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With a wide range of activities and experiences available in a nation renowned for its vast expanses, cosmopolitan cities, and natural beauty, Canada is one of the most popular study abroad locations in the world. The good news is that tuition costs are typically lower in Canada than in other popular anglophone countries (the US, UK, and Australia), though they are still fairly high when compared to other nations.
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A helpful online calculator for estimating the fees of attending various Canadian universities is available from the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC), and it also includes instructions on the paperwork required to apply. Check it out http://w05.educanada.ca/index.aspx/index.aspx?action=cost-cout&lang=fra/index.aspx
College costs in Canada
The fees that universities in Canada establish themselves depend on a number of variables, including the program you’re enrolled in, whether you’re an international or domestic student, and whether you’re an undergraduate or graduate student.
The average tuition cost for overseas undergraduate students in 2019–20 is CA$29714 (about US$22,500), according to Statistics Canada. Courses in the humanities are typically less expensive ($5,542), although courses in engineering and medicine are among the most expensive ($14,162 for medicine and CA$21,717 ($16,446), respectively). The annual cost of CA$6,827 (about US$5,170) for business and management courses is less than the national average.
The tuition is typically less expensive for postgraduate studies, though this again depends on your program. According to Statistics Canada, the typical postgraduate tuition cost for international students in 2019–20 will be CA$17,744, or roughly US$13,437; this is a 4% increase from the previous year.
Accommodation
Most colleges and universities have housing options for students, some of which are designed expressly for international students. Acceptance to a Canadian university does not, however, guarantee that you will be given a residence hall room. For on-campus housing, students must submit separate applications. Prices vary by institution and are based on your preference for a private room or a meal plan.
Some international students opt to rent an apartment off-campus. In Canada, the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,577 per month, while actual costs will vary by location or neighborhood and kind of residence. As a renter, you can also have extra monthly fees for renter’s insurance, personal bills, and utilities like power, home phone, Internet, and cable television. Some students rent rooms in private homes, often also paying for use of the kitchen, or they share flats or full homes to lower their living costs.
Feeding
Your monthly food budget will be less than 300 CAD for groceries and shopping at neighborhood grocers. In Canada, Canadian Superstore, Walmart, and No Frills are a few of the least expensive stores you may visit. You might be able to afford a Canadian education if you combine this with a degree from one of the least expensive Canadian universities!
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However, you will need to pay between 10 and 25 CAD if you wish to dine in a restaurant. In a mid-range restaurant, a three-course meal for two will cost between 50 and 65 CAD.
Transportation
18 to 25-year-old students who are enrolled in a Canadian university will receive savings when buying a monthly transportation pass.
You might be able to ride your bike or walk to campus, depending on where you live. Many students, especially those who attend schools in major cities, travel by bus, subway, commuter train, or ferry. Public transportation one-way prices are normally a few dollars, while monthly passes cost between $80 and $150.
Health insurance
While studying in Canada, you must acquire mandatory health insurance. The annual cost will be roughly CA$600-800 (US$455-607).
The types of medical insurance that are offered vary from province to province. International students are covered by the provincial health care programs of Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Saskatchewan, although the extent of your coverage typically depends on how long you will be studying there.
International students must, however, make arrangements for private health insurance if they intend to study in Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, or Quebec.
The websites of the universities as well as those of the provincial ministries of health contain more information about health coverage.
Financial support for Canadian students
International students can apply for scholarships, grants, and bursaries to study in Canada at the undergraduate and graduate levels. These include subject-specific awards as well as particular scholarships for academic and athletic success.
You may also be able to submit an application for a scholarship offered just by the university where you intend to enroll because many universities in Canada offer their own scholarships. In all circumstances, it’s crucial to apply as soon as you can because scholarship money is scarce and extremely competitive. Additionally, it is advisable for international applicants to look into study abroad fellowships provided by domestic organizations.
Work and Study
Without a work permit, you can work up to 20 hours per week on or off campus during university semesters and full-time during breaks like the winter or summer holidays if you need to support yourself while you are a student in Canada. You must also meet the following requirements:
To work in Canada or to be eligible for government benefits and services, you must also have a Social Insurance Number (SIN) obtained by Service Canada.