Cost of Living in Canada
Given below is a breakdown of the different expenses which are important to consider while calculating the cost of studying and living in Canada for Indian students.
Living Cost in CanadaCost
Flight ExpenseINR 1,00,000- 2,00, 000/- per flight
Study Permit Fees$150 (INR 11,123)
Work Permit Fees$155 (INR 11,493)
IELTS test FeesINR 14,700
AccommodationCAD 5,000 – CAD 10,000
(INR 2,67,000-INR 5,39,000) per annum
Travel CostsCAD 80 – CAD 110 (INR 4,300-INR 6,000) per month
Health InsuranceCAD 300-CAD 800 (INR 17,000-INR 44,000)
FoodCAD 300- CAD 400 [17,508 INR-23,344] (monthly)
EntertainmentCAD 750 [43,770 INR] (monthly)
Accommodation
Besides the tuition fees, accommodation expenses also form an important part of the cost of living in Canada. While on-campus residences are offered by several universities, you can live off-campus as well. Depending on the types of rooms and apartments, the cost may range from around CAD 5,000 (INR 2,67,000) to CAD 10,000 (INR 5,39,000) per annum. Further, the accommodation cost in big cities like Toronto and Montreal may be higher in comparison to other cities.
Types of Accommodations
When it comes to living and staying in Canada, international students have two broad choices living on-campus or off-campus. Within these two categories, students can opt for options such as dormitories and townhouses available to students living on the campus. Off-campus options like shared apartments, single apartments, condominiums, homestays or live with host families.
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Travel Costs for International Students in Canada
Canada has a cross-continent network with roads sprawling into the ends of the United States. But the travel expenses in Canada for both short and long distances is very expensive. Thus, students prefer taking the subways, trains, and buses and the average cost may range between CAD 80 (INR 4,300) to CAD 110 (INR 6,000) per month.
Health and Insurance
Medical insurance is added to the final estimates of the cost of studying in Canada because it is mandatory for students to be insured before the commencement of the program. Depending on the type of policy chosen, the total cost can range from CAD 300 (INR 17,000) to CAD 800 (INR 44,000) per year.
Other Essential Living Expenses
Other living expenses include books, stationery, library membership, food, utilities like rent, water, electricity, phone, and internet charges along with some personal expenses are some of other expenses which are added to the final cost of living in Canada.
Student Visa and Application Costs
Students who wish to apply to any university for academic or professional training will require a Canadian study permit. A study permit is required for courses that are longer than 6 months. However, students who are admitting themselves to a course that is less than 6 months are advised to apply for the study permit in case they tend to extend their stay. Canada student visa fees in Indian rupees is 8,542 (CAD 150). The application fees depend on the student’s nationality and the university to which they are applying. Along with the letter of admission and other documents, students are required to submit proof of funds and the minimum bank balance required to apply for a Canadian student visa is INR 6,00,000 or more for one year.
Taxes in Canada
As an international student studying in Canada, you are required to file Canadian income tax returns depending upon your residency status. Even if international students are not earning citizens in the country, filing taxes can be beneficial in terms of benefits like filing taxes like GST credits, the Child Tax Benefit, or claim a refund. Students who receive income from teaching, research assistantships, employment in Canada or investments are required to file an income tax report. Even students who receive income from outside of Canada must report their income.