The cost to study in Canada for Indian students includes tuition, living expenses and transportation. Depending on the program, a first-year budget may range from about C$39,000 to more than C$65,000 before travel, books and other personal costs.
Minimum funds required by IRCC
Indian students applying for a Canadian study permit must prove they can pay tuition, living expenses and transportation without depending on employment in Canada.
For applications submitted from Monday, September 1, 2025, one student studying outside Quebec must show C$22,895 for first-year living expenses. This amount does not include tuition or transportation. Quebec applies separate financial requirements.
The requirement is scheduled to be adjusted annually on September 1. Students applying after Tuesday, September 1, 2026, should therefore check the latest IRCC amount before submitting their application.
Tuition determines the total budget
Tuition varies significantly by institution and program. Government guidance estimates international college diploma tuition at approximately C$16,000 to C$25,000 annually. Combined with the current living-expense requirement, this produces a first-year minimum of roughly C$38,895 to C$47,895 before travel and other costs.
Statistics Canada estimated average 2025–2026 international tuition at C$41,746 for undergraduate students and C$24,028 for graduate students. Adding C$22,895 for living expenses produces indicative totals of about C$64,641 for an undergraduate and C$46,923 for a graduate student, excluding travel.
Additional costs students should calculate
The study permit minimum is not a complete spending estimate. Students should also plan for flights, books, supplies, health insurance, visa-related expenses, winter clothing and initial housing deposits.
EduCanada estimates housing at approximately C$500 to C$2,000 per month, depending on the city and accommodation. Actual costs can be higher in expensive rental markets or when a student chooses private housing.
Students bringing family members need additional living funds. Outside Quebec, IRCC currently requires C$28,502 for two family members and C$35,040 for three, excluding tuition and transportation.
Plan beyond the first academic year
For programs longer than one year, applicants must demonstrate first-year financial support and explain how they intend to finance the remaining period. Funding may include savings, parent support, education loans, scholarships or a combination of documented sources.
Students should calculate costs using the tuition stated by their institution rather than relying only on national averages. They should also avoid converting the budget into a fixed Indian-rupee figure too early because exchange rates can change before tuition payments and visa filing.
