How much will it cost to study in Canada?
There’s no doubt that it can be expensive for students to study overseas. However, Canada offers one of the lowest tuition rates for international students. So, before you leave the Philippines, do consider expenses like accommodation, food, health coverage, and travelling, along with your tuition fees, while calculating the estimated cost of studying in Canada.
Your expenditure on tuition fees will depend on the type of qualification and university or school you opt for.
| Study Program | Average Fees in CA$* |
1. | Undergraduate program | CA$12,000 to CA$25,000 per year |
2. | Postgraduate master's degree | CA$14,000 to CA$35,000 per year |
3. | Doctoral degree | CA$7,000 to CA$10,000 per year |
Notes:
All fee figures are indicative
CA$1.00 ≈ ₱42.00 (September 2025)
International student tuition fees at colleges and vocational schools average around CA$7,000 to CA$22,000 per year, while university tuition fees average around CA$36,100 per year for international undergraduates and CA$21,200 per year for international graduate students (as of 2022).
Postgraduate fees also tend to be higher compared to graduate and postgraduate degrees, though costs can vary depending on the program. An Executive Master of Business Administration (MBA), for example, is still amongst the most expensive degree programs—similar to Executive MBAs in other countries.
To bring down your educational expenses, you can also apply to various scholarships available for international students.
University tuition fees in Canada
Undergraduate program tuition fees for international students in Canada generally averaged CA$35,480 per year as of 2024/2025. Average university tuition fees for selected undergraduate 2024/2025 programs in 2025 are as follows:
Business, Management and Public Administration: CA$34,470
Engineering: CA$40,746
Humanities: CA$35,474
Law: CA$43,999
Medicine: CA$59,253
Nursing: CA$25,809
Social and Behavioural Sciences, and Legal Studies: CA$33,908
Source: Statistics Canada
International graduate students in Canada, meanwhile, could expect to pay an average of CA$30,548 per year as of 2024/2025. Average tuition fees for selected graduate 2024/2025 programs in 2025 are as follows:
Architecture: CA$24,750
Business, Management and Public Administration: CA$25,804
Dentistry: CA$28,919
Engineering: CA$22,885
Regular MBA: CA$40,886
Executive MBA: CA$48,083
Law: CA$19,051
Nursing: CA$18,254
Pharmacy: CA$15,247
Veterinary Medicine: CA$10,727
Source: Statistics Canada
Additional university costs and fees
In addition to uni tuition, international students in Canada can expect to pay some additional fees (all amounts stated are indicative averages):
Mandatory campus fees: Varies between CA$300 to CA$1,000+ per year by institution. This fee typically covers student amenities and resources such as sports facilities, health services, and university recreational facilities.
Student services fees: Additional charges for administrative and miscellaneous fees may range from CA$200 to CA$500+ annually.
Provincial health insurance: International students may be required to purchase basic provincial health insurance to meet their Canada student visa requirements. This can range between CA$600 to CA$1,000+ per year, depending on the province.
Study materials and textbooks: Incidental fees and the cost of study materials average between CA$500 to CA$1,000+ per year, depending on the course and program.
These fees exclude the approximate costs of campus residence and everyday living expenses, covered below.
Find out more about the cost of living in Canada for international students.
Total estimated annual university costs
Based on the prices above, the average annual cost of university fees for international students in Canada is:
Between CA$37,700 and CA$39,600 for undergraduate students (depending on course of study)
Between CA$22,800 and CA$24,700 for graduate students (depending on course of study)
These numbers are still just indicative estimates. For more detailed information, please book a free consultation with IDP’s higher education placement consultants.
Cost of your Canadian student visa
The standard expenses involved in the Canada student visa (study permit) application process include:
Application fee: CA$150 (Paid at time of application submission)
Biometrics fee: CA$85 (Most international students will be required to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) as part of the application process. This fee is paid separately.)
Medical exam: Between CA$100 to CA$300, depending on country and clinic. Not all students are required to undergo a medical examination as part of the visa process.
Study permit extension fee: CA$150 (Only for students who already have a Canadian study permit)
If you plan to work during your studies or as part of a co-op or internship program, you may need to apply for a co-op work permit or a standard work permit. The cost for these work permits varies but typically starts at CA$155.
Scholarships and financial aid opportunities for international students in Canada
International students can explore the following government-funded scholarship opportunities to ease the financial burden of study expenses in Canada.
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships program is open to doctoral students worldwide pursuing a PhD at a Canadian university. It awards CA$50,000 per year for three years during doctoral studies, and candidates must be nominated by an institution that has a quota for Vanier scholars. The scholarship is highly competitive and supports an awardee’s tuition, living expenses, and research.
Living expenses and accommodation
You need to keep a little money aside for your grocery shopping, social activities, and emergency situations. The cost of living in Canada for international students averages between CA$20,520 to CA$25,080 per year (indicative), depending on where you live and your lifestyle. This roughly includes:
Accommodation costs:
On-campus housing: CA$1,110 to CA$1,120 per month
Off-campus housing: CA$870 to CA$1,100 per month, depending on the city
Shared accommodation: CA$600 to CA$800 per month
Food and groceries: Around CA$690 to CA$700 per month
Transportation:
Public transit: CA$100 to CA$120 per month, depending on the city
Entertainment: CA$50 to CA$150 per month, depending on social habits
Personal expenses (clothing, toiletries, etc.): CA$30 to CA$100 per month
When living in a foreign country, it is better to keep track of your expenditures so that you do not overspend. You can also follow these tips to help stick to your budget:
Cook at home to save money, rather than dining out at restaurants all the time
When shopping for groceries, buy in bulk or use coupons to reduce grocery bills
Explore student discounts for transit, entertainment, or culture passes in your location. Most cities offer some kind of concession discount for students, especially for transit.
Many student cities in Canada are bicycle- or walking-friendly, offering free or low-cost alternatives to public transit.
Navigating study expenses in Canada: your next steps
Understanding the costs of pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in Canada is the first step to realizing your academic ambitions. Between university tuition, mandatory fees, student visa fees, and the daily cost of living, it can certainly feel like a lot to take in.
IDP encourages you to take the next step in achieving your dream of studying abroad in Canada. Our experienced higher education placement consultants can provide tailored guidance and support, helping you navigate the complexities of applying to universities and scholarships as an international student.
Book a free consultation with IDP today and let us help you make your dream of studying in Canada a reality.