Cost of living in Canada for Indian students 2025

Cost of Living in Canada for Indian Students in 2025

Studying abroad is a dream for many Indian students, and Canada has become one of the top choices because of its world-class universities, diverse culture, and welcoming environment. However, before packing your bags, it’s important to understand the cost of living in Canada for Indian students in 2025. From tuition fees to accommodation and daily expenses, careful financial planning is crucial. By considering Canada student costs beforehand, you can establish a practical Canada study abroad budget and avoid financial burdens that exceed your reach for your academic pursuits.

Tuition Fee Overview by University Type

Tuition fees are the largest expense for foreign students in Canada. Fees differ based on program, level of study, and whether or not the university is public or private.

Public Universities: Mostly cheaper, undergraduate courses have fees between CAD 15,000–CAD 25,000 (INR 9–15 lakhs) per annum. Graduate courses typically cost between CAD 20,000–CAD 30,000 (INR 12–18 lakhs) per year.
Private Universities: Mostly costlier, the universities usually charge higher fees between CAD 25,000–CAD 40,000 (INR 15–24 lakhs) per year, depending on the course.
Professional Courses: Professional courses like medicine, law, and MBA can be very expensive with fees touching CAD 50,000 (INR 30 lakhs) or even more a year.

Your Canada study abroad budget will be greatly determined by your tuition fee, so it is important to research universities and select courses appropriately.

On-Campus, Off-Campus Accommodation Fees

Dwelling is the second biggest expenditure after college tuition. Indian students can opt for on-campus or off-campus residence.

On-Campus Housing: Dormitories in the university generally range from CAD 8,000–CAD 12,000 (INR 4.8–7.2 lakhs) annually. These usually come with basic utilities and sometimes meal plans.
Off-Campus Housing: Private rentals differ by city. In large cities such as Toronto and Vancouver, a one-bedroom apartment will cost between CAD 1,200–CAD 2,000 (INR 72,000–1.2 lakhs) monthly. In smaller cities, it is likely to be CAD 700–CAD 1,200 (INR 42,000–72,000) per month.
Shared Accommodation: Students prefer to share apartments to save money, bringing down rent to CAD 400–CAD 800 (INR 24,000–48,000) per month.

Accommodation is also an essential aspect of Canada student expenses, and shared or suburban housing can bring down the cost considerably.

Food and Transportation Costs

Daily expenditures such as food and transport also affect the cost of living in Canada for Indian students.

Cost of Food: Home cooking is the cheapest way out, with food from grocery shops around CAD 250–CAD 400 (INR 15,000–24,000) monthly. Going out to a restaurant on a frequent basis can soon total up, with a meal around CAD 15–CAD 25 (INR 900–1,500).
Transportation Fees: Public transport is well utilized by students. Monthly passes cost CAD 80–CAD 120 (INR 4,800–7,200) depending on the city. Disounted transit cards are also provided by some universities. If you stay close to campus, cycling or walking will cost a lot less.

Miscellaneous (Health Insurance, Entertainment)

In addition to tuition, accommodation, meals, and transport, students must also include other living expenses in their calculations.

Health Insurance: International students must be covered under health. Provincial healthcare plans will cost between CAD 600–CAD 900 (INR 36,000–54,000) per annum, whereas private insurance might be a bit higher.
Books and Supplies: Budget CAD 500–CAD 1,000 (INR 30,000–60,000) per year for textbooks, software, and course supplies.
Entertainment & Personal Expenses: Eating out with friends, online streaming services, and recreational activities can amount to CAD 100–CAD 200 (INR 6,000–12,000) per month.

Including these in your Canada study abroad budget prevents last-minute financial shocks

Money-Saving Tips for Indian Students

Studying in Canada is costly, but good planning minimizes the cost of living in Canada for Indian students. Here are some easy money-saving tips:

Cook at Home: Cooking food in place of going out for it saves a lot each month.
Use Student Discounts: Most stores, restaurants, and bus companies give student discounts—always have your student ID with you.
Share Accommodation: Sharing rent and utilities with others in the apartment can halve the cost of housing.
Buy Used Books: Choose used textbooks or e-book versions rather than new ones.
Work Part-Time: International students in Canada are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during semesters and full-time during breaks.
Budget Wisely: Track your monthly expenses using budgeting apps to avoid overspending.

Conclusion

The cost of living in Canada for 2025 appears expensive at first sight, but with careful planning, it is affordable. Tuition costs, accommodation, food, travel, and miscellaneous expenses collectively determine your Canada study abroad cost. With intelligent financial planning, an inexpensive way of life, and considering part-time job options, Indian students can excel both academically and personally in Canada without financial anxiety.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much money is required to study in Canada from India?

Approximately INR 20–30 lakhs per annum, including tuition fees and living costs.

What is the average rent for students in Toronto?

The cost of a one-bedroom flat in Toronto is CAD 1,800–CAD 2,000 per month.

Can international students work part-time in Canada?

Yes, students can work 20 hours a week during the semester and full-time during vacations.

Is Canada cheaper than the UK for studies?

Yes, in general, Canada is a bit cheaper than the UK for foreign students.

Related Blogs

All Posts
canada