Studying engineering in Canada is a dream for many international students. The country offers world-class universities, strong research opportunities, and a welcoming multicultural environment. However, like any investment in higher education, pursuing an engineering degree in Canada requires a careful understanding of the costs. These costs can be broadly divided into tuition fees and living expenses, and they vary significantly depending on the institution, the province, and the student’s lifestyle.
Tuition Fees
One of the major expenses for international engineering students in Canada is tuition. According to IDP, undergraduate engineering programs for international students typically cost around CA$40,746 per year on average.
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However, this number can differ widely depending on the university. For instance, more affordable programs exist, while top-tier institutions may charge much more.
Some sources report that engineering tuition for undergraduates can range from CA$25,000 to CA$45,000 annually, depending on the school and province.
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In particularly prestigious or highly ranked universities, it may go higher; for example, the University of Waterloo estimates its international engineering program tuition to reach up to CA$73,000 for the entire degree.
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For graduate students (master’s or PhD), the tuition costs tend to be lower than undergraduate engineering. According to AECC, master’s in engineering or technology can cost between CA$17,000 and CA$20,000 per year for international students.
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Meanwhile, IDP’s data suggests an average of about CA$22,885 per year for engineering grad programs.
IDP Education
Living Costs
In addition to tuition, students must consider the cost of living in Canada, which can be substantial. The average annual living cost for international students may fall in the range of CA$12,000 to CA$18,000, depending on the city.
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This includes expenses such as accommodation, food, transportation, health insurance, and other personal costs.
Here’s a breakdown of typical living costs:
Accommodation: On-campus housing can cost between CA$6,000 and CA$12,000 per year, whereas off-campus apartments may range from CA$8,000 to CA$15,000.
Food & Groceries: Monthly food expenses might be CA$250–400, totaling CA$3,000–5,000 annually.
Health Insurance: International students usually pay CA$600–1,000+ per year for mandatory health coverage.
Books and Supplies: Particularly for engineering, these can be more expensive; estimated costs range from CA$800 to CA$1,500+ per year.
Other Costs and Financial Support
In addition to tuition and living expenses, students should also plan for application fees, student services fees, and incidental costs. For instance, student services fees may range from CA$300 to over CA$1,000 annually, depending on the institution.
IDP Education
Fortunately, many Canadian universities offer scholarships, grants, or co-op (cooperative education) programs that allow students to work during their studies and offset some costs. These work-terms not only help financially, but also provide valuable industry experience, especially for engineering students.
Return on Investment
Although the cost of an engineering degree in Canada can be high, many students view it as a solid investment. Engineering graduates are often in demand, and work opportunities in Canada are generally good. The ability to work part-time, plus the chance to stay and work in Canada after graduation, can help students recover their investment over time.
Conclusion
To sum up, the cost of studying engineering in Canada for international students is significant, ranging from roughly CA$25,000 to over CA$70,000 for tuition, depending on the university and program. Living costs add another considerable amount, usually CA$12,000–18,000 per year. However, through scholarships, co-op programs, and careful budgeting, many students find the overall investment worthwhile for the high quality of education, global opportunities, and professional prospects that a Canadian engineering degree can offer.