Maple News reports that Canada remains a top destination for international students, with hundreds of thousands choosing the country for its world-class education, welcoming environment, and immigration-friendly policies. However, this opportunity often comes with a marked financial challenge: significantly higher tuition fees compared to domestic students.
According to 2023–2024 data, international undergraduate students in Canada pay on average $38,081 CAD annually—over five times the $7,076 CAD average for domestic students. At the graduate level, international students pay about $22,061 CAD annually, while domestic students pay $7,573 CAD, representing a near tripling in cost.
When examining specific fields of study, the discrepancies vary. For example, international undergraduates in engineering pay $43,606 CAD, compared to $8,879 CAD for their domestic counterparts. In medicine, the gap is even wider, with international students paying $69,426 CAD annually versus $15,558 CAD for locals. Humanities studies show one of the largest proportional differences at the undergraduate level, with international tuition reaching $37,730 CAD—more than six times the domestic average.
Graduate programs also reflect stark contrasts, although to a lesser degree. An executive MBA program costs $68,224 CAD for international students, versus $45,596 CAD for Canadians. Regular MBA programs show a smaller difference, with international students paying about $43,755 CAD compared to $31,028 CAD for domestic students.
Interestingly, tuition disparities are most pronounced in social sciences, natural sciences, and arts disciplines. For example, visual and performing arts programs cost international undergraduates $31,475 CAD compared to just $6,312 CAD for domestic students. In fields such as computer science and mathematics, international students pay $41,163 CAD, over 5.6 times more than their Canadian counterparts.
Despite these costs, studying in Canada remains competitive globally. Tuition fees for international students in Canada remain lower than in other major destinations like the United States, United Kingdom, or Australia. Additionally, the favorable exchange rate and Canada’s strong support for international graduates—including post-graduation work permits and immigration pathways like the Canadian Experience Class—make it an attractive long-term investment.
Canada consistently ranks as one of the most inclusive and opportunity-rich environments for international students. Beyond education, the country offers expanded opportunities for employment and pathways to permanent residency, reinforcing the value of a Canadian degree despite its higher upfront cost.
Aspiring students are advised to research tuition costs carefully and consider their chosen field of study, as fees can vary significantly not only by program but also by designated learning institution (DLI).