Studying in Canada as an international student: costs, visa and work rules (2026)
In Canada, tuition at a public university is CA$22k to 32k for a master’s and CA$41,746 / yr for a bachelor’s. For the student visa you must show CA$23,448 / yr, you can work 24 h / wk while studying, and you can stay up to 36 months after graduating.
✓ Last checked against official sources: 14 Oct 2026. Every figure links to the government body or university that sets it. No school pays to appear here.
Costs
| Item | Master’s (2 years) | Bachelor’s (4 years) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition, public university | CA$22k to 32kEst., outside Quebec | CA$41,746 / yrAverage for international undergraduates, 2025–26 |
| Tuition, private or top-ranked | CA$32k+Est. | CA$45k+Est. |
| Money to show for the visa | CA$23,448 / yrPlus first-year tuition | |
| Health insurance | About CA$900 a year (estimate) | |
| Visa and permit fees | About CA$200, once (estimate) | |
| Total* | ≈ CA$92,900 | ≈ CA$265,000 |
*Diplonaut estimate at a public university: the lower tuition figure + the money you must show for the visa (a floor for living costs, not a budget) + health insurance, for the whole degree, plus visa fees once. Tuition ranges are estimates: each university publishes its own fees. Canadian tuition ranges are estimates; universities publish their own fees.
Visa and entry
| Your passport | What you need |
|---|---|
| EU, EEA or Swiss | Study permit before travel: no attestation letter needed for a master’s at a public institution |
| United States | Apply online or at the border: no attestation letter needed for a master’s at a public institution |
| All other countries | Study permit before travel: no attestation letter needed for a master’s at a public institution |
Work rights
- While studying: 24 h / wk (Off campus).
- After graduating: Up to 36 months (Post-graduation work permit).
Will my degree from Canada be recognized?
Degree-granting institutions are authorized by their province. Being a designated learning institution, which lets a school enroll international students, is not the same as being allowed to grant degrees.
Check an institution: CICIC: directory of educational institutions
For a bachelor’s: Bachelor’s applicants need a provincial attestation letter: only master’s and PhD students at public institutions are exempt. After a bachelor’s, the work permit has no field-of-study requirement.
By field of study
- No field yet (undecided): Many universities admit you to a general first year and you choose a major later (for example UBC Science, in year 2). Changing programme at the same school generally needs no new permit; changing school needs a study permit extension and, since 22 January 2025, possibly a new provincial attestation letter.
- Medicine or dentistry: Medicine (MD) is effectively closed to international students at many schools (for example UBC: international students cannot apply).
- Art, design or music: Music programmes require an audition and interview (for example the University of Toronto).
Recent official changes for Canada
- No rule change for Canada has been tracked in the last months. See all changes by country.
Compare Canada
See Canada next to the other destinations, adjusted to your passport, degree level and field.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to study in Canada?
Tuition at a public university is CA$22k to 32k a year for a master’s and CA$41,746 / yr for a bachelor’s. With the money you must show for the visa and health insurance, a 2-year master’s comes to about CA$92,900 in total (Diplonaut estimate).
How much money do I need to show for a student visa in Canada?
CA$23,448 / yr (Plus first-year tuition).
Can I work while studying in Canada?
Yes: 24 h / wk (Off campus).
Can I stay in Canada after graduating?
Up to 36 months (Post-graduation work permit).
Other destinations
Official sources
- Québec: tuition exemptions under international agreements (French and Belgian students)
- IRCC: study permit proof of financial support
- IRCC: 2026 cap and attestation letter exemptions
- Statistics Canada: tuition fees 2025/2026
- IRCC: provincial attestation letter
- IRCC: post-graduation work permit length
- CICIC: directory of educational institutions
- UBC Science: moving to second year
- IRCC: changing schools
- UBC: Doctor of Medicine
- University of Toronto Faculty of Music: apply
Information, not legal or immigration advice.