A Canadian bachelor's degree is typically 4 years, at tuition levels meaningfully below the US but above Germany or Ireland, with the strong offsetting advantage of the Post-Graduation Work Permit. In 2026, total 4-year cost ranges from roughly $115,000 to $260,000 CAD.
Summary: How Much Does a Canadian Bachelor's Degree Cost in 2026?
| Category | Annual Estimate (CAD) |
|---|
| Tuition (international) | $20,000 - $35,000 |
| Accommodation | $8,000 - $18,000 |
| Food and groceries | $4,800 - $8,400 |
| Health insurance | $600 - $900 |
| Books and supplies | $1,000 - $2,000 |
| Personal expenses | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| Total annual estimate | $37,000 - $70,000 |
| Total 4-year estimate | $148,000 - $280,000 |
Tuition by Programme (2026)
| Programme | Annual Tuition (CAD) |
|---|
| Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences | $20,000 - $28,000 |
| Business and Commerce | $25,000 - $38,000 |
| Science and Engineering | $22,000 - $35,000 |
| Computer Science | $25,000 - $40,000 |
| Nursing | $22,000 - $32,000 |
| Law (LLB/JD) | $25,000 - $45,000 |
| Medicine (MDCM/MD) | $25,000 - $50,000 |
Tuition by University (2026 Estimates)
| University | Annual Tuition (CAD) |
|---|
| University of Toronto | $30,000 - $45,000 |
| McGill University | $20,000 - $30,000 |
| UBC | $28,000 - $42,000 |
| University of Waterloo | $28,000 - $45,000 |
| University of Alberta | $22,000 - $32,000 |
| McMaster University | $25,000 - $38,000 |
| Queen's University | $25,000 - $38,000 |
| Dalhousie University | $20,000 - $30,000 |
Québec advantage: Provincially regulated tuition makes McGill and other Québec universities 20-30% cheaper than comparable Ontario/BC options.
Living Costs by City
| City | Monthly Living (CAD) | Annual (CAD) |
|---|
| Toronto | $2,300 - $3,800 | $27,600 - $45,600 |
| Vancouver | $2,200 - $3,600 | $26,400 - $43,200 |
| Montreal | $1,500 - $2,500 | $18,000 - $30,000 |
| Ottawa / Calgary | $1,700 - $2,600 | $20,400 - $31,200 |
| Halifax / Edmonton | $1,300 - $2,000 | $15,600 - $24,000 |
Total 4-Year Cost - Realistic Estimates
| Profile | Total 4-Year Cost (CAD) |
|---|
| McGill (Montreal, Québec rate) | $150,000 - $200,000 |
| University of Toronto or UBC | $220,000 - $280,000 |
| University of Waterloo (CS/Engineering) | $200,000 - $260,000 |
| University of Alberta or Dalhousie | $145,000 - $190,000 |
Health Insurance
Provincial health plans generally exclude international students or apply a 3-month waiting period, most universities require enrolment in a student health plan:
| Province | Annual Cost (CAD) |
|---|
| Ontario | $700 - $950 |
| British Columbia | $800 - $1,100 |
| Québec | $600 - $900 |
Work Rights and the PGWP
Undergraduates can work up to 24 hours/week off-campus during term, full-time during scheduled breaks. After graduating, the Post-Graduation Work Permit grants up to 3 years of open work rights (for programmes of 2+ years), a major pathway to Express Entry permanent residency.
Scholarships for International Undergraduates
| Scholarship | Value (CAD) | Eligibility |
|---|
| University of Toronto International Scholars | Up to $50,000 total | Competitive |
| McGill Entrance Scholarships | $3,000 - $12,000 | Academic merit |
| UBC International Leader of Tomorrow | Up to full cost of attendance | Competitive |
| University-specific entrance awards | $2,000 - $20,000 | Most universities |
IELTS and TOEFL Requirements
| University | IELTS Min | TOEFL Min |
|---|
| University of Toronto | 6.5 | 100 |
| UBC | 6.5 | 90 |
| McGill | 6.5 | 90 |
| University of Waterloo | 6.5 | 90 |
Prepare for IELTS with Gabble: meet Canada's English proficiency requirements. Or prepare for TOEFL.