Canada has emerged as a leading destination for international students, offering a multicultural environment and top-tier educational institutions.
When choosing the right designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada, tuition costs are a critical factor to consider. According to Statistics Canada, the average tuition fees for full-time international undergraduate students in 2024 is approximately $40,115 per year.
Explore Your Study Options in Canada
Beyond tuition, international students must also account for accommodation and the general cost of living. Here’s an overview of the costs associated with studying at some of Canada’s top universities.
Note: This list is based on the top Canadian universities as ranked by QS World University Rankings 2025, which considers factors such as academic reputation, employer reputation, and research impact.
The tuition costs below are for one academic year. Since most undergraduate programs in Canada last between three to five years, you’ll need to calculate the total cost of your program accordingly. Rental prices are sourced from Zumper, a digital platform for renters.
University of Toronto
Ranked 25th in the QS World University Rankings 2024, the University of Toronto (UoT) is Canada’s highest-ranked university. Established in 1827, UoT is a public research university with 700+ academic programs across three campuses in Toronto, Mississauga, and Scarborough.
Estimated Tuition Fees for International Students 2024-25:
- Arts: $61,720
- Commerce: $61,720
- Engineering: $67,370
For living expenses, UoT recommends budgeting $1,000 for books and equipment and $8,000-$15,000 for campus accommodation and meals per year. Off-campus, the median rent for a two-bedroom apartment in downtown Toronto is $3,000 per month, or $1,500 per student.
McGill University
Located in Montreal, McGill University is another top-ranked Canadian university. It offers over 1,200 programs and has a diverse student body, with international students making up nearly 30% of its population.
Estimated Tuition Fees for International Students 2024-25:
- Arts: $47,281.69
- Commerce: $70,894.37
- Engineering: $66,327.91
Montreal ranks among the best student cities globally, with a lower cost of living compared to cities like Toronto and Vancouver. The median rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Montreal is $2,300 per month, or $1,150 per student.
University of British Columbia
Founded in 1908, the University of British Columbia (UBC) is British Columbia’s oldest university. UBC has two campuses in Vancouver and the Okanagan Valley, offering a wide range of specialized degrees and attracting students from over 140 countries.
Estimated Tuition Fees for International Students 2024-25:
- Arts: $47,189.40
- Commerce (Sauder School of Business): $61,061.10
- Engineering: $60,622.65
Vancouver, where UBC is located, is one of the most livable cities in the world but has a higher cost of living. The median rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $3,700 per month, or $1,850 per student.
University of Alberta
The University of Alberta, ranked in the top 100 in the QS World University Rankings 2024, is located in Edmonton and offers over 200 undergraduate programs.
Estimated Tuition Fees for International Students 2024-25:
- Arts: $33,968.40
- Commerce: $40,300.80
- Engineering: $45,482.40
Edmonton is known for its affordability, with the median rent for a two-bedroom apartment being $1,650 per month, or $850 per student.
University of Waterloo
The University of Waterloo, recognized as Canada’s most innovative university by Maclean’s University Rankings 2024, is known for its co-op programs that integrate work experience into the curriculum.
Estimated Tuition Fees for International Students 2024-25:
- Honours Arts: $57,000
- Global Business and Digital Arts: $55,000
- Engineering: $73,000
The median rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Waterloo, Ontario is $2,350 per month, or $1,175 per student.
Dalhousie University
Located in Nova Scotia, Dalhousie University (Dal) is ranked 275th in the QS World University Rankings 2024. It’s the largest university in the province, offering over 200 programs across multiple campuses.
Estimated Tuition Fees for International Students 2024-25:
- Arts & Social Science: $33,814.00
- Commerce: $37,418.00
- Engineering: $43,248.00
In Halifax, where Dal is located, the median rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $2,649 per month, or $1,325 per student.
University of Saskatchewan
Established in 1907, the University of Saskatchewan (USask) is the largest educational institution in the province and a member of the U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities.
Estimated Tuition Fees for International Students 2024-25:
- Arts & Science: $36,527
- Edwards School of Business: $44,557
- Engineering: $54,953
Saskatoon, where USask is located, is one of the most affordable cities in Canada. The median rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,475 per month, or $737 per student.
University of Manitoba
Founded in 1877, the University of Manitoba (UM) is the oldest and largest university in the province. It offers over 100 undergraduate programs and has multiple campuses across Manitoba.
Estimated Tuition Fees for International Students 2024-25:
- Arts: $19,100
- Business: $25,300
- Engineering: $25,600
Winnipeg, where UM’s main campus is located, has a lower cost of living compared to larger cities. The median rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,698 per month, or $850 per student.
Explore Your Study Options in Canada
Considering studying in Canada? Skynet Immigration can help you explore your options, guide you through the application process, and support your journey to achieving academic success in one of the world’s top study destinations.
