Types of Expenses
Tuition Fee
The tuition fee is the first thing to consider while planning your education abroad. You may have to figure out your program’s tuition fee by semester-wise or monthly wise or by the entire length of the program. Every institution has varied tuition fees due to several factors:
- Program selection: Some programs and institutions have a higher tuition fee than others. Compare the tuition fee not only between institutions but also programs.
- Co-op programs: Co-op programs may cost you relatively less as you will earn a wage during your co-op semester.
- Some programs which require labs or simulations or hands-on teaching have additional charges. Such programs have higher tuition fees compared to other programs.
Click here for the list of post-secondary institutions, both public and private, for graduate programs in British Columbia. You can check out the tuition fee for the programs that you are interested in.
Student Fee
All institutions have a Student Services Department and they assist students with course selections and registrations in the college or university. Some of the other academic support to the students are:
- Academic workshops
- Academic Seminars
- Academic advising
Hence, all institutions have an additional student fee to support the student services department. Furthermore, some institution provides medical coverage and bus passes which incur extra cost for the students. These may seem like an additional cost, but students can save money from the actual costs.
Books and Supplies
Physical books in Canada cost a bit higher than in other countries. Relying on university or college libraries is one smart way of borrowing textbooks to study, as you are already paying the additional cost for the library in the institutions. Besides textbooks, you may also have to spend money on your course-related software, art tools, etc.
See if your textbooks are available online:
With BC Open textbooks, you can significantly reduce your costs on student textbooks. It is free of cost, which can be used by students and teachers.
Living Expenses
Watch out for your living expenses while you are attending post-secondary programs. Where are you planning to live?
- With your family?
- On-campus housing?
- Renting a house?
It would help if you do some research on where you will live and how much does it cost. Do not forget your other expenses such as food, power, transportation, internet, telephone, and entertainment. Make a budget plan for your monthly expenses.
Source: Education Planner BC
