LEARNING IN ONTARIO
Students' Costs
Total living and tuition costs for an eight-month academic year at a postsecondary institution may vary from approximately $5,000 for a student living at home and attending a college of applied arts and technology, to approximately $11,000 or more for a university student living on campus or boarding away from home.
- Tuition Fees
- International Student Fees
- Transportation
- Books and Student Supplies
- Ancillary Fees
- Application Fees
- Ontario Health Insurance
- Board and Lodging
- Miscellaneous Expenses
Tuition Fees
College and university fees are generally payable in one or two instalments, depending on the institution. Some universities also require a deposit on tuition fees for limited-enrolment programs. Tuition fees for regulated and additional-cost recovery programs have been frozen at 2003-04 levels for the 2004-05 and 2005-06 academic years. The following figures show the approximate average annual fees for two terms for students enrolled full time in college diploma or certificate programs and for university full-time undergraduate students.
Most programs at colleges of applied arts and technology
- Two semesters: approximately $1,820
- Amount reflects annual tuition fees, not including ancillary, co-op, and other fees.
- Fees may be higher for post-diploma programs and Baccalaureate of Nursing degree programs, and up to 15% of other postsecondary programs where there is a demand for spaces, strong employment prospects and high starting salaries.
Programs leading to university degrees
- Arts and Science: approximately $4,184
- Amount reflects annual fees, not including ancillary, co-op, and other fees.
- Fees for specialized programs such as engineering, medicine, dentistry, and law are generally higher.
Programs at other institutions
- Ontario College of Art & Design: approximately $4,180
- Royal Military College: approximately $1,524
- Consult the college website for detailed tuition information.
- Amounts reflect annual fees, and do not include incidental fees.
International Student Fees
Colleges and universities have the discretion to establish international student tuition fees at levels they deem appropriate, and it is therefore imperative that international students check directly with the institutions for details.
Certain international students may be exempt from the international student tuition fees (e.g., diplomatic and consular officials and their dependants.) Students who are unsure of their status in this matter, or who want more information, are advised to contact the institution to which they are applying.
Transportation
At least $100 a month should be added to your living expenses if you are not within walking distance of your campus. This figure will vary according to public transportation rates, car pool arrangements, and parking fees.
Books and Student Supplies
College and university students should allow approximately $1,000 per year for books and supplies. Students in specialized or professional university courses such as architecture, dentistry, and medicine, or in college programs such as photography, cinematography, advertising, and graphic arts, may require additional funds for the purchase of books, instruments, and supplies.
Ancillary Fees
Ancillary fees charged by postsecondary institutions cover such costs as required learning material, athletics and recreational facilities, student government, and co-operative education work-term placement. Some of these fees are collected as separate compulsory ancillary fees. Other than fees for items that are retained by the students, laboratory and shop costs are included in the tuition fee. For specific information, consult the calendars of the various universities and colleges.
Application Fees
Students wishing to enter an Ontario university in any year must apply to:
Ontario Universities' Application Centre
170 Research Lane
Guelph, Ontario N1G 2Z9
Telephone: (519) 823-1940
Fax: (519) 823-5232
Website: http://www.ouac.on.ca
Students wishing to enter a college of applied arts and technology or a college of agricultural technology must apply to:
Ontario College Application Services
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
Telephone: (519) 763-4725 / 1-888-892-2228
Fax: (519) 763-4866
Website: www.ontariocolleges.ca
Ontario Health Insurance
Every Ontario resident is covered under the Ontario Health Insurance Program (OHIP) for a wide variety of health services offered by hospitals, physicians, and certain other health care practitioners. There are no premiums for this coverage. For more information you should contact the nearest office of the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
Board and Lodging
All Ontario universities and some colleges have residence facilities. Depending on meal plans and occupancy, residence costs range from approximately $4,500 to $6,000 or more for an academic year. Students who choose other accommodation should expect to pay about $4,500 - $6,000 for an apartment and about $3,000 for utilities, telephone and food.
Miscellaneous Expenses
In addition to the basic board, lodging, and tuition costs, incidental expenses must be considered in any estimate of the cost of a year at a university or college. Costs for items such as laundry, personal needs, and entertainment will vary according to the individual student's preferences.
