- Canada offers a rare balance of high academic standards, multicultural campuses, and lower tuition compared to the US and UK.
- The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) of up to 3 years provides one of the world’s longest work pathways without employer sponsorship.
- 2026–27 Immigration Levels Plan prioritizes students with Canadian education and work experience for permanent residency.
Canada is among the most preferred destinations for Indian students due to its high academic standards, world-ranked universities, and welcoming environment. With thousands of Indian students enrolling every year, understanding the cost of studying abroad in Canada is vital before making your move. This guide covers all the key details about the cost of study in Canada to help you plan effectively.
- Why Study in Canada?
- Tuition Fees in Canada for Indian Students (2026-27)
- Top 10 Universities in Canada for Indian Students (2026–27)
- Popular Courses for Indian Students in Canada (2026–27)
- Affordable Canadian Universities for Indian Students (2026-27)
- Cost of Living in Canada for Indian Students (2026-27)
- Key Takeaways for Indian Students (2026-27)
- FAQs
Why Study in Canada?
Canada offers Indian students a uniquely balanced ecosystem with world-class education, streamlined immigration and career pathways, all at competitive costs. This creates an unparalleled value proposition:
- Top-Tier Research & Industry Integration: Leading universities rank highly globally, providing cutting-edge research, co-op programs, and industry collaborations that accelerate skill development and employability in competitive sectors like IT, engineering, and finance.
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Advantage: Canada allows up to three years of PGWP work authorization without employer sponsorship, one of the longest such programs worldwide. Recent 2025-2026 policy updates impose stricter eligibility criteria tied to labour market demands in sectors like STEM, trade, healthcare, etc., and require certain language benchmarks.
- Emerging Immigration Reforms Favoring International Graduates: The 2025-27 Immigration Levels Plan expands accessible PR routes for students through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) and Express Entry, increasingly prioritizing applicants with Canadian education and work experience.
- Affordable Quality Compared to US/UK: Tuition fees and living costs remain considerably lower than comparable programs in the US and UK, providing budget-conscious Indian students a viable route for global qualifications.
- Inclusive, Safe, and Multicultural Environment: Canada’s reputation for diversity and support creates a welcoming study atmosphere, contributing to better academic performance and wellbeing among Indian students.
Tuition Fees in Canada for Indian Students (2026-27)
Tuition fees form the biggest part of your budget, especially when evaluating the cost of graduate or postgraduate study in Canada, as fees can vary significantly by program, degree level, and university.
Here’s a table to help you understand the average tuition fees across degree levels:
| Level | Average Annual Tuition Fees (CAD/INR) |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s | $13,000 – $40,000 (₹8L – ₹24L) |
| Master’s | $17,000 – $50,000 (₹10L – ₹30L) |
| MBA | $30,000 – $70,000 (₹18L – ₹42L) |
| PhD | $7,000 – $20,000 (₹4.2L – ₹12L) |
Business, Engineering, Medicine, and Computer Science programs are at the higher end of the fee range.
Top 10 Universities in Canada for Indian Students (2026–27)
Canada’s higher education system is attracting more Indian students than ever, and for good reason. Strong research funding, cutting-edge facilities, and deep industry connections make Canadian universities a powerhouse for global careers.
Here’s a quick look at the top-ranked universities that Indian students are eyeing:
| Best Universities in Canada | QS World University Rankings 2026 | Average Tuition Range (UG/PG per year) |
|---|---|---|
| McGill University | #27 | CAD 30,000–45,000 / 20,000–40,000 (₹18.6L–₹27.9L / ₹12.4L–₹24.8L) |
| University of Toronto | #29 | CAD 45,000–60,000 / 25,000–50,000 (₹27.9L–₹37.2L / ₹15.5L–₹31L) |
| University of British Columbia (UBC) | #40 | CAD 35,000–50,000 / 18,000–40,000 (₹21.7L–₹31L / ₹11.2L–₹24.8L) |
| University of Alberta | #94 | CAD 28,000–40,000 / 15,000–30,000 (₹17.3L–₹24.8L / ₹9.3L–₹18.6L) |
| University of Waterloo | #119 | CAD 32,000–45,000 / 18,000–35,000 (₹19.9L–₹27.9L / ₹11.2L–₹21.7L) |
| Western University | #151 | CAD 30,000–42,000 / 20,000–32,000 (₹18.6L–₹26L / ₹12.4L–₹19.9L) |
| University of Montreal | #168 | CAD 22,000–32,000 / 14,000–28,000 (₹13.6L–₹19.9L / ₹8.7L–₹17.3L) |
| McMaster University | #173 | CAD 28,000–40,000 / 15,000–30,000 (₹17.3L–₹24.8L / ₹9.3L–₹18.6L) |
| Queen’s University, Ontario | #191 | CAD 30,000–44,000 / 18,000–34,000 (₹18.6L–₹27.3L / ₹11.2L–₹21L) |
| University of Calgary | #211 | CAD 25,000–38,000 / 15,000–28,000 (₹15.5L–₹23.6L / ₹9.3L–₹17.3L) |
Popular Courses for Indian Students in Canada (2026–27)
Indian students are increasingly choosing programs in high-demand sectors like business, IT, engineering, and healthcare. These courses build a strong academic base and also lead to excellent job prospects and permanent residency pathways.
Here’s a table outlining the most popular courses along with tuition estimates:
| Course Name | Duration | Average Annual Tuition Fee (CAD/INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) | 4 Years | $20,000–$50,000 (₹12.7L–₹31.7L) |
| Bachelor of Computer Science/IT | 4 Years | $22,000–$55,000 (₹13.9L–₹34.9L) |
| Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng) | 4 Years | $25,000–$60,000 (₹15.8L–₹38.1L) |
| Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) | 4 Years | $20,000–$40,000 (₹12.7L–₹25.3L) |
| Bachelor of Hospitality Management | 4 Years | $18,000–$30,000 (₹11.4L–₹19L) |
| Bachelor of Arts in Media/Communications | 4 Years | $18,000–$32,000 (₹11.4L–₹20.3L) |
| Diploma/Advanced Diploma in Hospitality | 2–3 Years | $15,000–$22,000 (₹9.5L–₹13.9L) |
| Master of Computer Science/IT | 1.5–2 Years | $18,000–$35,000 (₹11.4L–₹22.2L) |
| Master of Public Health (MPH) | 1.5–2 Years | $18,000–$30,000 (₹11.4L–₹19L) |
| Master of Business Administration (MBA) | 1–2 Years | $30,000–$60,000+ (₹19L–₹38L+) |
| PG Diploma in Management | 1–2 Years | $15,000–$25,000 (₹9.5L–₹15.8L) |
| PG Diploma in Data Science/AI | 1–2 Years | $17,000–$30,000 (₹10.8L–₹19L) |
| Master of Engineering (M.Eng) | 1–2 Years | $20,000–$40,000 (₹12.7L–₹25.3L) |
| Master of Arts in Media/Communications | 1–2 Years | $17,000–$28,000 (₹10.8L–₹17.7L) |
Affordable Canadian Universities for Indian Students (2026-27)
If you’re looking for quality Canadian degrees at a reasonable investment, here are some of the most affordable and recognized universities for undergraduate international students.
Below is the list of most affordable universities with latest tuition fees:
| University | Typical Annual Tuition (UG) 2026-27 (CAD & INR) |
|---|---|
| Memorial University of Newfoundland | CAD 4,24,000–16,91,000 (₹2.6–10.5 Lakhs) |
| University of Regina | CAD 12,88,000–18,14,000 (₹8.0–11.3 Lakhs) |
| University of Manitoba | CAD 20,400–29,700 (₹12.7–18.4 Lakhs) |
| University of Northern British Columbia | CAD 15,000–30,000 (₹9.3–18.6 Lakhs) |
| University of Saskatchewan | CAD 37,878–60,823 (₹23.5–37.7 Lakhs) |
| Simon Fraser University | CAD 20,000–27,000 (₹12.4–16.8 Lakhs) |
Cost of Living in Canada for Indian Students (2026-27)
Beyond tuition, you need to account for day-to-day expenses like housing, food, and transport. Living costs vary greatly by city, lifestyle, and housing choices.
The table below shows estimated monthly living expenses:
| Item | Monthly Cost (CAD/INR) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | $700–2,500 (₹42,000–1,55,000) |
| Food | $300–450 (₹18,300–27,000) |
| Transportation | $80–150 (₹5,000–9,000) |
| Utilities & Internet | $100–200 (₹6,100–12,200) |
| Entertainment | $100–150 (₹6,100–9,000) |
| Miscellaneous | $100–200 (₹6,100–12,200) |
Average monthly living cost: CAD 1,380–3,650 (₹83,600–₹2,24,400).
Most students in cities like Toronto and Vancouver should budget at the higher end of this range. Use our Cost of Living Calculator to estimate your exact monthly expenses.
Key Takeaways for Indian Students (2026-27)
- Aligning your course selection with Canada’s evolving labour market and immigration policies increases both employability and PR chances.
- Building applications around leadership potential and quantifiable career goals can unlock high-value scholarships and early admissions.
- Using co-op programs and PGWP smartly helps you recover your MBA or master’s investment faster while gaining Canadian work experience.
At AdmitX, we help you with every step of your study abroad journey. From profile building to admissions, scholarship planning, visa applications and accommodation support, our team covers it all. We create customized university shortlists, craft impactful SOPs and LORs with expert reviews, and provide templates designed for top Canadian universities. We also assist with living arrangements and budget planning to make your transition smooth.
Book a free 1:1 counseling session with AdmitX or avail our free resources to get started!
FAQs
What is the average cost of study in Canada for Indian students?
The average cost of study in Canada ranges between ₹18–35 Lakhs per year, including tuition and living expenses. It varies by program, degree level, and location.
How much are tuition fees in Canada for Indian students?
Tuition fees in Canada typically range from CAD 13,000–70,000 per year depending on the course and degree level, with MBA and Engineering programs on the higher end.
What is the cost of studying a master’s in Canada?
The cost of studying a master’s in Canada is approximately CAD 17,000–50,000 per year. Specialized programs like MBA can go higher based on the university.
Are Canadian universities affordable for Indian students?
Yes, universities like Memorial University and University of Regina offer globally recognized degrees at relatively affordable tuition fees for Indian students.
What is the cost of living in Canada for Indian students?
Living expenses in Canada average CAD 1,350–2,200 per month, covering accommodation, food, transportation, and other daily costs.
Is Canada cheaper than the US or UK for studying abroad?
Yes, the cost of studying abroad in Canada is often lower than similar programs in the US and UK, making it a cost-effective option for Indian students.
Do I need proof of funds to study in Canada?
Yes, Indian students must show proof of funds covering tuition and a minimum living cost of CAD 20,635 per year for visa approval.
Which are the most popular courses for Indian students in Canada?
Business, Engineering, Computer Science, Healthcare, and Data Science are among the most popular and high-return courses for Indian students in Canada.
Can I work while studying in Canada?
Yes, Indian students can work up to 20 hours per week during semesters and full-time during breaks, helping manage living costs.
Does studying in Canada help with permanent residency?
Absolutely. Canadian education combined with work experience through PGWP significantly improves your chances of securing permanent residency.
If you are an aspirant looking to study at your dream university, book an appointment with AdmitX today and start your applications early to avail yourself of all the benefits.
