Canada or France? Which is better in terms of cost of living while pursuing university-level education for international students?

This blog examines and draws comparisons between the cost of studying in Canada and France. The parameters to be used for the same are as follows:

• Most economical country for international students
• Pre-arrival costs
• Post-arrival costs
• Methods to finance your stay in Canada and France

Looked upon as one of the major education centers with an unruffled environment. Canada has been one of the most popular study destinations for international students to seek higher education. On the other hand, we have France, which boasts of having a top educational system along with exciting packages for international students.

Most economical country for International Students 

• Canada
• Comparatively cheaper to other developed nations of the world.
• International students pursuing a Bachelor’s degree are expected to around $ 7,203 & $ 49,800 for every annual session. While for a Master’s degree, a fees ranging between $ 3,222 & $ 42,850 is expected to be paid.
• Canada offers its international students one of the best scholarship programs, namely:
• Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships,

• Calgary International Entrance Scholarships,

• Pierre Elliot Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships,

• York University International Student Scholarship Program.

• France
• Both international and domestic students pay the same fees subject to certain exceptions. This has been designed by the human resources ministry of France to ensure that international students benefit from the affordable education system.
• International students pursuing a Bachelor’s degree are expected to around $ 500 to $ 32,000 for every annual session. For a Master’s degree, one needs to pay $ 264 per year. While for doctoral programs, one needs to pay $413 to $ 32,611 per year.
• From the fee structure mentioned above it can be safely concluded that France is among the cheapest places to pursue higher education. And Canada fails to make the cut. 

Pre arrival costs in Canada & France

Before arriving Canada or France, one need to be apprised of the list of actions to be executed. Some of them have been enlisted below in tabular form:

• Canada

• France

Post Arrival expenses in Canada & France 

One you have arrived in France or Canada, there are some more expenses to be met. These include:

• Canada
• Accommodation charges: The second you enter Canada, you first need to spend on your accommodation. And the charges for the same varies between USD 294 and USD 442.
• Bank Fees: All international students need to open bank accounts to either receive their income or funding of any kind. And a fees of $ 4- $ 5is to be paid every time you withdraw cash.
• Food and Grocery: The average monthly cost for food and grocery is USD 147– 221.
• Transportation: The average monthly expense for transportation is USD 73- USD 184.

• France

1. Accommodation charges: The moment you enter France, you first need to spend on your accommodation. And the charges for the same varies between USD 217 and USD 1306.
2. Bank Fees: All international students need to open bank accounts to either receive their salary or funding of any kind. And a fees of $ 4- $ 10 is to be paid every time you withdraw cash.
3. Food and Grocery: The average monthly cost for food and grocery is USD 750– USD 1303.
4. Transportation: The average monthly expense for transportation is USD 73- USD 184.

Methods to finance your stay in Canada and France

Before moving to any country in pursuance on your university level education, it is important to understand that in order to meet the skyrocketing fee structure one needs to finance his stay in the country.

Let’s learn about different methods to execute the same:

Firstly we have Part time work, and both Canada and France have different basic policies. And we will be studying them briefly here:

• Canada
• You need a work permit to initiate your work off campus. However, you don’t need one if you meet the eligibility requirements (described hereinafter)
• You can only start your work in Canada when your study programs has begun.
• You can work up to 20 hours a week and take up more than 1 job to compensate these hours, as long the same does not interferes with your study permit.
• Eligibility criteria for working as an international student, while pursuing your studies

• You are a full time student admitted into a Designated Learning Institution.
• You are admitted into:

1. a post- secondary academic, vocational, or professional training program, or
2. a secondary level academic program (QUEBEC only)

• You have a study program ranging up to at least 6 months or leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
• You possess a Social Insurance Number (SIN)

• France

• The part time work limit ranges up to 964 hours or simply 20 hours/weeks in France.
• With this salary international students can finance their education, including attending seminars, workshops, and scholarships.

Secondly there is scholarship program facilities available in both the countries. And it is one best methods to finance your stay either in Canada or France. 

Below is a tabular representation of scholarship programs and their amount coverage for both the countries.

• Canada

• France

Conclusion

Both countries provide calm and conducive environment with quality education system. Although the cost of living is comparatively greater in Canada then France. However, it is not justifiable to ignore other expenses.  Hence, it cannot be particularly held as to which country is affordable.

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