Living in Canada can be a life changing experience and a great learning opportunity for the students. The cost of living however depends upon where the student is residing in Canada and also the lifestyle of the student. International students are increasingly choosing Canada as the destination for their studies. Since 2010, the international student population in Canada has grown by 119%. In recent years, Canada has become a top destination for international students wishing to study in various programs.

Cost for on-campus accommodation may range anywhere from CAD 8,000 to CAD 10,000 (annually) whereas living in a shared apartment can cost you around CAD 400 to CAD 700 per month depending upon your location and time of the year. Remember, the rentals vary from city to city. Canada is a great place to grow and thrive as a student. The monthly (average) cost of living in Canada for international students is usually between 600 and 800 CAD $ for food and other daily expenses, excluding accommodation.

Most international students in Canada live on-campus in their first year where students are asked to share their rooms with a roommate while sharing the laundry room, kitchen and social area with other students.

The cost of living in Canada for on-campus accommodation ranges between 3000 and 7500 CA$ per year, and varies depending on the region you choose to study in. There are multiple options for international students to stay comfortably in Canada. From living with host families to the university residences to rental apartments, international students can pick a style of accommodation that best fits their lifestyle.

Apart from the cost of living in Canada there are other expenses that international students should keep in mind while preparing for studies abroad. In terms of financial priorities for an international student in Canada expenses of food and health services feature right next to the accommodation expenses. On an average a student spends about CAD$ 1500-CAD$3000 per year on food. Eating out at a restaurant, for example, can go between CA$10-15 per person. A cinema ticket is, on average, CAD $12.25. The general rule here is: the bigger the city the more expensive the living costs tend to be.

The cost of living in Canada includes the expenses of books and other study materials required during the term of the course. An individual student spends about CAD $ 1000-2000 on books and other educational material. An important aspect of student life anywhere is travelling, between campuses, between cities, study tours and transit.

About CAD$1000 per annum is spent on regular traveling which is a considerable cost for any student.

Being an international student in Canada comes with a number of benefits, from the countless on-campus programs for integrating students, down to the immigration programs designed to help facilitate permanent residency applications, Canada’s reputation for educational excellence cannot be denied!

The Canadian study permit allows you to work part-time while studying. This can help cover your cost of living and tuition fees. And if you apply with a spouse or a common-law partner, he/she can apply for an open work permit, which allows them to do full-time work while you’re studying. If your kids are minors, they’re automatically qualified to study in Canada too.

International students are allowed to work 20 hours per week during lecture days and full-time during vacation. Students can look for part-time jobs online or vacancies posted in the notice board of the universities.

Students graduating in Bachelor or Master degree level are eligible for 3 years Post study work permit in Canada. Most students upon the completion of their studies usually choose to apply for PR in Canada which is very popular. Usually there are helpdesks at the universities to help students with visa matters and it is also possible to seek guidance regarding PR from authorized Lawyer.