Have plans to study in Canada? Here’s a guide to the costs involved

Why study in Canada?

• In a world with cost concerns for studying overseas, Canada provides affordable and quality education.
• Study costs in Canada include factors other than just tuition fees.
• Learn about the cost of a Canada Study Visa.
• the cost of living in Canada as a student.
• Learn about job opportunities after studying in Canada.

Ever wondered what makes your study in Canada a unique experience compared to other countries that offer study courses? It will be interesting to learn what sets Canada apart for an international student. To learn that, you will have to understand more about a Canada student visa, the cost of living, and job opportunities for students who complete their studies.

The best features of Canada as a study destination

• Canadian educational institutions focus on academic excellence. Education is observed as a provincial responsibility in Canada. This keeps the quality of education all across Canada at high levels.
• Many Canadian universities are ranked among the best in QS World Rankings.
• Canadian education is all about skill development and hence measures up to world-class when it comes to curriculum and practical utility. Canada’s co-operative work system (also known as ‘co-op'), prepares students for real-world jobs and develops their skills accordingly.
• In Canada, you can literally earn while you learn. International students studying in Canada on a Canada Study Visa, are allowed to work part-time (20 hours a week) on or off-campus. International students can work in Canada for 3 years after studying on a PGWP (Post Graduate Work Permit).
• Canadian education is highly affordable when compared to many other countries including the USA.
• Canada is one of the safest countries in the world. No international student will face any discrimination from Canadian students.
• The cultural diversity you can experience in Canada is unique.
• Canada offers pathways for immigration to international students.

Now let’s check out the cost factor of specific stages involved in going to study in Canada.

Cost of studies

Here are some facts about the cost of studying in Canada:

• Tuition cost is up by 4.4% for international students in Canada doing graduate courses.
• The average annual cost incurred by an international student for a UG course in Canada is CAD6,463 and CAD7,056 for a graduate course.
• The average annual cost incurred by an international student for a diploma course in Canada is around CAD10,000.
• average annual cost incurred by an international student for a bachelor’s degree in Canada is around CAD 29,714.
• Masters and Ph.D. courses are less expensive than UG courses in Canada. International students could spend around CAD17,000 annually for a master's course.
• The average annual cost of doing a Ph.D. program in Canada is CAD6,000 per year for international students.
• Broadly, the cost incurred by an international student to study in Canada is between CAD10,000 and CAD35,000.

Cost of living in Canada

The following are some of the factors counted when the cost of living in Canada for an international student is calculated:

• Study permit fees – The cost of a Canada student visa is CAD150 and a bank balance of CAD10,000.
• Flight expenses - The cost of a flight to Canada ranges from CAD1,635 (AED 4622) to CAD3,271 (AED9,244)
• IELTS test fees – USD245 to USD255
• Health insurance -
  • Effective 2021/22 winter semester, as of September 1, 2021:
    • Nearly $225 for 3 months
    • Nearly $315 for one-term exchange students
  • Effective 2022 summer semester, as of May 1, 2021:
    • Nearly $10 for a one-time direct billing fee
  • Medical insurance – CAD300 to CAD800 per annum
  • Accommodation rent -
    • On-campus – CAD8,000 to CAD10,000 per annum
    • Off-campus (shared apartment) - CAD400 to CAD700 per month
    • Rented room/apartment - CAD5,000 to CAD10,000 per annum
  • Transportation cost – CAD80 to CAD120 per month
  • Electricity, Water, phone, and internet charges – Depends on location and service provider
  • Books, library membership, and stationery – Depends on service providers
  • Personal expenses

Taxes to be paid by students

Depending on their status of residency, international students have to file income tax returns in Canada. If you file taxes even if you don’t earn a living in Canada, it gives you benefits such as:

• Child tax benefits
• GST credit

It’s mandatory for international students to file tax returns if they earn through:

• Canadian employment
• Teaching
• Investments
• Research assistantships

Jobs for international students after studying in Canada

After your graduation in Canada, you can take one of these routes:

PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit) in Canada

Under the PGWP international students who have graduated from certain post-secondary schools can gain valuable Canadian work experience in Canada. The PGW permit is a temporary permit. The Canadian work experience you get by holding a PGW permit can help you qualify for Canada PR through Canada Express Entry.

Canada Express Entry

Through Express Entry you can become a permanent resident of Canada as a skilled worker. After studying in Canada, if you have the qualification, skills, work experience, and language ability to be a candidate, you can apply to join the Canada Express Entry candidate pool. The Canadian government invites top candidates to file an application for Canada PR.

Canada PNP (Provincial Nominee Program)

Provinces/territories in Canada are allowed to nominate suitable and eligible people to immigrate to Canada. After completing graduation in Canada, you would have gained the foundation and education to start a career in a province/territory of your choice. If you are willing to study in Canada, talk to Y-Axis, the leading immigration and career consultant in the UAE. If you find this blog engaging, you may also like: Unemployment drops to record low in Canada, total employment increased by 1.1 million – May Report