For prospective international students eyeing Canada, the rising costs of education and living continue to be a significant hurdle. While inflation and economic uncertainties have driven up everyday expenses like rent, groceries, and utilities nationwide, the good news for the 2025-26 academic year is that tuition and housing costs are increasing at a notably slower rate compared to previous years.
According to the latest ApplyInsights data from ApplyBoard, the average undergraduate tuition for international students is projected to be nearly $42,000 for 2025-26. This marks a 4% increase from the prior academic year, representing the slowest annual rise since 2021-22. For those pursuing postgraduate studies, tuition averages approximately $24,000, reflecting a 3% increase and remaining considerably more affordable, at roughly 42% less than undergraduate programs.
Tuition fees are often the largest financial commitment for international students. Over four years, an undergraduate degree starting in 2025-26 could cost over $177,000 in tuition alone, while a two-year postgraduate program would total under $50,000. Here’s a breakdown of average tuition costs over recent academic years:
| Academic Year | Undergraduate | Postgraduate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021–22 | $33,446 | $20,246 |
| 2022–23 | $35,836 | $21,115 |
| 2023–24 | $38,252 | $22,114 |
| 2024–25 | $39,974 | $23,247 |
| 2025–26 | $41,746 | $24,028 |
(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 province
The price tag for a Canadian education varies significantly depending on the province, the type of program, and the institution. Ontario continues to be the most expensive province for international students. In stark contrast, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island (PEI) stand out as the most budget-friendly options.
| Province | Undergraduate | Postgraduate |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | $49,802 | 28,624 |
| British Columbia | $39,851 | $26,607 |
| Quebec | $36,279 | $23,587 |
| Alberta | $34,880 | $16,990 |
| Saskatchewan | $33,064 | $10,360 |
| Nova Scotia | $29,893 | $24,948 |
| Manitoba | $21,424 | $13,556 |
| Prince Edward Island | $21,157 | $13,262 |
| New Brunswick | $19,278 | $17,868 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $18,867 | $6,964 |
(Source: Statistics Canada)
Ontario, which hosts nearly half of all international study permit holders (though its share has slightly dipped from 2023), sees high demand driving tuition costs well above the national average. For instance, undergraduate tuition in Ontario is almost 25% higher than in British Columbia, its closest competitor in terms of expense. Conversely, provinces like Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, PEI, and Manitoba offer undergraduate tuition rates that are less than half of Ontario’s average, making them attractive alternatives for cost-conscious students.
Year-on-year provincial tuition increases
Over the past five years, all provinces have seen a steady rise in undergraduate tuition for international students. Postgraduate tuition rates have also climbed, though at varying speeds across regions. Below is a summary of these year-on-year changes:
| Academic Year | Undergraduate | Postgraduate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021–22 | $27,214 | $15,146 |
| 2022–23 | $29,507 | $16,909 |
| 2023–24 | $31,498 | $15,302 |
| 2024–25 | $33,417 | $16,321 |
| 2025–26 | $34,880 | $16,990 |
(Source: Statistics Canada)
While all provinces experienced an increase in undergraduate tuition for 2025-26, Newfoundland and Labrador maintained steady postgraduate tuition, remaining less than a quarter of Ontario’s postgraduate fees. New Brunswick and Nova Scotia show interesting trends: undergraduate tuition is rising faster in Nova Scotia, while postgraduate tuition is seeing a sharper increase in New Brunswick, creating diverging cost paths.
Rental costs in major Canadian cities
Beyond tuition, housing presents another substantial cost for international students. Recent data from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and Statistics Canada indicate that rental prices nationwide have largely stabilized over the last year. However, major urban centers predictably continue to command higher rents.
| City | Average Rent (1-Bedroom) |
|---|---|
| Vancouver, BC | $2,380 |
| Toronto, ON | $2,170 |
| Victoria, BC | $2,090 |
| Ottawa, ON | $2,010 |
| Kitchener–Waterloo–Cambridge, ON | $1,810 |
| Halifax, NS | $1,770 |
| London, ON | $1,640 |
| Calgary, AB | $1,630 |
| Montréal, QC | $1,320 |
| Edmonton, AB | $1,280 |
| Saskatoon, SK | $1,270 |
| Winnipeg, MB | $1,270 |
| Regina, SK | $1,230 |
| Québec City, QC | $1,210 |
| St. John’s, NL | $1,210 |
| Saint John, NB | $1,180 |
(Source: CMHC, Statistics Canada)
Vancouver, British Columbia, maintains its position as the city with the highest average rent for a one-bedroom apartment. Toronto, Victoria, and Ottawa are not far behind. Interestingly, both Toronto and Vancouver have seen rental prices drop by about 5% since Q1 2024, thanks to an increase in housing supply. Meanwhile, smaller cities like Regina and Saint John experienced the largest rent hikes (around 10%), while St. John’s, Winnipeg, and Saskatoon saw more modest 5% increases. Calgary, Halifax, and Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge reported slight rent decreases of about 5%.
For those seeking more affordable housing, the Prairies and Atlantic Canada generally offer monthly rents for one-bedroom apartments below $1,300. Quebec cities like Québec City and Montréal also provide relatively lower rent options, even though Quebec itself is one of the more expensive provinces for tuition.
Institutional role in addressing affordability
Recent federal measures, including student caps and stricter proof-of-funds requirements implemented in 2024 and 2025, have impacted Canada’s international student mobility. These policies aim to align with the true cost of living and have led to a decrease in new study permit approvals.
In response, Canadian institutions are stepping up efforts to support prospective international students. They are enhancing financial information resources, actively promoting scholarships, and highlighting on-campus employment opportunities. National education reports confirm that universities and colleges are committed to offering transparent details on accommodation and financial planning. Furthermore, institutions are emphasizing the long-term value of their programs, including strong career outcomes and post-graduation employment rates, to demonstrate a solid return on investment in a competitive global education market.
Summary of key figures
- Average undergraduate tuition (2025–26): $41,746
- Average postgraduate tuition (2025–26): $24,028
- Year-over-year undergraduate tuition increase: 4%
- Year-over-year postgraduate tuition increase: 3%
- Most expensive province: Ontario
- Most affordable provinces: Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, PEI
- Highest average rent (1-bedroom): Vancouver ($2,380)
- Lowest average rent (1-bedroom): Saint John ($1,180)
These figures highlight continued, albeit moderated, cost increases for international students in Canada, with notable regional differences in both tuition and living expenses. (All data sourced from Statistics Canada, CMHC, and ApplyBoard’s ApplyInsights reports.)