Study in Canada Cost Calculator
See the full cost of studying in Canada as a Nigerian student: tuition, living expenses, health insurance, and what you need to show IRCC as proof of funds.
Default is NGN 1,825 per CAD (approximate mid-2025 bank rate). Update if the rate has shifted.
What Nigerian Students Get Wrong About Canada Costs
- ✗ Only budgeting for tuition and forgetting the 12 months of living costs IRCC requires you to show alongside it for the study permit.
- ✗ Not factoring in health insurance (mandatory for international students in most provinces): CAD 600 to CAD 900 per year.
- ✗ Assuming 20 hours of part-time work will cover all living costs. At CAD 17–20/hour, 20 hours per week covers roughly 40 to 50% of typical living costs in a mid-size city.
- ✗ Choosing a low-ranked DLI just to reduce tuition, then finding the PGWP duration is shorter or the program is not eligible.
- ✗ Not accounting for the NGN depreciation risk: tuition is fixed in CAD but your savings are in NGN; if naira weakens further, the naira cost of your education increases.
How the Study Cost Calculation Works
The total annual cost of studying in Canada has two main components: academic costs (tuition, student fees, books and materials) and living costs (rent, food, transport, health insurance, phone, and miscellaneous). The tool estimates both based on your program type, city, and accommodation choice.
+ Rent + Food + Transport
+ Health Insurance + Misc
Total Program Cost = Annual Cost × Program Duration
Naira Equivalent = Total CAD ÷ NGN/CAD Rate
Proof of Funds = Tuition + CAD 10,000 living min + Return transport
Tuition Ranges by Program and Institution Type
Tuition is the most variable component. It depends on the program, institution, and whether it is a college or a university. International students pay significantly more than domestic students at the same institution.
| Program Type | College (CAD/year) | University (CAD/year) | Competitive Program (CAD/year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-year college diploma | 12,000–18,000 | N/A | N/A |
| 2-year college diploma | 13,000–20,000 | N/A | N/A |
| Bachelor’s degree | N/A | 20,000–35,000 | 28,000–50,000 |
| Master’s degree | N/A | 18,000–30,000 | 28,000–55,000 |
| MBA | N/A | 22,000–40,000 | 40,000–80,000 |
| PhD | N/A | 8,000–20,000 | 10,000–25,000 |
Living Cost Ranges by City
| City | Monthly (single, shared house) | Monthly (own unit) | Annual (shared) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto | CAD 1,800–2,400 | CAD 2,800–3,800 | CAD 21,600–28,800 |
| Vancouver | CAD 1,900–2,500 | CAD 2,900–4,000 | CAD 22,800–30,000 |
| Ottawa | CAD 1,600–2,100 | CAD 2,400–3,200 | CAD 19,200–25,200 |
| Calgary | CAD 1,500–2,000 | CAD 2,200–3,000 | CAD 18,000–24,000 |
| Edmonton | CAD 1,400–1,900 | CAD 2,000–2,800 | CAD 16,800–22,800 |
| Winnipeg | CAD 1,200–1,700 | CAD 1,800–2,400 | CAD 14,400–20,400 |
| Halifax | CAD 1,300–1,800 | CAD 1,900–2,600 | CAD 15,600–21,600 |
| Smaller city | CAD 1,000–1,500 | CAD 1,500–2,200 | CAD 12,000–18,000 |
Proof of Funds: What IRCC Actually Requires
For a Canadian study permit, IRCC requires you to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover: (1) your tuition for the first year, (2) at least CAD 10,000 for living expenses for the first year (CAD 11,000 for Quebec), and (3) return transportation costs (typically estimated at CAD 2,000 to 3,000 for Nigeria). If a spouse is accompanying you, add approximately CAD 4,000. For each dependent child, add approximately CAD 3,000.
This is not what you will actually spend in the first year. It is the minimum you must show you have in accessible savings when applying for the permit. You need to demonstrate it with official bank statements, not just claim it.
The Part-Time Work Reality Check
International students in Canada can work up to 24 hours per week during academic sessions (this limit was raised in 2024; verify current rules at IRCC). During scheduled breaks, there is no restriction. At a typical student wage of CAD 17 to CAD 20 per hour working 20 hours per week:
- Weekly gross income: CAD 340 to 400
- Monthly gross income: approximately CAD 1,360 to 1,600
- After tax (approximately 15 to 20%): CAD 1,100 to 1,350 per month
This covers approximately 40 to 60% of living costs in a mid-size city, and roughly 30 to 45% in Toronto or Vancouver. It does not cover tuition. Part-time work is a meaningful offset, not a solution to the full cost problem.
Total Cost Scenarios for Nigerian Students
Scenario 1: Single Student, 2-Year College Diploma, Calgary
Temi chooses a 2-year business administration diploma at SAIT in Calgary. Tuition: approximately CAD 15,000 per year. Living (shared room, Calgary): approximately CAD 1,700 per month, or CAD 20,400 per year. Health insurance: CAD 700 per year. Books and misc: CAD 1,500 per year. Annual total: approximately CAD 37,600. Full 2-year program: approximately CAD 75,200. At NGN 1,825 per CAD, that is approximately NGN 137.2 million. Part-time income (estimate): CAD 15,000 per year net. Net annual cost after part-time income: approximately CAD 22,600.
Scenario 2: Single Student, Master’s in Engineering, University of Waterloo
Emeka applies for a 2-year MEng program at Waterloo. Tuition: approximately CAD 25,000 per year. Living (shared in Waterloo, near Toronto pricing): approximately CAD 1,900 per month, or CAD 22,800 per year. Health insurance: CAD 700. Misc: CAD 1,500. Annual total: approximately CAD 50,000. Full 2-year program: approximately CAD 100,000. Naira equivalent: approximately NGN 182.5 million. Proof of funds required: approximately CAD 37,000 for year 1 (tuition + living minimum + transport).
Scenario 3: Student with Spouse, 2-Year Diploma, Winnipeg
Ngozi and her husband choose Winnipeg for a 2-year nursing-related program. Tuition: CAD 14,000 per year. Rent (1-bedroom apartment): CAD 1,900 per month. Food and transport: CAD 800 per month. Health insurance (both): CAD 1,400 per year. Misc: CAD 2,000 per year. Annual total: approximately CAD 45,600. Full 2-year program: approximately CAD 91,200. Proof of funds for year 1: approximately CAD 28,000. The spouse can also work full-time if they have an open work permit, which significantly reduces the net financial burden.
Common Questions
Is the proof of funds amount the same as what I will spend?
No. IRCC’s proof of funds minimum is a floor, not a budget. The actual amount you spend will typically be higher, especially for living expenses. The tool calculates both your real estimated spend and the IRCC minimum separately so you can see both numbers.
Can my spouse work in Canada while I study?
If your spouse accompanies you on an open work permit linked to your study permit, they can work full-time with no restrictions on the type of work. This is a significant financial benefit for couples: one partner works while the other studies. Check current IRCC policy on spousal open work permits for international students, as eligibility conditions have changed in recent years.
Does this calculator include scholarship deductions?
No. The calculator shows full cost before any scholarships, bursaries, or institutional awards. If you receive scholarship funding, deduct it from the annual tuition figure. Many Canadian institutions offer entrance scholarships to international students; check with your specific institution.
What is a DLI and why does it matter?
A Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is a school approved by a province to host international students. You must study at a DLI to hold a valid study permit. Not all DLIs are eligible for PGWP (the work permit you get after graduation). If your plan includes working in Canada after graduation, verify that your institution and specific program are on the PGWP-eligible list before enrolling.
Can I bring money in installments instead of showing it all upfront?
IRCC requires you to demonstrate sufficient funds at the time of permit application. You cannot show installments; the funds must be accessible and verifiable on bank statements. If the full amount is spread across multiple accounts, you can combine them with separate statements for each account.
Does the study cost include the study permit application fee?
This calculator focuses on the cost of studying and living in Canada after arrival. The study permit application fee (approximately CAD 150) and biometrics fee (approximately CAD 85) are not included but should be added to your pre-arrival budget.
