The essentials at a glance
Plan for about CAD 47,000 to 65,000 for your first year in Canada, or roughly NPR 52 to 71 lakh. In practice, that is your tuition (an average of CAD 41,746 for undergraduates and CAD 24,028 for graduates) plus the CAD 23,448 in living funds IRCC asks you to show.
Day to day, most Nepali students spend CAD 1,300 to 2,500 a month. Add CAD 235 for the study permit and biometrics, plus your flight.
Main points from this page
Your first year in Canada typically costs about CAD 47,000 to 65,000, or roughly NPR 52 to 71 lakh. That covers average tuition plus the living funds IRCC asks you to show. College diplomas and smaller cities can cost less, while top universities in Toronto or Vancouver cost more.
Below, we break down tuition, monthly living costs, proof of funds and one-time costs, then add them up in a worked first-year budget.
NPR figures use NPR 108.60 per CAD (Nepal Rastra Bank, 27 September 2026). Check what they mean today with our CAD to NPR forex converter.
Every Nepali student planning for Canada should prepare for these three major expense areas.
Application fees, IELTS/TOEFL, medicals, visa, and flights from Nepal.
Annual charges for your diploma, bachelor’s, or master’s program.
Accommodation, food, insurance, transport, and day-to-day costs while in Canada.
International undergraduate tuition averages CAD 41,746 a year, and graduate tuition averages CAD 24,028 (Statistics Canada, 2025/26). That is about NPR 45.3 lakh and NPR 26.1 lakh.
| Level | Average per year (CAD) | Approx. NPR |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (bachelor’s) | 41,746 | 45.3 lakh |
| Graduate (master’s and doctoral) | 24,028 | 26.1 lakh |
Source: Statistics Canada, tuition for 2025/26.
Fees depend heavily on the province. International undergraduates pay an average of CAD 18,867 in Newfoundland and Labrador and CAD 49,802 in Ontario, the most expensive province.
Engineering, computer science and health programs usually cost more than arts and social sciences. Most bachelor’s degrees take four years, so budget for the whole program, not just year one.
Graduate tuition averages CAD 24,028, from CAD 6,964 in Newfoundland and Labrador to CAD 28,624 in Ontario. Many PhD students receive funding or research assistantships, but these are not guaranteed.
Statistics Canada leaves MBA programs out of its averages because they cost much more. Check each business school’s fee page directly.
The national averages above cover universities. Each college sets its own diploma and postgraduate certificate fees, so check the program page or ask a Goreto counsellor for current fees.
Most Nepali students spend about CAD 1,300 to 2,500 a month on rent, utilities, food, transport and phone, or about NPR 1.4 to 2.7 lakh. A private apartment in Toronto or Vancouver can push this above CAD 3,000. Toronto and Vancouver sit at the top of that range. Smaller cities such as Winnipeg, Regina or Halifax sit at the bottom.
| Monthly cost | CAD | Approx. NPR |
|---|---|---|
| Rent and utilities, Winnipeg (University of Manitoba estimate) | 795 to 1,590 | 86,340 to 1,72,670 |
| Rent, Toronto (University of Toronto estimate) | 1,220 to 2,700 | 1,32,490 to 2,93,220 |
| On-campus residence room, Toronto (U of T 2026-27) | 960 to 1,480 | 1,04,260 to 1,60,730 |
| Food and groceries | 320 to 400 | 34,750 to 43,440 |
| Public transport | 80 to 150 | 8,690 to 16,290 |
| Mobile phone | 50 to 100 | 5,430 to 10,860 |
| Health insurance (if not covered by the province) | about 110 | about 11,950 |
Sources: University of Toronto, living costs in Toronto (2026) and University of Manitoba, cost estimate for a single student in Winnipeg. NPR at NPR 108.60 per CAD (Nepal Rastra Bank, 27 September 2026). IRCC’s CAD 23,448 yearly minimum works out to about CAD 1,954 a month.
For your visa, you still need to show CAD 23,448 for the year, whatever you expect to spend. See the proof of funds section below.
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): about CAD 960 \x{2013} CAD 1,480 per month in Toronto (U of T, 2026-27); often less in smaller cities
Homestay (with meals): CAD 800 – CAD 1,500 per month
Shared Apartment Rentals: CAD 795 \x{2013} CAD 1,590 per month with utilities in Winnipeg (University of Manitoba); more in Toronto or Vancouver
Studio / One-Bedroom Apartments: CAD 1,220 \x{2013} CAD 2,700 per month in Toronto (University of Toronto)
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 basic daily expenses in Canada typically cost around CAD 300 to CAD 600 per month for most international students (approximately NPR 32,580 to NPR 65,160). 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 in Canada typically range from CAD 80 to CAD 150 per month (around NPR 8,690 to NPR 16,290), 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 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 65,160 to NPR 97,740 a year). Some universities include health insurance in their student fees, while others require separate enrollment.
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 54,300 to NPR 1,08,600 a year).
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.
You must show your first-year tuition plus CAD 23,448 for living costs (one person, outside Quebec, from 1 September 2026). That is about NPR 25.5 lakh on top of tuition.
Each family member who comes with you adds about CAD 5,700 to 7,700, so a family of four needs CAD 43,572. See the full IRCC proof of funds table.
A high bank balance alone is not enough. The visa officer wants to see that the money is genuine, available and clearly explained. Nepali students usually show:
See how much annual income your sponsor needs and the full Canada student visa requirements.
Budget roughly NPR 1.5 to 3.5 lakh for one-time costs, most of it for your flight.
| One-time cost | CAD | Approx. NPR |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee (per school) | 100 to 250 | 10,860 to 27,150 |
| IELTS Academic | n/a | 33,000 to 36,200 |
| Study permit | 150 | 16,290 |
| Biometrics | 85 | 9,230 |
| Medical exam | Paid to the panel physician in Nepal. Ask the clinic for the current fee. | |
| Flight, Kathmandu to Canada (one way) | n/a | 1 to 2.5 lakh |
| Translation or credential evaluation (if needed) | 75 to 200 | 8,150 to 21,720 |
See IELTS and PTE fees and scores for test costs.
Using national averages, a bachelor’s student needs about NPR 72 to 74 lakh for year one, and a master’s student about NPR 53 to 55 lakh.
| First-year cost | Bachelor’s (CAD) | Master’s (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (Statistics Canada average) | 41,746 | 24,028 |
| Living funds to show (IRCC) | 23,448 | 23,448 |
| Study permit and biometrics | 235 | 235 |
| Subtotal | 65,429 (NPR 71.1 lakh) | 47,711 (NPR 51.8 lakh) |
| English test and flight (NPR) | 1.3 to 2.9 lakh | 1.3 to 2.9 lakh |
| Total first year (NPR) | about 72 to 74 lakh | about 53 to 55 lakh |
Your real figure depends on your school, program and city. A college diploma usually costs less. NPR figures use NPR 108.60 per CAD (Nepal Rastra Bank, 27 September 2026). Check what they mean today with our CAD to NPR forex converter.
Smaller costs add up over a year. Home internet costs about CAD 50 to 80 a month if it is not included in rent. Winter clothing costs about CAD 150 to 300 at the start.
You can work up to 24 hours a week off campus during academic terms and full time during scheduled breaks. If you earn income in Canada, you must file a tax return with the Canada Revenue Agency, even for low income.
Careful planning, the right school and the right city make the biggest difference. These steps help most Nepali students:
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 24 hours a week during term 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 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.
About CAD 47,000 to 65,000 for the first year, or roughly NPR 52 to 71 lakh. That is average tuition plus the CAD 23,448 in living funds IRCC asks you to show. College diplomas and smaller cities can cost less.
CAD 235 in total: CAD 150 for the study permit and CAD 85 for biometrics, about NPR 25,500. The medical exam is paid separately to the panel physician.
About CAD 1,300 to 2,500 a month for rent, utilities, food, transport and phone, or NPR 1.4 to 2.7 lakh, depending on your city and housing.
About NPR 1 to 2.5 lakh one way, depending on the airline and season. Book early for the September intake.
Yes. Some provinces cover international students under public plans. Elsewhere, private or school insurance costs about CAD 600 to 900 a year.
At Goreto. Our counsellors calculate costs in CAD and NPR for your program, intake and city. Contact Goreto for your personalised Canada budget.
Your first-year tuition plus CAD 23,448 for living costs (one person, outside Quebec). You must also explain where the money came from.
Yes. Parents can sponsor you with income documents, tax clearance and proof of relationship. The source of their funds must be clear.
Only partly. You can work up to 24 hours a week during term. IRCC still expects you to show funds for your first year without relying on work.
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Important guidance note
This page provides general guidance about studying abroad. Requirements, fees and policies can change. For advice about your situation, speak with a Goreto counsellor before applying.
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