Hidden Costs of Studying in Canada: Fees Beyond Tuition

Key takeaways

U of T Arts & Science adds $2,100.29 in incidental fees and $948 UHIP to a $66,110 program fee for 2026-27 international students
Conestoga asks for a $2,500 non-refundable tuition deposit; its tuition excludes compulsory ancillary fees
BC charges international students a health fee of $75 a month ($900 a year)
Federal fees: $150 for a study permit and $85 for biometrics; Quebec adds a $135 CAQ fee
Student society fees can include health, dental and transit plans that are charged automatically

How much more than tuition will I pay?

Here is a real example. The University of Toronto’s tuition explorer lists these 2026-27 fees for a first-year international student in Arts & Science (St. George campus):

Item	Amount
Program fee (tuition)	$66,110.00
Incidental and system access fees	$2,100.29
University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP)	$948.00
Total charged by the university	$69,158.29

The extra fees add $3,048.29, about 4.6% on top of tuition. This is before rent, food, books, a phone plan and travel. Build a full budget with the cost of studying calculator.

Fees your school charges

Incidental or ancillary fees. These pay for student services, athletics, health centres and the student union. They are usually compulsory. Conestoga says its posted price is tuition only and does not include compulsory ancillary fees, such as health insurance, student activities, the graduation fee, athletics and e-texts.
Student society plans. At UBC, the student society (AMS) lists total fees of $687.62 for 2026-2027, including $396.41 for the AMS/GSS Health and Dental Plan. You can opt out of some plans if you show other coverage, within deadlines.
Program fees. Labs, studios, field trips and clinical placements can have their own fees. Nursing and health programs also ask for police checks, immunizations and uniforms.
Application fees. Each school charges its own fee to apply. These are rarely refunded.

Deposits and refund rules

Many colleges ask for a deposit to hold your seat. For example, Conestoga College says, as of October 2026:

A $2,500 tuition deposit is mandatory and non-refundable.
If your visa is refused and you send proof, tuition is refunded minus a $200 administrative fee.
The deposit is due 30 days from the date of acceptance; a $150 charge applies to late payments.
Refunds can take 8 to 10 weeks.

Read the refund policy before you pay, and pay the school directly. Tuition payment scams often target deposits. Compare ways to pay in the tuition payment comparison.

Health insurance and provincial health fees

Most international students pay something for health coverage. Three real examples for 2026-27:

Where	What you pay
Ontario universities (UHIP)	$948 a year for a student (September 1, 2026 to August 31, 2027); York lists $79 a month per person for dependants
British Columbia	International Student Health Fee: $75 a month ($900 a year), on top of school plans
University of Manitoba (MISHP)	$440 for fall 2026 + $880 for winter 2027 = $1,320 a year

A school dental or drug plan is often charged on top. Full details by province are in health insurance for international students.

Government fees before you arrive

Fee	Amount (as of October 2026)	Who pays
Study permit (including extensions)	$150 per person	All study permit applicants
Biometrics	$85 per person; $170 maximum for a family of 2 or more	Most applicants
Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ)	$135, not refunded	Students going to Quebec
Restore your status + new study permit	$246.25 + $150 = $396.25	Students who lost status

A student outside Quebec usually pays $235 ($150 + $85). A student going to Quebec usually pays $370. Medical exams and language tests are extra and are paid to private providers. The most expensive mistake is losing status: apply to extend your permit before it expires.

Living costs people forget

Transit passes. Some schools include a pass in fees. At UBC, the student society’s U-Pass page lists $191.40 for the September to December 2026 term, but its fee table lists $187.60 per term. Check your own invoice. Other cities: see transit costs by city.
Rent deposits and furniture. The first month often costs double: a deposit, the first rent and basic furniture. See renting your first apartment.
Winter clothing. A coat, boots and gloves are a real first-year cost in most of Canada.
Phone and internet. Plans need a monthly budget from day one.
Textbooks and software. Ask your program for an estimate; costs vary by field.
Fee increases. Tuition for international students can rise each year. Ask whether your school offers a fixed-tuition guarantee.

Checklist: ask your school these questions

What is the total of compulsory fees on top of tuition for my program this year?
Is health insurance included, and how much is it for me and my family?
Which plans can I opt out of, and what is the deadline?
Is the deposit refundable if my study permit is refused?
Is a transit pass included in my fees?
Are there lab, studio, placement or equipment fees in my program?
Will my tuition change in year 2, 3 and 4?

Common questions

What costs are not included in tuition in Canada?

Usually incidental or ancillary fees, health insurance, student society plans, program fees, books, rent and transit. Some schools include a transit pass in fees.

How much are ancillary fees?

It depends on the school. For example, U of T lists $2,100.29 in incidental and system access fees for a full-time international Arts & Science student in 2026-27, plus $948 for UHIP.

Is the tuition deposit refundable?

Often not. Conestoga’s $2,500 deposit is non-refundable, but it refunds tuition minus a $200 fee if your visa is refused and you show proof.

How much does health insurance cost for international students?

UHIP at Ontario universities is $948 for 2026-27. BC charges $75 a month. Some provinces cover students for free after a waiting period.

Sources

Checked against these sources on October 10, 2026. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.

Hidden costs for international students in Canada: a checklist beyond tuition