How much does it cost to study in Canada?
education • July 29, 2026
Planning your studies in Canada starts with finding the right school or program. It also means exploring costs to understand how much to budget. It’s important to make sure you have enough funds to cover your expenses for living and studying here.
Tuition fees for international students vary depending on your level of study, program, school and location. You’ll also need to budget for housing, food, transportation, health care, books and other living expenses.
Here’s an overview to help you understand study costs in Canada.
Start with tuition
Tuition is usually your largest study-related cost. The amount you pay will depend on what school you attend.
In Canada, international students can study at many levels, including:
- primary and secondary school
- language school
- college or vocational school
- university
Primary and secondary
school costs
International students must pay annual tuition fees to attend elementary school (primary school) and high school (secondary school) in Canada, starting from kindergarten to Grade 12.
Costs depend on the province or territory and the type of school you choose. For example, public, private day and private boarding schools can all have different tuition ranges. Schools may also charge small fees for activities such as sports teams, clubs or field trips.
Contact the school board in the area where you plan to live to learn about expected fees and costs for your child.
To learn more about attending elementary or high school in Canada, visit:
Language school
costs
Language schools often charge tuition by the week. Your total cost will depend on the length of your course and the school you choose. Tuition typically ranges from $340 to $425 per week.
This can make language study a flexible option if you want to improve your English or French before starting another program, or if you want a shorter study experience in Canada.
You can search for approved language programs on Languages Canada’s website.
College and vocational
school costs
College and vocational programs can range from a few months to several years. This means the total cost can vary depending on your program length.
Many programs focus on career-ready skills. Some may also include work placements, co-ops or apprenticeships, which can help you gain Canadian work experience and earn money while you study.
University
costs
University tuition varies by school, program and region. Undergraduate, graduate and professional programs can have different tuition levels. You’ll need to plan a budget that includes costs for tuition, housing and living expenses while you study.
You can search for programs, compare options and estimate costs based on your study plans.
Build your budget early
Canada offers many study options at different levels and in different regions. Taking time to understand your costs now and prepare your budget can help you have a smoother student experience later. A good budget can help you make confident choices about where and what to study.
Before you choose a school or program:
- Compare tuition at different institutions.
- Research the cost of living in different cities or regions.
- Check if your program includes work placements.
- Ask schools about scholarships or financial awards.
- Review study permit financial requirements.
Living costs and proof of financial support
To apply for a study permit, you must show that you have enough money to support yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada. You must be able to show that you have the money without depending on work in Canada.
These extra living costs can include:
- Housing or residence fees
- Food and groceries
- Transportation
- Health insurance
- Books, technology and school supplies
- Phone and internet
- Clothing, winter gear and personal expenses
- Emergency savings
Review the current financial requirements from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada before you apply.
Look for scholarships
You may be eligible for a scholarship, fellowship or grant to study in Canada. Funding may be available through the Government of Canada, provinces and territories, and individual colleges or universities.
Many schools also offer scholarships directly. Check with the institution you are applying to and use our to explore available opportunities.
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