Quick answer: For most Nepali students, the first year of studying in Canada costs roughly CAD 30,000–65,000+ (approximately NPR 33–71 lakh), depending on the program level and city. This includes tuition, the study permit application, proof-of-funds requirements and living expenses but not flights or one-time settling-in costs, which add a few thousand dollars more.
Tuition Fees for International Students
According to Statistics Canada’s most recent national data, average international tuition is:
• College diploma programs: roughly CAD 7,000–22,000+ per year, depending on the college and program
• Bachelor’s degree (undergraduate): national average of CAD 41,746 per year with a typical range of CAD 19,000–60,000+ depending on the institution and field
• Master’s/postgraduate programs: national average of CAD 24,028 per year. However, students can find more affordable options depending on the province, university and program. Therefore, selecting the right university is important for managing the overall study budget.”
Professional programs (engineering, business, computer science) and larger research universities tend to sit above these averages; diploma and applied programs at colleges tend to sit below. Official 2027/28 tuition schedules were not yet published at the time of writing, so these are the latest verified figures — always confirm the exact fee on your chosen institution’s official fee page before budgeting.
Application and Study Permit Costs
Beyond tuition, every applicant pays these government fees directly to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC):
• Study permit application fee: CAD 150
• Biometrics fee: CAD 85
• Medical exam: Not a fixed IRCC fee — paid directly to an IRCC-approved panel physician. In Nepal, this is commonly cited at around NPR 10,000–15,000, payable to the clinic, not the government.
Proof of Funds: What You Must Show vs. What You’ll Spend
IRCC requires every study permit applicant (outside Quebec) to prove access to funds covering one year of living costs, separate from tuition. As of writing:
• Single applicant: CAD 23448 (in effect since September 1, 2026)
• Amounts are higher if a spouse or children accompany you (e.g., roughly CAD 28,500 for two people).
This is proof you can access the funds — through a bank balance or education loan — not necessarily what you’ll spend down to the last rupee. Many students’ actual annual living costs fall close to this figure, but real spending depends heavily on city and lifestyle choices.
Living Expenses
Typical monthly costs for an international student:
• Housing: CAD 700–2,500+ in large cities (Toronto, Vancouver); averages closer to CAD 1,300 in smaller cities
• Food: CAD 200–400 if cooking most meals
• Local transport: CAD 80–150 for a monthly transit pass
• Utilities, internet, phone: CAD 50–150
• Health insurance: Mandatory in most provinces, cost varies by school/province
• Books and supplies: roughly CAD 500–1,500 per year
Off-campus work is capped at 24 hours per week during study sessions under current IRCC rules, which can offset some costs but shouldn’t be counted on to fund tuition.
Hidden Costs Students Often Forget
• Flight tickets: Nepal to Canada round-trip fares vary significantly by season and airline
• Accommodation deposits: often 1–2 months’ rent paid upfront
• Winter clothing: a real, recurring cost most first-year students underestimate
• Initial settling-in costs: SIM card, bedding, kitchen basics, local transit card
• Document and courier costs: for visa applications, transcripts, and biometrics appointments
Estimated First-Year Budget (CAD and NPR)
Exchange rate used: approximately 1 CAD = NPR 109.5, based on late-October 2026 market rates. Rates fluctuate daily -check a live converter before transferring money.
Expense Category Estimated Cost (CAD) Estimated Cost (NPR)
Tuition (bachelor’s, average) 25,746 ~25,71,187
Study permit + biometrics fees 235 ~25,733
Medical exam ~110 (NPR 10,000–15,000 equivalent) 10,000–15,000
Proof-of-funds benchmark (living costs) 22,895–23,448 ~25,07,000–25,67,758
Flights (approximate, round trip) 1,200–2,000 1,31,400–2,19,000
Settling-in/hidden costs 500–1,000 54,750–1,09,500
Approximate first-year total (bachelor’s) ~50,000–52,000 ~55–58 lakh
Note: The tuition fees shown in this table are indicative estimates for bachelor’s-level programs. Actual tuition fees may vary depending on the university and course selected.
Diploma programs can bring the first-year total down to roughly CAD 30,000–45,000 (NPR 33–49 lakh), and master’s programs typically fall in a similar range once tuition is lower than the undergraduate average.
Ways to Manage the Cost
• Apply for scholarships early – many Canadian institutions offer entrance scholarships for international students; check each university’s official scholarships page.
• Compare cities, not just universities -a smaller city can cut living costs substantially while still offering a recognized program.
• Consider diploma-to-degree pathways at colleges, which often cost less than a direct bachelor’s degree.
• Budget in CAD, convert at the time of transfer -rates change, so lock in transfers close to when payments are due rather than months ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Student Direct Stream (SDS) still available for Nepali students? No. IRCC discontinued SDS on November 8, 2024. All applicants now apply through the standard study permit process.
How much money do I need to show for a Canada study permit from Nepal? As of writing, CAD 22,895 for a single applicant (rising to CAD 23,448 for applications from September 1, 2026), plus your first year’s tuition shown through a bank statement, or loan sanction letter.
Do I need to pay for a medical exam? Most study permit applicants need an immigration medical exam from an IRCC-approved panel physician. This is paid directly to the clinic and is not an IRCC fee.
Can working part-time cover my costs in Canada? International students can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during academic sessions, but this should supplement not replace your planned budget.
Will 2027 fees be different from the figures here? Likely yes, to some degree. Tuition and government fees are reviewed periodically. Use these as the latest verified baseline and confirm current figures with your institution and IRCC before finalizing your budget. You can contact or visit PEC offices to know more in detail.
Conclusion
Studying in Canada from Nepal is a significant financial commitment — typically CAD 30,000–65,000+ in the first year once tuition, government fees, proof of funds and living costs are combined. Costs vary widely by program and city so the earlier you plan with accurate numbers, the fewer surprises you’ll face. If you’d like help estimating costs for a specific program or understanding which documents you’ll need for your proof of funds, PEC’s experience and certified counsellors are happy to walk through the application and details with you.