Study costs for international students in Canada

Find out how much it costs to study in Canada. Tuition fees depend on your level of study, your program, and the school you choose to attend.

International students in Canada pay less than they would pay in other Anglophone countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, or Australia. (Times Higher Education, 2026)

All costs on this page are in Canadian dollars (CAD). You can check exchange rates using the currency converter from the Bank of Canada. 

Proof of financial support

When applying for a study permit, you must prove that you have enough money, without working in Canada, to support yourself and any family members who come with you. 

Learn more about the financial support requirements from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. 

Primary and secondary school costs

International students must pay annual tuition fees to attend primary school (elementary school) and secondary school (high school) in Canada, starting from kindergarten to Grade 12.

The cost of tuition depends on the province or territory and the type of school:

Public schools: $10,000 to $17,000 per year
Private or independent day schools: $15,000 to $30,000 per year
Private or independent boarding schools: $63,000 to $83,000 per year

Schools may also charge small fees for activities, such as:

sports teams
clubs
field trips

Most students bring their own lunch to school. Some schools offer cafeterias or hot lunch programs where you can purchase food.

To learn more about attending elementary or high school in Canada, visit:

Language school costs

Language schools usually charge tuition by the week.

Tuition typically ranges from $340 to $425 per week.

You can search for approved language programs on Languages Canada’s website.

College and vocational school costs

Tuition fees for colleges and vocational schools (including polytechnics) vary by program and school. Program length can greatly affect costs. Some programs may only take a few months to complete while others can take several years.

Tuition for international students in college diploma programs ranges from approximately $16,000 to $25,000 per year. This includes mandatory fees, such as student association fees and health insurance. This does not include additional costs for school supplies and books.

Many college programs include a work placement (also known as co-op or apprenticeship), that may allow you to earn income while you study.

In addition to tuition fees, you should budget a minimum of $23,000 per year (more if you have family members coming with you) for living costs. You must prove you have enough money to support yourself (and your family members) without working, as part of your study permit application. (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, 2026)

University costs

Tuition fees for universities vary by region, program and school.

On average in Canada, university tuition costs around:

International undergraduate students: $41,746 per year (Statistics Canada, 2026)
International graduate students: $24,028 per year (Statistics Canada, 2026)

In addition to tuition fees, you should budget a minimum of $23,000 per year (more if you have family members coming with you) for living costs. You must prove you have enough money to support yourself (and your family members) as part of your study permit application. (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, 2026)

Scholarships to study in Canada

You may be eligible for a scholarship, fellowship or grant to study in Canada. Funding for international students is available through the Government of Canada, provinces and territories, and many educational institutions.

Many colleges and universities offer scholarships. For more information, please contact your institution directly.

Learn more

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Date modified:: 2026-04-17

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Study costs for international students in Canada

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