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Do you know why studying in Canada is so appealing despite the expenses? It is because, Canada education is worth of every dollar you spend. If you dream of studying in Canada, but the cost makes you apprehensive, think twice. Studying in Canada can be more affordable than you think!
Canadian education standards are high, however, education in Canada is less expensive compared to US, UK or other European countries. With the right guidance and assistance, you may get scholarships and loans that lessen your financial burden. Moreover, students have the flexibility to work while studying. So, don’t fret.
If you want to know more, continue reading. In this blog, we have compiled all the necessary information regarding the study costs in Canada, including the ways to reduce expenses.
Costs for Studying in Canada
Canada is known for its education system and high-ranking academic institutions. However, the costs involved in studies make students often vacillate between choices. Expense has always been a deciding factor when choosing to study abroad. So, before diving into the financial aspects, let us try to understand the different types of costs involved. These are:
→Tuition fees
→Books and other study materials costs
→Student visa and associated cost
→Living costs
→Other academic expenses
➱Tuition Fees
Tuition fees cover the cost of teaching, library facilities, laboratory, and equipment accessibility. It largely depends upon the academic institution you choose to study at. If you select a premium university in Canada, then the tuition fees will be higher.
This also varies depending on whether you choose an undergraduate or a post graduate course. For an undergraduate degree, the annual course fee may be around CAD 25000 and for a post graduate degree you may need to pay CAD 17000.
With a longer duration course, the tuition cost will be higher. For STEM courses, the tuition fees will be higher than arts related courses.
➱Books and Other Study Materials
Textbooks and other educational materials may require anywhere around CAD 500. You can buy used books or go for eBooks too. Electronic equipment such as laptops may be an additional item you may want to add to your inventory, which can cost extra expenses.
➱Student Visa and Associated Cost
Student visa is required if you intend to enter Canada for study purposes. Study visa Canada charge is CAD 150 excluding any additional fees. Individuals who want to study in a university or college in Canada must have a Canadian study permit. A student visa may allow you entry to the country, however, a study permit is required for continuation of studies.
For a course less than 6 months’ duration, a student need not have a study permit whereas for more than 6 months’ stay, students require to procure one. You should apply for a study permit renewal 30 days before its expiry. As of January 1st, 2024, the students are required to have a minimum fund of CAD 20,635 per year, to apply for a study visa Canada.
➱Living Costs
Living expenses differ for each province and city. If you select a college or university in Canada for study purposes, they offer you an estimated institution fee. This may include the living expenses, if you choose the on campus boarding facility.
Several expenses come under living expenses. These include:
Housing and Accommodation:
Accommodation cost is an important component of the living cost. You can stay on campus or go for other options such as shared apartments, single apartments, or homestays.
Staying in the college may cost you more than living off campus. However, while choosing to stay in private housing you might need to buy things on your own, such as utensils, furniture, electricity, and internet connection. Besides, you might need to cook.
Food:
The cost for food and beverages, groceries, etc. vary according to the provinces you are staying in. If it is a rural area the cost will be less, and if it is a city area the cost may go high.
Utilities:
As part of your daily expenses, you need to pay for electricity, water, heating and cooling facilities, and gas. This may cost you nearly CAD 250. Mobile phones and the internet are also essential these days. The cost for these may be around CAD 100. If you choose to buy a new phone it will add to the expenses.
Health Insurance:
Certain provinces offer health insurance to international students. If your province doesn’t offer health insurance, you must purchase one. Most of the time, tuition fees cover health insurance.
Travel Expenses:
Air tickets from India to Canada and vice versa cost anywhere between CAD 1600 to 2100. Costs also depend on the season you travel. Currently, you can book the cheapest ticket during the month of January. In August, you may find booking expensive. Additionally, to ensure a lower airfare you can book 3 months prior to your trip.
In addition to air ticket expenses, students must also figure out local transportation costs. These include bus ticket, subway ticket and train ticket charges. Some educational institutions help with public transportation by offering transit charges.
Entertainment Costs:
As part of your stay abroad, you might want to enjoy yourselves. You can go to a theatre, watch sporting events, and attend concerts. You can occasionally eat out too! Canada being a beautiful country, you can explore fabulous locations. This may cost you around CAD 150. However, this may increase or decrease depending on your personal choices.
How to Reduce Study Cost in Canada
Finances play a pivotal role in overseas education. Nobody wants to get stranded in a foreign country with lack of funds. It is important to have proper planning and estimation.
Although, it is highly unlikely to reduce the standard living costs in a particular province, there are several practical ways in which you can minimize your study cost in Canada. These include choosing affordable cities, educational institutions, availing loans, getting financial aid, and working part-time.
➱Cheap Cities to Study in Canada
The living expenses in each city are different. If you are looking for the cheapest cities in the country, a few of them are listed below:
💠Calgary, Alberta
💠Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
💠Kitchener-Cambridge-Waterloo, Ontario
💠Winnipeg, Manitoba
💠Montreal, Quebec
💠Ottawa, Ontario
➱Affordable Educational Institutes in Canada
Reputed universities and colleges in Canada may charge high tuition fees from students, however, you can reduce your expenses, if you choose affordable educational institutions. A few colleges with reasonable fee structure are listed below.
💠Brandon University
💠Humber College
💠Simon Fraser University
💠Glendon College
💠Centennial College
💠Seneca College
➱Scholarships for International Students
Though you can find educational institutions with pocket friendly fee structure, external financial aid can ease financial difficulties. There are several scholarships awarded to international students in Canada. These include:
💠York University International Student Scholarship Program
💠Humber College International Entrance Scholarship
💠Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan
💠Waterloo Merit Scholarship
💠Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program
💠Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute
💠Carleton Prestige Scholarships
💠Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships
💠Winnipeg President’s Scholarships for World Leaders
💠Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
💠Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
💠University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships
💠Trudeau Scholarships and Fellowships
💠Calgary International Entrance Scholarships
💠Quebec Provincial Government Scholarship
➱Educational Loans for Students in Canada
Students’ loans are another way to bolster your studies in Canada. As federal loans are generally available to Canadian citizens, international students should get private loans. All loans cover tuition fees. Usually, the loan amount covers accommodation costs, health insurance costs, transportation costs, laboratory fee, hostel fee, study material costs, field trips fee and other associated expenses along with tuition fees.
The rate of interest and repayment period may vary according to the bank and the loan granted. Students must repay the loan once they get a job after they complete their studies.
➱Part-Time Jobs
Students can opt for part time jobs to meet expenses during their stay in Canada. Academic programs in the country are generally designed to teach the curriculum in a 20-hour per week classes. This will provide ample space to relax and work while studying. With efficient budgeting and financial management, you can finance more than 50% of your expenses with a part-time job.
Does Canada Education worth all the Expenses?
Education in Canadian Universities is indisputably valuable. It can help you develop professional as well as social skills that can leverage your career to new heights. Exposure to diverse cultures from around the world, offer you unique experiences and a novel global outlook. During recruitment, the internationally accepted certificate can be a gamechanger, giving you an edge over your peers.
Hope you are able to recognize why studying in Canada can be less expensive than you might imagine. Don’t drop your study abroad dreams due to financial concerns. Associate with an expert like Canapprove. We can help you with strategic planning and the right financial management to keep your money worries at bay. We make sure to make your study in Canada a breeze.
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