Cost of Living in Canada for International Students

The average living expenses in Canada for international students, excluding housing, is often in the range of CAD 200 to CAD 300 (INR 12,053 to INR 18,079) for food and other daily expenses. Refer to the following table for grocery and food expenses:

Major cities have lower transportation expenses since there are several easily available transit options. The cost of traveling for students varies based on whether they live on campus or off it. A monthly pass can cost between CAD 80 and CAD 150, but a one-way public transportation fare can only cost a few dollars. The cost of each form of transportation is shown here:

Another important aspect of cost of living in Canada for Indian students is health insurance. International students can obtain free or premium provincial health coverage in some provinces. Students must often apply to the relevant provinces in these situations. They must obtain private health insurance in areas where provincial health insurance is not offered.

Below are some well-known private health insurance policies and their associated costs:

The average yearly premium for obtaining health insurance is between 500 CAD to 700 CAD, according to the Canada Insurance Plan. International students typically choose from well-known insurance companies such as Alliance Global, Sun Life, Green Shield, Manulife Financial, etc. Insurance premiums are a part of being a student in Canada.

Canada living expenses for international students must include utilities which are a crucial factor to take into account because they can raise living expenses considerably. A number of variables, including the size of the student residence, the local temperature, and unique usage habits, might affect the cost of utilities.

The following are some of the most common utility costs that are a part of monthly expenses in Canada for Indian students:

There are more important experiences in Canada than just academics. Affordable means of taking part in outdoor activities, cultural events, and the overall Canadian social scene show that leisure time does not have to be a luxury.

These are some approximate figures for typical entertainment and leisure costs:

The five most costly cities in Canada to live in are Calgary, Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa. The approximate average cost of living in each city is listed below:

In Canada, accommodations for international students include townhouses, dorms, shared apartments, homestays, and furnished or unfurnished apartments. Depending on their choice of housing, students can pay anywhere from CAD 500 to CAD 4000 in rent per month. In Canada, studios and unfurnished apartments are a good option for students looking for affordable rent. Sharing a space with others might also help lower house rent in Canada.

Regarding the living cost in Canada for Indian students, there are strategies to manage and reduce it. Among them are:

• Canadian Scholarships

In Canada, there are over 800 scholarships available to students from overseas. The scholarships cover housing, travel expenses, health insurance, tuition, and/or a stipend. If a student is awarded a scholarship to help pay for their studies and stay in Canada, their cost of living can be greatly reduced.

• Canadian Student Cards

Canada is a nation that appreciates and gives its student population particular attention. Canada has the option to provide daily student discounts in an effort to lower the cost of studying in Canada for Indian students. In order to do this, the customer must present their student ID card at the time of purchase or payment. These savings apply to dining establishments, bookstores, department stores, and public transportation.

• Jobs in Canada for Part-Time Workers

Choosing part-time work in Canada is one of the best methods for Indian students to lower their monthly living expenses. The ability to work various part-time jobs on campus is granted by the student visa. You can also apply for an off-campus work permit after completing six months of studies. International students are allowed to work 20 hours a week as part-timers in Canada with a student visa.

The expense of living in Canada is still a major factor for international students. Major cities tend to be more expensive, especially when it comes to housing and rent, even though they could also have more cultural and employment options.

Those who are thinking about moving to Canada should make sure they are financially prepared and select a place that fits their lifestyle preferences and budget.

Discover how affordable studying in Canada can be! Connect with AECC to explore detailed insights on the cost of living in Canada and plan your academic journey with expert guidance.