5 Most Affordable Canadian Cities for International Students

 Canada has been a student-friendly country for ages now. Why? Due to the presence of top universities and colleges offering globally recognised study programs, there is no doubt that with each year, the number of students applying for Canada student visa from India is increasing. 

One of the major aspects of studying abroad is the cost. It can be hard with the rising tuition fees and living expenses to find cities with affordable monthly rent along with other expenses. Recently, the Canadian immigration authorities increased the cost of living for international students - from CAD 10,000 to CAD 20,635 (in addition to tuition fees and travel costs). 

Fortunately, you are in luck as Canada features several cities with a lower cost of living. This way, you won’t have to compromise on the quality of education or the overall student experience.  

5 affordable cities in Canada for international students, along with their average cost of living.

1. Montreal, Quebec

Montreal will always find a special place in the list of affordable Canadian cities for international students. The biggest advantage for students living here is the cultural diversity. Due to so many reputed universities and colleges, students from far-off lands apply for Canada Study Visa to get top-quality education. As for the rent, monthly you have to pay around CAD 1,290 for a one-bedroom apartment. The costs of food, transportation, and utilities are separate. 

Estimated Cost of Living in Montreal for international students:

• Housing: CAD 1290

• Food: CAD 300 - 500

• Transportation: CAD 220

• Utilities: CAD 200

2. Calgary, Alberta 

Alberta is also one of the most affordable provinces, especially Calgary. There are some world-known universities and colleges here with affordable tuition fees and other expenses.. Out of all the cities in the Alberta province, Calgary houses the youngest population, mainly international students. If you wish to get a one-bedroom apartment in Calgary, you’ll have to pay a monthly rent of CAD 800.

Estimated Cost of Living in Calgary for international students:

• Housing: CAD 800

• Food: CAD 250 - 450

• Transportation: CAD 150

• Utilities: CAD 250

3. Kingston, Ontario

Kingston ranks as one of the top cities where international students are admitted. Why? The top universities like Queen’s University, St. Lawrence University, and the Royal Military College of Canada offer globally recognized study programs. Students who choose Kingston have to pay around CAD 1,2200 for a one-bedroom apartment monthly and also sort out expenses for groceries and transportation. Besides, the living standard and the strong student environment make living in Kingston enjoyable. 

Estimated Cost of Living in Kingston for international students:

• Housing: CAD 1220

• Food: CAD 300 - 500

• Transportation: CAD 140

• Utilities: CAD 230

4. Ottawa, Ontario 

If you are planning to study at the best Ottawa universities, you must be aware of the cost of living too. Here, a one-bedroom apartment costs around CAD 1,200. Once that’s sorted, Ottawa is no more than a student’s paradise. With renowned universities like Carleton University and the University of Ottawa, the city offers research and innovation opportunities for international students. Ottawa also has amazing transport facilities, part-time jobs, and internship opportunities that you can explore.

Estimated Cost of Living in Ottawa for international students:

• Housing: CAD 1200

• Food: CAD 300 - 480

• Transportation: CAD 120

• Utilities: CAD 210

5. Abbotsford, British Columbia 

Generally, British Columbia is considered an expensive province. However, you will be surprised to know there are a few cities like Abbotsford, which are quite cheap for students to live in. Here, you will find houses at cheap rent rates. For instance, a one-bedroom apartment here costs around CAD 1,432 per month. Also, the average cost of living in Abbotsford, BC is 3.6% below the national average.

Estimated Cost of Living in Abbotsford for international students:

• Housing: CAD 1432

• Food: CAD 200 - 400

• Transportation: CAD 110

• Utilities: CAD 180

6. Laval, Quebec 

Among the largest cities in the province of Quebec, Laval is not a very popular city for international students. However, in terms of living costs, it ranks among the top. With universities like Montmorency College and Collège CDI - Laval, this city attracts many students from across the world. Therefore, choosing Laval can help you save a lot as you only have to pay a monthly rent of CAD 1,273 for a one-bedroom apartment. 

Estimated Cost of Living in Laval for international students:

• Housing: CAD 1273

• Food: CAD 280 - 480

• Transportation: CAD 200

• Utilities: CAD 200

There you have it! The top affordable cities in Canada for international students with cheap rent and living expenses. If you’re planning to pursue higher education in the Great White North, do not hesitate to contact the best Canada Visa Consultants in Bangalore, Nationwide Visas. With more than 16 years of experience in helping aspiring students acquire study visas and post-landing settlements, Nationwide Visas is equipped with all the necessary tools and knowledge to make the transition easier for you

Best Canadian Cities for Students to Live and Work in 2024

 Choosing a place to live as an international student is a significant decision after meeting the Canadian student visa requirements for international students and obtaining a Canada study visa. It can shape your entire university experience. But thanks to the welcoming society, multiculturalism, and higher living standards across Canada, international students can pursue a top-quality education and enjoy the Canadian lifestyle.

So, if you are planning to study in Canada and are in the dilemma of choosing a place to live, study, and work, here are the top cities in Canada that rank the highest. 

Top Cities in Canada for International Students 

1. Toronto

A student favourite, Toronto is the largest city in Canada. Brimming with top universities and colleges offering courses in engineering, math, science, healthcare, finance, and more, Toronto is among the best places you can choose as an international student. The best part? The city has many job opportunities for students looking for off-campus work. The cost of living here is around 1500 CAD and 2000 CAD every month. 

Top universities in Toronto: York University, Humber College, University of Toronto, Centennial College

2. Montreal

Every year, Montreal attracts a greater number of foreign students, around 3,50,000. Located in the heart of Quebec province, this city’s multicultural environment and lower cost of living majorly appeal to international students looking to study. On average, it costs between 1300 CAD and 1600 CAD to live here. Also, when it comes to work opportunities while studying or after, Montreal has a lot of potential in the science and tech sectors. 

Top universities in Montreal: McGill University, Vanier College, University of Montreal, HEC Montreal

3. Ottawa

Next up we have Ottawa, the capital of the Great White North. If you wish to study in Canada, it ranks among the best places to live for international students in terms of lifestyle and career opportunities. Plus, the beauty of this place keeps the students in awe. The economic growth in this city opens doors to internships and employment in STEM fields. Ottawa is not that expensive compared to other cities and only costs between 1100 CAD and 1400 CAD per month. 

Top universities in Ottawa: Carleton University, University of Ottawa, University of Saint Paul, Dominican University College

4. Vancouver 

The living costs in Vancouver – between 2700 CAD and 3800 CAD monthly – make it not the cheapest city to live in for students but it is the quality of education that attracts them. Vancouver features renowned universities in Canada, which is a major appeal for foreign students. The city is evolving fast, with a solid job market and economy. That means you can explore work opportunities in sectors like tech, tourism, agriculture, finance, and more after graduation.

Top universities in Vancouver: University of British Columbia, Columbia University, Simon Fraser University, University Canada West

5. Quebec

In terms of safety, Quebec ranks quite high in Canada. Therefore, more students apply for Canada Study Visa and choose to live in Quebec. The province also has a very strong labour market and hires international graduates in sectors like healthcare, aerospace, and technology. This can help students build a promising career after graduation. The living costs in Quebec are somewhere between 1200 CAD and 1400 CAD per month, making it affordable for students. 

Top universities in Quebec: Dawson College, TAV College, LaSalle College, John Abbott College 

6. Calgary

Calgary has a great reputation among international students, thanks to its lower cost of living (1800 CAD to 2000 CAD per month), strong job market, and dynamic study environment. Therefore, it has made it to the list of best cities for students to live and work in Canada in 2024. Here, the major sectors that students prefer to work in after they complete their education include energy, finance, and technology. Agribusiness, Life Sciences, Aerospace, and Interactive Digital Media are other major sectors.

Top universities in Calgary: University of Calgary, Rocky Mountain College, Alberta University of the Arts, Mount Royal University

7. Edmonton 

The City of Festivals, Edmonton is a major attraction for students wishing to pursue higher education in Canada. Located in Alberta, this city has an average cost of living of 1000 CAD to 1200 every month – which makes it easy for students to study without worrying about the financial burden. The universities in Edmonton are globally recognized, opening more doors for opportunities after graduation. Particularly, in sectors of oil and gas. 

Top universities in Edmonton: University of Alberta, The King’s University College, MacEwan University, Concordia University of Edmonton

8. Waterloo

For a comfortable, laidback, and safe student life in Canada, choose Waterloo to live. It houses the most well-known universities. You can opt for courses in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and more. The city has a flourishing tech industry, always hunting for international graduates to meet the labour shortages and boost the economy. Waterloo is also a budget-friendly place with an average cost of living of around 1400 per month. 

Top universities in Waterloo: University in Waterloo, St. Jerome’s University, St. Paul’s University College, Wilfrid Laurier University

Ready to start your student life in Canada?

Understanding the requirements for a study visa, the revised cost of living for international students, PGWP, and more is crucial to enjoying a worry-free life in Canada. Talk to the Best Visa Consultants in Bangalore, Nationwide Visas – who have been in the immigration world for the past 16 years. They can help you explore the best cities as per your future goals, guide you throughout the visa application process, and help you settle after arriving in Canada. Connect today!

Canada Student Visa Updates: What to Know in 2024

 In 2022, Canada welcomed more than 550,000 international students and set a target to welcome over 900,000 in 2023. The same trend is going to be followed in 2024. So, if you are thinking about applying for Canada student visa requirements from India, now is the best time to do so.

However, as we move into 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced new reforms to protect international students. These changes include increased work hours, student living costs, and more. 

This post includes all the updated rules for Canada Study Permit 2024.

Update 1: Extended Work Hours 

The Canadian Government allows international students to work off-campus for 20 hours per week and attend regular classes simultaneously. As for the summer and winter holidays, students are allowed to work 40 hours per week straight. However, in 2022, the authorities took a decision and allowed international students an unlimited number of hours to work during their studies - which was meant to only last until December 2023. This rule has been further extended till April 30, 2024. The weekly work hours may increase in the future.

Update 2: Increased Cost of Living 

The living costs in Canada are increasing day by day and it is making it hard for international students to make their ends meet. Students applying for Canada study permits need to prove they have enough money to support themselves and live comfortably till the time they find work to support themselves. Keeping the increasing living costs in mind, the immigration authorities have revised the cost of living requirements from CAD 10,000 to CAD 20,635 for 2024. This is in addition to the tuition fees and travel costs, starting January 1st, 2024. 

Update 3: Revised Post-Graduation Work Permit Rules 

Earlier, international students were obliged to complete their studies in Canada from an eligible educational institution in person in order to be eligible for PGWP. But since COVID-19 happened, international students were given the option to complete half of their studies online. As of 2024, this rule stands still for students who are planning to study in Canada in 2024 till September 1, 2024. After that, there will be no more extensions to this rule. Also, students whose initial work permit was about to expire on December 31, 2023 - can still obtain the PGWP under this extension policy.

Update 4: New Study Visa Application Launched

The government of Canada wants to streamline the Canada Study Visa process even more. Therefore, they have introduced a new version of the Study Visa application form - IMM1294 on December 1, 2023. So, if you have met all the requirements for this visa and are proceeding with your application, use the new form through the IRCC secure account as the old ones are no longer accepted by the authorities.

Update 5: New LOA Verification Process

Last but not least, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) also made an announcement on December 1, 2023, about the Letter of Acceptance validation process. Now Canadian educational institutions will be required to confirm the validity of Letters of Acceptance (LOA). If they somehow fail to do this, the student's study permit application will be returned to them and refunded. So, if you need that LOA on time, connect with your institution regarding the same.

Apply for Canada Study Visa 2024: Steps to Follow

1. Start the process by obtaining a Letter of Acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. 

2. Make sure the program you chose is eligible for international students.

3. Once that’s done, get the study permit application package online or at the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate.

4. Complete the application form with complete information about LOA from the DLI, proof of funds, passport details, documents, language tests, and more.

5. Submit this application to the Canadian visa office.

6. Pay the application fee and any other regarding biometrics.

7. Once your application is approved, you will receive a Letter of Introduction. 

On arrival in Canada, give your documents to the border services officer along with travel documents to get your study permit.

Are you ready to go?

To make your application process easy and smooth, talk to the best immigration consultants in Chandigarh - Nationwide Visas. With their 16+ years of experience in successfully fulfilling the dreams of so many aspiring students, they are the right choice to get assistance with your documentation, visa filing, and post-landing services.

Good Luck!