
Living Expenses in Canada for Pakistani Students: What to Expect in 2025
Introduction
Canada has become one of the top study-abroad destinations for Pakistani students, thanks to its high-quality education, diverse culture, welcoming immigration policies, and globally recognized universities. Each year, thousands of Pakistani students choose Canada not just for academics, but also for the promise of a better future and career opportunities.
However, while planning to study in Canada, it’s essential to understand the cost of living, which often goes beyond tuition fees. From accommodation and food to transportation and personal expenses, having a clear picture of day-to-day costs can help students and their families prepare financially and avoid surprises.
In this blog, we’ll explore what Pakistani students can expect in terms of living expenses in Canada in 2025, based on updated estimates and current trends. Whether you’re heading to Toronto, Vancouver, or a smaller city, this guide will help you plan a realistic student budget.
Tuition Fees (A Quick Recap)
🎓 Average Tuition Costs (Undergrad & Postgrad)
- Undergraduate programs for international students typically range from CAD 34,000 to CAD 40,000 per year, with engineering, business, and health sciences often on the higher side.
- Master’s programs average around CAD 23,000–24,000 annually, though professional degrees like MBAs or architecture can exceed CAD 50,000 .
- PhD programs are generally more affordable, with yearly fees between CAD 7,000–15,000, and some offer funding or tuition waivers .
📍 Provincial & University Variations
- By Province:
- Ontario and British Columbia typically charge at the top end (e.g., Ontario undergrad ~CAD 46,000, BC ~CAD 35,000) .
- More affordable options exist in Newfoundland & Labrador, New Brunswick, or PEI, with total program fees for a four-year degree averaging between CAD 70,000–90,000.
- By University:
- Leading institutions like the University of Toronto and UBC charge between CAD 53,000–65,000+ for undergrad international students .
- More affordable alternatives include Memorial University of Newfoundland (approx. CAD 7,200/year) or University of Manitoba (CAD 19,000–25,600 per faculty).
📈 Fee Trends & Anticipated 2025 Increase
- Across Canada, tuition is rising by 5–15% in 2025 due to inflation, reduced government funding, and infrastructure costs.
- Notable hikes include Ontario’s top universities (e.g., U of T: +8.5%, UBC: +10.2%) alongside smaller increases elsewhere.
- Still, Quebec manages moderate increases thanks to subsidies, and provinces like Newfoundland have tuition freezes or minimal hikes.
📊 Summary Snapshot Table
Program Level | Typical Annual Range (CAD) | Notes |
---|---|---|
Undergraduate | 34,000 – 46,000+ | Varies by province & major |
Master’s | 23,000 – 50,000+ | MBAs, healthcare more costly |
PhD | 7,000 – 15,000 | Often funded |
4-year Degree Total | 70,000 – 190,000 | More affordable in smaller provinces |
💡 What It Means for 2025
Expect budgets to reflect not only your chosen province and university, but also the annual tuition hikes (5–15%). For instance, a bachelor’s student in Ontario could be paying closer to CAD 48,000+ per year, whereas in Newfoundland it may remain at CAD 7,000–12,000, especially at freeze-holding institutions like Memorial U.
🏠 Accommodation Costs
1. On‑campus vs Off‑campus Housing
On‑campus: Residence halls offer convenience and include utilities, internet, sometimes meals. Prices range from CAD 3,000 to CAD 8,000 per academic year (typically 8 months) depending on the university and room type. For example, McGill’s single rooms can cost around CAD 1,400–1,800/month including mandatory meal plans and fees.
Off‑campus:
- Shared apartments: Rooms in shared units generally cost CAD 600–1,400/month, with higher ranges in cities like Toronto and Vancouver.
- Private rentals: Range from CAD 1,100 to 2,500/month, depending on location and size.
2. Average Rent in Major Cities
City-wise typical monthly rents:
City | Studio / Private Room | Shared Room | 1‑Bedroom Private |
---|---|---|---|
Toronto | CAD 1,800–2,500 | CAD 900–1,400 | CAD 2,041 avg |
Vancouver | CAD 1,200–2,500 | CAD 600–1,400 | — |
Montreal | CAD 1,200–1,775 | CAD 600–900 | — |
Ottawa / Calgary | CAD 1,300–1,800 | CAD 700–1,100 | — |
Halifax / Quebec City | CAD 1,000–1,600 | CAD 550–850 | — |
Recent rental reports show shared accommodation rents fell ~9.9% in Vancouver and 8.8% in Montreal, with average shared room rent around CAD 1,323 and CAD 870 respectively.
3. Shared vs Private Rentals
- Shared apartments are more affordable (CAD 600–1,400/month), popular with students, and help with bills.
- Private studios or 1-bedroom rentals cost 2–3× more but offer full privacy and independence.
4. Security Deposits & Upfront Costs
- Deposits: Typically 1 month’s rent, plus first and last month upfront.
- Extras: For on‑campus housing, students may pay meal plans, insurance, and activity fees (e.g. McGill adds CAD 500 mandatory fee + CAD 30 on‑card flex).
- Off‑campus: Additional costs include internet setup, utilities (if not included), and furniture.
💡 Summary Tips
- On‑campus housing is hassle-free but limited and often pricier per month.
- Shared off‑campus offers the best balance between cost and social life.
- Private rentals offer comfort but can strain student budgets.
- Always budget an extra 1–2 months’ rent for deposits, setup fees, and unexpected costs.