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    Cost of Studying in Canada from India: Complete Breakdown (2026)

    8 min readMarch 22, 2026
    Quick Answer

    Total cost for Indian students studying in Canada: CAD 28,000-48,000/year (INR 18L-30L) including tuition (CAD 15,000-30,000), living expenses (CAD 12,000-18,000), GIC (CAD 20,635), and visa fees (CAD 235). Budget INR 35-60L for the complete first year.

    Table of Contents▼

    Studying in Canada is a significant investment. Here's every cost you need to plan for as an Indian student in 2026, in both CAD and INR.

    Total Cost Overview

    CategoryCADINR (approx.)

    |---|---|---|

    Tuition (per year)15,000-30,0009.5L-19L
    Living expenses (per year)12,000-18,0007.5L-11.5L
    GIC deposit20,63513L
    Study permit fee1509,500
    Biometrics855,400
    IELTS exam~32016,000
    Medical exam~25015,000
    Flight (one way)800-1,50050K-95K

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    Tuition Fees by Program Type

    ProgramAnnual Tuition (CAD)

    |---|---|

    College diploma14,000-18,000
    University bachelor's20,000-35,000
    MBA30,000-60,000
    Master's (non-MBA)18,000-30,000

    Living Expenses by City

    CityMonthly Cost (CAD)

    |---|---|

    Toronto1,500-2,200
    Vancouver1,400-2,000
    Ottawa1,200-1,700
    Kitchener-Waterloo1,000-1,500
    Halifax900-1,300
    Winnipeg800-1,200

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    How to Reduce Costs

    1. **Choose a college over university** — Save CAD 5,000-15,000/year on tuition

    2. **Study outside Toronto/Vancouver** — Save CAD 300-600/month on living costs

    3. **Work part-time** — International students can work 24 hours/week during term

    4. **Apply for scholarships** — Many colleges offer entrance scholarships for international students

    5. **Co-op programs** — Earn while you learn with paid co-op placements

    Financial Planning Timeline

    12 months before intake:

  1. • Start saving for GIC + first year tuition
  2. • Book IELTS and start preparation

    3. 6 months before:

  3. • Apply to colleges
  4. • Arrange education loan if needed

    5. 3 months before:

  5. • Pay GIC and first-year tuition
  6. • Apply for study permit

    7. 1 month before:

  7. • Book flights
  8. • Arrange initial accommodation

    9. 📋 Ready to start your immigration journey?

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    Education Loan Options for Indian Students

  9. SBI Education Loan:: Up to INR 1.5 crore, interest from 8.5%
  10. HDFC Credila:: Specialized education loans, flexible repayment
  11. Prodigy Finance:: No collateral required for select programs
  12. MPOWER Financing:: No cosigner needed for top-ranked schools

    13. 👉 Need help planning your Canada study budget? Garg Brothers provides free financial planning consultations for students. Book your session today.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is studying in Canada worth the cost for Indian students?+
    Yes, with the right strategy. A 2-year diploma costs CAD 60,000-100,000 total but leads to a 3-year PGWP. Average Canadian salary after graduation: CAD 45,000-65,000/year. PR gives access to subsidized healthcare and education. ROI is typically achieved within 2-3 years of graduation.
    Can I earn back my tuition while studying?+
    Working 24 hours/week at CAD 16-18/hour, you can earn CAD 16,000-18,000/year. This covers living expenses but not tuition. Co-op programs pay CAD 18-25/hour for 4-8 month terms, helping significantly with costs.
    What's the cheapest province to study in Canada?+
    Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and New Brunswick offer the lowest tuition + living costs. Annual total: CAD 22,000-30,000 vs CAD 35,000-50,000 in Ontario/BC. These provinces also have easier PNP pathways after graduation.
    Do I need to show funds in my parents' account?+
    Yes, for study visa applications, funds can be in your parents' or sponsor's bank account. The key is showing consistent, legitimate savings — avoid sudden large deposits. A 12-month bank statement history is recommended.
    Is education loan a good option for studying in Canada?+
    Yes. SBI (8.5% interest), HDFC Credila, and Prodigy Finance offer competitive rates. Loans cover tuition + living. Repayment starts 6-12 months after program completion. Canadian earnings make repayment manageable.

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