Cost of Studying in Canada from Nigeria
Explore the financial aspects of studying in Canada from Nigeria including tuition fees. A guideline about the cost of studying in Canada.
For many, Canada is a number one choice for studies and this is completely validated.
Canada is an amazing, highly-developed country that is also beautiful, offers a high-standard of education, excellent living conditions, and has a multicultural environment.
Living in Canada as an international student is a great option if you want to combine receiving a world-class education with enjoying a high quality of life.
This article will give you a good overview about the costs of studying in Canada from Nigeria, including tuition and living expenses in Canada, so that you can make an educated decision on where in Canada to study.
Keep in mind that the tuition costs vary significantly, depending on the university you choose to study at and so does the cost of living.
Table of Contents
University Tuition in Canada
Let’s start with tuition.
Generally, the tuition in Canada can vary from about $2,500 Canadian Dollars (CAD), which is around 861,357 Nigerian Nairas (NGN), to about $25,000 CAD (8,613,590 NGN) per year for undergraduate programs, and in some universities it can even reach $50,000 CAD (17,227,181 NGN) per year.
The cost depends on the university itself and the program you choose to study.
Some degrees and degree fields will generally be cheaper than others, even in the top universities.
Furthermore, tuition for an Associate’s Degree from a community college in Canada will generally be cheaper than for a Bachelor’s Degree from a Canadian university.
It is important to note that in order to be approved for a Study Permit to Canada and Canada Visa, an international student must be accepted for full-time enrollment in a designated Canadian education program.
Accommodation Costs for Nigerian Students in Canada
Depending on where you choose to study in Canada, the fees for the accommodation (i.e., housing) will vary accordingly.
For example, accommodation expenses in Toronto, Ontario, or Vancouver, British Columbia, will not be the same as in St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador.
Your study abroad accommodation options in Canada are:
- Dorm – A dorm room is a private room or a room that you share with a fellow student that is on campus and operated by the university or college itself. The cost of living in a dorm is usually between $400 CAD (about 137,745 NGN) and $800 CAD (around 275,511 NGN) per month and is usually paid directly to the college or university.
- Apartment – The cost for living in an apartment varies between $783 CAD (about 269,627 NGN) and $1,953 CAD (around 6,725,990 NGN) for a 2-bedroom apartment, depending on the city where you will be living in Canada. Keep in mind that you may also need to pay for electricity, water, cable TV or other expenses including a security deposit.
- House – This type of accommodation is often a little further from the college or university and the cost can be equal to a small apartment in the center of the city. So, if you are okay with commuting to reach the college or university, but want to live comfortably with more space and privacy as well as a yard, then renting a house might be the better option for you. Keep in mind that you may also need to pay for electricity, water, cable TV or other expenses including a security deposit.
- Homestay – A homestay is when you live with a Canadian “host” family, who welcomes you into their home to live with them during your studies. This usually includes sharing meals with the host family and it has become a very popular option in the last several years, being also a cheaper option for international students and offering newcomers support and a sense of belonging. A homestay can cost you as little as $600 CAD (206,646 NGN) per month.
Cost of Travel for Nigerian Students in Canada
If your flight to Canada will originate from Nigeria, the cost will depend on the airline you choose to fly with, whether you fly out of Lagos or Abuja, the time of year (i.e., busy season or off-season) and how far in advance you purchase your airline ticket.
The cost of one-way airfare can vary somewhere between $600 CAD (about 206,646 NGN) and $1,300 CAD (around 447,521 NGN).
Cost of Health Insurance for Nigerian Students in Canada
International students studying in Canada face higher healthcare insurance costs than those of Canadian citizens or permanent residents, as they are not qualified for Canada’s free public health coverage.
The cost will depend on a variety of factors such as the student’s specific province of study, the type of medical coverage plan they have, and other individual details.
The cost will additionally depend on the length of your studies, and in order to find the actual costs, you need to get a quote from an insurance company that provides international coverage and is also accepted in Canada.
International students living in Canada generally pay an average of between $600 CAD (about 206,646 NGN) and $900 CAD (around 309,777 NGN).
Cost of Living in Canada for Nigerian Students
Accommodation will be one of the biggest parts of the living expenses in Canada for Nigerian students.
Food is an important expense and there are many options to choose from where to buy your food.
There are plenty of discount stores, where you can buy your groceries in bulk (i.e., large quantities), such as No Frills or Bulk Barns.
If you are planning to cook your own meals, you will spend around $250 CAD (about 86,050 NGN) to $400 CAD (around 137,694 NGN) per month on groceries.
Cost of Studying and Living in Canada – By Cities
Let’s take a look at the top cities in Canada which are often chosen by international students and look at the cost of studying and living in these cities.
- Montreal
- Toronto
- Vancouver
Montreal is the largest city in the province of Quebec and French is the city’s official language.
If you plan on coming to study in Montreal, then be prepared to spend for various expenses on a monthly basis around $1,160 CAD (about 399,320 NGN) for a single person and $4,279 CAD (around 1,473,009 NGN) for a family of four. This amount doesn’t include rent.
The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Montreal’s city center is $1,440 CAD (about 495,503 NGN) per month, while the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside of Montreal’s city center is $1,101 CAD (378,829 NGN) per month.
You can visit this website to get a more detailed breakdown about the costs and the comparison between the cost of living in Montreal, Canada, and Lagos, Nigeria.
Below, are top-rated universities in Montreal that are worth looking at:
- University of Montreal
- McGill University
- Concordia University
- University of Quebec at Montreal
Toronto is Canada’s largest city and located in the province of Ontario.
The city is a major metropolis with skyscrapers and busy lifestyle, yet, it is also situated next to an enormous lake – Lake Ontario, which seems as big as an ocean – breathtaking!
A single person will need around $1,385 CAD (about 476,548 NGN) for various expenses to live comfortably in Toronto, excluding rent.
A family of four will require a budget of around $5,055 CAD (around 1,739,265 NGN) for various expenses (excluding rent) to live in Toronto.
The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Toronto’s city center is $2,426 CAD (about 834,566 NGN) per month, while the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside of Toronto’s city center is $2,030 CAD (around 698,621 NGN) per month.
You can visit this website to get a more detailed breakdown about the costs and the comparison between the cost of living in Toronto, Canada, and Lagos, Nigeria.
If we compare Montreal with Toronto, living cost (consumer prices, such as groceries, utilities, etc. and rent) in Toronto will be approximately 11% higher than in Montreal. You can check the difference in the costs here.
Top universities in Toronto are:
- University of Toronto
- York University
- Ryerson University
Vancouver is a key seaport city, located in the province of British Columbia on Canada’s West Coast.
It is a very diverse, dense and dynamic city in Canada to live in – you will have fun here!
Let’s look at the cost of living in Vancouver.
For a single person living in Vancouver, a monthly budget of $1,310 CAD (about 450,989 NGN) will be needed for various expenses (excluding rent), while a family of four will need around $4,820 CAD (around 1,659,095 NGN) for various expenses, without the rent.
The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Vancouver’s city center is $2,445 CAD (about 841,646 NGN) per month, while the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside of Vancouver’s city center is $2,085 CAD (around 717,715 NGN) per month.
You can visit this website to get a more detailed breakdown about the costs and the comparison between the cost of living in Toronto, Canada, and Lagos, Nigeria.
If we were to compare rent prices between Toronto and Vancouver, rent and living expenses in Toronto are slightly less expensive.
At the same time, you will need to spend more on groceries in Vancouver in comparison to Toronto.
Check the comparison: Vancouver vs Toronto
Check the comparison: Vancouver vs Montreal
Here are top universities in Vancouver, for your consideration:
- University of British Columbia
- Washington State University Vancouver
- University Canada West
- Vancouver, City University
- Emily Carr University of Art and Design
Cost of a Canada Study Permit for Nigerians
The cost of studying in Canada from Nigeria also involves paying the Canadian Study Permit Application Fee, which is $150 CAD (about 51,585 NGN).
Generally speaking, Canadian Study Permits are valid for the duration of the study abroad program in Canada, however, they can be extended.
Most Affordable Canadian Universities
Here is a list of some of the most affordable universities in Canada:
- Canadian Mennonite University
- Memorial University of Newfoundland
- University of Northern British Columbia
- University of Calgary
- Simon Fraser University
- University of Saskatchewan
Of course, your choice should be based not only on the cost of the tuition and the location of the university, but also on the quality of the education you will receive.
Scholarships to Reduce the Cost of Studying in Canada from Nigeria
Each university in Canada offers its own scholarships, thus, it would be wise to first choose the university you are planning to attend.
On the other hand, one scholarship option for Nigerian citizens is the International Student Tuition Awards Program (ISTAP). This program provides funding to international students who have been accepted into an approved Canadian post-secondary institution. The award amounts vary and depend on the student’s tuition fees and other financial needs. ISTAP also provides assistance with living costs such as meals, housing, books and supplies. For more information on this program and other scholarship options, you can contact the prospective university’s or college’s admissions office.
Conclusion
Choosing Canada for your studies is an excellent decision, as it has a lot to offer to its international students.
Hundreds of thousands of international students are attending Canadian universities each year.
However, it is wise to evaluate your financial abilities when choosing the university and its location, as the cost of the studies and living expenses vary significantly from one university to another and from one city to another.
We wish you the best of luck!
In the event that you are more interested in immigration to Canada from Nigeria as a skilled foreign worker, you should know that Canadian Visa Expert works with authorized immigration consultants who can evaluate your eligibility for various immigration programs and guide you through each step of the application process if you qualify.
Discover Frequently Asked Questions from Our Support
How much money do I need to study in Canada?
Generally speaking, prospective students who want to study in Canada from Nigeria should plan to budget anywhere from $20,000 CAD (about 6,872,104 NGN) to $30,000 CAD (around 10,307,901 NGN) per academic year for tuition fees alone. This cost does not include other associated expenses such as textbooks, supplies, student housing and living costs, healthcare or transportation.
How long does it take to get a Canadian Study Permit from Nigeria?
It can take anywhere from a few days up to several weeks or even months to receive approval for a Canadian Study Permit. The timeframe will depend on both the Canadian embassy in Nigeria and the student's ability to provide all of the necessary documents in order for their Study Permit application to be processed.
What are the requirements for a Nigerian to study in Canada?
You must have a valid passport that will not expire within six months of entering Canada. Additionally, you must be accepted to enroll in a full-time educational program at a designated learning institution in Canada, as well as prove that you have enough funds to cover tuition fees, living expenses and travel costs while in Canada. After you receive your Letter of Acceptance from the designated learning institution in Canada, then you can apply for the Canadian Study Permit. If approved, the Canadian government will usually issue a Temporary Residence Permit along with the Study Permit.
