Cost of Studying in Canada 2026/27: Tuition, Living Costs & Funds

Studying in Canada costs an international undergraduate student CAN$42,062 a year in tuition on average in 2026/27 (graduate: CAN$24,693), according to Statistics Canada, plus living costs. For a study permit outside Quebec, IRCC wants to see at least CAN$23,448 a year for living expenses for one person on top of tuition and travel.

Those are averages. Fees depend heavily on the province, the university and the program, and some universities cost less than half the Ontario average. Here are the official numbers and how to plan your budget.

Tuition by province (official averages)

Source: Statistics Canada table 37-10-0045-01. Averages hide big differences between programs: engineering, computer science and business usually cost more than arts and social sciences.

Lower-cost universities we tracked

These international undergraduate fees come from each university's official fee page. Check the year label and whether fees are included.

For comparison, the University of Toronto listed 2025/26 first-year international fees of CAN$63,570 for Arts and Science and CAN$70,060 for Engineering, and the University of Waterloo estimates about CAN$73,000 for a first year of Computer Science in 2026.

Graduate tuition can be much lower

Graduate fees vary even more. Some examples from official pages: the University of Alberta lists thesis-based graduate tuition for international students at CAN$10,518.72 per year, and Dalhousie says international PhD students have paid domestic tuition (no international differential fee) since 2019. Algoma University lists international master's tuition of about CAN$7,875 to 10,150 per semester. Research programs often include funding packages (teaching or research assistantships), which can cover part or all of your costs.

Course-based professional master's programs and MBAs are usually more expensive. HEC Montreal's 1-year MBA, for example, is about CAN$65,900.

Living costs and proof of funds

IRCC sets the minimum amount you must prove for living expenses. It is a minimum for the visa file, not a guarantee of what life will cost in Vancouver or Toronto.

For a family, outside Quebec, IRCC asks for CAN$29,192 for two people and CAN$35,888 for three (IRCC). Quebec asks for CAN$34,814 for two people (Quebec).

Housing

Housing is usually your biggest living cost. Options include on-campus residence, homestay with a Canadian family and private rentals (EduCanada housing). Many universities guarantee or prioritise residence for first-year students, but places are limited, so apply as soon as you accept your offer.

Residence prices are published by each university. Dalhousie, for example, lists residence costs of about CAN$12,877 to 16,792 for the academic year, depending on the room and meal plan. The University of Northern British Columbia estimates a total of CAN$48,120 a year for tuition, fees, books and housing for an international undergraduate.

Per-credit pricing, guarantees and fee increases

Canadian universities often charge per credit or per course, so your bill depends on how many courses you take. UBC lists about CAN$1,717.68 per credit for Arts students starting in 2026/27, roughly CAN$51,500 for a 30-credit year. Concordia charges CAN$1,160 per credit in Arts and Science and CAN$1,285 in Engineering and Computer Science for 2026/27.

Fees can rise every year. Some universities protect new international students with a tuition guarantee: Dalhousie has an International Tuition Guarantee for new undergraduates, the University of King's College lists a guaranteed CAN$37,992 per year, and the University of Alberta uses a per-program guarantee for undergraduates. If your university has no guarantee, budget for increases in later years.

Fees you pay before your first class

IRCC does not refund the permit or biometrics fees if you are refused, and university application fees are usually non-refundable. Check each university's deposit refund rules before you pay.

Health insurance

Coverage depends on the province. Some international students are covered by a provincial plan, others must buy private or university insurance (EduCanada). Memorial University lists international health insurance at CAN$548 for 2026/27, and the University of Toronto mentions about CAN$3,000 in ancillary and UHIP fees on top of tuition. In Quebec, insurance is compulsory for your whole stay.

A simple budget for year one

1. 1

   Tuition for year one

   Use the exact figure on your offer letter, not an average.

2. 2

   Living costs

   At least the IRCC amount (CAN$23,448 for one person outside Quebec). Add more for big cities and for your first month (deposit on a room, winter clothing).

3. 3

   Travel

   Return transport to Canada, which IRCC asks you to prove.

4. 4

   One-time fees

   Applications, deposits, permit, biometrics, medical exam and English test.

5. 5

   Years two and beyond

   IRCC asks you to explain how you will pay for the full program if it lasts more than one year.

Worked example (minimum for the visa file): an international undergraduate starting at Memorial University in fall 2026 would show CAN$22,500 tuition plus CAN$23,448 living costs, which is CAN$45,948, plus return travel. Memorial's required fees and its CAN$548 health insurance come on top. The same calculation for a first year at a university charging CAN$50,000 or more would need at least CAN$73,448. This is the minimum IRCC wants to see, not a full budget for city life.

Ways to lower your costs

• Look beyond Ontario and BC. Statistics Canada's averages show international undergraduate tuition in Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, PEI and Manitoba is less than half the Ontario average.
• Target automatic entrance awards. York University lists automatic international entrance awards by final average, from CAN$5,000 (75 to 79.9%) to CAN$37,500 (90% and above). The University of Saskatchewan considers international students for most entrance scholarships automatically on admission.
• Ask about regional packages. The University of Regina advertises a bundle that saves up to CAN$21,000 in tuition and fees over four years for international undergraduates.
• Consider a research master's or PhD. Graduate tuition averages are lower, and many research programs come with funding.
• Use fee waivers where they exist. UBC's graduate school waives its application fee for applicants whose citizenship and address are in Afghanistan.
• Work on campus. IRCC sets no hour limit on on-campus work for eligible full-time students, though jobs are competitive and you cannot rely on wages for your visa file.

Can work and scholarships cover the gap?

Eligible students can work up to 24 hours per week off campus during classes, but IRCC expects you to prove your funds before you arrive; you cannot count future wages. Scholarships help most at the graduate level. See scholarships in Canada for international students and work and stay in Canada after graduation.

Compare fees and deadlines side by side when you track deadlines for free on FindUniPath, or start from the Canada country hub.