Studying abroad means staying abroad. That is quite challenging and intimidating at the same time. Indian students studying in Canada need to figure out everything before they land there to begin their studies.
In this article, we have answered all your potential questions about student life in Canada starting from accommodations to expenses.
Let’s start by looking at all the potential living options you can choose from to have a great student life in Canada.
Accommodation Options For Indian Students In Canada
| Type of accommodation | Why you should choose it |
| In-campus housing (least expensive) | This option is great as everything is already set. Since it is inside the campus, you don’t have to think about other amenities such as traveling or food. It is also a great way to make friends as you will be sharing your place with one or more students. |
| Homestays (paying guests) | There are many localities in Canada that host international students. The upside is you will be staying in someone’s well-furnished home in a great neighborhood. |
| Private rentals (moderately expensive) | If you want to live on your own and want complete personal freedom, private apartments are great for you. Furthermore, if you want to have a flatmate, you can definitely explore that option. However, living alone can cost you a lot. |
You might be thinking, “which living option offers the best student life in Canada”? Well, you need to start by looking at your budget and how much responsibility you can handle. For instance, living in your own flat will give you more freedom, but it comes with responsibility.
The best living option for Indian students studying in Canada also depends on the culture of the society you are living in.
Also Read: Study Abroad Guide for Indian Students 2024
Multicultural And Diverse Societies In Canada
The background of most Canadians is either British, French, or America. However, Canada is also a residence for a lot of Indian immigrants. That means Indian students studying in Canada will get an opportunity to explore a lot of cultures including their own as well.
You can experience cuisine, culture, sports, and festivals of different nationalities in your student life in Canada. French culture is predominant in Quebec where all the holidays and cuisine can be easily found.
Cities like Toronto have large neighborhoods of Indian nationals which is a great place for you if you are looking for a home away from home.
Citizens of Canada are extremely welcoming and accommodating to international students, particularly Indian students studying in Canada.
Weather In Canada
It is much colder when compared to the tropical climate of India. Indian students, initially, find it a bit challenging to get used to the northern weather. During winters, many regions in northern Canada clock up to -25℃.
Fortunately, the summers are warmer and are much more enjoyable. The diverse natural beauty of Canada is really enjoyable in the summer months. Certain regions in Canada clock up to 35℃.
Social Life In Canada
Since the employability rate is considerably high, student life in Canada is extremely enjoyable. Canada is known for hockey, but there are many sports and recreational activities you can enjoy such as hiking, visiting clubs and casinos, etc.
As we have explained earlier in this article, you can travel to different cities and enjoy different cultures. Food, hospitality, festivals, the list goes on.
Living Expenses In Canada
The most important thing for Indian students studying in Canada is the cost of living. The quality of living is quite high, so it can be assumed that the cost of living in Canada will be the same. Fortunately, that is not the case.
Here is an example. The rent of a one-bedroom flat in the heart of Toronto is around $1600. However, in New York, the cost is $3500. That is more than twice.
The same thing applies to transportation, food, leisure, clothing, and entertainment costs. The availability of cheap healthcare in Canada adds to the growing list of reasons to study there.
Also Read: A guide to IELTS score for Canada
How much does it cost to Live in Canada as an international student?
When it comes to living expenses, Canada is among the top 17% of countries in the world. Depending on your lifestyle, location, and other relevant factors, you may have to pay around CAD1,000 – CAD3,776 per month as an international student.
Here are the different expenses you would incur as an Indian student in Canada:
| Expenses | Cost (in CAD)* |
| A furnished apartment (900 sqft) | CAD2,964 – CAD2,414/month |
| A furnished studio apartment (480 sqft) | CAD2,102 – CAD1,647/month |
| Utilities (heating, gas, water, electricity, etc.) | CAD227 – CAD119/month |
| Cleaning help | CAD32/hour |
| Groceries | CAD80/week |
| Public transport | CAD114/month |
| Entertainment | CAD200 – CAD 500/month |
*The costs are estimated and may vary.
Your expenses will also vary based on your location. So, have a look at the living cost in 5 Canadian cities below:
| Monthly expenses* | Toronto | Vancouver | Montreal | Ottawa | Winnipeg |
| Meals | CAD340-400 | CAD350-650 | CAD150-350 | CAD90-400 | CAD50-350 |
| Accommodation | CAD1,100-2,700 | CAD1,500-2,500 | CAD1,700-2,100 | CAD1,300-2,340 | CAD1,300-2,464 |
| Utility Bills | CAD150-200 | CAD50-180 | CAD60-100 | CAD100-180 | CAD60-100 |
| Amusement | CAD100-150 | CAD80-150 | CAD100-150 | CAD50-70 | CAD70-100 |
| Transportation | CAD70-128 | CAD100-185 | CAD90-120 | CAD70-125 | CAD 70-115 |
*The costs are estimated and may vary.
Studying abroad is, undoubtedly, an expensive affair. But you can make it affordable through scholarships, education loans, and other financial aid. That’s why we have provided detailed information on getting the best offers on study abroad education loans on the page below.
Also read: Top exams to study abroad
Big city life versus suburban areas in Canada for international students
Your life in Canada as an Indian student can look very different based on your location. If you’re confused between choosing a big city and suburban life, here are some points that may help you:
Cost of living
Suburban areas in Canada are more often cheaper than big cities. For instance, it’s 30% more expensive to live in Toronto than Mississauga. Where you can rent a one-bedroom apartment in Toronto for about CAD 2,500 per month, it will cost you about CAD2,200 in Mississauga.
Social scene
According to Statistics Canada, the country’s top cities have a very diverse population. This offers a vibrant lifestyle with access to multicultural restaurants and events. In major cities like Toronto, you can easily find cuisines from around the world, engage in nightlife, and attend festivals like Caribana. Suburban areas, on the other hand, are quieter. You can go to local parks, hikes, etc.
Job opportunities
Like any other country, big cities in Canada offer a larger job market, whereas such opportunities are limited in suburbs. Most of the top Canadian universities are also situated in big cities like Toronto and Montreal, making them better locations for professional opportunities and to create corporate connections.
Cost Of Studying In Canada
It can be difficult to estimate how much it will cost you to study as it depends on multiple factors such as the branch of choice and university. Here is a table that will give you a rough estimation.
| Name of the University | Approximate tuition fee (USD) |
| University of Montreal | $ 17,000 |
| University of British Columbia | $ 37,000 |
| University of Toronto | $ 49,000 |
| Mc. Gill University | $ 46,000 |
| Mc. Master University | $ 28,000 |
| University of Fredericton | $ 31,000 |
So now that you understand the costs, it might seem daunting to think about studying abroad in Canada. However, it would be a mistake to view it only as an expense. It’s crucial to consider the return on investment (ROI). Your choice of university can significantly influence the overall cost of your education. Additionally, understanding the placement opportunities and alumni network of the university can help you calculate the ROI before you even apply.
This can feel overwhelming, especially with so much conflicting information. But this is where SelectRight helps. The greatest benefit of SelectRight is that it allows you to compare universities based on factors like placement records, alumni networks, the fundability of your program, and even your chances of being admitted. SelectRight takes away the chaos and confusion from your university search process and gives you reliable, data-driven insights you can trust.
Here’s how SelectRight works:
- Create a profile, providing details about your academic background and career goals.
- The platform analyzes over 8 million data points across 40,000 programs to generate a tailored list of universities.
- You compare universities based on factors like ROI, alumni networks, and your chances of admission.
- Get expert guidance to help you make an informed decision.
- Connect with peers and alumni to gain deeper insights before finalizing your choice.
Once you’ve shortlisted your ideal university, the next big milestone in your study abroad journey is securing the right education loan.
Also Read: Education Loans to Study in Canada: Interest Rates, Courses, Requirements & Banks
How To Get The Best Education Loan To Study In Canada
The quality of your student life in Canada depends on your finances. From the nature of accommodation to the leisurely activities you can indulge in, it all depends on how good of an education loan you can secure.
FundRight can get you the best student life in Canada by getting you the loan that is best for you.
Here are X advantages Indian students studying in Canada can look forward to if they choose FundRight as their financial partner.
Low Interest, No Collateral Loans
The best loan option for Indian students studying in Canada will be the one that charges the least amount of interest and doesn’t put their property on the line. However, non-collateral loans often come with higher rates of interest that make them a less favorable option.
FundRight can get you low-interest, no collateral loan options.
We do that by showing your profile to 30+ moneylenders in our database who will give you offers. You can then choose the option that is the best for you. Indian students studying in Canada can save up to 2-5% on their loan interests.
Get Loan Options In 48 Hours
Applying for loans to banks and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) can be hectic for Indian students studying in Canada. They are slow, take a long time to process your application, evaluate your application by outdated metrics, and more.
These disadvantages get Indian students loan deals that are the worst. However, FundRight does things differently.
FundRight sends loan options to your inbox in two days.
That’s right, you won’t even have to leave your house. After you fill up your profile, we will share it with our moneylenders and have them bid on your profile. Once we have their offers, we collate them and send them over to you.
Receive Unbiased Financial Advice From Experts
The worst start to your student life in Canada can be ensured when you fall for the financial advice in blog posts, YouTube videos, and internet forums. Those areas are filled with sponsored content that only cares about making a quick buck off of you.
The same can be said of loan agents from different banks who have similar goals. Not to mention, they are all under-qualified to help you because they will evaluate your profile based on outdated parameters.
FundRight connects you with experts who know what they are talking about.
Once you receive the loan options, we will connect you with our in-house experts who will help you understand the nitty gritty details of each offer. This will help you choose the loan that is best for you.
Banks Compete For Your Loan
If you will approach traditional banks in general, you will have to compete with other applicants to get the attention of the bank. Due to this, you are likely to get a bad deal. This will affect your student life in Canada as you will have to pay a lot of interest.
FundRight solves that problem.
You can save between 2-5% on your loan’s rate of interest.
FundRight is India’s first loan bidding platform. We have 30+ moneylenders in our database who will be bidding on your profile, competing for you. As a result, you will get the best deal and will save a lot of money.
Wrapping Up
Doing your Masters in Canada is a great option because apart from quality education, the student life in Canada is quite accommodating for international students. With cheaper accommodation, travel costs, and healthcare Indian students studying in Canada can focus on their careers.
The most important way to ensure your student life in Canada doesn’t cost you or your family too much, it is important to get the student loan that is perfect for you.
FundRight sends you low interest loan options within two working days straight to your inbox.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. With a cheaper cost of living and a great social life, Canada is a friendly country for students.
It depends on the kind of accommodation you choose. For instance, living in a one-bedroom apartment in the middle of a city will cost you about $1600 in rent.
There are no disadvantages per se. Although it can be a bit challenging to adapt to a different life.
Yes. As it is a growing economy, thousands of jobs in a variety of fields are being created every year.
Indian students studying in Canada could find it difficult to get adapted to the colder climate. Apart from that, the rest of the challenges are related to getting used to the way of life in a foreign country.
Yes, it is worth moving to Canada as a student. Here’s why:
– According to Statistica, by the end of 2022, Canada housed more than eight lakh students. More than half of these students come from India and China.
– Graduates can earn an average initial package of CAD 140,289 per annum or more through professional master’s programs.
– Four Canadian universities—the University of Toronto, McGill University, the University of British Columbia, and the University of Alberta—are among the top 100 institutions in the QS World University Rankings 2025.
To be eligible for a Canada student visa, you must demonstrate at least CAD 10,000 per annum in your bank account. You require this amount to prove your financial capabilities to afford your living expenses in the country. It doesn’t include your tuition cost. If you’re applying for a visa to live in Quebec, the minimum requirement changes to CAD 11,000.
