Education is a timeless investment and is the basic foundation of any successful career. Being educated qualifies you to become a valued contributing member of the society. In general, it is through education (of any kind) with or without credential and title that you gain essential knowledge and competent skills.
Developed countries like Canada have placed a high value on education as it is an important factor in supporting a positive future. In acknowledging the significance of education, Canada has created a solid education system that is sought after by many. International students flock to Canada to gain top-notched education that is globally recognized. Besides the fact that Canada offers great education programs, it is also relatively cheaper than other counterpart countries of its same caliber. On top of these two factors, Canada appeals to international students because of the possibility of settling here permanently through various study pathways to residency programs.
Basic Expenses of Studying in Canada
Tuition Fees
A big fraction of your expenses is allotted to your tuition fee and school fees since you are going to study.
Tuition fees are what you pay to your university or college to enroll in a program and attend classes.
For Undergraduate Programs, the average tuition fee ranges from C$13,000 – 18,000 per year. This is with 30-33 credits, with each credit ranging from C$ 400 – 700 per credit.
For Graduate Programs, the average tuition fee ranges from 18k – 22k. This is with the 45-66 credit course, with each credit ranging from $ 600 – $ 1000 credit.
These numbers are just to give you an idea on how much a tuition fee would cost per year, but of course the exact price of your tuition fee depends on the school that you will end up with. Also, expect to pay much more higher tuition fees for top ranking universities.
Books and Study Materials
Books and supplies may cost you around C$1,000 to 1,500 per year. A lot of students buy used books for a decent price and later sell it again after they finished their course. You can check with your school to give you a more accurate estimate. In addition, there are ebook versions for textbooks that are relatively cheaper than a traditional printed book.
Miscellaneous Fees
Miscellaneous fees are the other services the school provides that student can pay for like student facility fee, gym or athletics fee, library, parking, and the likes.
Government Fees
The are 2 government service fee that you need to pay: the student permit application fee and the biometrics fee. Student permit application fee costs C$150 and the biometrics fee costs C$85.
Medical Exam Fee
International students from the Philippines are required to give a medical exam before coming to Canada. Only Panel Physicians approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada can do this exam. You can visit see a complete list of approved panel physician in this link https://secure.cic.gc.ca/pp-md/pp-list.aspx.
The approximate cost of a medical exam for a study permit application is PHP 11,500 or $315 Canadian dollars. For the most accurate prices always check with your selected approved medical centre.
Proof of Funds
Canada sets the minimum proof of funds you need to support your application. The required proof of funds covers your living expenses while studying and this includes accommodation, transportation, food, clothing and phone bills.
Currently the required amount of funds per year for an international student is 10,000 CAD except Quebec which requires 11, 000 CAD. You can also bring family members along but you must prove that you can support yourself, and the family members who will come with you, while you are in Canada.
You can prove your funds with
- proof of a Canadian bank account in your name, if you’ve transferred money to Canada
- Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating Canadian financial institution
- proof of a student or education loan from a bank
- your bank statements for the past 4 months
- a bank draft that can be converted to Canadian dollars
- proof you paid tuition and housing fees
- a letter from the person or school giving you money or
- proof of funding paid from within Canada, if you have a scholarship or are in a Canadian-funded educational program
In total, an international student will likely spend an estimate of C$ 30,000 per year.
Investments surely does involves money, so you gotta put where your money gets its worth.
Canada and international students almost have a hidden truce, international students invest to study here and Canada gives them an equivalent chance to a brand new life.
*These prices are accurate when this article is made. Prices change from time to time.