Humanities is the cheapest program for Canadian students at $6,080 per year. For international students, that same degree costs $45,183. That is a 7.4x multiplier, the highest of any undergraduate field in Canada. If you or your parents are calculating the total cost of a Canadian degree, you need to compare more than sticker prices. The gap between what domestic and international students pay shifts dramatically depending on which program you choose, and the wrong pick could cost your family an extra $60,000 over four years.
This breakdown uses 2025/2026 preliminary data from Statistics Canada Table 37-10-0005-01 to compare Canadian tuition fees by program across engineering, business, CS, nursing, and arts. You will see the exact numbers, the real multipliers, the full four-year price tags, and which programs actually deliver a return on your family’s investment.
What International Students Actually Pay in 2025/2026 (National Averages)
Before comparing programs, you need the baseline. The national average tuition for international undergraduate students in 2025/2026 is $41,746 per year. For domestic undergraduates, it is $7,734. That is a 5.4x difference before you even look at specific fields of study.
At the graduate level, the gap narrows slightly. International graduate students pay an average of $24,028 per year, while domestic graduate students pay $7,978.
These are averages across all institutions and all programs. Individual universities, especially research-intensive ones like UofT, UBC, and Waterloo, often charge well above these numbers. The averages give you a starting point, but the program-level data below tells the real story.
The 2025/2026 data matters because tuition has increased an average of over 4% annually for international students over the past five years. If you are comparing programs using 2023 numbers from a university website, your calculations could be off by $3,000 to $5,000 per year.
The Side-by-Side Breakdown: Canadian Tuition Fees by Program
This table compares annual tuition for the five most popular undergraduate programs among international students. Every number comes from Statistics Canada’s 2025/2026 preliminary release and represents the national average across all Canadian institutions.
| Program | International Tuition | Domestic Tuition | Multiplier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering | $47,799 | $8,879 | 5.4x |
| Math/Computer Science | $42,695 | $7,278 | 5.9x |
| Humanities | $45,183 | $6,080 | 7.4x |
| Business | $40,341 | $7,571 | 5.3x |
| Nursing | $30,708 | $6,182 | 5.0x |
Two things stand out immediately. Engineering has the highest absolute tuition at $47,799, which makes sense given lab infrastructure and co-op program costs. But humanities has the highest multiplier at 7.4x, which means international students are paying the largest premium relative to what Canadians pay for the exact same classroom seat.
Nursing is the least expensive option for international students at $30,708 and also carries the lowest multiplier at 5.0x. That combination makes nursing the strongest value play on paper, but the full picture requires looking at total costs and post-graduation outcomes.
Why Some Programs Cost 50% More Than Others
The $17,000 gap between the most expensive program (engineering at $47,799) and the least expensive (nursing at $30,708) is not random. Three factors drive program-level pricing for international students.
Lab and Infrastructure Costs
Engineering and computer science programs require specialized labs, equipment, software licenses, and industry partnerships. Co-op infrastructure at schools like Waterloo adds coordination costs that get passed to students. These real costs explain part of the premium.
Market-Driven Pricing
Business programs charge $40,341 despite having minimal lab costs because demand is high and students expect a salary premium after graduation. Universities price to what the market will bear, and international business students have historically been willing to pay.
The Humanities Multiplier Paradox
The most counterintuitive number in the table is humanities at 7.4x. Domestic humanities students pay the lowest tuition of any program ($6,080) because provincial subsidies keep costs down and there are no expensive lab requirements. But universities apply a flat international surcharge that does not scale with the domestic base price. The result: international humanities students pay $45,183 for a degree that costs Canadians $6,080.
Nursing sits at the opposite end. Provincial governments actively subsidize nursing programs because Canada faces a healthcare worker shortage. Some provinces cap nursing tuition or offer bursaries specifically to attract more students into the profession, keeping both domestic and international costs lower.
Consider two students making their program decision right now. One chooses engineering at $47,799 per year because “engineering pays well.” The other chooses nursing at $30,708 per year. Over four years, the nursing student saves $68,364 in tuition alone. But the real advantage goes deeper. Nursing graduates enter a field with 95%+ employment rates, strong PGWP eligibility, and preferred status in Express Entry category-based draws for healthcare workers. The engineering student earns more per hour, but the nursing student may reach PR faster with less debt.
The 4-Year Price Tag: Total Program Cost Including What Universities Do Not Advertise
Annual tuition is only part of the calculation your parents need to see. The true cost of a Canadian degree includes three layers: tuition, ancillary fees, and living expenses. When you stack all three over four years, the numbers change the conversation.
Stay Updated on Studying in Canada
Get the latest guides, scholarship alerts, and immigration policy updates delivered to your inbox weekly.
Subscribe for FreeAncillary and Compulsory Fees
Every Canadian university charges fees on top of tuition for student services, health insurance (mandatory for international students), athletic facilities, technology, and student union dues. These fees range from $1,500 to $3,000 per year depending on the institution. They are not optional, and they are rarely included in the tuition figures universities advertise.
Living Expense Requirement
IRCC requires proof of $22,895 per year in living expenses for study permit applications outside Quebec. This is the government’s minimum estimate. In Toronto or Vancouver, realistic living costs run $25,000 to $30,000 per year. In smaller cities like Winnipeg or Halifax, $20,000 to $22,000 is more achievable. You can read a detailed breakdown in our guide on why your $22,895 GIC will not last 12 months in Toronto.
Total 4-Year Investment by Program
| Program | 4-Year Tuition | Ancillary Fees (est.) | Living Costs (4 years) | Total Investment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering | $191,196 | $8,000 to $12,000 | $91,580 | $290,776 to $294,776 |
| Math/CS | $170,780 | $8,000 to $12,000 | $91,580 | $270,360 to $274,360 |
| Humanities | $180,732 | $8,000 to $12,000 | $91,580 | $280,312 to $284,312 |
| Business | $161,364 | $8,000 to $12,000 | $91,580 | $260,944 to $264,944 |
| Nursing | $122,832 | $8,000 to $12,000 | $91,580 | $222,412 to $226,412 |
Engineering crosses $290,000. Even nursing, the most affordable option, exceeds $220,000 when you factor in living costs. The gap between engineering and nursing is roughly $68,000 over four years, enough to fund an entire year of living expenses.
These numbers assume tuition stays flat, which it will not. Budget an additional 3% to 5% per year for tuition increases, which adds $10,000 to $25,000 to the total depending on your program.
Which Programs Give You the Best Return Per Tuition Dollar
Cost only tells half the story. Your family is investing $220,000 to $295,000 in a Canadian degree. The question your parents are really asking is: how much does it actually cost compared to what you will earn after graduation?
Starting Salaries by Program
- Engineering: $65,000 to $80,000 starting salary, with co-op graduates at the higher end
- Computer Science: $70,000 to $95,000, with Waterloo and UofT co-op graduates regularly exceeding $80,000
- Business: $50,000 to $65,000, varying widely by specialization (finance vs. marketing vs. general management)
- Nursing: $60,000 to $75,000, with overtime and shift premiums pushing effective compensation higher
- Humanities: $38,000 to $50,000, with significant variation by role and whether the graduate pursues further education
The PGWP and PR Factor
Salary alone does not capture the full ROI for international students. Your ability to stay in Canada after graduation through a PGWP and eventually obtain PR determines whether your degree investment compounds or expires. After the November 2024 PGWP rule changes, program choice matters more than ever. You can read the full breakdown in our guide to how the 2024 PGWP changes flipped the college vs. university answer.
Healthcare programs, including nursing, benefit from Express Entry category-based draws that specifically target healthcare workers. In 2024 and 2025, IRCC ran multiple category-based draws with CRS score cutoffs as low as 422 for healthcare occupations. A nursing graduate with one year of Canadian work experience could receive a PR invitation that an equally qualified humanities graduate would not.
STEM programs (engineering and CS) also benefit from category-based draws, though with higher CRS cutoffs than healthcare. The co-op advantage is significant: a CS student at Waterloo completes 16 to 20 months of paid work terms, earning $60,000 or more over the four-year degree while building Canadian work experience that counts toward Express Entry. Compare that to a humanities student at UofT paying $45,183 per year with no structured work experience component. The CS student graduates with a degree, work experience, and money saved. For more on how co-op fits into your PR plan, see our guide to co-op programs for international students.
Break-Even Analysis
At a $75,000 starting salary, a CS graduate earning above living expenses can recover a $270,000 investment in roughly 7 to 9 years. A humanities graduate starting at $42,000 faces a 12 to 15 year recovery timeline on a $280,000 investment, assuming they secure full-time employment in their field. Nursing graduates, despite lower tuition, hit break-even in 6 to 8 years because the $222,000 investment is paired with strong starting salaries and near-guaranteed employment.
The Cheapest Province for Each Program
National averages mask significant provincial differences. The cheapest province for your program might save you $5,000 to $15,000 per year, but lower tuition does not always mean lower total cost.
Provincial Highlights
- Newfoundland and Labrador: Implemented an international tuition freeze at Memorial University, making it one of the most affordable options across all programs. Engineering and CS international tuition sits well below the national average.
- Manitoba: Lower tuition across most programs, combined with lower living costs in Winnipeg compared to Toronto or Vancouver. A strong choice for students prioritizing total cost.
- Quebec: Uses a different fee structure. International students from certain countries pay reduced rates through bilateral agreements. Without an agreement, Quebec tuition can be comparable to or higher than Ontario for some programs.
- Ontario: Home to UofT, Waterloo, and McMaster, Ontario has the highest average international tuition but also the widest range. Smaller Ontario universities charge significantly less than the flagships.
- British Columbia: UBC drives high averages, but institutions like UNBC or TRU offer programs at 30% to 40% below UBC rates.
The cheapest province varies by program. Manitoba may be cheapest for business, while Newfoundland wins for engineering. But a $10,000 tuition savings in a small city means nothing if you cannot find co-op placements or post-graduation employment in your field. When comparing provinces, weigh tuition savings against the full picture of institution quality and location.
Provincial tuition caps for domestic students generally do not apply to international students, which is why the domestic-to-international multiplier can vary from 4x in one province to 8x in another for the same program.
Scholarships and Funding That Actually Exist for Each Program
Most international students will not receive a full scholarship. That is the honest starting point. But $5,000 to $15,000 per year is achievable with a strong application, and the availability varies significantly by program.
STEM Scholarships (Engineering and CS)
STEM fields receive the most scholarship funding. UofT’s Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship covers full tuition, books, and living expenses for four years. Waterloo offers entrance scholarships of up to $10,000 for top applicants to engineering and math programs. UBC’s International Major Entrance Scholarship ranges from $10,000 to $25,000 per year. These are competitive, but they exist in volume because universities want to attract top STEM talent.
Business Scholarships
Business schools at Schulich (York), Rotman (UofT), and Sauder (UBC) offer merit-based entrance scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $20,000. Some are renewable if you maintain a minimum GPA. Business co-op programs at schools like Laurier and Brock also offset costs through paid work terms.
Nursing Bursaries
Several provinces offer bursaries tied to healthcare workforce needs. These are smaller (typically $2,000 to $5,000) but more accessible because fewer international students apply to nursing programs. Some provinces offer post-graduation incentives: work in an underserved area for two years, and a portion of your tuition is forgiven. For a full breakdown of nursing program options, read our 2026 nursing programs guide for international students.
Humanities Funding
This is the hardest category. Humanities scholarships for international undergraduates are rare and small. Most funding in humanities goes to graduate students (MA and PhD). If you are choosing humanities, your realistic scholarship expectation is $2,000 to $5,000 per year from general international student awards, not program-specific funding.
Co-op as a Funding Strategy
Co-op programs deserve a separate mention because they function as a funding mechanism. A CS co-op student at Waterloo earns $15,000 to $25,000 per four-month work term, completing four to six terms over the degree. That is $60,000 to $150,000 in earnings that directly offset tuition costs. Engineering co-op earnings are similar. Business and nursing co-op earnings are lower but still meaningful at $12,000 to $18,000 per term.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to study engineering in Canada as an international student in 2025/2026?
The national average annual tuition for international engineering undergraduates is $47,799, according to Statistics Canada’s 2025/2026 preliminary data. Over four years, including ancillary fees ($1,500 to $3,000/year) and the IRCC living cost requirement ($22,895/year), the total investment ranges from $290,776 to $294,776. Flagship universities like UofT and Waterloo charge above the national average, so budget accordingly.
Why do international students pay so much more than domestic students for the same program?
Domestic students benefit from provincial government subsidies funded by Canadian taxpayers. International students do not receive these subsidies, so they pay the full cost of education plus a market-driven premium. Universities also have more pricing flexibility with international tuition because it is not subject to the same provincial caps. The multiplier ranges from 5.0x for nursing to 7.4x for humanities.
Which Canadian programs have the highest employment rates after graduation?
Nursing consistently leads with employment rates above 95% within six months of graduation, driven by Canada’s healthcare worker shortage. Engineering and computer science follow at 85% to 92%, especially for graduates with co-op experience. Business sits around 80%, with significant variation by specialization. Humanities outcomes are more variable and depend heavily on the specific role pursued after graduation.
Is it better to choose a cheaper program or a more expensive program with higher salary outcomes?
Calculate your break-even point. Nursing costs $122,832 in tuition over four years and offers starting salaries of $60,000 to $75,000 with near-guaranteed employment. CS costs $170,780 but offers starting salaries of $70,000 to $95,000. Both reach break-even faster than humanities at $180,732 with starting salaries of $38,000 to $50,000. Factor in your PR pathway: nursing and STEM graduates benefit from Express Entry category-based draws that can accelerate permanent residency.
Do tuition fees include all costs, or are there hidden charges I should know about?
Statistics Canada tuition figures do not include ancillary and compulsory fees, which add $1,500 to $3,000 per year. These cover mandatory health insurance (required for all international students), student services, athletic facilities, technology fees, and student union dues. You also need to budget for the $22,895 annual living cost that IRCC requires for study permit applications, textbooks ($500 to $1,500/year), and personal expenses.
What to Do With This Data
You now have the numbers that most university websites bury across dozens of pages. Save or bookmark the comparison tables above. Share them with your parents so the ROI conversation starts from real data, not guesswork.
Your next step depends on where you are in your decision. If you are still choosing between a college and a university, read our breakdown of how the November 2024 PGWP changes affect that choice. If you are ready to build a full budget, our international student budget guide covers living costs city by city.
Tuition increases every year. Statistics Canada will release the final 2025/2026 figures later this year, and the preliminary data above may shift slightly. The relative differences between programs, however, stay consistent. Engineering and CS cost more. Nursing costs less. And humanities carries the highest international premium relative to what Canadians pay. Build your plan around the ROI per dollar spent, not the sticker price alone.
Consult a licensed immigration professional for advice specific to your situation. Tuition figures cited are national averages from Statistics Canada and may differ from individual institution fees.
