The total cost to study in Canada from Nepal typically ranges between CAD 25,000 and CAD 45,000 per year, including tuition fees, living expenses, and pre-departure costs such as visa fees, English test fees, and airfare. In Nepali currency, this is approximately NPR 20 lakh to NPR 36 lakh per year.

The exact cost depends on factors like the type of institution (college or university), your chosen program, and the city you live in. For example, studying in cities like Toronto or Vancouver is generally more expensive compared to smaller cities. Many Nepali students manage their expenses by choosing affordable colleges, applying for scholarships, and working part-time during their studies (as per Canadian student visa regulations).

In the sections below, we break down the major expenses you should plan for when preparing to study in Canada.

The Three Essentials of Costs for Canada

Every Nepali student planning for Canada should prepare for these three major expense areas.

Pre-Departure Costs

Application fees, IELTS/TOEFL, medicals, visa, and flights from Nepal.

Tuition Fees

Annual charges for your diploma, bachelor’s, or master’s program.

Living Expenses

Accommodation, food, insurance, transport, and day-to-day costs while in Canada.

Tuition Fees in the Canada for Nepalese Students

Tuition fees in Canada vary widely depending on the type of institution, the level of study, the province, and the program you choose. For the 2025/2026 academic year, the average tuition fee for full-time international undergraduate students in Canada is CAD 41,746 per year (approximately NPR 44.9 lakh). The average tuition fee for full-time international graduate students is CAD 24,028 per year (approximately NPR 25.8 lakh), according to Statistics Canada.

The table below shows the most reliable national averages available from current official Canadian data.

Courses for International StudentsAverage Annual Fees (CAD)Approx. Annual Fees (NPR)
Undergraduate CoursesCAD 41,746NPR 45,00,000
Graduate Courses (Master’s/Doctoral combined in official national data)CAD 24,028NPR 26,00,000

Undergraduate Tuition Fees in Canada

For international students, undergraduate tuition fees in Canada typically range from CAD 20,000 to CAD 50,000 per year, depending on the province, university, and program. In Nepali currency, this is approximately NPR 21,50,000 to NPR 53,80,000 per year. On average, tuition fees are around CAD 41,746 annually, but this is not a fixed amount.

Public universities in more affordable provinces, such as Newfoundland and Labrador, may have lower tuition fees starting from around CAD 18,000 per year, while universities in provinces like Ontario can charge CAD 45,000 to CAD 50,000+ per year. The exact cost also depends on the program you choose and the reputation of the institution.

Courses in engineering, computer science, and health-related programs tend to be more expensive and can cost around CAD 30,000 to CAD 50,000 per year. Business and management programs usually range between CAD 25,000 and CAD 45,000 per year. On the other hand, programs in humanities, education, and social sciences are generally more affordable, with tuition fees starting from around CAD 20,000 to CAD 30,000 per year at many universities.

Since most bachelor’s degrees in Canada take around four years to complete, students should consider the total tuition cost over the entire duration of the program when planning their study budget.

Postgraduate Tuition Fees in Canada

For full-time international graduate students, the average tuition fee in Canada is CAD 24,028 per year in 2025/2026, according to Statistics Canada. At the provincial level, graduate tuition is much lower in some provinces and much higher in others. For example, the average is CAD 6,964 in Newfoundland and Labrador and CAD 28,624 in Ontario.

Graduate tuition in Canada is therefore usually lower than the international undergraduate average at the national level, but the final amount still depends heavily on your university, province, and academic field. Statistics Canada also makes clear that the national graduate averages are weighted across graduate programs and institutions, so individual master’s programs can sit above or below that figure.

MBA Tuition Fees in Canada

Canada’s main official tuition summary for 2025/2026 does not publish one simple national MBA average alongside the general undergraduate and graduate averages. In fact, Statistics Canada states that MBA programs are excluded from the national and provincial weighted averages because of their high cost. That means it would be misleading to present the regular graduate average as an “MBA average.”

So the accurate way to present MBA fees is this: MBA tuition in Canada is usually higher than the general graduate average, and applicants should check the fee page of each business school directly rather than relying on a national average that does not officially exist in the main Statistics Canada summary.

PhD Courses in Canada

For PhD study, the same caution applies. The official national summary source used here gives a combined graduate average rather than a separate easy-to-quote national PhD average in the overview. So the most accurate fact-based statement is that doctoral tuition falls within the broader international graduate fee structure, but individual PhD costs vary by university and discipline.

In many Canadian universities, PhD students may receive funding packages, supervisor support, scholarships, or research assistantships, but these are not guaranteed and vary by institution and program. Tuition should therefore be checked at the specific university level before making cost comparisons. For budgeting a page like this, the safest national benchmark remains the current international graduate average of CAD 24,028 per year.

Living Expenses for Students in Canada

In addition to tuition fees, international students also need to plan for monthly living expenses while studying in Canada. On average, international students from Nepal spend around CAD 900 to CAD 1,800 per month on living expenses, or roughly NPR 97,000 to NPR 1,93,000 per month. This includes rent, food, transportation, health insurance, and other daily expenses. The exact cost of living varies significantly depending on the city, province, and type of accommodation you choose.

Accommodation Costs

Accommodation is usually the largest living expense for Nepali students in Canada, just like in most developed countries. Costs vary depending on whether you live on-campus or off-campus and the city you choose. Cities like Toronto and Vancouver have higher rental costs, while smaller cities such as Winnipeg, Regina, or Halifax are more affordable.

Typical accommodation costs in Canada include:

  • Student Residences (On-campus): CAD 600 – CAD 1,200 per month

  • Homestay (with meals): CAD 800 – CAD 1,500 per month

  • Shared Apartment Rentals: CAD 500 – CAD 1,000 per month

  • Studio / One-Bedroom Apartments: CAD 1,200 – CAD 2,000+ per month

Utilities such as electricity, heating, water, and internet may cost an additional CAD 100 to CAD 200 per month, depending on your housing type.

Food and Daily Living Costs

Food and basic daily expenses in Canada typically cost around CAD 300 to CAD 600 per month for most international students (approximately NPR 32,000 to NPR 64,000). Students usually spend about CAD 250 to CAD 400 per month on groceries, while personal items like toiletries, mobile bills, and small daily expenses can add another CAD 100 to CAD 200 per month.

Most students reduce their food costs by cooking at home instead of eating out. Sharing groceries or cooking with roommates is also common and helps lower expenses. Eating out frequently can increase monthly spending significantly, especially in larger cities. Planning meals and sticking to a budget is one of the most effective ways to manage living costs in Canada.

Transportation Costs

Transportation costs in Canada typically range from CAD 80 to CAD 150 per month (around NPR 8,500 to NPR 16,000), depending on the city. Most cities have well-developed public transportation systems, including buses, subways, and light rail. A monthly transit pass usually costs between CAD 90 and CAD 130, and many universities offer discounted student passes.

In smaller cities, transportation costs may be lower, and some students may even be able to walk or cycle to campus. Ride-sharing services like Uber are also available, but they are generally used occasionally due to higher costs.

Health Insurance Costs

Health insurance is mandatory for international students in Canada, but the cost and coverage depend on the province and university. In some provinces (such as British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario), international students may be eligible for provincial health coverage. In others, universities require students to purchase private insurance.

On average, health insurance costs around CAD 600 to CAD 900 per year (approximately NPR 65,000 to NPR 97,000 annually). Some universities include health insurance in their student fees, while others require separate enrollment.

Books and Study Materials

Students in Canada should also budget for textbooks and study materials required for their courses. On average, students spend around CAD 500 to CAD 1,000 per year on books and academic materials (approximately NPR 53,000 to NPR 1,07,000 annually).

The cost depends on your program. Courses like engineering, healthcare, and law may require more expensive materials. Many students reduce these costs by buying used books, renting textbooks, or using digital versions. University libraries also provide access to many required resources at no additional cost.

Pre-Departure Costs to Study in Canada

Before travelling to Canada, Nepali students need to budget for several one-time expenses required during the application and visa process. English language tests such as IELTS or PTE typically cost around NPR 25,000 to NPR 35,000. University application fees usually range from CAD 100 to CAD 250 per institution, depending on the college or university.

For the visa process, the study permit application fee is CAD 150, and the biometrics fee is CAD 85. Students are also required to undergo a medical examination, which generally costs around NPR 8,000 to NPR 15,000. Another major expense is the flight ticket to Canada, which usually ranges from NPR 1 lakh to NPR 2.5 lakh, depending on the season and airline. Overall, these pre-departure costs are essential and should be planned in advance to avoid last-minute financial pressure.

Average Pre-Arrival Costs for Nepali Students

ExpenseCADNPR
Application fees100–2509,800–24,500
IELTS/TOEFL200–30019,600–29,400
Medical exam100–1509,800–14,700
Biometrics858,300
Study permit15014,700
Flight ticket1,200–2,0001.17–1.96L
Translation/Evaluation (if needed)75–2007,400–19,600

Other Expenses Nepali Students Should Know

In addition to tuition, accommodation, and daily living costs, international students in Canada should also budget for smaller but regular expenses such as mobile bills, internet, winter clothing, and emergency costs. These may seem minor individually, but they can add up over time.

Mobile phone plans in Canada typically cost around CAD 30 to CAD 60 per month (approximately NPR 3,200 to NPR 6,500), while home internet can cost CAD 50 to CAD 80 per month if not included in rent.

Another important factor is tax obligations for students working part-time. International students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during study periods and full-time during breaks. If you earn income in Canada, you must file a tax return with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), even for low income.

Students should also plan for winter clothing, which can cost around CAD 150 to CAD 300 initially. Proper budgeting for these additional expenses can help you manage your finances more effectively while studying in Canada.

Estimated Monthly Budget for Nepali Students in the Canada

To plan your finances properly, you must understand the typical expenses that international students pay while studying in the Canada. The exact amount depends on the city you live in, the type of accommodation you choose, and your lifestyle.

The table below provides a rough estimate of common student expenses in the Canada.

ExpensesCost (Approx.)NPR Equivalent (Approx.)
On-campus housingCAD 8,000 – 12,000 per yearNPR 8.6 lakh – 13 lakh
Shared apartment (off-campus)CAD 400 – 700 per monthNPR 43,000 – 76,000
University-arranged homestayCAD 900 – 1,500 per monthNPR 97,000 – 1.62 lakh
Student residence/dormitoryCAD 3,000 – 7,500 per yearNPR 3.2 lakh – 8.1 lakh
Study permit (visa) + biometricsCAD 235 totalNPR 25,000
Mobile phone / InternetCAD 30 – 80 per monthNPR 3,200 – 8,600
Books and study materialsCAD 500 – 1,000 per yearNPR 54,000 – 1.08 lakh
Personal expenses (food, transport, etc.)CAD 900 – 1,800 per monthNPR 97,000 – 1.95 lakh
Health insuranceCAD 600 – 900 per yearNPR 65,000 – 97,000

How to Reduce the Cost of Studying in the Canada?

Studying in the Canada is expensive, but there are several practical ways for Nepali students to reduce the total cost. Some of these ways include careful planning, choosing the right institution, and taking advantage of financial support options.

  • Apply for scholarships and tuition fee discounts offered by Canadian universities

  • Choose affordable cities instead of expensive ones like Toronto or Vancouver

  • Work part-time (up to 20 hours/week during study and full-time during breaks) to cover daily expenses

  • Opt for shared accommodation or student housing to reduce rent costs

  • Cook at home instead of eating out to save on food expenses

  • Use student discounts on transport, shopping, and services

  • Buy used or digital textbooks instead of new ones

  • Plan and track your monthly budget to avoid unnecessary spending

Numbers on a website are never the full story. Every student’s program, city, and lifestyle is different. That’s why we sit with families and create a cost plan just for them.

Prakash Regmi
Sr. Counsellor, Goreto Educational Consultancy
Prakash Regmi

Prakash Regmi

Partner & Senior Education Counsellor

Prakash guides students like you to make smart study abroad choices, with expert advice on universities, scholarships, visas, and career planning. Friendly, experienced, and ready to help you every step of the way.

FAQs

For most Nepali students, the yearly cost (tuition + living) is between CAD 25,000–40,000 (≈ 24–39 lakh NPR). The exact figure depends on your program and city.

The study permit costs CAD 150, and biometrics cost CAD 85. Together, about 23,000–25,000 NPR.

Most students spend CAD 900–1,600 per month (≈ 90,000–1.55 lakh NPR), depending on housing and lifestyle.

One-way tickets usually range from CAD 1,200–2,000 (≈ 1.2–2 lakh NPR), depending on the airline and season.

Yes. Insurance is mandatory and costs CAD 50–80 per month. Some provinces provide public plans, while others require private coverage.

At Goreto. Our counsellors calculate costs in both CAD and NPR based on your chosen program, intake, and city. Contact Goreto for your personalised Canada budget.

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