Canada is a country in North America. Its ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic to the Pacific and northward into the Arctic Ocean, covering 9.98 million square kilometers, making it the world's second-largest country by total area.
Canada makes a large investment in its education system. In fact, Canada is one of the world’s top education performers and among the top three countries in spending per capita on public post-secondary education, according to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
The post-secondary education system in Canada is divided into:
Most colleges and universities typically offer classes from early September until the end of April or early May. The winter session is usually divided into two terms that operate from September to December and then from January to April.
There are several different kinds of summer studies offered between May and August. There are also a few select schools in Canada that offer year-round schooling.
Depending on the university, undergraduate degrees can take either three or four years to complete. Depending on the type of degree, postgraduate degrees take between one and two years to complete.
Master’s programs generally take between one to two years and PhD programs are longer than in other countries. They usually take between four and seven years to complete.
Apart from being devoted to research and high-quality teaching, Canadian universities also aim to provide opportunities that improve students’ learning, career and life. Classes are a combination of lectures and tutorials. Lectures are taught by professors and can contain anywhere between 30 to 200 students. They usually have a linked component such as a lab or a tutorial.
A tutorial or lab allows a more in-depth discussion of topics within a course. The sizes of tutorials generally range anywhere from 20 to 30 students.
In comparison to the UK, Australia, New Zealand and the US, Canada offers the lowest tuition rates for foreign students.
To cover tuition fees, you will need between CA$7000 and CA$29,000 (indicative costs) a year. However, this is a general guide only and cost varies in relation to the institution and program you are applying for, as well as the location and lifestyle. You can explore in detail about the cost of studying in Canada.
You can apply to several government and non-government Canadian scholarships available for eligible international students. However, the amount of the scholarship and eligibility criteria varies on the university and program. You can read up on the available scholarships.
Studying abroad can be an expensive affair, but thankfully, Canada is one country where quality education is available at tuition rates lower than many other countries.
But before you depart from Nepal, ensure that you consider expenses like accommodation, food, health coverage and travel along with your tuition fee when calculating the estimated cost of studying in Canada. This will help you plan your budget more effectively.
Your expenditure on tuition fee depends on the type of qualification and institution you opt for. To cover this, you will need approximately between CAD 13,000 and CAD 35,000 a year.
Most commonly, courses in humanities, education and arts are a little cheaper, while subjects such as medicine and engineering are likely to be more expensive. If you wish to study at a postgraduate level, the tuition fee is typically higher and the costs vary depending on the program. As with most other countries, MBA programs are often the most expensive. The average cost for these programs ranges between CAD 30,000-42,000.
| S.no. | Study program | Average annual fee |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Undergraduate program | $13,000 to $20,000 Per year |
| 2 | Postgraduate master's degree | $17,000 to $25,000 Per year |
| 3 | Doctoral degree | $7,000 to $15,000 Per year |
| 4 | MBA | $30,000 to $40,000 Per year average |
*Please note all fee figures are indicative
Most universities in Canada offer on-campus residence facilities to international students. You can also opt for off-campus accommodation wherein you can share apartments with other students from Nepal. 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.
An additional option is a homestay where you stay with a host family in Canada. In this, you will have to pay a placement fee of CAD 200 and a monthly fee of CAD 750 - 950 in return for meals and a room. However, you’ll be able to participate in local activities with the host, be able improve your English, and learn about the culture closely.
To study in Canada, the first step is to secure a valid study permit and that comes with its own costs (approx. CAD 150). Feel free to consult your IDP counsellor for latest updates and information on the visa application process and related costs.
You need to keep a little money aside for your grocery shopping, social activities and emergencies. When living in a foreign country as a student, it is better to keep track of your expenditures so that you do not overspend. Considering various expenses and living costs, a single student budget in Canada comes out to be approx. CAD 15,000 (indicative). You should also consider these common expenses when creating your budget:
It is mandatory for all students travelling to Canada to get medical insurance before the commencement of their program. In Canada, international student health insurance is priced between $600 and $900 per year (indicative). In British Columbia, Quebec, Alberta, Newfoundland, Manitoba, Labrador or Saskatchewan, you will be insured under the respective provincial health plans as per the length of your stay.
Unless your institution provides with a shuttle service to-and-fro from your lodging, you’ll have to rely on the available public transport.
| For short distances | Make use of regional trains, buses, and subways. Metropolitan cities like Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal offer buses and subways. Smaller cities may or may not have subways, but you can always avail buses, commuter trains or local taxi service. Commuting cost can range anywhere between CAD 80 and CAD 110 for a month (indicative). It is a good idea to get monthly passes for commuting to college as they come in fairly cheap |
|---|---|
| Park and Ride service | If you live far from the bus stop, some cities give you the option to drive down to a special parking area where you can park your car and then take a train or bus. You can also rent a car by getting an international driver’s license. Your commute expense will vary accordingly. |
| For long distances | For travelling between different cities, you can avail long- distance buses, railways, and flights. |
International students studying in Canada having a Social Insurance Number (SIN) are allowed to work 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during vacations. If you choose to work along with your studies, your Canadian earned income will be taxable. Along with this, if you have a scholarship or assistantship from your institution, the federal and state governments may tax these wards.
Remember, the exchange rate variations may also affect your budgeting. We suggest you also look for a part-time job while you are studying in Canada or seek scholarship in the universities you apply to. This can help lower your cost of studying abroad to a great extent.
Canadian universities and colleges provide a wide range of scholarships to meritorious international students to help them fund their studies. Apart from this, many scholarships, grants and bursaries are also offered by the Canadian government, public and private establishments. Before you apply to any of these scholarships, do check the eligibility and criteria, along with the closing date.
The primary criterion for most scholarships is a good academic score, however it also depends on factors such as your chosen destination, subject and level. In some scholarships, factors like extracurricular activities, and volunteering can also be used to advantage.
However, do note that the amount of money available and type of award varies between the various institutions. Getting a scholarship is competitive and so, you must apply well in time. We recommend you to start with the procedure about 8-12 months before the intake begins. If you get stuck anywhere, Hanami counselors will be more than happy to guide you through.
Here are some of the more popular scholarships.
Remember, Ontario universities are known for selecting and awarding scholarships to international PhD students based on merit and program.
Do check if there are scholarships specifically available for Nepal natives. Also, every university and college has its own list of scholarships for international students. Ask your Hanami Counselor for guidance and they will help you with all the available scholarships during the application process.
