Thousands and lakhs of students from India and other parts of the world head to Canada to study. Canada is already a second house for lakhs of Indian students. Now, students who are dreaming to move to Canada for studies may have to shed more money in tuition fees as well as house rents.
As per ApplyBoard’s latest ApplyInsights data, the average undergraduate tuition for international students in Canada has reached nearly $42,000, representing a 4% rise from 2024–25.
For most international students, tuition fees remain the largest expense while studying abroad. A four-year undergraduate (UG) programme starting in 2025–26 will cost more than $177,000 in tuition alone, while a two-year postgraduate programme averages less than $50,000.
If seen in Indian rupees, a 4-year UG program's average cost in Canada is Rs 1,12,21,446. If the cost of living and visa processing is added, the total cost reaches approximately Rs 1.5 crore.
Affordability continues to be a primary concern for international students planning to study in Canada. Inflation and economic uncertainty have increased everyday living costs, affecting rent, groceries, and utilities across the country. For the 2025–26 academic year, tuition and housing expenses have again risen, though at a slower pace than in previous years.
According to ApplyBoard’s latest ApplyInsights data, the average undergraduate tuition for international students has reached nearly $42,000, representing a 4% rise from 2024–25 — the lowest annual increase since 2021–22. Graduate students are paying about 3% more this year, with tuition averaging 42% less than undergraduate programmes.
Average tuition costs for undergraduate and postgraduate international students
For most international students, tuition fees remain the largest expense while studying abroad. A four-year undergraduate programme starting in 2025–26 will cost more than $177,000 in tuition alone, while a two-year postgraduate programme averages less than $50,000.
Undergraduate tuition in 2025–26 increased by 4% over the previous academic year.
Postgraduate tuition rose by 3%, following the same upward trend but at a slower pace than undergraduate rates.
As per TOI report, tuition fees vary significantly across provinces, influenced by programme type, delivery mode, and institutional structure.
Ontario remains the most expensive province for international students, while Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island (PEI) are the most affordable.
The report suggest that Ontario accounts for 48% of all study permit holders. Ontario's high demand for study keeps tuition costs above the national average. Undergraduate tuition in Ontario is almost 25% higher than in British Columbia, the next most expensive province.
By contrast, tuition in Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, PEI, and Manitoba is less than half Ontario’s average, making them more cost-effective options for international students.