Cost of Studying in Canada for Pakistani Students 2025

For Pakistani students planning to study abroad, Canada stands out as a destination that balances world-class education with reasonable affordability. Compared to the United States, the United Kingdom, or Australia, studying in Canada costs less while offering equal — or even better — career opportunities and living standards.

However, to make an informed decision, students and parents must understand the cost of studying in Canada, which includes tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance, study materials, and travel costs. This article provides a detailed breakdown to help Pakistani students prepare their financial plan effectively.

Overview of Study Costs in Canada

The total cost of studying in Canada varies depending on the program type, university location, and lifestyle choices. On average, Pakistani students should expect to spend between CAD 25,000 to CAD 40,000 per year, which includes tuition and living costs.

Category	Average Annual Cost (CAD)	Equivalent in PKR (Approx.)
Tuition Fees	15,000 – 30,000	3.3 – 6.6 million PKR
Living Expenses	10,000 – 15,000	2.2 – 3.3 million PKR
Health Insurance	600 – 900	130,000 – 200,000 PKR
Books & Supplies	500 – 1,000	110,000 – 220,000 PKR
Transportation	800 – 1,500	175,000 – 330,000 PKR
Miscellaneous	1,000 – 2,000	220,000 – 440,000 PKR

Tuition Fees in Canada

Tuition is the largest portion of your education cost. It varies significantly between institutions and programs.

Undergraduate Programs
- Average: CAD 15,000 – 25,000 per year
- Popular fields like Engineering, Computer Science, and Health Sciences may cost higher (up to CAD 30,000).
- Humanities and Arts programs are often more affordable.
Postgraduate (Master’s) Programs
- Average: CAD 20,000 – 30,000 per year
- MBA and specialized programs can go up to CAD 50,000.
- Research-based degrees may offer scholarships or assistantships.
PhD Programs
- Average: CAD 6,000 – 12,000 per year
- Most PhD students receive funded scholarships, research grants, or teaching assistantships.
Diploma and Certificate Courses
- Cost: CAD 10,000 – 18,000 per year
- Offered mainly by colleges with shorter duration (1–2 years).

Affordable Universities in Canada for Pakistani Students

University Name	Average Annual Tuition (CAD)	Notable Programs
Memorial University of Newfoundland	9,000 – 12,000	Engineering, Business, Humanities
University of Saskatchewan	15,000 – 20,000	Agriculture, Data Science, Health
University of Manitoba	14,000 – 18,000	Education, Law, Medicine
Brandon University	12,000 – 15,000	Business, Music, Psychology
University of Regina	13,000 – 17,000	Engineering, Computer Science

These institutions are popular among Pakistani students for their quality education and reasonable tuition fees.

Living Expenses in Canada

Living costs depend on the city and lifestyle. Metropolitan cities like Toronto and Vancouver are more expensive than smaller cities like Winnipeg or Halifax.

Average Monthly Living Expenses (CAD):

Expense	Average Cost (CAD/month)	Equivalent in PKR
Rent (shared apartment)	600 – 1,000	130,000 – 220,000 PKR
Food & Groceries	250 – 400	55,000 – 90,000 PKR
Transportation	100 – 150	22,000 – 33,000 PKR
Internet & Utilities	100 – 150	22,000 – 33,000 PKR
Miscellaneous	100 – 200	22,000 – 45,000 PKR

By sharing accommodation and using public transport, Pakistani students can significantly reduce monthly costs.

5. Scholarships and Financial Aid

Many Pakistani students manage their expenses through Canadian scholarships and funding programs. Some popular options include:

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (University of Toronto)
University of British Columbia International Leader of Tomorrow Award
Commonwealth Scholarship for Pakistan
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)

Scholarships can cover partial or full tuition, living costs, or even travel expenses. It’s advisable to apply early and meet eligibility criteria.

Health Insurance in Canada

Health insurance is mandatory for international students.

Average cost: CAD 600–900 per year
Some provinces (like Alberta and British Columbia) offer public health coverage, while others require private insurance plans through the university.

Health coverage typically includes doctor visits, emergencies, and limited prescriptions.

Transportation Costs

Most cities in Canada offer student discount cards for public transport.

Monthly transportation pass: CAD 100–150
Cycling is also a common and affordable mode of transport in student cities.

Students living on campus may have lower transportation costs compared to those staying off-campus.

Estimated Total Cost for Pakistani Students (Per Year)

Expense Type	Estimated Range (CAD)	In Pakistani Rupees (Approx.)
Tuition Fees	15,000 – 30,000	3.3 – 6.6 million PKR
Living Expenses	10,000 – 15,000	2.2 – 3.3 million PKR
Miscellaneous & Travel	2,000 – 3,000	440,000 – 660,000 PKR
Total	27,000 – 48,000	6 – 10.5 million PKR

This gives a realistic picture of the annual budget Pakistani students should prepare before applying.

Conclusion

Studying in Canada is a valuable investment in your future. While the cost of studying and living may seem high, the return on investment through global exposure, high-quality education, and strong job prospects is worth every penny.

For Pakistani students, planning finances carefully, applying for scholarships, and managing expenses smartly can make the Canadian study experience both affordable and rewarding.