Updated: April 2025  |  bremo.io financial guides

Cost of University in Canada 2025 — Tuition and Living Expenses

Understanding the total cost of university in Canada is essential for planning your finances before you start. Tuition is the most visible cost, but housing, food, books, and personal expenses often add up to as much or more. This guide breaks down the full picture for Canadian students in 2025.

Tuition Costs by Province (2024–25)

Tuition varies significantly across Canada. These are approximate averages for domestic undergraduate students:

• Newfoundland & Labrador: ~$3,400/year (lowest in Canada)
• Quebec (residents): ~$3,000/year (heavily subsidized); $9,000+ for out-of-province students
• Manitoba: ~$4,800/year
• PEI: ~$6,600/year
• New Brunswick: ~$7,200/year
• Nova Scotia: ~$9,300/year
• Alberta: ~$6,500/year
• Saskatchewan: ~$7,500/year
• British Columbia: ~$6,400/year
• Ontario: ~$9,500/year (highest average for domestic students)

These are averages across all programs. Engineering, law, medicine, and business programs typically cost significantly more. Arts and humanities tend to be on the lower end.

International Student Tuition

International students pay dramatically higher tuition in Canada. In Ontario, international undergraduate tuition averages $35,000–$45,000 per year, with some programs exceeding $55,000. Other provinces are lower, ranging from $15,000 to $30,000/year for international students.

Living Costs: What to Budget

Housing

Housing is often the biggest non-tuition expense. Monthly costs vary dramatically by city:

• Toronto: $900–$1,400/month for a shared bedroom in a house or apartment
• Vancouver: $900–$1,500/month for a shared room
• Ottawa/Edmonton/Calgary: $700–$1,100/month shared
• Smaller cities (Kingston, Fredericton, Regina): $600–$900/month shared
• On-campus residence: $8,000–$12,000/year including meal plan

Food

Off-campus students cooking at home: $250–$400/month. Meal plans at campus residences typically cover 3 meals per day and cost $4,000–$6,000/semester.

Books and Supplies

Budget $1000–$1,500/year for textbooks, lab fees, and course materials. You can reduce this by buying used books, renting, or using your library's e-book collections.

Transportation

A monthly transit pass for students is typically $50–$120 in major cities. If you drive, factor in gas, insurance (~$1,200–$2,400/year for a young driver), and parking.

Personal and Miscellaneous

Budget $150–$300/month for clothing, personal care, phone, entertainment, and unexpected costs.

Total Annual Cost Estimates

• Living at home in Ontario: ~$100–$13,000/year (tuition + commuting + incidentals)
• Renting in a mid-size city: ~$18,000–$25,000/year
• Renting in Toronto or Vancouver: ~$25,000–$35,000/year
• On-campus residence: ~$20,000–$28,000/year including meal plan

Ways to Reduce Total Cost

• Live at home if your program is at a local school
• Choose a co-op or work-study program to earn income during school
• Apply for every bursary and scholarship available (many go unclaimed)
• Take advantage of OSAP, Canada Student Grants, and provincial grants
• Shop for groceries at discount stores and cook your own meals
• Buy used textbooks and sell them back after the semester
• Use your student card for discounts on transit, software, and entertainment

Planning Ahead

If you're still in high school or your family is saving for university, Canada Education Savings Grants (CESG) through a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) can significantly reduce what you'll need to borrow. The government matches 20% of contributions up to $2,500/year — essentially free money that compounds over time.