One of the first questions every Latin American family asks when considering an Ontario college is simple: how much will this actually cost? Not the number on the admissions brochure — the real number. This guide gives you an honest, complete picture so your family can plan with confidence.
Tuition: The Starting Point
Tuition at Ontario’s public colleges for international students typically ranges between $14,000 and $22,000 CAD per academic year. Business, health sciences, and technology programs tend to sit at the higher end. Tuition is paid per semester — most programs run two semesters per year. Do not build your budget around assuming a scholarship — entrance awards are competitive and rarely cover more than $1,000–$3,000 per year.
Housing: The Biggest Variable
Housing is almost always the largest cost after tuition and varies significantly by city.
- On-campus residence (Toronto area): $900–$1,400/month, usually including utilities
- Shared apartment (Toronto area): $900–$1,300/month per person
- Shared apartment (smaller Ontario city): $600–$900/month
- Homestay: $800–$1,100/month, usually including two meals per day
Budget a minimum of $10,000–$14,000 CAD per year for housing in Toronto, or $7,000–$10,000 in smaller Ontario cities.
Food, Transportation, and Daily Living
Food typically costs $350–$600 CAD per month depending on your habits. A Toronto monthly transit pass runs around $156 CAD/month with student discounts available. Personal expenses — phone, clothing, entertainment, school supplies — add another $200–$400/month for most students.
Health Insurance and Immigration Costs
International students are not covered by Ontario’s provincial health insurance (OHIP). Most colleges automatically enroll students in a health plan costing $600–$900 per year. Immigration paperwork, document translation, and visa office fees add another $500–$1,000 CAD. As of 2026, a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) is also required — your college issues this as part of the admissions process.
A Realistic Annual Budget
- Tuition: $16,000–$20,000
- Housing: $11,000–$14,000 (Toronto) / $7,000–$10,000 (smaller city)
- Food: $4,800–$7,200
- Transportation: $1,200–$2,100
- Health insurance: $700–$900
- Personal expenses: $2,400–$4,800
- Total Toronto: $36,000–$49,000 CAD/year
- Total smaller city: $28,000–$38,000 CAD/year
Planning for Two Years
Two years at an Ontario college realistically costs $70,000–$100,000 CAD in Toronto, or $55,000–$75,000 in a smaller city, including flights home each summer. Budget for the middle of every range and set aside $3,000–$5,000 as a contingency fund. Canada’s cost of living has increased significantly since 2020 — families who plan for the low end regularly run into difficulty in the first semester. Immigration officers also require proof of financial capacity as part of the study permit application, so documented funds are essential, not optional.
EXPI’s guidance process starts with budget clarity. We help families understand the real numbers before committing to applications, deposits, or flights.