduate tuition is around CAD $41,746 a year, and it's notably higher in Ontario, at close to CAD $49,802. Graduate programs average around CAD $24,028 a year. Some provinces, like Newfoundland and Labrador, are much more affordable, with undergraduate tuition closer to CAD $18,867.

Living costs (rent, food, transit, phone) run at least CAD $22,000 to $23,000 a year outside major cities, and more in Toronto or Vancouver. This lines up closely with the government's own cost-of-living estimate, so it's a realistic minimum.

Health insurance is another cost many students underestimate. In provinces like Alberta and Saskatchewan, international students can access public health coverage for free or a small fee. In others, it's mandatory and comes with a bill: Ontario's UHIP plan runs about CAD $792 a year, and British Columbia's international student health fee works out to about CAD $900 a year. Always check what your specific province and school require.

Stage 3: The expenses nobody warns you about

This is the part that catches new students off guard, because these costs don't show up on any official fee schedule.

Winter clothing. If you've never experienced a Canadian winter, budget CAD $150 to $400 for a proper winter coat, boots, and gloves. Regular clothing simply isn't warm enough, and good winter gear is an investment, not a luxury.

Move-in costs. Most landlords ask for first and last month's rent upfront, sometimes plus a damage deposit. That can mean coming up with two to three months of rent before you've even earned a single paycheque.

Setting up your home. Bedding, kitchen basics, and small furniture can easily cost CAD $300 to $600 if you're starting from nothing.

Phone and transit. A local SIM plan runs about CAD $40 to $80 a month, and a monthly transit pass in a major city can be CAD $100 to $160.

Textbooks and supplies. Depending on your program, expect CAD $500 to $1,000 a year, though buying used or renting can cut this significantly.

Currency conversion and bank fees. Every time you transfer money from home, you may lose a small percentage to exchange rates and wire fees. Over a year, this adds up more than people expect.

The bottom line

The "sticker price" of studying in Canada — tuition plus the government's living-cost minimum — is really just the starting point. Once you add application fees, insurance, move-in costs, and the everyday extras, your true first-year budget is often several thousand dollars higher than what shows up on an acceptance letter.

Build a full budget before you apply, include every fee in this post, add a buffer of at least 10%, and check the exact numbers for your target province and school, since they do shift from year to year.

A little extra planning now means far less financial stress once you're settled into your new life in Canada. If funding is the piece standing between you and your program, check your eligibility with Passage to see what's available to you.

Note: All figures are in Canadian dollars (CAD) and reflect 2025/2026 estimates. Always confirm current fees with IRCC and your specific school before budgeting.