Canada education bill rises for Indian students in 2026 as tuition and living costs go up

New Delhi: Studying in Canada is becoming significantly more expensive for Indian students in 2026, with rising tuition fees and higher living costs pushing up the overall financial burden, according to the latest estimates on international education expenses.

For international undergraduates, annual tuition fees now typically range between Canadian dollars 20,000 and 45,000, depending on the course and institution. Programmes in engineering, computer science, health sciences, and business continue to attract the highest fees, while courses in arts, humanities, and social sciences are comparatively less costly.

Postgraduate programmes show a similar upward trend. Tuition fees for master’s degrees generally fall between Canadian dollars 18,000 and 35,000 per year, with professional courses and MBA programmes at top universities costing substantially more.

Living expenses have also increased, driven mainly by higher accommodation, food, and transport costs. Students are now advised to budget at least Canadian dollars 20,000 annually for living expenses, in line with the revised financial requirements for Canadian study permits. Housing remains the largest expense, especially in major cities, where rental costs have risen sharply.

Education advisers estimate that the total annual cost of studying in Canada in 2026, including tuition and living expenses, can range from Canadian dollars 40,000 to over 65,000, depending on the city, course, and institution.

Despite the rising costs, Canada continues to attract a large number of Indian students due to its education quality, post study work options, and pathways to permanent residency. At the same time, consultants say families are becoming more cautious, reassessing course choices, locations, and scholarship opportunities amid stricter visa scrutiny and higher financial thresholds.

Students planning for upcoming intakes have been advised to account for cost increases early, explore funding options offered by universities, and consider institutions outside major urban centres where expenses may be relatively lower.