Updated: April 2025 | bremo.io financial guides

Cost of University in Canada 2025

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University costs in Canada vary significantly by province, program, and whether you live on or off campus. Planning ahead with realistic numbers ensures you size your RESP contributions, student loans, and part-time income appropriately.

2025 Averages: Domestic undergrad tuition $7,500–$9,000/year. Housing $8,000–$16,000/year. Total annual budget $20,000–$35,000 depending on city and program.

Tuition by Province (Domestic Undergrad, 2025)

Quebec (francophone): $3,000–$4,500/year — lowest in Canada
Newfoundland: $3,000–$4,500/year
Manitoba: $5,000–$6,500/year
BC: $6,000–$8,500/year
Alberta: $6,000–$8,000/year
Saskatchewan: $6,500–$8,000/year
Ontario: $8,000–$10,500/year
Nova Scotia: $8,000–$9,500/year

Professional Program Tuition

Medicine: $15,000–$25,000/year
Dentistry: $20,000–$35,000/year
Law: $12,000–$20,000/year
MBA: $20,000–$40,000/year
Engineering: $9,000–$15,000/year

Housing Costs

On-campus residence with meal plan: $12,000–$18,000/year. Off-campus shared rental varies greatly: Toronto/Vancouver $1,400–$1,800/month per bedroom. Waterloo/Kingston/Halifax $700–$1,100/month shared. Living at home significantly reduces this cost but isn't always geographically possible.

Books and Supplies

Budget $1,500–$3,000/year for books, course materials, and technology. Engineering and health sciences programs often have higher supply costs. Digital course packs, used textbooks, and library rentals can reduce this substantially. Many students spend $800–$1,200/year with disciplined sourcing.

Living Expenses

Food, transit, phone, entertainment, and clothing add $700–$1,300/month off-campus. Campus meal plan typically covers food if you live in residence. Budget total living expenses of $8,000–$15,000/year beyond housing.

Total 4-Year Cost Estimate (Ontario, Off-Campus)

Tuition: $36,000–$42,000
Housing + food: $48,000–$64,000
Books + supplies: $5,000–$8,000
Personal/misc: $12,000–$20,000
Total: $101,000–$134,000

A fully maximized RESP covering $80,000–$100,000 (contributions + grants + growth) covers most or all of a four-year degree when supplemented by part-time work and OSAP grants.

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