Disadvantages of studying in Canada for international students

When I was researching studying in Canada, I saw many articles about the advantages of studying in the country.

It seemed like a dream destination, with endless opportunities, a world-class education system, and a high quality of life.

However, what I didn’t find in most articles were the challenges international students face once they arrive.

Sure, the benefits are incredible, but I think it’s important to share the other side of the coin – the disadvantages of studying in Canada for international students.

Having gone through the process myself, I realized that while Canada is an amazing study destination, it is not all rosy, especially if you’re not prepared for the realities on the ground.

If you wish to study in Canada, prepare to face the challenges here:

Disadvantages of studying in Canada for international students

Top on the list of disadvantages of studying in Canada for international students is the country’s high cost of living.

1. High cost of living

The cost of living in Canada caught me by surprise.

When I arrived in Toronto, I knew it wasn’t going to be cheap, but I didn’t expect my budget to be stretched so thin, so quickly.

In Toronto, for example, renting a one-bedroom apartment can cost anywhere between CAD 1,500 to CAD 3,500 per month, depending on the location.

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Even shared apartments, which you’ll consider more affordable, still come with a hefty price tag.

A room in a shared apartment can easily cost CAD 800 to CAD 1,200 per month.

On top of that, daily living expenses like groceries and transportation add up fast.

I was spending roughly CAD 300 a month on groceries, and transportation wasn’t much better.

A monthly transit pass in Toronto costs CAD 80 to CAD 156, and if you live far from campus, it’s an unavoidable expense.

According to universitystudy.ca, the average cost of living is around $15,000 per year for university students.

When you factor in housing, food, transportation, and health insurance, the numbers can be daunting.

Honestly, it pushed me to take on part-time work just to make ends meet, a reality many international students face.

2. High tuition fees

Yes, Canada is known for its high-quality education, but that doesn’t come cheap.

I paid nearly triple the amount that my Canadian classmates did.

According to Education Canada, an average undergraduate international student pays CAD 30,435 in tuition fees, almost three times higher than the CAD 10,560 paid by domestic students. 

For graduate studies, the gap is also wide – international students pay an average of CAD 15,000, while domestic students pay around CAD 7,500.

This meant that for me, tuition alone was a huge financial burden.

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If you’re not ready for these high costs, you’ll end up taking out large loans, which only adds to the stress.

3. The harsh weather

Coming from a warmer country, adjusting to Canada’s weather was a whole new experience.

In some parts of the country, like Montreal or Winnipeg, winter temperatures can drop as low as -30°C (-22°F).

My first winter in Canada was tough – I had to buy jackets multiple times.

And don’t get me started on the icy sidewalks.

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Going through them was a daily challenge, but after a while, I learned to cope.

The long, cold winters also limit outdoor activities.

If you’re someone who enjoys being outside, I’m sorry, but you’ll spend more time indoors during those months.

4. Cultural adjustment

Canada is incredibly diverse, which is one of the reasons I chose to study there.

But with that diversity comes the challenge of adjusting to multiple cultures.

When I first arrived, I experienced culture shock.

Simple things like the way Canadians greet each other or their social norms were very different from what I was used to.

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It can be overwhelming, especially in a multicultural city where you encounter new customs and traditions almost daily.

But once you embrace the diversity, it becomes one of the best parts of studying in Canada.

5. Social isolation and loneliness

One of the hardest parts of studying in Canada, and something no one told me about, was the loneliness.

In Canada, people tend to be more individualistic, and forming deep connections takes time.

Coming from a close-knit community, I found the social dynamics a bit distant.

Everyone was friendly, but it wasn’t easy to build strong relationships quickly.

I spent many weekends alone, missing the sense of community I was used to back home.

6. Access to healthcare

Here’s something that surprised me the most: access to healthcare in Canada can be tricky for international students.

While some provinces offer health insurance plans, others don’t, and you need to buy private insurance, which can be costly.

In addition, getting medical attention takes time if it’s not an emergency.

I had a friend who waited weeks to get a simple medical appointment, which was frustrating.

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On top of that, if you don’t have proper coverage, medical expenses can add up fast.

7. Homesickness

I wasn’t prepared for how much I’d miss home.

Despite how exciting it was to be in Canada, there were days when I felt the weight of being thousands of miles away from my family and friends.

Staying connected with loved ones through regular phone calls helped, but homesickness is something you’ll have to manage on your own.

8. Language barriers

While I speak English, I noticed that for many international students who aren’t fluent in English or French, adjusting can be difficult.

Canada is a bilingual country, and if you study in a city like Montreal, you need to be proficient in both languages.

I saw firsthand how some of my peers struggled to communicate with professors, write papers, or even make friends.

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Many institutions require international students to pass language proficiency exams before admission, but even then, adjusting to everyday conversations can be tough.

9. Difficulty in integrating socially

Most international students find it challenging to integrate socially due to cultural differences.

This can limit your ability to participate in extracurricular activities and make the most of your experience.

What problems do international students face in Canada?

International students in Canada struggle with high tuition fees, living costs, cultural adjustment, language barriers, academic pressure, and healthcare access.

Is life difficult for international students in Canada?

While studying in Canada can be challenging, the support services for students in the country help make life easy for international students.

Many international students (myself included) report having enriching experiences while in the country.

Is it easy to stay in Canada after study?

Yes! Options like the Post-Graduation Work Permit allow you to remain in Canada for up to three years or more after completing your studies.

Final words

Studying in Canada was an incredible journey for me, but it’s not without its challenges.

From the high cost of living to adjusting to a new culture and coping with the weather, being an international student here comes with its hurdles.

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But despite these disadvantages, I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything.

Canada has offered me opportunities that I wouldn’t have had anywhere else.

My advice?

Be prepared, both financially and mentally, and embrace every moment.

It’ll be worth it.