Family & long-term payoff
PR vs international student: how much a Canadian degree really costs
A permanent resident pays the same tuition as a citizen. An international student, depending on the program, can pay five to ten times more. For a family with children approaching university age, PR is one of the largest financial decisions they'll make.
Updated November 2026 · 3 min read
The short answer
- At leading universities such as Toronto and UBC, domestic undergraduate tuition is roughly CAD 6,000–15,000 a year, depending on the program and province.
- International tuition at the same schools is commonly CAD 45,000–70,000+ a year.
- Over a four-year degree, PR status can save roughly CAD 150,000–250,000 in tuition alone.
- PRs also get access to government student loans and grants, more scholarships and provincial health coverage.
1Tuition compared
| Program type | Domestic / PR (per year) | International (per year) | 4-year difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arts & science | ≈ CAD 6,000–7,000 | ≈ CAD 45,000–65,000 | ≈ CAD 160,000–230,000 |
| Engineering / commerce | ≈ CAD 8,000–15,000 | ≈ CAD 55,000–75,000 | ≈ CAD 190,000–250,000 |
3The math for a family
A year of one parent's French study costs a few thousand dollars and roughly 500–700 hours. Two children through four-year degrees as PRs rather than international students can save several hundred thousand dollars. Few investments of a year's evenings pay back on that scale. See one parent's French, PR for the family.
4Frequently asked questions
Do permanent residents pay international tuition in Canada?+
No. Permanent residents pay domestic tuition, the same as Canadian citizens, at Canadian universities and colleges.
When does my child start paying domestic fees?+
Once they hold PR status. Universities usually need proof of status before the term's fee deadline.
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