Cost of studying in Canada: A guide for Bangladeshi students

Importance of understanding the cost before applying

A Bangladeshi student needs to know the cost of studying before applying. So that there is no financial stress involved, and the academic journey can be smooth. Planning your finances well means being informed about your choices and thus avoiding sudden monetary requirements. Here’s why it matters:

• Helps students plan tuition, living expenses, and visa costs.
• Prevents running out of funds mid-course.
• Identifies financial aid opportunities early.
• Some provinces have lower living costs.
• Balancing studies with job opportunities.
• Covers expenses like health insurance and travel.
• Ensures backup funds for unexpected situations.
• Financial proof is required for visa approval.

Why do Bangladeshi students prefer Canada for higher education?

Canada offers excellent study opportunities for Bangladeshi students. It has good universities, a friendly culture, and job opportunities after graduation. Many students choose to study in Canada because of its affordable tuition, safe environment, and strong career options.

The major reasons students choose Canada for higher education are as follows.

1. High-quality education: Canada hosts global universities whose ranks appear among the very best. For instance, the University of Toronto or McGill University offers comparatively higher standards of education.
2. Affordable tuition fees: Tuition in Canada is still relatively generous in comparison to Western nations like the USA and UK, all the while maintaining high academic standards.
3. Post-Graduation work opportunities: Canada provides up to 3 years of post-study work rights. It's allowing international students to gain valuable work experience and transition into permanent residency.
4. Immigration pathways: Canada is very abundant culturally and in terms of immigration policies supporting students, making it easy for graduates to get into permanent residency (PR) programs.
5. Multicultural environment: Canada welcomes everyone and treats all backgrounds fairly. It makes students feel at home no matter where they come from. Bangladeshi students will find cultural communities that help them adjust to an overseas life.
6. Safe and student-friendly cities: Canadian cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal rank amongst the best in terms of student friendliness. An attractive ambience exists in such cities for international students.
7. Scholarship opportunities: Many Canadian universities offer scholarships and financial aid to international students to reduce the financial burden of studying abroad.
8. Strong career prospects: Graduates from Canadian universities have high employability rates with opportunities in fields like engineering, business, healthcare, and IT.

Tuition fees in Canada for international students

Tuition becomes one of the biggest expenses faced by an international student in Canada. Fees vary depending on the university, program, and province. Here’s a breakdown:

Undergraduate Programs

Undergraduate tuition fees in Canada for Bangladeshi students typically range between CAD 13,000 and CAD 20,000 per year. It depends on the university and program you choose. However, prestigious institutions may charge higher fees. Costs vary across provinces. Cities like Toronto and Vancouver are generally more expensive compared to smaller towns.

Postgraduate Programs

Master’s degree programs in Canada cost CAD 17,000 to CAD 25,000 per year. It depends on the field of study and the university. Science, engineering, and business programs often have higher tuition fees. Many universities offer research-based master’s degrees that provide funding opportunities through assistantships or grants, reducing overall education costs.

Doctoral Degrees

PhD programs are among the most affordable options, with tuition fees ranging from CAD 7,000 to CAD 15,000 per year. Many doctoral students receive financial assistance through research fellowships, scholarships, or university grants. You can secure funding with strong academic credentials, which significantly lowers the cost of pursuing a doctoral degree in Canada.

MBA Programs

MBA programs in Canada have higher tuition fees, ranging from CAD 30,000 to CAD 40,000 per year. It depends on the university and specialization. Business schools in top cities like Toronto and Vancouver charge premium fees due to their strong industry connections, job placement rates, and globally recognized business curriculum.

Tips: Tuition fees vary by province. Studying in cities like Toronto or Vancouver may cost more than studying in provinces like Saskatchewan or Manitoba.

Cost of living in Canada for international students

You must consider your monthly living expenses apart from tuition fees. This includes accommodation, food, transportation, and other personal costs. Choosing affordable cities for students in Canada can help reduce overall expenses and make studying abroad more budget-friendly.

Accommodation

There are several housing options for international students:

• On-campus housing: CAD 8,000–10,000 per year
• Off-campus shared apartments: CAD 400–700 per month
• Homestay options: CAD 750–950 per month (includes meals)

Food and groceries

Food expenses vary based on your lifestyle. But students typically spend around CAD 300–400 per month on groceries and dining out.

Transportation costs

• Public transport passes: CAD 80–150 per month
• Car rentals (if applicable): CAD 500+ per month
• Biking or walking can be cost-saving alternatives.

Health insurance

International students must have health coverage, which costs CAD 600–900 per year. It depends on the province.

Student visa and permit costs

Bangladeshi students need a study permit to study in Canada, which costs around CAD 150. Other visa-related costs include:

• Biometrics fee: CAD 85
• Medical examination: CAD 200+ (varies by country)
• Travel insurance and other documentation fees.

Scholarships and financial aid

Canada offers multiple scholarship opportunities for international students. Bangladeshi students can access scholarships to reduce the cost of studying in Canada. Here are a few options:

Government Scholarships

• Canada-ASEAN Scholarships.
• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships.

• Vary by institution; research individual university websites.

How to apply for scholarships?

Applying for scholarships in Canada as a Bangladeshi student involves several steps:

• Start researching scholarships early.
• Focus on academic excellence and extracurricular involvement.
• Prepare strong recommendation letters and personal statements.
• Ensure you meet academic and financial requirements.
• Gather transcripts, recommendation letters, and essays.
• Apply before deadlines to increase chances.
• Diversify applications for better opportunities.
• Track application status and respond to requests.
• Some scholarships may require an interview.
• Explore grants and financial assistance programs.

Part-time work opportunities

One way to manage expenses is through part-time jobs. International students in Canada can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and full-time during scheduled breaks.

Some popular student jobs in Canada

Balancing work and studies is essential for success, so you should plan wisely.

• Retail jobs (CAD 14–20 per hour)
• Freelancing (graphic design, content writing)
• University assistantships

Budgeting tips for Bangladeshi students

Financial planning can help students minimize costs and avoid unnecessary expenses. Here are a few tips:

• Set aside funds for unexpected costs.
• Opt for cost-effective travel options.
• Eating out frequently can be expensive.
• Apply for scholarships to reduce expenses.
• Buy used textbooks instead of new ones.
• Share accommodation to lower rent costs.
• Use student discounts whenever possible.
• Find part-time work to support your budget.
• Limit unnecessary shopping and impulse purchases.
• Cook at home to save on food expenses.

How does Sangen Edu Ltd help Bangladeshi students?

Sangen Edu Ltd is a trusted student consultancy firm in Bangladesh. We have 15+ years of experience in student consultancy. We help students apply to universities easily. We improve your chances of getting accepted. We guide you at every step of the process.

Our student services are-

• Student Profile Analysis
• University Admission
• Visa Processing
• Scholarship Assistance
• Career Guidance
• Accommodation Support
• Pre-Departure Support
• Post-Departure Support

Ready to study in Canada? Let’s make it happen!

Understanding the cost of studying in Canada is essential for Bangladeshi students planning to move abroad. Choosing the right pathway for higher education abroad can be challenging. Sangen Edu Ltd is the top student consultancy firm in Bangladesh.

We help students with university applications, scholarships, and visa processes to make their study abroad journey easy and successful. Are you ready to study in Canada? Contact us today for personalized support and ensure a smooth admission process!