It is widely known that many individuals desire to relocate to Canada, but they face the challenges of significant financial expenses and the difficulty of selecting the appropriate pathway for relocation.
In this article, we will concentrate on the study pathway in Canada, which happens to be the most commonly inquired about.
Numerous individuals have asked me about the cost of studying in Canada, and I’m certain that many other Travel Consultants have been posed the same question. Some individuals ask in order to make well-informed plans, while others inquire out of mere curiosity or a reluctance to conduct online research themselves.
To study in Canada, there are at least seven expenses that you need to account for, starting from the application stage up until your arrival in Canada.
Let’s discuss these expenses:
- Admission Application Fees & Tuition Fees:
The initial step in determining the amount of money required to study in Canada is to identify the courses/programs you wish to pursue and the universities offering them.
Why?
Because different courses and programs have varying application fees and tuition fees.
Application fees for Master’s programs in Canada range between $50 and $150 per course. If you apply for multiple courses, you will need to pay the application fee for each course. However, some universities allow a single application fee to cover 3-5 program choices, depending on the university’s policy.
Tuition fees for Master’s programs in Canada range between $20,000 and $30,000 per year. You can find the specific fees on the university’s website, where they will provide information about the application fee and expected tuition fees. Most universities also offer the option to pay tuition fees in installments.
Therefore, the first question you should ask yourself is: What course do I want to study? To answer this question, most Master’s programs require an undergraduate background in the field of study you wish to pursue. For example, if you have a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, you are likely eligible for programs related to Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Biomedical Science, and Microbiology. If you studied History, you should look for Humanities and Arts-related programs. However, there may be exceptions for programs like MBAs that have more lenient requirements. The Cost of Study Calculator Tool allows you to input the application fee and tuition fee for the specific course you intend to study.
- IELTS/GRE/GMAT:
Knowing the course you want to study is crucial to determine the exact amount needed to fund your studies in Canada because certain courses require exams such as IELTS, GMAT, or GRE.
IELTS is an English proficiency test. The good news is that most Canadian universities waive this test for candidates from English-speaking countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and Zambia. However, it is advisable to check the university’s website to confirm whether this test is required for the course you wish to study.
GMAT/GRE are graduate admission exams that are typically required for programs like MBAs. Again, it is important to verify whether these exams are necessary for your chosen course.
- Visa Application Fee:
Once you have submitted your admission application and received an offer of admission, the next step is to apply for a study permit or visa.
The visa application fee for a study permit in Canada is $150. If you are bringing your family with you, the visa application fee is $150 per person.
- Medical Exam:
MEDICAL EXAM One of the mandatory steps in obtaining a study visa is undergoing a comprehensive medical examination. This exam, conducted at an authorized medical facility, serves as a means to assess your overall health and identify any potential conditions that could burden Canada’s healthcare system with costly treatments. The expenses associated with the medical exam vary depending on the specific medical center you are referred to. On average, the medical exam for a study visa in Canada costs NGN40,200 for adults, NGN31,800 for children aged 11 to 15, NGN21,800 for children aged 5 to 11, and NGN26,200 for children under the age of 5.
5. BIOMETRIC FEE
Another requirement for your Canada study permit application is the submission of your biometric data, including fingerprints and photographs. You will be provided with information about the designated office where you need to go to have your biometrics captured. The biometric fee amounts to $85 per person or $170 for a family applying together.
6. PROOF OF FUNDS
Canada Immigration mandates that you demonstrate sufficient funds in your savings to cover your living expenses while studying in Canada. The exact minimum amounts required for living expenses are specified on the official Canada Immigration website. Your proof of funds should account for various costs, including food, accommodation, transportation, and more. The specific amount needed depends on the location in Canada where you will be studying. If your chosen city is in the province of Quebec, you are required to show proof of funds amounting to $13,134 per year. However, if the university is located outside of Quebec, the minimum amount is $10,000 per year. Naturally, if you are accompanied by your family, the costs will increase accordingly.
7. FLIGHT TICKET
The cost of your flight ticket to Canada is contingent on various factors, such as the airline you choose. Commonly used airlines for travel to Canada include Lufthansa and KLM. The price of the ticket is also influenced by the timing of your booking. Typically, booking closer to your intended travel date tends to incur higher costs. On average, the price ranges from $1500 to $2000 for a one-way ticket per person.
We hope this article greatly helps anyone who has plans of studying in Canada to make informed decision to avoid being stranded midway.
Princewill Iweajunwa
