Budgeting
Due to settling-in costs such as paying an extra month's rent as a security deposit and purchasing warm clothing, textbooks and supplies, furniture and household items, a single student may spend up to $2000 during their first month in Canada.
Cost of Living Estimates
Your tuition and fees will depend on your program. Visit the following websites for estimates on tuition, fees, housing, and books:
- Undergraduate Tuition and Cost of Living Estimate (Cost Calculator)
- Graduate Tuition and Cost of Living Estimate
Scholarships
The University of Alberta offers many scholarships for international students.
Bursaries and Emergency Funding
The University of Alberta offers various forms of financial support to assist students experiencing a financial shortfall or unexpected financial emergencies. Read more about these options.Verification of Costs & Fees Letter
A Verification of Costs & Fees Letter includes a breakdown of the estimated expenses an international student can expect while living and studying in Edmonton for 12 months (starting September).
The most common reason for requesting this letter is when there are restrictions on the transfer of funds from a certain country or bank. The letter may help facilitate the transfer of funds needed from the student's home country to pay for the student's living and study expenses in Canada.
There may be other situations where this letter is needed. Make an online appointment to talk to one of the International Student Advisors if you are unsure whether your situation requires a Verification of Costs and Fees letter.
If you require this letter, you need to:
- Complete this online request form
- Upload a copy of ONE of the following documents to this form before submission:
- Your admission letter (if you are a newly admitted student). OR
- Your fee assessment (if you are currently a student at UAlberta)
Bringing Family...Budget Considerations
Your decision to bring your family with you when you come to Canada will depend on your financial situation and the ease of obtaining immigration documents for your family members. This link can help you estimate your annual costs for bringing your family to Canada.
This does not include childcare expenses, which average between $600 and $900 per child per month. Given this, you may wish to arrange for your family to come later after familiarizing yourself with life in Canada and are satisfied that enough money is available to support them.
Some students with sufficient financial resources may prefer to apply for immigration documents for family members at the same time as they apply for their Study Permit. If your family members are denied visas, this may affect your decision to study in Canada.