1. Living Cost

Monthly living costs can vary per city, however, if you are able to have around $1300 and $1600 each month you should have enough money to make up for the basic costs of housing, food and transportation.

Check out this very useful online tool that will give you an idea of costs per city.

2. Housing

Looking for a place to live abroad can be overwhelming, especially if you haven’t done so yet. However, there is now a series of online tools that make this process much easier for you. We have compiled some alternatives below that will provide you with valuable information for rent seeker in our cities. CALDO universities have Housing Offices that can assist students with finding accommodation, understanding rental agreements and bylaws, getting familiar with locations, amenities and services, and can also help with finding temporary accommodation should you need it.

Some tips to consider:

• Define a budget for rent and utilities (electricity, gas, internet, water).
• Define the type of accommodation you want (student apartment/ university residence).
• Define the type of room (furnished/ single room/ shared room).
• Define how you want to get to the university (walking, bus).

Check out this very useful online tool that will give you an idea of housing availability and affordability

• RentSeeker
• RentBoard
• PadMapper

3. Health insurance for international students

• All international students are required to have basic and extended health insurance for the duration of their studies in Canada. Health care can cost several thousands of dollars if you do not have valid insurance coverage. Family members should also have the same health coverage as you.
• The international office at the university will assist you with subscribing the necessary insurance for your case.

4. Working while studying

• On-campus: No work permit is needed in order to work on campus while attending your program. Your study permit gives you permission to accept on-campus employment as long as you’re registered in full-time studies. Confirm with the international office if there are certain conditions you must meet to work on campus.
• Off-campus: you are eligible to work up to 20 hrs per week during regular study periods if you’re registered in full-time studies. Full-time may work off-campus up to a maximum of 20 hours per week during the regular academic year (September to April). In addition, students may also work full-time during academic breaks (summer, breaks between terms and reading week) if they hold full-time status during the academic term prior to, and subsequent to, the academic break. A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is required to work in Canada. Obtain a SIN application form at the airport as soon as you arrive or afterward at any Canada Post outlet or Service Canada office.

5. Working in Canada after your studies

According to the Canadian Immigration website, to work in Canada after you graduate, you must apply for a work permit under the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP). If you want to stay in Canada as a permanent resident after you graduate, there are a number of programs available, each with its own requirements.

• A post-graduation work permit (PGWP) gives you permission to remain in Canada as a worker and work full-time after you graduate from a Canadian post-secondary institution. See full eligibility details.  For more info visit this link.