From zero to living in Canada
Written for students from Nepal. What I’d check first, what it costs, how the visa usually works, and what life looks like after you land.
Start here
Should you go? What to weigh
Navigating the housing market is a crucial part of preparing for life as an international student in Toronto.
Lifestyle & environment there
$1,036 · $1,136 · $1,144
Monthly budget estimates for a single person in Toronto: Frugal lifestyle $1,036 USD, Comfortable lifestyle $1,136 USD, Western expat lifestyle $1,144 USD
CAD 28,000 · CAD 30,000
In expensive cities like Toronto or Vancouver, budgeting closer to CAD 28,000–30,000 per year for a comfortable lifestyle is far more realistic.
$18,000
Exclusively available to eligible Austin Community College (ACC) students, our program provides a simple pathway to earning a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS) degree from Austin's premier University.
Living in Toronto means that you’ll experience the four seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Prepare to apply
Exams & entry requirements
| What | Amount | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| English test | TOEFL iBT 90+ – TOEFL iBT 100+ | TOEFL iBT minimum overall score 90+ for undergraduate programs; graduate programs typically require TOEFL iBT 100+; |
- For bachelor's degree studies in Canada, the minimum IELTS overall band score required is 6.0.
- For master's degree studies in Canada, the minimum IELTS overall band score required is 6.5.
- Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL iBT 80+, IELTS 6.5+, or Duolingo 120+)
Study options & tuition
| What | Amount | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| English test | IELTS 6.5 overall – IELTS 6.0 per band | IELTS minimum overall score 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each band for undergraduate programs; graduate programs typically require IELTS 7.0+; |
| Tuition | CAD 7000 – CAD 13000 | Tuition fees for international students vary by program: undergraduate programs CAD 13,000 to 20,000 annually; master's or postgraduate programs CAD 17,000 to 25,000 annually; |
| Housing / rent | CAD 10,000 – CAD 35,000 | While tuition fees can range from CAD 10,000 to over CAD 35,000 annually depending on the program, living costs—including accommodation, food, and transport—are also a significant factor. |
- Concordia University course fee (Bachelor of Science - Information Technology): CAD 20850.00 per year (source JSON;
- Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program are prepared for diverse roles across healthcare, including positions as registered nurses, nurse…
College options
Concordia University
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University of Toronto
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At Concordia University
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University of British Columbia
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Simon Fraser University
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University of Ottawa
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AccreditationConcordia University
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Computer Science ProgramConcordia University
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Scholarships
- Common documents to prove funds include proof of payment for first year tuition and housing, Canadian bank account statements, guaranteed investment…
- Transport Concession Entitlement Card is free, valid up to 15 months, must be renewed by 31 March each year, and requires living in NSW and being an Australian…
Money & visa
Cost of going (fees, flights, first year)
| What | Amount | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Flights / travel | $18,000 – $1,800 | Example: A single student with $18,000 tuition and $1,800 airfare needs to evidence roughly $42,700 in total funds. |
Visa, funds & must-knows
| What | Amount | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| English test | 60 points | PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English) provides computer-based testing with faster results, scoring system ranges from 10 to 90 points, with most Canadian institutions requiring a minimum of 60 points for program admission. |
| Cost detail | 24 hours per week | If your program doesn't have scheduled breaks, you can work up to 24 hours per week. Working more than 24 hours per week is a violation of your study permit conditions and can lead to loss of student… |
| Cost detail | 24 hours per week | You can work up to 24 hours per week during regular school terms or semesters. You can work more than 1 job to make up these hours as long as you continue to meet the conditions of your study permit. |
| Proof of funds | CAD 22,895 | The Canadian government raised the “proof of funds” requirement to CAD $22,895 (for living expenses outside Québec) effective September 1, 2025. |
- TOEFL/IELTS score requirement: minimum 5.5 out of 6 in each band.
- Clear customs with your Letter of acceptance, proof of funds, and passport.
Life after you land
Cost of living
| What | Amount | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Living costs | USD 1,500 – USD 3,000 | Total Estimated Monthly Cost — USD 1,500 – USD 3,000 — This is a general estimate and will change based on your personal choices. |
| OSHC / health | CAD 600 – CAD 1,200 | Estimated monthly expenses for an international student in Canada include accommodation (shared) $600 – $1,200, food & groceries $250 – $400, transportation $74 – $156, utilities & internet $110 –… |
| Housing / rent | CAD 65,000 – CAD 75,000 | To live comfortably in Toronto, a single person should aim for an annual income between CAD 65,000 to CAD 75,000. |
- Shared off-campus apartments rent ranges from CAD 600 to CAD 1,200 per month.
- You need to show your first year’s tuition (as per your admission letter) plus at least CAD 22,895 for living expenses for a Canadian study permit application.
Housing
| What | Amount | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Cost detail | USD 80 – USD 150 | Utilities & Internet — USD 80 – USD 150 — Includes electricity, heating, and internet. |
| Cost detail | CAD 3,000 – CAD 8,000 | On-campus residences typically cost between CAD 3,000 and CAD 8,000 per semester (roughly four months), often including utilities, internet, and sometimes a meal plan. |
Health cover
| What | Amount | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| OSHC / health | USD 63 | Health Insurance — USD 63 — The mandatory University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) for international students. |
- Tuition for international students in college diploma programs ranges from approximately $16,000 to $25,000 per year.
Work while studying
| What | Amount | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Part-time work | USD 15 – USD 25 | Part-Time Work — Retail, hospitality, customer service — USD 15 – USD 25 per hour |
First weeks & settling in
Join us for MBA Online Orientation to meet program faculty, connect with your cohort, review program expectations, and learn what you need to know before classes begin.
Every province oversees its public health insurance program.
Extra notes
More useful notes
USD 150 · USD 300
Personal & Miscellaneous — USD 150 – USD 300 — Covers entertainment, personal care, and other unexpected expenses.
$22,895 · $28,502 · $35,040
Proof-of-funds thresholds by family size for applications submitted on or after September 1, 2025: 1 family member: $22,895; 2 family members: $28,502;
CAD 18,340
The average cost is around CAD 18,340, with rent and housing being the main expenses.
Rules and fees change. Confirm the latest numbers on official sites before you apply.