As of July 3, 2026.
If you are planning to study in Canada, tuition is the biggest single number in your budget, and it varies more than most students expect. This guide gives you the current 2026 figures for international students, shows you which provinces are cheapest and most expensive, and explains the other costs you need to plan for before you apply.
TL;DR
International undergraduates in Canada pay an average of CAD $41,746 for 2025/2026, up about 2.5%, according to Statistics Canada. | Ontario is the most expensive province at $49,802 per year; Newfoundland and Labrador is the cheapest at $18,867. | International students now pay roughly five times the domestic tuition rate, up from 3.6 times a decade ago. | Choosing a lower-cost province and program is the biggest lever on your total cost, on top of the living funds you must prove for a study permit.
How much is university tuition in Canada for international students in 2026?
For the 2025/2026 academic year, international undergraduate students in Canada pay an average of CAD $41,746 per year, an increase of about 2.5% over the previous year, according to Statistics Canada. That figure is the national average across all programs, and your actual tuition depends heavily on your province and your field of study. International undergraduates now pay roughly five times what domestic students pay for the same program.
| Level / group | Average tuition (2025/2026) |
|---|
| International undergraduate (national average) | CAD $41,746 |
| Most expensive province (Ontario) | CAD $49,802 |
| Most affordable province (Newfoundland and Labrador) | CAD $18,867 |
Programs like medicine, dentistry, engineering, and business sit well above the average, while arts and humanities tend to fall below it.
Why do international students pay so much more than Canadians?
International students pay higher tuition because they are not funded by Canadian taxpayers, so universities set unsubsidized rates for them. A decade ago international undergraduates paid about 3.6 times the domestic rate; by 2025/2026 that gap has widened to roughly 5 times. Provincial tuition freezes and caps usually apply only to domestic students, so international fees have kept climbing while domestic increases stayed modest.
Which provinces are the cheapest and most expensive to study in?
Ontario is the most expensive province for international undergraduates at about CAD $49,802 per year, while Newfoundland and Labrador is the most affordable at about CAD $18,867. Choosing a lower-cost province can cut your tuition by more than half for a comparable degree, which is why province choice is one of the biggest levers you have over your total cost.
- Higher cost: Ontario and British Columbia, home to the largest and most in-demand universities
- Mid range: Alberta, Quebec, and the Prairie provinces
- Lower cost: Newfoundland and Labrador and several smaller Atlantic institutions
What other costs should you budget beyond tuition?
Tuition is only part of the picture. When you apply for a study permit, you must also show living expenses and travel money, separate from your tuition, and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) sets a required living-expense amount. Plan for these on top of your fees:
- Living expenses, which IRCC requires you to prove for your first year in your study permit proof of funds
- Rent, food, and transport, which you can estimate with our cost of living tool
- Health insurance, which is mandatory in most provinces
- Books, supplies, and program-specific fees
- Return airfare and initial settlement costs
How can you lower the cost of studying in Canada?
The most effective way to lower your cost is to choose an affordable province and a program priced below the national average, then apply for scholarships. A college diploma or a smaller university in a low-cost province can deliver a strong education and a pathway to work and stay in Canada at a fraction of the tuition of a large Ontario university.
- Compare provinces and pick a lower-cost one for a comparable program
- Consider more affordable universities and colleges
- Apply early for entrance and international scholarships
- Look at co-op programs that let you earn while you study
Frequently asked questions
How much is university tuition in Canada for international students?
For 2025/2026, international undergraduates pay an average of CAD $41,746 per year, ranging from about $18,867 in Newfoundland and Labrador to $49,802 in Ontario, according to Statistics Canada.
Which Canadian province has the cheapest tuition for international students?
Newfoundland and Labrador is the most affordable at about CAD $18,867 per year for international undergraduates, well below the national average.
Why is international tuition in Canada so high?
International students are not subsidized by Canadian taxpayers, so they pay unsubsidized rates, now about five times the domestic rate. Tuition caps that protect domestic students usually do not apply to international fees.
Does tuition include living costs?
No. Tuition covers your program only. You must separately budget for living expenses, and IRCC requires you to prove those funds when you apply for a study permit.
Planning your Canadian study budget
Tuition for international students in Canada averages CAD $41,746 for 2025/2026, but your real number depends on the province and program you choose, and it sits on top of living costs and the funds you must prove for a study permit. Choosing a lower-cost province and program is the single biggest way to reduce it. As a licensed Canadian immigration firm, we help students plan the full cost and the study-to-work pathway before they commit. If you want help mapping your options, book a consultation with our team.
Sources
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration or legal advice. Immigration laws and policies change frequently. Each case is unique and outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) before making immigration decisions.
