Studying in Canada is a big dream for many Nepali students. But before the dream becomes real, every family and student asks the same thing: how much will it actually cost?
The truth is, it’s not just one figure. You’ll face different types of expenses at different stages of your journey. Some costs come before you even board your flight from Nepal such as application fees, IELTS, medicals, visa charges, and flights. Then, once you’re in Canada, there are the yearly study and living costs like tuition fees, rent, food, insurance, transportation, and daily life expenses.
Most websites only throw tuition numbers at you. But that doesn’t give the full picture. For Nepali students and their parents, understanding all the costs together makes planning easier and avoids stressful surprises later.
That’s why Goreto, the best study abroad consultant in Nepal, has created this simple guide. We’ll walk you through the two big stages of expenses (pre-arrival and yearly costs), explain them, and share practical tips along the way.
By the end of this page, you’ll know what to expect, what to prepare for, and where you can even save money. Think of this as a friendly roadmap to budgeting your Canada study journey.
💡 Counsellor Tip: For the most accurate estimate based on your program, intake, and chosen city, contact Goreto. Our counsellors calculate costs tailored to each student, so you’ll know exactly what to prepare.
Every Nepali student planning for Canada should prepare for these three major expense areas.
Application fees, IELTS/TOEFL, medicals, visa, and flights from Nepal.
Annual charges for your diploma, bachelor’s, or master’s program.
Accommodation, food, insurance, transport, and day-to-day costs while in Canada.
Before you even start classes in Canada, there are certain one-time expenses that every Nepali student must plan for. These are the costs linked to the application and visa process, and they happen while you are still in Nepal.
For many families, these are the first big financial steps. They may feel small compared to tuition, but together they add up — and forgetting to plan for them can create last-minute stress. Think of them as your entry ticket to Canada.
At Goreto, we always remind students that these costs are just as important as yearly tuition. Being aware of them early will help you organise funds properly and avoid unnecessary delays.
| Expense | CAD | NPR |
|---|---|---|
| Application fees | 100–250 | 9,800–24,500 |
| IELTS/TOEFL | 200–300 | 19,600–29,400 |
| Medical exam | 100–150 | 9,800–14,700 |
| Biometrics | 85 | 8,300 |
| Study permit | 150 | 14,700 |
| Flight ticket | 1,200–2,000 | 1.17–1.96L |
| Translation/Evaluation (if needed) | 75–200 | 7,400–19,600 |
These numbers are average estimates based on recent student cases. They may vary depending on exchange rates, the university you apply to, or the season you book your flight. That’s why you should always double-check with the official websites of test centres, IRCC, and airlines before making payments.
It’s also smart to keep a buffer amount aside. Flight prices, for example, can jump quickly depending on the time of year. Booking 2–3 months ahead often saves a significant amount. Similarly, application fees differ between universities — so if you’re applying to multiple institutions, multiply that line in your budget.
⚠️ Disclaimer: Use these figures only as a guideline. Always check the latest official rates from test centres, IRCC, universities, and airlines. For the most accurate estimate based on your program, intake, and chosen city, contact Goreto. We calculate costs tailored to you, so you’ll know exactly what to prepare for.
Numbers on a website are never the full story. Every student’s program, city, and lifestyle is different. That’s why we sit with families and create a cost plan just for them.
For Nepali students, tuition is the largest yearly cost of studying in Canada. It makes up the biggest share of your budget, and the amount depends on your program and level of study.
Diplomas and bachelor’s programs are generally more affordable, while master’s, MBA, and professional courses like medicine or engineering can be much higher. Public universities are usually less expensive than private ones, but both give you quality education that’s recognised worldwide.
Knowing the average ranges will help you plan realistically and decide which course fits your family’s budget.
| Program | Fees (CAD) | NPR |
|---|---|---|
| Diploma | 8,000–18,000 | 7–16 lakh |
| Bachelor’s | 15,000–25,000 | 14–22 lakh |
| Master’s | 20,000–35,000 | 18–31 lakh |
| MBA | 30,000–60,000 | 27–53 lakh |
| PhD | 7,000–15,000 | 6–13 lakh |
These ranges are average estimates collected from Canadian universities and colleges. Actual tuition depends on your program, university, and sometimes even the faculty. For example, an engineering or computer science degree will usually cost more than a degree in humanities or social sciences.
⚠️ Disclaimer: Use these numbers only as a guideline. Tuition fees change every year, and each institution sets its own rates. Contact Goreto for a personalised breakdown of tuition costs based on your program choice and preferred university.
Student life in Canada has many expenses, but three areas take up most of your monthly budget.
Rent is the biggest expense. Shared housing costs CAD 400–800.
Cooking at home is cheaper at CAD 200–400; eating out adds more.
Transit passes cost CAD 80–120, insurance CAD 50–80 monthly.
Tuition may be the biggest single cost, but your day-to-day living expenses decide how comfortable and affordable your student life in Canada will be. These are the costs you’ll manage every month — rent, food, transport, insurance, and personal needs.
How much you spend depends on where you live and your lifestyle. Big cities like Toronto or Vancouver are more expensive, while places like Winnipeg or Halifax are friendlier on the budget. Sharing accommodation, cooking at home, and using student discounts can also make a big difference.
Planning your living costs is just as important as planning tuition because it shapes your monthly cash flow once you arrive.
| Expense | Monthly (CAD) | NPR |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (shared) | 400–800 | 39,000–78,000 |
| Food & groceries | 200–400 | 19,000–39,000 |
| Transport | 80–120 | 7,800–11,700 |
| Insurance | 50–80 | 4,900–7,800 |
| Personal & misc. | 100–200 | 9,800–19,600 |
On average, Nepali students spend CAD 900–1,600 per month on living costs, which is about 90,000–1.55 lakh NPR. But this number isn’t fixed. The city you choose and how you manage your lifestyle will push it up or down.
⚠️ Disclaimer: These are only guideline figures. Actual living costs vary depending on the city, accommodation type, and personal choices.
💡 Counsellor Tip: Goreto helps students compare costs between Canadian cities so you can choose a location that fits both your education goals and your budget. For example, choosing Winnipeg over Vancouver can save you hundreds of dollars every month in rent and food.
The educations quality in Canada meets all the standards expected by employers in all fields of work. The Canadian education system is also recognized by employers globally for having really high standards. and producing graduates that are ready to face real world challenges.
Tuition is the biggest expense in Canada, but scholarships can ease the pressure. Even a partial award of CAD 2,000–5,000 saves families lakhs of rupees back home. Full scholarships are rare and highly competitive, but realistic options do exist if you know where to look.
Covers tuition, books, and residence for exceptional undergraduates at the University of Toronto.
CAD 50,000 per year for three years, supporting outstanding doctoral research students.
Need and merit-based awards at the University of British Columbia, reducing tuition significantly.
Awards starting from CAD 5,000 for master’s students studying in Ontario.
Most Canadian universities offer smaller entrance scholarships of CAD 1,000–5,000 to strong incoming students.
Scholarships won’t erase the full cost of studying in Canada, but they offset tuition and sometimes living expenses. For Nepali families, even a modest award can reduce loan dependency and make budgeting easier.
Goreto helps students focus on scholarships that truly match their profile instead of chasing only the most competitive ones.
📌 To see the complete list of scholarships available in Canada visit our scholarships in Canada for Nepali students page.
Living expenses in Canada add up quickly, but part-time jobs give Nepali students a way to cover essentials like groceries, transport, or a share of rent. With a valid study permit, you can work up to 20 hours per week during semesters and full-time during breaks.
It’s important to understand: part-time work does not replace tuition fees. Instead, it helps reduce the monthly burden on your family or your savings.
Common part-time jobs & earnings for students in Canada
Retail Assistant – Earn CAD 14–16/hr (~CAD 1,100–1,300 per month for 20 hrs/wk). Most students use this income to cover groceries and transport.
Food Service (cafés, restaurants, takeaways) – Pay ranges CAD 14–18/hr (~CAD 1,100–1,400 monthly). Great for offsetting meals, phone bills, and other small personal expenses.
Tutor or Library Assistant – Higher wages at CAD 18–25/hr (~CAD 1,400–2,000 monthly). This extra income often helps students pay part of their rent or health insurance.
Warehouse, Delivery, or Logistics Roles – Typically CAD 14–20/hr (~CAD 1,100–1,600 monthly). Flexible hours, good for saving a little extra for travel or emergencies.
On average, Nepali students can bring in CAD 1,000–1,600 per month from part-time jobs. This is usually enough to cover food, transport, insurance, and part of your rent. It won’t pay your tuition, but it will definitely reduce the pressure on your family savings.
Thinking of part-time earnings as support rather than survival makes student life much smoother.
⚠️ Disclaimer: Wages differ by province and job type. These figures are only guidelines — actual earnings may vary.
For most Nepali students, the yearly cost (tuition + living) is between CAD 25,000–40,000 (≈ 24–39 lakh NPR). The exact figure depends on your program and city.
The study permit costs CAD 150, and biometrics cost CAD 85. Together, about 23,000–25,000 NPR.
Most students spend CAD 900–1,600 per month (≈ 90,000–1.55 lakh NPR), depending on housing and lifestyle.
One-way tickets usually range from CAD 1,200–2,000 (≈ 1.2–2 lakh NPR), depending on the airline and season.
Yes. Insurance is mandatory and costs CAD 50–80 per month. Some provinces provide public plans, while others require private coverage.
At Goreto. Our counsellors calculate costs in both CAD and NPR based on your chosen program, intake, and city. Contact Goreto for your personalised Canada budget.
From choosing the right country to finding scholarships and housing — our counselors will guide you at every step.
Choose the right country based on your goals
Find courses that match your career plan
Get guidance on colleges and universities
Plan your finances, scholarships & part-time jobs
Plan your abroad stay & post-study plan
Schedule a free consultation with our expert counselors to discuss your study
Schedule a free consultation with our expert counselors to discuss your study
