Most students from all over the globe prefer to study in top-tier countries outside of their parent country. This is mostly a result of wanting an improved standard of living, lower tuition fees, or a conducive and enabling learning environment.
It’s a dream come true for a lot of international students to study in top-tier countries. Canada with its developed economy, diversified culture, and open arms to immigrants is a popular destination for international students.
Cost of Living in Alberta
Alberta is a province in Canada located in the Western part of Canada. Edmonton is the capital city of the province with Calgary as its largest city. The economy of the province is based on hydrocarbons, livestock, petrochemical, agriculture, and frontier technologies.
Alberta is one of the best provinces in the whole of Canada to pursue educational studies for international students due to the presence of prominent educational institutions. Having a good knowledge of the cost of living in the province will surely help applicants in the accurate estimation of their budget
Expenses for International Students in Alberta
Highlighted below are some of the expenses for international students studying in the province of Quebec.
- Accommodation Costs: We divide these into two which are; short-term stay and long-term stay
For Short Term Stay
| Accommodation Type | Price Range/Night in CAD |
| Hotels | 45 – 320 |
| Bed and Breakfast Stay | 40 – 250 |
| Hostel | 30 – 200 |
For Long Term Stay
| Accommodation Type | Price Range in CAD |
| Homestay | 900 – 2,000 |
| Residence / Dormitory | 6,000 – 15,000 per 8 months |
| Rented Apartment | 450 – 1,600 per month |
- Food Expenses: We provide a rough estimate of household consumption in three famous cities in Alberta
| Estimates | Rate (CAD) |
| Non-alcoholic drinks | 2.5 |
| Alcoholic drinks | 9 |
| Grocery | 380 per month |
| Milk | 2.3 per liter |
| Water | 0.5 per bottle |
- Transportation Expenses: We compare different modes of transportation in Montreal and Quebec City
| Mode of Transport | Charges (CAD) |
| Personal Driving | 1.2 per liter |
| Public transport monthly ticket | 100 |
| Taxi | 3.5 |
- Healthcare Charges in Alberta: Before you can enroll in a designated learning institution in Canada, you need to obtain medical insurance certificates. You can either do this before moving into the country or immediately after landing in the country.
Basic Coverage of Health Insurance
- Alberta Aids to Daily Living
- Alberta Blood Program.
- Continuing care system
- Drug coverage and supplementary health benefits
- Health benefits and services
- Primary health care
- Protection for persons in care
- Student Expenses: Tuition fees of educational institutions in the province is lower compare to other provinces in the country. Other expenses aside from tuition fees include payment for textbooks, entertainment, and other miscellaneous items.
Tuition Fees for International Students in Top 5 Institutes in Alberta
| Name of the Educational Institute | Tuition Fees (CAD) |
| Athabasca University | 9,320 |
| Mount Royal University | 12,200 |
| Northern Alberta Institute of Technology | 9,000 |
| University of Alberta | 20,395 |
| University of Calgary | 12,695 |