When planning to study in Canada, one of the most common questions is: how much does it cost? In reality, the expenses involved depend on the level of study, the field of education, the specific institution, and the city in which you choose to live. Your total budget may encompass tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, insurance, and various pre-enrollment costs.
On average, the total annual cost for studying in Canada—covering tuition, living expenses, insurance, and other essential outlays—typically ranges from 27,000 to 60,000 CAD (approximately 570 million to 1.2 billion VND).
So, what are the annual costs of studying in Canada, and what expenses should you prepare for? This article outlines the necessary costs, helping you proactively develop a suitable financial plan. Let’s explore the details!
How much money does it take to study in Canada to be fully prepared? This is a question that many students and parents are interested in when planning to study in Canada.
On average, international students need to prepare around 27,000 – 60,000 CAD per year (about 570 million to 1 billion). This includes tuition fees and living expenses, depending on the school, major, and city you choose.
You can refer to the statistics table of the types of costs of studying in Canada for 1 year.
Expenses | Reference cost (CAD/year) |
Tuition | 12.000–40.000 |
Cost of Living (living expenses, insurance, books and documents) | 15.000-24.000 |
Total Estimated Cost | 27.000-64.000 |
Therefore, when learning how much money is needed to study in Canada, international students should prepare a budget of about 570 million to more than 1 billion 2 VND per year to cover tuition fees and living expenses.
Note: the exchange rate calculated in the article is 1CAD= 19,000VND
One of the biggest expenses when Study in Canada is the tuition fee. The tuition fee can vary depending on many factors such as the city, training program, and school you choose.
To ensure a smooth learning process, international students typically need to prepare around 12,000 – 40,000 CAD per year for tuition fees. Some majors such as Humanities, Education, or Arts typically have lower tuition fees, while Medicine, Engineering, or Technology majors may have higher tuition fees due to their training requirements and professional facilities.
Below are the tuition fees to study in Canada in 2027-2026, compiled by level of study and training time for you to easily refer to when planning your finances.
Level of Education | Duration | Average Tuition Fee |
English | Upon request | 3,500 – 5,500 CAD/term |
High School | 3 years (grades 10,11,12) | 13,000 – 32,000 CAD/year |
College | 2-3 years | 12,000 – 20,000 CAD/year |
Bachelor's degree | 3-4 years | 17,000 - 55,000 CAD/year |
Master's | 1-2 years | 9,000 – 38,000 CAD/year |
When it comes to finding out how much money it takes to study in Canada, high school tuition is one of the most important expenses in the total cost of studying in Canada. The tuition fees to study in Canada will vary depending on the type of school and program of study in Canada.
According to information from the education system in Canada, high school tuition fees for international students usually fluctuate as follows:
Public schools: about 13,000 – 17,000 CAD/year
Private or independent school: about 25,000 – 35,000 CAD/year
Total tuition and boarding fees: about 63,000 – 83,000 CAD/year
Overall, if you're wondering how much it costs to study in Canada or how much it costs to study in Canada, the tuition fee will depend on the type of school and type of study the student chooses.
When researching how much money is needed to study in Canada, many students choose a college or vocational program because the cost of studying in Canada at this level is usually lower than at university. This is also a popular choice for international students who want to optimize their budget when studying in Canada.
Normally, tuition fees for studying in Canada at the college level range from 12,000–20,000 CAD/year (equivalent to about 240–440 million VND/year, depending on the exchange rate).
Undergraduate tuition fees in Canada for international students are usually higher than for local students and vary by field of study and university.
Generally, international students can expect tuition fees of around CAD 17,000–55,000 per year for many bachelor's degree programs. Some specific disciplines, especially those in the field of Medicine or those with high professional training requirements, may have fees that exceed this range.
For graduate programs such as Master's or PhD, the tuition fees for postgraduate study abroad in Canada are usually lower than in many other English-speaking countries. The reference tuition fee for international students can range from around 19,000–32,000 CAD/year for many graduate programs
However, the actual cost may vary depending on the major, university, and region of the state that the student chooses. Fields in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, law, or pharmacy often have higher tuition rates than other disciplines.
In summary, tuition fees to study in Canada can range from about 15,000 CAD to 50,000 CAD per year, depending on the level of study and program that the student chooses.
If you need to update the latest tuition fees to study in Canada or the right study pathway, please contact us for detailed support.
Choosing the right accommodation to help you save on the cost of living in Canada
Accommodation is one of the most important items when figuring out the cost of living in Canada. Depending on their needs and budget, international students can choose from many different forms of housing when studying in Canada.
One of the most concerned issues when studying in Canada - after tuition fees - is "where will I stay and how much will it cost?". There are 3 accommodation options available to international students in Canada.
Three common forms of housing include:
Type of housing | Reference price (CAD) | Conversion price (VND) |
Dormitory (including accommodation) | 12,000 – 15,000 CAD/year | ~236 – 295 million VND/year |
Apartment for rent (shared house) | 300 – 700 CAD/month | ~5.9 – 13.8 million VND/month |
Homestay | 400 – 800 CAD/month | ~7.9 – 15.7 million VND/month |
Note: Reference rate: 1 CAD = 19,672.01 VND. Rates may vary depending on the time and bank.
Dormitory (On-campus): Located on campus in Canada, it is convenient to go to school and use facilities. Suitable for first-year students or new international students.
Renting an apartment (Off-campus): You can rent a private room or share a room to save costs, but you have to pay for electricity, water and internet yourself. Suitable for students who want their own space and active living.
Homestay: Students who live with a local family in Canada, which usually includes meals. Suitable for students under the age of 18 or those who want to experience the local culture.
Choosing the right form of accommodation will help international students optimize the cost of living in Canada and be more proactive in their financial plans when studying abroad. If you still can't find the right place to stay, IDP will provide you with free accommodation advice.
In addition to tuition and housing, international students in Canada need to prepare a budget for monthly expenses such as food, transportation, communications, and entertainment. Tracking your spending will help you manage your finances more effectively during your study period.
Here are some reference living expenses:
When studying in Canada, you will need an expense for shopping for goods, necessities, extracurricular activities, and in an emergency. It's better to keep track of your monthly spending so you don't get "swinging your hands over your forehead". Learn about IDP's Cost of Living Calculator here.
Here are some expenses for your reference:
Accommodation Type | Estimated Cost (2026-2027) |
|---|---|
On-campus Residence (including meals) | ~CAD 12,000–18,000+ per year, depending on the institution |
Shared Accommodation / Room Rental | ~CAD 600–1,500 per month, depending on the city (utilities not included) |
Homestay (including meals) | ~CAD 900–1,400 per month, plus placement fees |
On average, international students in Canada will spend about 600 – 900 CAD/month on basic living expenses (excluding rent).
In addition, expenses for healthcare, personal shopping, or leisure activities may also arise. Therefore, making a reasonable spending plan will help you be more financially proactive during your time studying in Canada.
See also:
Part-time jobs for students while studying in Canada
When studying in Canada, international students are required to participate in health insurance to ensure health care benefits during their studies. Depending on the province or school, the type of insurance and fees may vary.
Normally, the cost of health insurance for international students ranges from 600 to 900 CAD/year. Participating in insurance helps students get support for medical expenses and limit financial risks if health problems arise.
Before coming to Canada, you should carefully research the insurance policy of the province or school you attend to be fully prepared and in accordance with regulations.
Before officially coming to study in Canada, international students need to prepare some mandatory fees in the process of applying for a visa and completing immigration procedures. These are important expenses when researching the cost of studying in Canada and help you plan your budget more accurately.
One of the first fees when applying for a visa and study permit is the fee for applying for a visa and a study permit. When applying, you need to pay:
Study Permit Fee: 150 CAD
Biometrics Fee: 85 CAD
The total cost is 235 CAD (about 4.36 million VND at the reference rate). Biometric results are valid for 10 years, so if you later go on to apply for a visa or other permit, you usually don't need to do this step again.
To be considered for a visa, international students need to undergo a medical examination as required by the Government of Canada. Examination fees in Vietnam usually fluctuate:
HCMC Ho Chi Minh City: about 117 USD
Hanoi: about 117 USD
This fee is to ensure that students are healthy enough to study and live in Canada permanently.
A criminal record is a necessary document in the application for a Canadian student visa, used to prove that you have no criminal record. The current fee is about 200,000 VND.
When applying to schools in Canada, students usually have to pay an application fee. The common fee is about 100 – 150 CAD depending on the school, equivalent to 1.9 – 3 million VND.
For high school students under the age of 18, the Canadian government requires a legal guardian to be present during their studies. The guardian will assist with matters related to learning and life.
Guardianship costs typically range from 200 to 1,000 CAD per year, depending on the school and support services.
Another expense that many parents often miss is the document translation fee. Documents such as school records, degrees, birth certificates, or personal documents need to be translated into English and notarized before applying. The average translation cost is about 500,000 – 1,500,000 VND/set, depending on the number of papers.
In general, before officially enrolling in Canada, international students need to prepare many fees such as visas, biometrics, medical examinations, criminal records, admission fees, guardianship (if under 18 years old), and translation of documents. Knowing these amounts will help you be more proactive when planning the cost of studying in Canada.
To answer exactly how much it costs to study in Canada, you need to pay attention to the requirement to prove finances when applying for a student visa. According to the new regulations of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, international students must prove that they have sufficient living expenses for 1 year in addition to tuition fees.
As of September 1, 2026, the minimum financial support required for a single student is CAD 23,448 per year, excluding tuition and travel expenses. This applies to students studying in provinces and territories outside of Quebec.
If you are traveling with a relative, the amount of money you need to prove will increase depending on the total number of family members:
Number of family members (including the applicant) | Living expenses to be proven (CAD/year) |
1 person | 23.448 |
2 people | 29.192 |
3 people | 35.888 |
4 people | 43.572 |
5 people | 49.419 |
6 people | 55.736 |
7 people | 62.054 |
The above levels only apply to living expenses, excluding tuition fees and travel expenses. If the program lasts more than one year, students will also need to present a financial plan to cover the entire duration of their studies.
Note: Students planning to study in Quebec need to follow the province's own financial proof requirements. You should check the latest information on the IRCC official website before applying.
Official Source: IRCC – Proof of Financial Support for Study Permit Applications
The cost of studying in Canada will vary depending on the school, major, and city you choose to live in Canada. If you're still unsure how much money you need to study in Canada or don't know how to plan your finances properly, IDP Education's team of counselors will assist you completely free of charge.
When you attend the study abroad seminars organized by IDP, you will receive detailed advice on:
How much does it cost to study in Canada for tuition fees and living expenses
How to choose the right school, major, and curriculum
Full or partial
to study in Canada
Assistance with visa applications, proof of finances, housing, and international remittances
IDP Vietnam has more than 30 years of experience in the field of education consulting and has accompanied thousands of international students to study abroad successfully. With a team of experienced consultants who have studied in many countries such as Australia, the UK, the USA, Canada, New Zealand and Ireland, IDP will help you answer all questions from how much it costs to study in Canada to your future study and career development path.
Contact IDP now for detailed support.
