The cost of studying in Canada as an international student can vary depending on several factors, including the university or college, the program of study, the location, and your lifestyle choices. Here are some key expenses to consider:

Tuition Fees:

Tuition fees vary significantly between institutions and programs. On average, undergraduate international students can expect to pay between CAD 20,000 to CAD 35,000 per year, while graduate programs can range from CAD 10,000 to CAD 45,000 per year. However, tuition fees for professional programs like medicine, dentistry, or law can be higher.

Living Expenses:

The cost of living in Canada will depend on the city or town where you choose to study. Major cities like Toronto and Vancouver tend to have higher living costs than smaller cities or towns. On average, you should budget around CAD 15,000 to CAD 20,000 per year for living expenses, including accommodation, food, transportation, utilities, and personal expenses.

Accommodation:

The accommodation cost can vary depending on whether you live on-campus or off-campus and your preferred accommodation. On-campus residence halls or dormitories can range from CAD 8,000 to CAD 16,000 per academic year. Renting an apartment off-campus can cost anywhere between CAD 500 to CAD 1,500 per month, depending on the location and size of the apartment.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

As of my last update in September 2021, Canada offers a range of scholarships and financial aid options for international students. Here are some of the common ones:

• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (CGS): This scholarship is aimed at doctoral students and provides funding of $50,000 per year for three years. It is awarded to exceptional international students based on academic excellence, research potential, and leadership skills.
• Canada Graduate Scholarships (CGS) Program: This program supports students pursuing a master's or doctoral degree. There are two components: the CGS Master's program and the CGS Doctoral program. These scholarships are awarded to students based on academic merit.
• Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS): This scholarship is specific to students planning to study in the province of Ontario at the master's or doctoral level. It is awarded based on academic excellence.
• Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships: This program financially supports international and Canadian postdoctoral researchers with high potential in natural sciences, engineering, health sciences, social sciences, or humanities.
• Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program: This scholarship is available to students from Commonwealth countries (excluding Canada) and supports master's and doctoral-level studies in Canada.
• Global Affairs Canada Scholarships: The Canadian government offers these scholarships to international students from selected countries for study in Canada at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
• University-specific scholarships: Many Canadian universities have their own scholarship programs for international students. These scholarships may be based on academic achievements, leadership skills, or other specific criteria.

Health Insurance:

As an international student, you must have health insurance coverage while studying in Canada. Some provinces offer healthcare coverage for international students, while others require you to purchase private health insurance. The cost of health insurance can range from CAD 500 to CAD 1,000 per year, depending on the province and the coverage provided.

Books and Supplies:

The cost of books and supplies will depend on your program of study. On average, you should budget around CAD 1,000 to CAD 2,000 per year for textbooks and other academic materials.