When choosing where to study abroad, tuition fees and living expenses are usually the biggest parts of your budget. Below is a snapshot of typical annual costs (tuition + living) for international students in Canada, the UK, and Australia based on the latest 2025–26 estimates.
Canada
Tuition Fees (Approx. / year)
- Undergraduate: CAD 15,000 – 40,000
- Postgraduate: CAD 24,000 – 30,000 (graduate average ~CAD 24,028)
- Wide variation: Lower in smaller provinces, higher in Ontario/British Columbia
Living Expenditure (Approx. / year)
- Average living costs: CAD 10,000 – 18,000
(food, transport, utilities, misc) - Proof of funds required by visa rules is typically CAD 18,000 – 25,000+ per year
Notes
- Canada is generally more affordable than Australia and often the UK when living costs are considered, especially outside major cities.
- Tuition varies heavily by province e.g., Newfoundland & Labrador is cheaper than Ontario or BC.
United Kingdom
Tuition Fees (Approx. / year)
- Undergraduate: £10,000 – £38,000
- Postgraduate: £11,000 – £45,000
- Professional/MBAs: £30,000 – £60,000
Living Expenditure (Approx. / year)
- Annual living costs: £12,000 – £18,000+
(rent, food, transport, utilities) - London is significantly pricier, while smaller cities like Manchester or Glasgow are cheaper.
Cost-Saving Factor
- Shorter master’s programmes (often 1 year) can reduce total study costs compared to Canada and Australia.
Australia
Tuition Fees (Approx. / year)
- Undergraduate: AUD 25,000 – 45,000
- Postgraduate: AUD 22,000 – 50,000
- Specialised/Professional programmes: Can be higher
Living Expenditure (Approx. / year)
- Living costs: AUD 24,000 – 36,000+
(higher rents and food in cities like Sydney & Melbourne) - Notes
- Australia tends to have the highest overall living costs of the three, particularly in major cities.
- Smaller cities (e.g., Adelaide, Hobart) can reduce living costs significantly compared with Sydney/Melbourne.
Canada vs UK vs Australia (Annual Estimate)
| Category | Canada | United Kingdom | Australia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition (UG/PG) | CAD ~15k–40k | £10k–45k | AUD ~25k–50k |
| Living Costs | CAD ~10k–25k | £12k–18k+ | AUD ~24k–36k |
Note: Exchange rates and personal lifestyle choices (shared housing, part-time work etc.) will affect your budget.
Key Cost Differences Explained
Tuition
- Canada: Slightly lower average tuition compared with Australia/UK (but varies by province & university).
- UK: Can be expensive for top universities, but short degree durations help reduce total cost.
- Australia: High tuition, especially for professional courses; recent fee increases reported for 2026.
Living Costs
- Canada: Generally more stable and slightly cheaper than UK and Australia, especially outside big cities.
- UK: Varies widely — London far more expensive, other cities lower.
- Australia: Highest overall, particularly in major urban centers.
Visa Proof Funds
- Canada: Must show funds for one year (tuition + living) — often a bit lower than Australia’s requirement.
- UK: Proof for 9 months of maintenance (varies by city).
- Australia: High maintenance requirement plus tuition shown upfront.
How to Reduce Your Cost
Choose smaller cities (e.g., Manchester in the UK, Quebec in Canada) to cut living expenses.
Shared housing or student dorms are much cheaper than private rentals.
Look for scholarships and fee waivers — especially in Canada and Australia.
Part-time work can help cover living costs (rules vary by country).
FAQs
Q1: Which country is cheapest overall?
Canada often offers the best balance of moderate tuition and living costs overall, especially outside Toronto/Vancouver.
Q2: Why does the UK sometimes cost less overall?
Because 1-year master’s programmes reduce total tuition + living expenses compared with longer degrees.
Q3: Is Australia the most expensive?
Generally yes, especially for living costs in cities like Sydney and Melbourne.
Q4: Can scholarships significantly reduce costs?
Yes, many institutions in all three countries offer scholarships that may cover tuition and living expenses.
Q5: Should I include airfare and visa costs in my budget?
Yes — when planning, always include visa fees, health insurance, and travel costs as part of your total study budget.
