At Inforens, we help students prepare not just for admission, but for life abroad. Studying in Canada is an exciting journey, yet one of the first and most important challenges international students face is finding the right place to live before classes begin.
With a competitive housing market and rising living costs, securing accommodation in Canada requires clarity and early planning. This guide provides a clear overview of housing options, realistic cost expectations, and practical strategies to help you find a safe, affordable home that supports a smooth transition into student life.
📚 Tuition: The Main Event
The cost of tuition for international students varies significantly depending on the program and institution. Generally, Canadian universities and colleges are heavily subsidised for domestic students, resulting in substantially higher international fees.
Tuition Fees by Program (Annual Average, CAD)
Undergraduate (BA/BSc): CAD 16,000 – 54,000+
- Humanities and Arts programs are often at the lower end; Engineering, Computer Science, and Business are typically higher.
Postgraduate (MA/MSc): CAD 14,000 – 46,000+
- Generally lower than undergraduate in some fields, especially for thesis-based programs.
MBA: CAD 33,000 – 77,000+
- Executive and top-tier university programs command the highest fees.
PhD: CAD 7,000 – 15,000+
- Often the most affordable tier, with many PhD programs heavily subsidized or offering funding/stipends.
Key Takeaway: Always check the specific fee schedule for your program and institution. Fees often increase annually, so budget for a 3-5% rise each year.
The Mandatory Financial Step: GIC
The Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) is a mandatory requirement for international students applying through the Student Direct Stream (SDS). It serves as proof to the Canadian government that you have the funds to support yourself during your first year.
GIC Requirement for 2026
The required GIC amount has increased significantly to reflect the true cost of living in Canada:
- Minimum GIC Amount (2025): CAD $20,635
- Purpose: To cover your living expenses for the first 12 months in Canada.
You deposit this full amount into a locked Canadian bank account (e.g., Scotiabank, CIBC, ICICI Bank Canada). Upon arrival, the bank releases an initial lump sum, with the remainder disbursed in monthly installments to cover your living costs.
Living the Canadian Life: City-by-City Cost Breakdown
Beyond tuition, your biggest variable expense will be your cost of living, which changes drastically depending on your chosen city. Here’s a comparison of monthly expenses in some major cities (excluding tuition).
Toronto, ON: CAD 2,300 – 3,450
- The most expensive city; high rents and a competitive housing market.
Vancouver, BC: CAD 2,200 – 3,300
- Second most expensive; especially high rent near downtown.
Calgary, AB: CAD 1,600 – 2,300
- More affordable than Toronto/Vancouver, with lower income taxes and generally lower rent.
Halifax, NS: CAD 1,400 – 1,800
- One of the most budget-friendly major cities, offering high quality of life with lower housing costs.
Source Note: These are estimates for a single student living modestly off-campus, including rent, food, transport, and utilities.
Key Living Expense Breakdown (Monthly Estimates)
Accommodation (Shared Off-Campus):
- Toronto/Vancouver: CAD 800 – 1,500
- Calgary/Halifax: CAD 600 – 1,000
Groceries & Food:
- Toronto/Vancouver: CAD 350 – 550
- Calgary/Halifax: CAD 250 – 400
Utilities & Internet/Phone:
- Toronto/Vancouver: CAD 150 – 250
- Calgary/Halifax: CAD 120 – 200
Transportation (Student Pass):
- Toronto/Vancouver: CAD 100 – 170
- Calgary/Halifax: CAD 80 – 140
Accommodation: Rent is the budget-breaker. In expensive cities, consider finding roommates immediately. Smaller, non-downtown suburbs will always be cheaper, but factor in a slightly higher commute cost. On-campus residence can be a good option for the first year (approx. $600-$1,200/month), as it bundles utilities and offers a quick transition.
Food: Learning to cook for yourself is your number one budget hack! Major discount grocery chains like No Frills, FreshCo, and Superstore will be your best friends. Eating out is a treat, not a habit.
Utilities & Transport: Utilities (electricity, heating, water) can spike in the winter, especially in colder provinces. Most cities offer discounted student transit passes; check if your university includes a U-Pass in your student fees.
The Sneaky Costs: Hidden Fees
The total cost of studying isn't just tuition and rent; don't let these one-time and recurring "hidden" costs catch you off guard:
- University Application Fees: Typically CAD $100 to $200 per university application (non-refundable).
- Study Permit Application Fee: CAD $150 (one-time).
- Biometrics Fee: CAD $85 (one-time, for providing fingerprints and photo).
- Health Insurance: International students are required to have coverage. This can range from CAD $600 to $1,000 per year, depending on the province or your school's plan.
- Textbooks and Supplies: Budget CAD $500 to $1,500 per year for books and course materials.
- Travel Costs: Don't forget the cost of your flight, travel insurance, and initial settlement expenses.
Smart Savings: How to Thrive, Not Just Survive
A tight budget doesn't mean a dull life. As an international student, you’re legally allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks. This part-time income can significantly offset your monthly expenses.
Top Monthly Savings Tips
- Embrace the Kitchen: Seriously, cook your own meals. Batch cooking on weekends saves time and money. Look for discount days at your local grocery store.
- Student ID is Gold: Always ask for a student discount—at museums, public transit, movie theaters, and even some retail stores. Get an International Student Identity Card (ISIC) for discounts worldwide.
- Secondhand Everything: Buy used textbooks from older students, campus book sales, or online forums. Look for furniture, winter gear, and electronics on sites like Kijiji or Facebook Marketplace.
- Free Entertainment: Canada is full of free fun! Explore local parks, hiking trails, public libraries, and free events hosted by your university's student union. Many museums also offer student or free-entry days.
- Smart Utilities: Dress warmly indoors in the winter to keep heating low. Be mindful of electricity use. For phone and internet, shop around for student plans or consider a reliable pay-as-you-go mobile option.
- Find a Budget Hub: Open an account at a Canadian bank that offers a no-fee student banking package to avoid monthly account maintenance fees.
By understanding the true costs, planning for the unexpected, and adopting a budget-conscious lifestyle, you can turn your Canadian study dream into a fantastic, financially manageable reality. Good luck with your journey to the True North!
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