Cost of Living in Canada for Indian Students 2024
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Living Cost in Canada: So you are considering Canada for your higher studies, and you are here to get an idea about the living expenses. Well, this is the right approach to plan to study abroad as an international student. The cost of living in Canada is more expensive than in India, but more affordable than in the USA or the UK.
It is important that you do good financial planning to cover the expenses. Accommodation, grocery, and health insurance expenses are the top factors which affect the overall cost of living in Canada. Also, at the time of applying for the Canada student visa, IRCC asks for proof that you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses. In this article, we will give you an overview of living expenses in Canada and other relevant information about the topic.
Living Cost in Canada for International Students
According to Numbeo, an Indian student needs INR 88,400 per month to cover the monthly expenses. This amount does not include house rent as it varies from place to place. Students must obtain medical and hospital insurance as healthcare in Canada is very expensive.
Public health insurance plans are administered independently in each province. Some universities require compulsory insurance coverage. The coverage should be secured within the first week after arrival. There are a few factors that affect the cost of living in Canada for Indian students. They are listed below:
- Housing: Housing is the most significant expense for students in Canada. Rent prices vary widely based on location and housing type, making it a major factor in overall living costs.
- Transportation: Transportation costs vary based on city and personal preference, impacting the overall budget. It is advisable to use public transport to save money.
- Food: Grocery and food costs are influenced by dietary needs and cooking habits, significantly impacting the overall budget. Cooking at home will help you to save a lot money.
- Healthcare: International students in Canada need to have private health insurance. The country has a public healthcare system, it doesn't cover all residents. This added expense contributes to the overall cost of living in Canada.
- Other Expenses: Tuition fees, textbook expenses, entertainment costs and personal spending also contribute to the overall cost of living.
Big City Life vs. Suburban Areas
Like anywhere in the world, living costs in urban centres are more than those in the suburbs. Many students prefer on-campus housing much more, which may not be the lowest-cost option but is definitely more convenient. Toronto and Vancouver are the most expensive cities to live in and with the shortage of affordable housing in Toronto, costs are the highest there and still continue to rise. The cost of living in Toronto for international students is CAD 1,945 to CAD 3,713. This depends mainly on your accommodation. The table given below provides the cost of living in Toronto for international students.
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| Head |
Cost of Living in Canada in CAD Per Month |
|---|---|
| Rent |
1,900 – 2,600 |
| Utility Expenses | 230 |
| Tenant Insurance |
30 |
| Food & Grocery |
400 |
| Clothing & Shoes |
100 |
| Transport |
105 |
| Entertainment |
100 |
| Total |
2800 to 3500 |
Source: Numbeo
Cost of Studying in Canada
Living expenses in Canada for Indian students vary from city to city and depending on where the school is located, the best-estimated living expense will depend on the university you are applying to. As mentioned earlier, every college provides estimated fees and living expenses in Canada. Some colleges have reasonable and affordable on-campus boarding options, some colleges charge quite a lot for the same. What is the cost of living in Canada for Indian students? On average, the cost of living in Canada for Indian students is around CAD 18,340 of which rent and accommodation forms the major part. Here is a table to help you understand approximate monthly expenses in Canada as well as annual costs.
| Expenses |
Monthly Cost in Canada |
Annual Cost in Canada |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition |
- |
$19,186* |
| Student Fees |
- |
$400 |
| Health Insurance |
$70 |
$840 |
| Textbooks |
- |
$600 |
| On-campus Rent |
$600 |
$7,200 |
| Mobile phone (basic package) |
$30 |
$360 |
| Public Transit Pass |
$40 |
$480 |
| Groceries/Food |
$300 |
$3,600 |
| Entertainment/Clothes/Gifts |
$80 |
$960 |
| Car: Insurance |
- |
$1,500 |
| Car: Fuel |
$200 |
$2,400 |
| Total Expenses |
$1320 |
$37,526 |
*Average 1st-year tuition fees are based on 343 MS courses in Canada (source: studyabroad.shiksha.com)
Related Blog: What is Student Accommodation?
How Much Money is Required to Study in Canada
Now that students are aware of the approximate living cost in Canada for international students, let us look at how much money is required to study in Canada from the perspective of the funds that you need to prove while applying for a Canada student visa. The minimum bank balance for Canada student visa depends on whether a student studies outside of Quebec or in Quebec. The tables given below provide the details of both:
Minimum Bank Balance for Canada Student Visa (outside Quebec):
| Person |
Funds Required Annually (excluding tuition fee) – Outside Quebec |
|---|---|
| Primary applicant |
CAD 20,000 |
City Wise Cost of Living in Canada
As mentioned earlier, the living expenses in Canada are not the same for every city. Toronto and Vancouver are the most expensive Canadian cities, where most top universities are located. Smaller cities like Quebec and Saskatchewan are the least expensive. Here, we have mentioned some insights related to the cost of living in Canada per month. This table will give you an idea of how much money you need to manage your living expenses in Canada. However, this amount excludes the house rent as it varies from place to place.
| Canadian Cities | Monthly Cost of Living (In CDR) |
|---|---|
| Toronto | 1,515 |
| Vancouver | 1,542 |
| Ottawa | 1,526 |
| Montreal | 1,400 |
| Calgary | 1,600 |
Source: PayScale
Scholarships to Study in Canada
Indian students may be eligible for a scholarship, fellowship, or grant to study in Canada. The Government of Canada, our provinces and territories, and many educational institutions offer funds for international students. Many colleges and universities in Canada offer scholarships to students to manage their studies and living. For more information about scholarships in Canada, you can visit the link. Students may also apply to colleges in Canada without application fees to reduce their costs.
Now that students are aware of the living cost in Canada for international students, they must apply for scholarships and look for part-time work to reduce their costs. For help with university applications, students seeking to study abroad can contact our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors. The comments section below allows candidates to contact us as well.
Cost of Living in Canada for Indian Students FAQs
Q. Is the cost of living in Canada for Indian students very high?
A. The living cost in Canada for international students is around CAD 18,000 to CAD 20,000 per annum on average. When it comes to the cost of living in Canada for Indian students, it translates to nearly INR 12 to 15 lakhs per annum on average based on the current exchange rate as of July 2024. However, it is worth noting that the cost of living in Canada for Indian students depends on one’s location, lifestyle, dietary habits, travelling facilities, etc. It is important for students to consider scholarships and/or part-time work in order to reduce the cost of living.
Q. Is the cost of living in Canada for Indian students very high?
A. If you compare it to other popular study destinations then studying in Canada is affordable. A student needs around C$30,000 and C$50,000 per annum depending on the course/city to cover his tuition. Apart from this, the cost of food, living, and other living expenses will be around C$18,000 per annum. This is quite affordable if you compare it to other popular study-abroad destinations. Students need to consider their accommodation, food, transport, and healthcare as some of their biggest heads as a part of their living expenses in Canada.
Q. What province in Canada has the lowest cost of living?
A. Living expenses in Canada vary from city to city; the province of Quebec continues to rank as one of the lowest-cost-of-living provinces in Canada with an estimated living cost of C$1,600 per month. This stems not only from some of the lowest rents in Canada and subsidized child care but also from Quebec's electricity prices being much lower than the national average, at 7.3 cents per kWh. In addition to Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Alberta are also affordable provinces to live in Canada for international students.
Q. What is the cost of living in Toronto for international students?
A. Cost of living in Toronto for international students ranges from CAD 1,945 to CAD 3,713 per month. The majority part of this cost is the rent that an international student needs to pay. Rent in Toronto, for international students, ranges from CAD 1,100 to CAD 2,700 per month. Food and grocery costs more than CAD 340 per month. Other important heads include electricity, internet, phone, clothing and shoes, transport. In addition to these, there will be health expenditures and other miscellaneous charges for entertaining and student life.
Q. How to reduce the cost of living in Canada for students?
A. Students, who wish to reduce their cost of living in Canada, may consider the following points:
- Apply for Scholarships: Your overall expenses may be reduced with the aid of scholarships. Make sure to look into and apply for any scholarships for which you may be qualified.
- Search for affordable housing: Finding affordable housing choices is one of the best ways to lower the cost of living in Canada, where rent may be a substantial expense. To save money on rent, think about living in communal housing or a little outside the city.
- Part-time work: Working part-time while you study is an excellent option for international students to supplement their income. International students can work up to 24 hours per week while studying and 40 hours during vacation. Usually, a student earns around C$10-15 an hour in Canada; however, it may vary depending on the city and job you perform. Teacher’s Assistants, Tutors, Waiters, Bartenders or servers, Drivers, Freelancers, Translators, Salespersons, Babysitters, Dog walkers, etc. are the best part-time jobs in Canada.
Q. Is it expensive to live in Canada?
A. Yes, the cost of living in Canada is comparatively higher than in India. However, it is more affordable than other popular study destinations like USA, UK and more. Location, lifestyle, and income significantly impact the cost of living in Canada for Indian students.
Q: Â What IELTS score is required for UCW Canada?
Q: Â What is the University of Canada West acceptance rate?
As per some unofficial sources, the University of West Canada acceptance rate is 80%, which means out of every 100 applications, around 80 are selected, which makes it fairly easy to get selected into the university.
The university gives preference to students having higher grades or have exceptional academic or research experience. Hence, having higher grades increases your chance of getting selected at University of West Canada.
Here is the list of eligibility requirements to get into Canadian Universities.
Q: Â What is the CGPA requirement for Prince Edward Island?
International students must meet the general undergraduate admission requirements to study at Prince Edward Island. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 1.7 in the major subject requirements for Prince Edward Island University admission.
Read about the Canada Grading System
Q: Â How much is the application fee for Selkirk College Canada for international students?
Selkirk College Canada expects a non-refundable application fee from international students, which is USD 100 (INR 8K). International students must fill out the application form where they must upload documents like transcripts, test scores, passport ID page, resume, and more. At the end of the application, international students can expect to pay the application fee, and once their application meets eligibility, they get an offer of acceptance.
Q: Â Is Cambrian College in Canada a good option for international students?
Cambrian College in Canada is largely recognised as a prestigious institution, making it an attractive option for overseas students. The college provides a wide choice of programmes, and its accreditation guarantees respect to academic standards. Prospective students should carefully assess Cambrian College's suitability in terms of individual programme offers, campus facilities, location, and foreign student support services. The total cost of education, including tuition and living expenses, should also be considered, as well as any available financial help or scholarships. For the most up-to-date and accurate information, check Cambrian College's official website, contact international student services, and speak with current or former international students for firsthand experiences.
Q: Â How is Holland College, Canada?
According to student reviews, Holland College is one of the best universities and is well-known for its wide range of offerings and emphasis on practical, experience learning. It is known for giving international students real-world knowledge and abilities that employers highly respect. The institution offers courses in Business, Health, Technology, and other subjects, and it has several campuses spread out around Prince Edward Island. Holland College is a well-liked option for both Canadian and foreign students because of its friendly and encouraging study atmosphere.
Q: Â Can I get a scholarship in the University of Canada West as a freshman?
Yes, University Canada West (UCW) provides a variety of scholarships and awards to prospective freshman. These scholarships are often awarded based on academic performance, community involvement, leadership abilities, and other criteria. These scholarships are competitive, and the eligibility requirements and amounts may change year over year. The most current information on available scholarships and eligibility conditions can be found on UCW scholarship.
Q: Â Is Bishops University Canada good?
Bishop's University is a well-known and highly reputed university located in Canada. The university provides over 106 programs offered under the multiple faculties and 25 departments at the university. Furthermore, the university also offers scholarship opportunities to students pursuing their Master's, Doctorate, Postdoctoral, and Short-term research at the university. The university also offers multiple placement opportunities to the graduates of the university across multiple organizations and industries such as Deloitte, CGI, and RBC. Bishop's University also offers accommodation facilities to ensure that the students enjoy a safe and comfortable time while at the university. Additionally, the university also offers multiple clubs, culture, sports, and other events, and multiple events to ensure active participation of students outside classrooms as well.
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Hello. You may go for a CS course in Canada; however, you will have to justify this transition to the admissions committee as well as during your student visa application. You may refer to the link for an SOP for course change: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/writing-sop-for-course-change-applycont
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Hi. You can expect to pay at least CAD 30,000 per year and tuition costs for psychology courses in Canada. You may refer to the following link: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/psychology-courses-in-canada-articlepage-121781
Yes, the minimum English proficiency requirements for admission in the University of Canada West are:
*The minimum writing score is also applicable to all assessed components of the test.
*May be either of the following three tests; Cambridge B2 First; Cambridge C1 Advanced; or Cambridge C2 Proficiency
*After July 31, 2023, UCW will only accept Duolingo from applicants from Ukraine, Russia, Iran and Belarus. However, UCW may accept Duolingo from applicants in other countries where no other English proficiency test is available. If an applicant is submitting a Duolingo test score from any country other than Ukraine, Russia, Iran or Belarus, they must send it along with an explanation letter, but acceptance is not guaranteed. All other applications with a Duolingo result submitted after July 31, 2023 will be returned.
*Writing is assessed as the average score for achievement in both Literacy and Production.