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Canada High School Study Costs: 2026 Guide Canada high school study costs

2026 Canada high school study costs, including tuition, accommodation, living expenses, and insurance, with a budget calculator and money-saving tips.
IRCCGUIDE 2025-09-07

Canada High School Study Costs

2026 Latest Guide: Comprehensive breakdown of tuition, accommodation, and living expenses, with budget calculator and money-saving tips

$25,000 – $80,000
Annual cost range (including tuition, accommodation, living expenses, and insurance)
  • Tuition Fees
  • Accommodation Costs
  • Living Expenses
  • Additional Costs
  • Cost Calculator
  • Money-Saving Tips
  • FAQs

Tuition Fees Breakdown

2026 latest standards for public and private high school tuition in Canada

🏫

Public High School Tuition

$14,000 – $18,000/year
Ontario: $15,000 – $18,000
British Columbia: $14,500 – $17,500
Alberta: $14,000 – $16,000
Manitoba: $13,500 – $15,500
Includes tuition, textbooks, lab fees, and some extracurricular activities. Excludes accommodation, meals, and personal supplies.
🎓

Private High School Tuition

$22,000 – $70,000/year
Regular Private Schools: $22,000 – $38,000
Elite Private Schools: $38,000 – $55,000
Elite Boarding Schools: $50,000 – $70,000
International Schools: $28,000 – $45,000
Includes tuition, small class sizes, advanced facilities, extracurricular activities, and academic counseling. Accommodation fees are separate.
📚

Special Program Fees

$1,200 – $6,000/year
IB Program: $2,500 – $5,000
AP Courses: $1,800 – $3,500
ESL Courses: $1,200 – $3,000
Arts Programs: $2,500 – $6,000
Additional program fees vary by school. IB and AP exam fees are separate, approximately $120-$250 per subject.
Tuition Notes

Tuition is typically charged annually and can be paid in installments. Private school fees vary significantly; elite schools may approach university-level costs. Confirm fee structures and payment methods in advance.

Accommodation Costs Comparison

Analysis of homestay, dormitory, and off-campus rental costs

Accommodation Type Monthly Cost Advantages Suitable For
Homestay $900 – $1,600 Immersive language environment, cultural integration, often includes meals New international students
School Dormitory $1,200 – $2,800 Rich campus life, safe and convenient Private school students
Off-Campus Rental $700 – $2,200 High flexibility, cost control Mature students over 18
🏠

Homestay

$900 – $1,600/month
Full Board: $1,300 – $1,600
Half Board: $1,100 – $1,400
Room Only: $900 – $1,200
Application Fee: $250 – $500
Includes accommodation, meals (if selected), utilities, and laundry facilities. Supports language improvement and cultural integration.
🏫

School Dormitory

$1,200 – $2,800/month
Shared Room: $1,200 – $2,000
Single Room: $1,800 – $2,800
Meal Plan: $500 – $900
Deposit: $600 – $1,200
Includes accommodation, furniture, utilities, internet, and cleaning services. Convenient for campus activities, but private school dorms are pricier.
🏘️

Off-Campus Rental

$700 – $2,200/month
Shared Room: $700 – $1,300
Studio Apartment: $1,300 – $2,200
Utilities: $120 – $250
Deposit: 1-2 months’ rent
Suitable for students over 18. Consider transportation, furniture, and self-management. Rents are higher in major cities.

Living Expenses Breakdown

Detailed analysis of food, transportation, daily necessities, and entertainment costs

🍽️

Food Expenses

$350 – $900/month
Home Cooking: $350 – $550
School Cafeteria: $450 – $650
Dining Out: $650 – $900
Mixed Approach: $500 – $700
Food costs are higher in major cities. Cooking at home can save over 50%. Grocery shopping is more economical than dining out.
🚌

Transportation Expenses

$90 – $220/month
Student Bus Pass: $90 – $130
Subway Pass: $110 – $160
Bicycle: $350 – $900 (one-time)
Taxi/Rideshare: $12 – $35/trip
Student bus passes offer discounts. Biking is eco-friendly and cost-effective. Living within walking distance saves on transportation.
👕

Daily Necessities

$220 – $550/month
Clothing: $120 – $350
Personal Care: $60 – $120
School Supplies: $40 – $100
Other Necessities: $60 – $150
Winter requires warm clothing. Shop during sales or buy second-hand to save. Basic necessities are reasonably priced.
🎮

Entertainment & Leisure

$170 – $450/month
Movie Theater: $14 – $20/ticket
Gym Membership: $35 – $90
Social Events: $60 – $170
Tourism & Travel: $250 – $600/trip
Students can access discounts for movies and museums. Free campus events are a great way to save money.

Additional Costs Checklist

Application fees, insurance, guardianship, and other necessary expenses

📋

Application-Related Fees

$1,800 – $3,500
School Application Fee: $150 – $600/school
Study Permit Fee: $150
Biometrics Fee: $85
Document Translation/Notarization: $600 – $1,200
One-time fees. Apply to 3-5 schools to increase admission chances. Language test fees are around $350-$450.
🏥

Health Insurance

$700 – $1,400/year
Provincial Health Insurance: $0 – $350
School Insurance Plan: $450 – $900
Private Insurance: $900 – $1,400
Dental & Vision: $250 – $600
Health insurance is mandatory. Some provinces offer free or low-cost plans for students. Comprehensive plans with dental and vision are recommended.
👨‍👩‍👧

Guardianship Services

$1,800 – $4,500/year
Basic Guardianship: $1,800 – $3,000
Comprehensive Guardianship: $3,000 – $4,500
Emergency Support: $600 – $1,200
Guardianship Notarization: $250 – $500
Mandatory for students under 18. Includes legal guardianship, emergency contact, school communication, and regular reports.
📱

Communication & Internet

$90 – $170/month
Mobile Plan: $60 – $110
Home Internet: $35 – $90
International Calls: $25 – $60
Streaming Services: $18 – $35
Student plans offer discounts. Prepaid plans help control costs. Wi-Fi calling can save on international calls.
Cost Reminder

Additional costs are often overlooked but can account for 10-15% of your budget. Reserve emergency funds for unexpected expenses.

Study Cost Calculator

Estimate your annual study costs based on your choices

Personalized Cost Estimate

$35,000
Estimated annual total cost (including tuition, accommodation, living expenses, and insurance)

Money-Saving Tips

Practical ways to reduce study abroad costs

🎓

Tuition Savings Strategies

  • Apply for scholarships and grants
  • Choose cost-effective schools
  • Consider high-quality schools in smaller cities
  • Apply early for discounts
  • Look for sibling discounts
🏠

Accommodation Cost Control

  • Choose accommodation near the school
  • Share rentals with classmates
  • Opt for homestays with meals included
  • Avoid high-cost downtown areas
  • Sign long-term leases for savings
🍽️

Living Expense Savings

  • Learn to cook your own meals
  • Shop for discounted or sale items
  • Use student discount cards
  • Attend free campus events
  • Plan a shopping budget
🚌

Transportation Savings

  • Purchase student transit passes
  • Use a bicycle instead of public transit
  • Carpool with classmates
  • Choose accommodation within walking distance
  • Avoid frequent taxi use
💰

Financial Planning

  • Create a detailed budget plan
  • Track monthly expenses
  • Build an emergency fund
  • Compare bank account fees
  • Avoid unnecessary spending
🛍️

Shopping Savings

  • Shop during end-of-season sales
  • Buy second-hand textbooks
  • Use coupons and cashback apps
  • Bulk-buy daily necessities
  • Choose cost-effective brands
Money-Saving Tip

Smart saving strategies can reduce costs by 20-30%, but avoid excessive frugality that impacts study or quality of life. A balanced approach is key.

Frequently Asked Questions

Expert answers on Canada high school study costs

How much does it cost to study at a Canadian high school per year? +

Public schools cost about $25,000-$35,000/year, private schools $40,000-$80,000/year, including tuition, accommodation, living expenses, and insurance. Costs are higher in major cities.

What’s the cost difference between public and private schools? +

Public school tuition is $14,000-$18,000/year, while private schools range from $22,000-$70,000/year. Private schools include additional fees for extracurriculars and facilities but offer more personalized education.

Is homestay or dormitory more cost-effective? +

Homestay ($900-$1,600/month) is generally more cost-effective than dormitories ($1,200-$2,800/month) and often includes meals. Dorms are convenient for campus life. Choose based on your needs.

What drives differences in living expenses? +

City size and personal spending habits are key factors. Major cities like Toronto and Vancouver have higher costs. Food is the largest expense; cooking at home can save over 50%.

What hidden costs should I watch for? +

Hidden costs include textbooks ($600-$1,200/year), extracurricular fees, uniforms (private schools), exam fees, and summer courses. Reserve 10-15% of your budget for these.

How much is health insurance, and is it mandatory? +

Health insurance is mandatory, costing $700-$1,400/year. Some provinces offer free or low-cost plans for students. Comprehensive plans including dental and vision are recommended.

What does guardianship include? +

Guardianship costs $1,800-$4,500/year, covering legal guardianship, emergency contact, school communication, and regular reports. It’s mandatory for students under 18 per visa requirements.

How can I apply for scholarships to reduce costs? +

Private schools offer merit-based scholarships requiring strong academics, recommendation letters, and personal statements. Apply to multiple schools to increase chances. Public school scholarships are limited.

How do exchange rates affect costs? +

Exchange rate fluctuations can impact costs by 5-15%. Lock in rates early or transfer in batches. A Canadian bank account in local currency minimizes exchange rate effects.

What payment methods are available? +

Payment options include bank transfers, credit cards, money orders, and online platforms. Tuition can often be paid in installments, while accommodation is typically monthly. Choose low-fee methods and monitor exchange rates.

Professional Study Abroad Financial Planning

We offer personalized budgeting and financial planning to help you manage study abroad funds effectively

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