What is the Cost of Living in Canada for Foreign Students?
Many people like you are also thinking of studying in Canada to boost their professional profile and give their lives a 180° turn. However, it is very likely that you have a question that keeps going around in your head: what is the cost of living in Canada for foreign students?
This is very understandable, but don’t worry, here you will find everything you need to know and you will realize that it is possible to study and live in Canada.
And yes, it is a reality that the cost of living in Canada is a bit high, but it is a very feasible destination if you have the necessary information to plan your study trip. And here, of course, we will be telling you everything.
Do not detach yourself from this article, find out about the costs of studying and living in Canada as a foreign student. In addition, we will be sharing a series of tips to save your money when living in one of the main cities in Canada.
Initial investment to study and live in Canada
It’s time to get out calculator and pencil! To calculate the initial investment of the cost of studying and living in Canada, you must take into account the following aspects that may vary, increasing or decreasing the value of your investment for this experience:
- Plane ticket: this of course will depend on your country of origin and time of year, but the price is around 500 CAD.
- Medical insurance: on average you will have to pay 40 CAD, but of course, this will vary depending on the company and coverage.
- Visa fees: each visa has a different price, but to give you an idea, the student visa costs 150 CAD, and the Work and Holiday visa costs about 156 CAD, which is somewhat more expensive than the student visa.
- First weeks of accommodation: in case you still haven’t found the ideal place to settle, there are places where they will charge you around 20 CAD per night.
- Payment of your studies: depending on the studies you want to do, the value will vary, for example, if you want to do university studies, you should consider an investment of between 9,000 and 12,000 CA.
On the other hand, if what you are looking for is a diploma, certificate or maybe a postgraduate degree, these study programs have a different price that ranges between 7,000 and 9,000 CAD per semester.
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On the other hand, the total cost of masters ranges from 22,000 to 36,000 CAD
Cost of living in the main cities of Canada
There are many cities to live in Canada and they are generally very varied, both in their lifestyle and in their cultural and leisure offer.
Here we tell you how much it would cost you to study and live in these main cities in Canada.
Vancouver
The perfect union between architecture and nature. In this city you can enjoy the best of two worlds, beach and mountains. Living in Vancouver is ideal if you are looking for quality of life, well-paying jobs, and opportunities for academic and job growth.
These are some of the expenses:
- Accommodation: 600 to 1,400 CAD
- Transportation: 101 to 182 CAD
- Food: 280 CAD
- Basic services: 100 CAD
- Internet: CAD85
Montréal
This is characterized as one of the most beautiful and cultural cities in Canada. Its streets are full of museums, galleries, theaters and fun festivals are organized every year.
Now, how much do you need to pay for your stay in this city? Here are some basic expenses:
- Accommodation: 450 to 600 CAD
- Transportation: $9.50 CAD
- Food: 240 CAD
- Basic services: 100 CAD
- Internet: 50 CAD
Toronto
A city full of multiculturalism that makes you fall in love with its museums, its forests, its lakes and its incredible gastronomy.
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In addition, it is a city full of attractive and well-paid job opportunities.
Now the million dollar question, how much does it cost to live in this city? Take note of the expenses that we will mention below and start organizing yourself now:
- Accommodation: 850 to 1,100 CAD
- Transportation: CAD156
- Food: 250 CAD
- Basic services: 100 CAD
- Internet: 50 to 80 CAD
Whistler
Located north of Vancouver, this city has the best places for lovers of extreme experiences, you will find areas to practice mountain biking, ski slopes and even quite an exciting nightlife:
- Accommodation: $850 CAD
- Transportation: $2.50 CAD a ticket
- Food: $360 CAD
- Basic services: $90 CAD
- Internet: 70 CAD
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5 tips to save costs when living in Canada as a foreign student
1. Plan your monthly money and avoid additional expenses: one way to save living in Canada as a student is not to waste your resources.
To do this, we recommend that you make a list of all your monthly fixed expenses, so you will have a clear idea of how much you spend and what you spend it on.
2. Cook at home whenever you can: avoid as much as you can go out to eat at restaurants or places on the street, look for healthy, cheap and of course delicious recipes so you don’t spend a lot of money.
3. Take advantage of outlets and garage sales: learn to find discounts and take advantage of garage sales to get second hand things at a great price, this will be a great saving for you.
Almost all stores in Canada have sale areas and also large outlets on the outskirts of the cities with clothes from good brands and at very good prices.
4. Use public transportation: Living in Canada as a student has its challenges and one of them is transportation.
The best thing you can do when you arrive in Canada is to get a Presto Card, which will allow you to travel unlimitedly on all types of transport from different companies without the need for money or tickets, you simply have to pay a fixed monthly payment.
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In addition, you can benefit from many discounts.
5. Take advantage of student discounts: in museums, theaters, cinemas, books, music, telephony and much more you can get discounts by presenting your student card. Investigate those that suit you best and take advantage!
As you may have noticed, the cost of living in Canada is a bit high.
However, there are many ways to make money to cover your expenses and, of course, save on some things to be able to face everything that may come your way without problems.
Remember that having a detailed plan and doing good research on the place you are going to visit will be key to making your stay the best and never lacking the resources to enjoy your study experience in Canada.
Typical Canadian foods you should try during your study trip
Canadian cuisine
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Canadian cuisine stands out for its diversity . In the second largest country in the world, you can find a wide variety of typical dishes. Its multiple ingredients and rich flavors stand out.
Living in Canada is not only enjoying beautiful landscapes and a great quality of life, it is also a pleasure to the palate that you cannot miss.
The typical dishes in Canada are faithful to their origins, but without ceasing to be innovative and unique.
Canadian gastronomy combines traditional aboriginal food with exquisite English and French flavors , resulting in food dishes with a very unique taste, your study trip is the opportunity to taste them!
7 delicious dishes of typical food in Canada
Making a ranking of the traditional foods of Canada is not an easy task. However, we want to show you some of the best dishes of typical national food that you cannot miss out on.
Discover with us, the gastronomic experience that you can live in Canada, you will love it!
1. Peameal bacon: meat in the best Canadian style
One of the dishes of the typical national food that you cannot miss is the Peameal bacon. If you are a pork lover, this dish is for you.
The Peameal bacon is the perfect combination of pork and corn . In this typical dish , the pork loin is cut into thin slices that are pickled and marinated in cornmeal. Originally this dish used pea flour. After World War I, and thanks to the popularity of corn, the recipe was transformed.
You can enjoy this exquisite dish at the St. Lawrence Market, one of the most famous places in Toronto, the birthplace of Peameal bacon.
2. Macaroni and Cheese: they are not like the others
The popularity and simplicity of Macaroni and Cheese has not only made it one of the most consumed by Canadians, it is also considered a typical national dish . With an exquisitely creamy texture, these macaroons are truly a delight.
Since 1937 they have been marketed by the Kraft Foods company and are also known as kraft dinner. Its low cost and delicious taste make it a good gastronomic option if you are going to study and live in Canada.
3. Poutine: a delicious and very typical combination
Poutine is a delicious typical Canadian food originating in Quebec. Only in Canada can you enjoy a true Poutine, because one of its ingredients is cheese curds, or slightly cured cheddar cheese, which is almost impossible to get outside of Canada.
The Poutine consists of a portion of French fries accompanied by thick meat sauce and this special cheese, which is delicate and fresh.
You can find it with beef, pork, rabbit, and one of the most delicious is accompanied by seafood. When you are in Canada, it will not be difficult to find this dish as it is very popular in fast food places in the country.
4. Tourtière: one of the most delicious and typical foods in Canada
Tourtière is the typical Canadian Christmas dish . Living in Canada during the Christmas and New Year ‘s holidays allows you to enjoy this delicious typical food.
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This rich cake preparation, with a meat filling that can be pork, venison or beef, arises from the combination of French, English and American influences, which gives this dish a unique flavor.
5. Fiddleheads: delicious and healthy
Fiddleheads are one of the main typical foods of Canada . This delicious recipe is made with tender fern leaves that remain rolled up. They are prepared with chicken, potatoes and vegetables.
This dish is highly nutritious , the fern leaves are rich in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids and contain high percentages of iron and a lot of fiber. A rich and very healthy flavor that you have to include in your diet.
6. Boeuf fumé sandwich: an exquisite typical meal
Fiddleheads are one of the main typical foods of Canada . This delicious recipe is made with tender fern leaves that remain rolled up. They are prepared with chicken, potatoes and vegetables.
This dish is highly nutritious , the fern leaves are rich in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids and contain high percentages of iron and a lot of fiber. A rich and very healthy flavor that you have to include in your diet.
7. Calgary Beef Hash: an irresistible burger
The Calgary Beef Hash , as its name says, is a typical Calgary dish. In this region, meat plays a leading role.
Can you imagine a delicious hamburger with meat fillets, beans, potatoes and salad? You can find this rich combination of flavors in the Calgary Beef Hash prepared with a delicious cured meat of the same name. Do not hesitate to include this delicious hamburger in your menu, you will not regret it!
Conclusion
Studying and living in Canada not only allows you to project your professional profile.
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In addition to improving your quality of life, it will be a unique experience in many aspects. Having the opportunity to meet people from all over the world, admire its beautiful landscapes and taste typical Canadian food is an opportunity that you cannot miss.
Canada’s multiculturalism turns its gastronomy into an explosion of flavors. Yet another reason to live in the country of lakes.
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