How much does studying in Canada cost for international students in 2025–26?
Affordability continues to be a primary concern for international students planning to study in Canada. Inflation and economic uncertainty have increased everyday living costs, affecting rent, groceries, and utilities across the country. For the 2025–26 academic year, tuition and housing expenses have again risen, though at a slower pace than in previous years.According to ApplyBoard’s latest ApplyInsights data, the average undergraduate tuition for international students has reached nearly $42,000, representing a 4% rise from 2024–25 — the lowest annual increase since 2021–22. Graduate students are paying about 3% more this year, with tuition averaging 42% less than undergraduate programmes.Average tuition costs for undergraduate and postgraduate international studentsFor most international students, tuition fees remain the largest expense while studying abroad. A four-year undergraduate programme starting in 2025–26 will cost more than $177,000 in tuition alone, while a two-year postgraduate programme averages less than $50,000.
(Source: Statistics Canada)Undergraduate tuition in 2025–26 increased by 4% over the previous academic year. Postgraduate tuition rose by 3%, following the same upward trend but at a slower pace than undergraduate rates.Tuition costs by provinceTuition fees vary significantly across provinces, influenced by programme type, delivery mode, and institutional structure. Ontario remains the most expensive province for international students, while Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island (PEI) are the most affordable.
(Source: Statistics Canada)Ontario accounts for 48% of all study permit holders, according to national data, though this represents a five-point decline from 2023. The province’s high demand for study places keeps tuition costs above the national average. Undergraduate tuition in Ontario is almost 25% higher than in British Columbia, the next most expensive province.By contrast, tuition in Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, PEI, and Manitoba is less than half Ontario’s average, making them more cost-effective options for international students.Year-on-year provincial tuition increasesAcross provinces, undergraduate tuition for international students has risen steadily over the past five years. Postgraduate tuition rates have also climbed, though the pace varies by region.
(Source: Statistics Canada)All provinces recorded an increase in undergraduate tuition in 2025–26. Newfoundland and Labrador’s postgraduate tuition remained steady, averaging less than 25% of Ontario’s postgraduate rate. New Brunswick and Nova Scotia showed the greatest parity between undergraduate and postgraduate tuition levels, though their trends are diverging — undergraduate tuition in Nova Scotia is rising faster, while postgraduate tuition in New Brunswick is increasing more sharply.Rental costs in major Canadian citiesWhile tuition remains the largest expense for most international students, housing is another significant cost. Data from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and Statistics Canada show that rent prices have stabilised across Canada over the past year, though major cities continue to see higher averages.The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Vancouver remains the highest among Canadian urban centres, while Toronto, Victoria, and Ottawa follow closely. However, rent prices in both Toronto and Vancouver have decreased by about 5% since Q1 2024, due to increased rental supply.
(Source: CMHC, Statistics Canada)Rents in Ottawa and Victoria remained stable year over year. Smaller cities such as Regina and Saint John recorded the highest rent increases, around 10%, while St. John’s, Winnipeg, and Saskatoon saw more modest 5% rises. Conversely, Calgary, Halifax, and Kitchener–Waterloo–Cambridge reported rent declines of around 5%.Housing affordability remains higher in the Prairies and Atlantic Canada, where monthly rents for one-bedroom apartments generally stay below $1,300. Quebec cities such as Québec City and Montréal also offer below-average rent costs, despite Quebec being among the more expensive provinces for tuition.Institutional role in addressing affordabilityCanada’s student mobility has been affected by the federal student cap and increased proof of funds requirements introduced in 2024 and 2025. These measures, designed to align with the actual cost of living, have contributed to a decline in new study permit approvals.Institutions across Canada are responding by expanding financial information resources and promoting scholarships and on-campus work opportunities. According to national education reports, institutions are also working to provide clear details on accommodation options and financial planning to prospective international students.Universities and colleges are highlighting the long-term value of their programmes, including career outcomes and post-graduation employment rates, to demonstrate return on investment. This approach aligns with the growing need for transparency as students weigh study destinations globally.Summary of key figures• Average undergraduate tuition (2025–26): $41,746• Average postgraduate tuition (2025–26): $24,028• Year-over-year tuition increase (undergraduate): 4%• Year-over-year tuition increase (postgraduate): 3%• Most expensive province: Ontario• Most affordable provinces: Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, PEI• Highest average rent: Vancouver ($2,380)• Lowest average rent: Saint John ($1,180)These figures reflect ongoing trends in international education costs, showing moderate tuition increases and stabilising rent levels across most regions in Canada for the 2025–26 academic year.(All data sourced from Statistics Canada, CMHC, and ApplyBoard’s ApplyInsights reports.)
