Finance and budgeting: The value and cost to study in Canada

Many international students consider top study destinations such as Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada with two main questions:

1) How much will it cost?

2) What value will my education have in the job-market?

To help answer these questions, the following post will provide the latest information on the value and cost to study in Canada, compared with other popular study destinations.

Canada is more affordable for international students than Australia, the UK and the US

According to our post-secondary International Student Survey, in 2014 the top three destinations that international students considered studying before choosing Canada were the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.

Top alternate study destinations considered by international post-secondary students in Canada

Alternate study destinations considered by international students in Canada - US, Australia and UK

In that same survey, 64% of international post-secondary students stated that the cost of studying in Canada in comparison to other countries was either a very important or essential factor in their decision to study in Canada.

A recent article by HSBC highlights that in 2014, the cost to study in Canada (cost to study and cost of living) was, on average, more affordable than these three alternative destinations.

Cost of international university study

Table showing the cost to study in Canada compared with other countries

Data source:

Canadian post-secondary education offers exceptional value

“Being exposed to the school facilities and workshop equipment is awesome” Nigerian student at Cambrian College

According to our survey of international post-secondary students, a Canadian education offers exceptional value for money:

  • 83% responded that their Canadian education has enabled them to solve complex, real-world problems
  • 89% responded that their Canadian education has helped them to acquire job- or work-related knowledge and skills
  • 80% responded that their Canadian education has helped them to increase the chances for making more money during their working years

“Canadian education is very high quality, and teachers as well.” Japanese student at Okanagan College

The vast majority of international students in Canada said in 2014 that they were satisfied with their experience and would recommend Canada as a study destination to their peers.

International student satisfaction in Canada

93.5% of international students are either very satisfied or satisfied with their Canadian experience

“Studying in Canada is quite different from what we have in my home country. There are a lot of resources available to ensure student success” Cameroonian student at University of Regina

Do you have any budgeting tips for studying in Canada? We want to hear from you. Please comment below.

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