STUDENTS · CANADA · 2026

Funding school. Without the hangover.

Every Canadian student question — from "do I qualify for OSAP?" to "how do I pay it back fast?" — mapped to a single page. Real grants, real loan rates, real repayment math.

$28,000Average Canadian undergrad debt at graduation
60%Students who graduate with debt
$15BOutstanding federal student loan balance
6 monthsGrace period after graduation before payments start
★ WHERE ARE YOU? ★

Pick your phase

★ 6 GUIDES ★

The student financial stack

★ COST OF SCHOOL · 2026 ★

Annual budget by program

PROGRAM
TUITION
RENT
FOOD
BOOKS
OTHER
TOTAL
Undergrad · in-province
$7,400
$7,200
$4,200
$1,500
$3,500
$23,800
Undergrad · out-of-province
$8,800
$12,000
$4,200
$1,500
$3,500
$30,000
International student
$36,000
$14,400
$4,200
$2,000
$4,500
$61,100
Graduate · MA/MSc
$9,500
$12,000
$4,500
$2,000
$4,500
$32,500
Graduate · MBA
$50,000
$14,400
$5,000
$3,000
$6,000
$78,400
Medical / Law
$27,000
$14,400
$5,000
$3,500
$5,000
$54,900
★ COMMON QUESTIONS ★

What students actually ask

Can I get OSAP if my parents earn $150k?

Yes, but most of it as loans (not grants). OSAP is need-based but never zero. Apply even if you think you won't qualify — many do.

Should I use OSAP or a bank line of credit?

OSAP first (no interest while in school + grants). Use bank LOC only if OSAP gap exists — especially for med/law/MBA.

Do I need a job to get a student credit card?

No. Most student cards approve with no income or credit history. Tangerine Money-Back, RBC Student, BMO Student CashBack all do.

When does interest start on my OSAP loan?

6 months after you leave school (grace period). Federal portion: prime + 0%. Provincial portion: varies. RAP can lower payments.