Study in Canada

How much money does it cost to study in Canada per year? What fees do you need to pay for is always the concern of many parents and students. In fact, calculating reasonable costs is an important step to help you and your family have solid financial preparation.

The total cost of studying in Canada usually includes tuition fees, living expenses, and other incidental expenses such as insurance, books, or transportation. Tuition fees to study in Canada usually vary depending on the school, level, major, and province you choose to live in. You can refer to the estimated fees for each level of study as below:

In addition to tuition fees, the average cost of living in Canada ranges from 22,000 to 25,000 CAD/year, which corresponds to the minimum financial requirements set by the Government of Canada when applying for a Study Permit. The actual cost may be higher depending on the city you live in and your lifestyle.

2. Requirements to study in Canada 2026

Canada welcomes international students at all levels of education, from high school, college to postgraduate. However, to be granted a Study Permit, you need to meet the basic conditions for studying in Canada in terms of age and education level as prescribed by the Government of Canada.

2.1. Age and education requirements when studying in Canada

For students under the age of 18 (or under the age of 19 in some states in Canada), having a legal guardian is a mandatory requirement for the visa application to be approved. If you are planning to study in Canada, IDP can support a reputable guardianship service for international students who choose to live with a homestay, giving parents peace of mind and students easily settling into their new life.

2.2. Financial conditions when studying in Canada

Finances are one of the most important factors when applying for a Canadian student visa. Proof of financial ability not only helps you get a Study Permit,

but also shows that your study abroad plan is well prepared and reasonable.

1. New minimum finance level (applicable from 01/09/2025)

According to the latest regulations of the Government of Canada, applicable to applications submitted from September 1, 2025, students need to prove a minimum living expenses of 22,895 CAD/year (excluding tuition fees). If you study abroad with a relative, the amount will be different as below:

Note: The amount of CAD 22,895 is only the minimum amount according to visa regulations. In fact, the total cost of studying in Canada will be higher when including tuition fees and other incurred costs.

Unlike many other countries, Canada does not have a federal Ministry of Education or a unified national education system. Instead, each province and territory manages and builds its own educational program. Training programs across the country still ensure consistent quality and globally recognized qualifications.

Despite the many similarities, each locality still has its own characteristics depending on the policies and educational priorities of each provincial government. It is this difference that creates a diverse, inclusive education that is suitable for all the learning needs of international students.

3.1. Primary and Secondary Programs

Depending on the province or territory, children can start primary school at the age of 4 and finish secondary school when they are about 18 years old.

• Elementary/Primary from Grades 1 to 8

• Secondary/High School grades 7–9 through 12, depending on the region.

In Canada, students can choose between two popular forms of education, public schools or private schools, all of which follow high educational standards and are closely monitored by provincial education authorities. The curriculum is designed to help students develop both academic and life skills: critical thinking, communication, teamwork, creativity.

3.2. Post-secondary Programs

After completing grade 12, students can continue their studies at the post-secondary level with College, University or Postgraduate programs, depending on their academic goals and career orientation. This is an important step to help you develop your expertise, gain real-world experience, and prepare for a global career in the future.

Depending on the orientation, you can choose to study at a College, University or vocational institute, each study program has its own advantages and learning path.

• Associate Degree Programs:

  Associate degree programs in Canada focus on practical, practical skills rather than focusing intensively on teaching academic research like at the undergraduate level. The study period lasts from 1-3 years. After completing your Associate degree, you can transfer to university and continue your studies toward a bachelor's degree, provided you meet the school's required scores.

• Undergraduate Programs:

  Universities in Canada focus on academic teaching and intensive research, offering a variety of training programs in a variety of fields. Students can study on a pathway from Bachelor's to Master's and PhD. Typically, a Bachelor's program lasts 3–4 years, a Master's 1–3 years, and a PhD about 3–4 years depending on the major.

• Vocational Programme (VET):

  VET schools focus on practical skills training and vocational expertise, making students work-ready immediately after graduation. The goal of the Canadian apprenticeship program is to equip you with practical knowledge, solid career skills, and hands-on application experience, opening up a wide range of job opportunities in Canada and around the world.

4. What should I study in Canada?

Canada is a country with a diverse economy and an open immigration policy, so international students can choose from hundreds of different disciplines when studying in Canada – from science, engineering, economics to the arts, education or health. In recent years, according to labor market trends and long-term immigration needs, Canadian students often prioritize the following industry groups:

• Agriculture and agri-food: An industry group associated with food security and sustainable development, there is currently a shortage of human resources in many provinces across Canada.

• Education: Canada expands and prioritizes the education sector to meet the shortage of teachers, especially in early childhood and supportive education.

• Health care and social services: This is the top priority sector in Canada's labor and immigration policy due to the growing demand for healthcare.

• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics): The core sector of Canada's knowledge economy, which plays an important role in innovation and technological development.

• Skilled Workers (Trade): Canada has a severe shortage of skilled workers, making this industry group one of the top priority sectors.

• Transport & Logistics (transport) Industry groups are associated with national supply chains, playing an important role in Canada's trade and economic development.

Choosing the right field of study when studying in Canada not only affects the learning experience, but also increases your chances of applying for a job and settling in Canada. Therefore, in addition to choosing a school, the province determines that the field of study is suitable for the capacity, interests and trends of human resources in Canada is an important step to build a sustainable learning pathway.

If you are still wondering what to study in Canada, IDP's study abroad consultants in Canada will assist you in evaluating your personal profile, orienting the right field of study and updating the latest career trends, thereby helping you build an optimal and effective pathway to study in Canada.

Source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/after-graduation/eligibility/field-of-study.html#check_cip_lis

5. What documents are required to study in Canada?

Preparing a complete, accurate and consistent application to study in Canada is an important step to increase the pass rate of a Canadian student visa. A well-prepared application not only demonstrates academic ability, but also demonstrates that you have a clear study plan, appropriate financial ability, and reasonable long-term return or long-term development goals as required by the Government of Canada.

Here is a list of important documents you need to prepare:

• Transcripts and transcripts of the last 2–3 years

• High school, university or master's diploma (if graduated). If not, you will need to provide a provisional Graduation Certificate.

• IELTS or TOEFL test results (or equivalent certificates accepted).

• Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a school in Canada.

• Curriculum vitae summarizing work experience and academic achievements (for Graduate programs)

• Letter of Recommendation (LOR)

• Statement of Purpose (SOP) presenting the purpose of study and future study and work plans

• Proof of financial documents

• Receipt of payment of tuition fees and housing costs for the first year

With a large area and a quality education system that spans all provinces, Canada offers international students a wide range of options for study destinations. Each city has its own unique characteristics in terms of culture, climate and career opportunities. Here are the top 5 cities chosen by international students when studying in Canada:

6.1. Toronto, Ontario

Toronto is Canada's largest and most multicultural city, and it is also a destination that welcomes thousands of international students each year. As the country's largest economic, financial and technological hub, Toronto offers a wealth of job opportunities at multinational corporations and prestigious universities such as the University of Toronto, York University and Toronto Metropolitan University (Ryerson).

6.2. Ottawa, Ontario

Ottawa – the capital of Canada is a city famous for its safety, high quality of life and professional learning environment. With prestigious universities such as the University of Ottawa and Carleton University, Ottawa is suitable for those who love research, technology, or wish to pursue careers in the fields of government, high-tech engineering, and the defense/security industries.

6.3. Vancouver, British Columbia

On the West Coast, Vancouver is a dream destination for many international students thanks to its mild climate, stunning landscapes, and friendly living environment. The city is also known as the "Hollywood of the North" with a thriving film and technology industry. Schools such as the University of British Columbia (UBC) and Simon Fraser University (SFU) offer modern, hands-on training and attractive career opportunities after graduation.

6.4. Montreal, Quebec

Montreal – the cultural capital of the state of Quebec, is imbued with a sophisticated European style blended in the modern rhythm of North American life. The city of Montreal is also known as the academic center of Canada when it brings together famous universities such as McGill University, Concordia University and Université de Montréal. The cost of living in Montreal is quite reasonable compared to Toronto or Vancouver, but the quality of learning is still top-notch. This is the right city for those who love art, media and creative technology.

6.5. Quebec City, Quebec

Also in the province of Quebec, Quebec City is rich in French history and culture. It is also the only walled old city in North America, and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With Université Laval – one of the oldest universities in North America, Quebec City is a great choice for those who want to practice French, learn about French-Canadian culture, and enjoy a peaceful, cost-effective learning environment.

7. Top universities in Canada

Canada owns a world-class education system with many universities in the top 200 in the world (according to QS World University Rankings). Schools are not only famous for their teaching quality and modern facilities, but also focus on training associated with practice, helping students learn, experience and develop their careers.

• University of Toronto (Ontario)

• University of British Columbia (UBC) – British Columbia

• University of Alberta

• McGill University

• Toronto Metropolitan University

• University of Waterloo

• Saskatchewan Polytechnic

• York University

See more: TOP 15 Canadian Universities according to THE Rankings and QS Rankings 2026

8. Scholarships to study in Canada for Vietnamese students

With the world's leading quality education system, schools in Canada offer many valuable scholarships to international students every year. Scholarship programs are often considered based on academic achievement, foreign language skills, extracurricular activities, or financial circumstances, providing an opportunity to reduce the cost burden and help your application stand out from the admissions committee.

Here are some typical Canadian scholarships from some of the schools coordinated by IDP:

See more details: Summary of scholarships to study in Canada 2026

9. Why Study in Canada in 2026?

Studying in Canada continues to be the first choice of Vietnamese students in 2026, especially in the context of many changes in visa and financial policies. Not only outstanding in terms of training quality, Canada also offers a clear study-work-immigration pathway for international students.

Here are the reasons why Canada remains attractive on the global study abroad map:

9.1 World-class education

Canada has many top universities such as the University of Toronto, McGill University, University of British Columbia, and the University of Alberta.

The learning programs are designed in the direction of practical application, especially the Co-op model to help students learn while working and accumulate experience right from the time they are in school.

9.2. Diversified scholarships, reducing financial pressure

Canada offers a variety of scholarship programs for international students, ranging from partial tuition assistance to high-value scholarships based on academic merit or personal merit.

If you prepare your application early and have the right strategy, you can completely significantly optimize the total cost of studying abroad.

9.3. Clear work and settlement opportunities

International students are allowed to work part-time during their studies and can stay and work after graduation through the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program for up to 3 years.

This is a great advantage for international students to gain international experience and expand their immigration opportunities through programs such as Express Entry or the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

9.4. Safe and multicultural living environment

Canada has always been among the most livable countries in the world, with a safe environment, multicultural community, and international student-friendly policies.

This helps international students studying in Canada from high school to postgraduate level to easily integrate, study and develop in the long term.

10. Post-Graduate Employment Policy (PGWP) in Canada

One of the reasons why Canada is the world's top study abroad destination is its extremely attractive Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) policy. This program allows international students to stay in Canada to work for up to 3 years if they study manpower-scarce industries such as Technology, Health, Engineering, and Education.

Owning a post-graduation work permit not only helps international students have more time to stay in Canada, but also helps you:

• Expand opportunities to work legally in Canada and gain international experience.

• Increase immigration opportunities through programs such as Express Entry or provincial nominee programs (PNPs).

• Helping students build networks and develop their careers after graduation

Do I need IELTS to study in Canada?

Yes. Most schools in Canada require an IELTS certificate or equivalent English proficiency certificate for admission. Some schools or programs may not require IELTS if you have studied in English or enrolled in a preparatory English course. However, an IELTS score is still a necessary factor in demonstrating English proficiency when applying for a student visa and increasing your chances of receiving scholarships.

Can I work part-time while studying in Canada?

Yes. International students in Canada can work part-time off-campus for 24 hours per week during the academic term and unlimited hours during holidays if they have a valid Study Permit. However, students must comply with the regulations on working hours and conditions set by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Is studying in Canada difficult?

Studying in Canada is not too difficult if you are well-prepared academically, in English, and financially. Canada has a fairly open policy towards international students; however, you still need to meet the school's entry requirements and visa requirements. If your application is clear and prepared early, the chances of getting a Canadian student visa are quite high.

How much does it cost to study in Canada?

The average cost of studying in Canada is approximately 35,000 – 70,000 CAD/year (equivalent to 650 million – 1.3 billion VND), including:
Tuition fees: 13,000 – 50,000 CAD/year
Living expenses: 22,000 – 25,000 CAD/year
Note: The 22,895 CAD/year figure is only the minimum living expense required for visa application, not the total actual cost of studying in Canada.

IDP Vietnam - A top reputable study abroad consulting company for Canada.

Studying in Canada not only gives you the opportunity to study in one of the world's leading education systems, but also opens up a wide range of career and immigration opportunities. Early preparation, from visa applications and finances to choosing majors and scholarships, will significantly increase your chances of obtaining a visa and receiving the best financial support.

School and major selection advice: Suggesting study programs that suit your goals and abilities. IDP organizes study abroad seminars throughout the year. You can meet school representatives directly and apply for scholarships on the spot.

Application guidance: Detailed guidance to help you complete your application accurately and completely, ensuring you meet all requirements for studying in Canada.

English language certificate preparation: We assist you in registering for the IELTS exam with many attractive offers.

Scholarship application support: We provide the latest scholarship information and guidance on the application process to increase your chances of receiving a scholarship.
Visa consultation: We assist in preparing your application and guide you through the Canadian student visa application process.

Providing essential support services for international students: We help you find accommodation, book flights at discounted rates, provide a free SIM card, and equip you with essential skills before departure (Pre-departure session).

Register for a consultation with IDP today!

Free study abroad consultation hotline: 19006955