For a student in homestay, accommodation with meals usually costs about CAD 8,300 to 16,000 for a ten-month school year, plus personal spending.
- Homestay fees: Among districts that publish a monthly homestay fee, it ranges from about CAD 830 to CAD 1,600, with a median of about CAD 1,150 (Canada High Schools school database, October 2026).
- What is included: CAPS-I standards call for a private bedroom and three nutritious meals and snacks daily, so food and housing are largely covered by the homestay fee.
- Boarding schools: Boarding fees bundle tuition, room and meals. On this site they range from about CAD 34,450 to 88,100 per year, and higher at some CAIS schools.
- Personal spending: Add local transit, a phone plan, clothing including winter wear, activities and pocket money. These vary by city and by the student's habits.
- IRCC benchmark: For study permit applications made on or after September 1, 2026, IRCC requires proof of CAD 23,448 per year for living costs outside Quebec, in addition to tuition and travel.
Please note: IRCC updates its financial requirement periodically, and Quebec sets its own amounts; confirm before applying.
Official sources: IRCC: Proof of financial support for a study permit · CAPS-I: Standards of Practice
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