For students and families
Studying abroad, explained.
The practical side of the move: costs, housing, safety, and exactly what we do for you.
What it costs.
Costs depend on the country, the school, the program and the city. Here are Canada’s official national figures as an example; we look up the real numbers for every program you consider.
Canada, for example
- Average undergraduate tuition, international students
- $41,746 a year
- Statistics Canada, 2025/2026. Source
- Average graduate tuition, international students
- $24,028 a year
- Statistics Canada, 2025/2026. Source
- Living costs an international student must show for a study permit
- $23,448 a year
- IRCC, one person outside Quebec, applications from September 1, 2026, on top of tuition and travel. Source
Other countries
Each country publishes the money a student must show for a visa. Read it on the official page for the country, on our destinations page. Destinations
Also plan for
- Application fees, set by each school
- Books, supplies and student fees
- Health insurance
- A rental deposit and first month’s rent
- Travel, transit and a phone plan
Where to live.
Most students choose one of four options. We help you weigh them for your city and budget.
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On-campus residence
Rooms managed by the school, close to classes. Apply early; places fill up.
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Homestay
A room with a local family, often with meals. A gentle start for younger students.
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Shared or private rental
An apartment or a room in a shared house. More independence, more to organize.
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A short stay first
A few weeks in temporary housing while you view places in person.
Before you pay for anything
- Never send money for a place you have not seen, in person or on a live video call, or before you have checked who owns it.
- Get the agreement in writing. In Ontario, for example, most residential leases must use the province’s standard lease.
- Ask your school’s housing office. Many keep listings and can warn you about common scams.
Staying safe and well.
A few habits from day one make any move easier.
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Emergencies
Save the number on day one: 911 in Canada and the United States, 999 or 112 in the UK and Ireland, 000 in Australia, 112 in Germany.
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Campus security
Most campuses have security services and safe-walk programs. Save their number too.
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Health coverage
Arrange health insurance before you arrive. Many countries and schools require it.
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Scams
Government agencies will not threaten you or ask for payment in gift cards or cryptocurrency. Hang up and check with the agency directly.
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Well-being
Every campus has counselling and student services. Find them early, before you need them.
What is included, and what is extra.
You always know before you start what a service costs.
Our guidance
- Program matching Programs compared on your marks, your goals, your budget and the country you want, with the requirements spelled out.
- Your application, done with you We prepare your applications, check your documents and submit them: through the province’s or the school’s own system in Canada, or our partners’ platform for the other countries.
- Offers and next steps We follow up with the schools, explain each offer and what it asks of you, and help you choose.
- Funding guidance What is affordable, plus scholarships, bursaries and, for students in Canada, government aid such as Canada Student Grants and Loans and OSAP. Funding is never guaranteed.
- Pre-departure guidance Practical preparation before you travel: housing, what to pack and your first-week tasks. Not immigration advice.
Schools set their own application fees, and you pay them directly. Ask us about any other fees before you start; we confirm them in writing.
Optional, paid
- Airport meet-and-greet Someone to meet you at the airport when you land in Canada.
- Transportation A ride from the airport to your residence or first address.
- Settlement guidance Help with first tasks such as a phone plan, a bank account and getting to know transit.
- Local orientation A walk or drive around your new area: campus, groceries, transit and services.
Prices are on our price list. Ask us for it; we confirm the price in writing before you book.
About study permits, visas and immigration
StudyDoor does not give immigration or visa advice. For a study permit or a student visa, speak with a licensed professional or the official government service of the country you are going to. In Canada, that is a licensed immigration consultant (RCIC) regulated by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants, a Canadian lawyer, or Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).