Finding housing in Canada as an international student can be a challenge. A growing student population, rising rental prices, and limited availability make it difficult to secure affordable and suitable accommodations. A recent Thompson Rivers University (TRU) study found that more than 55% of international students struggle with housing. Issues such as discrimination and financial instability make the situation even harder.
On This Page You Will Find:
- An overview of student housing in Canada
- The impact of rising student numbers and rental challenges
- A breakdown of housing options (on-campus, off-campus, homestays, short-term rentals)
- Average rental costs in major Canadian cities
- Tips to avoid rental scams and secure housing early
- Information on tenant rights and lease agreements
- Financial aid options to help with housing costs
- A FAQ section answering common student housing questions
The Canadian government introduced caps on international student permits in 2024 and 2025 to ease pressure on the housing market and public services.
However, demand for student housing remains high, and finding a place to live requires planning and awareness of available options.
This guide will help international students navigate Canada’s rental market, explore housing options, and understand their rights as tenants.
1. Understand the Types of Housing Available
International students in Canada can choose from several housing options, each with its own costs and benefits.
a. On-Campus Housing
- Offered by most universities and colleges
- Includes dormitories or residence halls
- Typically furnished and close to campus
- Costs vary but range from $6,000 to $15,000 per academic year
- High demand—apply early!
b. Off-Campus Rentals
- Apartments, shared houses, or basement suites
- Monthly rent varies by city:
- Toronto & Vancouver: $1,500–$2,500/month for a one-bedroom
- Montreal, Calgary, Ottawa: $1,000–$1,800/month
- Shared housing helps reduce costs
c. Homestay Programs
- Live with a local Canadian family
- Meals and utilities often included
- Costs range from $900 to $1,500 per month
- Great for language immersion and cultural experience
d. Short-Term Rentals
- Temporary housing like Airbnb or hostels
- Useful while searching for a long-term rental
- Costs are higher but provide flexibility
2. Start Your Housing Search Early
Demand for student housing in Canada is high. Secure accommodation as early as possible by:
- Checking university residence deadlines
- Joining student housing Facebook groups
- Using rental websites like Kijiji, Rentals.ca, and Zumper
- Contacting landlords before arriving in Canada
Many schools have housing offices that help students find accommodation. Check your university’s website for resources.
3. Understand Your Tenant Rights
As a tenant, you have legal rights under Canadian law. These include:
- A written lease agreement: Read before signing
- Protection from unfair eviction: Landlords must follow legal procedures
- Safe and maintained housing: Landlords must provide proper heating, plumbing, and security
- Limit on deposits: Most provinces only allow one month’s rent as a deposit
If you experience discrimination in the Canadian student rental market, report it to the Human Rights Commission in your province.
4. Budget for Housing Costs
Rent for international students is one of the biggest expenses in Canada. Apart from rent, students must budget for:
- Utilities: $50–$150/month (may be included in rent)
- Internet & Phone: $50–$100/month
- Groceries & Transportation: $300–$600/month
Consider affordable housing in Canada by sharing accommodations or living further from the city center.
5. Watch Out for Rental Scams
International students are often targeted by rental scams. Protect yourself by:
- Avoiding landlords who ask for full payment before signing a lease
- Never paying in cash or through non-traceable methods
- Visiting the property in person or requesting a virtual tour
- Checking if the landlord is legitimate (ask for proof of ownership)
If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Use official university housing resources when in doubt.
6. Explore Financial Support Options
Housing costs can be overwhelming. Some ways to reduce expenses include:
- On-campus work opportunities (part-time jobs)
- University housing assistance programs
- Applying for scholarships or financial aid
Some universities offer emergency housing assistance for students in financial distress. Check with your school’s student services.
Housing for International Students in Major Canadian Cities
1. Toronto
Average Rent:
- 1-bedroom apartment: $2,200–$2,800/month
- Shared accommodation: $900–$1,500/month
Popular Areas for Students:
- Downtown (expensive but close to universities) – University of Toronto, Ryerson University
- North York (affordable but farther) – Seneca College, York University
- Scarborough (budget-friendly) – Centennial College, U of T Scarborough
Tips:
- Consider student residence at U of T, York, or Ryerson for convenience
- Check Facebook groups & Kijiji for roommate options
2. Vancouver
Average Rent:
- 1-bedroom apartment: $2,300–$2,900/month
- Shared housing: $900–$1,600/month
Popular Areas for Students:
- UBC Campus (limited space but ideal location) – University of British Columbia
- Kitsilano (near the beach, expensive)
- Burnaby (cheaper, 30-min transit) – Simon Fraser University
Tips:
- UBC student housing fills up fast—apply early!
- TransLink Compass Card offers student discounts on transit
3. Montreal (Most Affordable Big City)
Average Rent:
- 1-bedroom apartment: $1,100–$1,600/month
- Shared housing: $600–$1,000/month
Popular Areas for Students:
- Plateau Mont-Royal (trendy, student-friendly) – McGill, Concordia
- Côte-des-Neiges (cheaper, multicultural) – Université de Montréal
Tips:
- Most rentals include heating, but not electricity – factor in $50–$100/month for Hydro-Québec
- French language skills help when renting
4. Calgary
Average Rent:
- 1-bedroom apartment: $1,400–$1,800/month
- Shared accommodation: $700–$1,200/month
Popular Areas for Students:
- Brentwood/NW Calgary (close to University of Calgary)
- Downtown (closer to nightlife but pricier)
Tips:
- Snow tires are mandatory in winter if renting a car
- Utilities are often included in rent
5. Ottawa
Average Rent:
- 1-bedroom apartment: $1,500–$2,000/month
- Shared housing: $800–$1,300/month
Popular Areas for Students:
- Sandy Hill (right next to University of Ottawa, but pricey)
- Centretown (good mix of affordability and location)
- Kanata (further but cheaper, good for Carleton students)
Tips:
- Many landlords require a 12-month lease—consider subleasing if needed
- University of Ottawa & Carleton offer housing assistance for international students
Financial Aid & Housing Support for International Students
1. University Housing Assistance
Most schools have off-campus housing offices to help students find safe and affordable accommodation. Some also offer:
- Emergency housing for students in financial crisis
- Subsidized residence options for low-income students
- Short-term housing assistance
Check your university’s website for support programs.
2. Scholarships & Grants for Housing
While most scholarships cover tuition, some offer housing stipends:
- Ontario Trillium Scholarship (OTS): For PhD students in Ontario
- UBC International Student Scholarship: Includes housing grants
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship: May cover living costs
- McGill Entrance Scholarships: Some cover residence fees
3. Work & Income Options for Students
International students can work 20 hours/week during school & full-time in breaks.
On-campus jobs are the easiest to get, with roles like:
- Library assistant
- Residence hall advisor (may get free housing)
- Campus café or bookstore employee
Pro Tip: Some schools discount rent for students who work as residence advisors!
FAQ: Housing for International Students in Canada
How much does student housing cost in Canada?
Housing costs vary by city. On-campus housing costs $6,000–$15,000 per academic year. Off-campus rent ranges from $1,000–$2,500 per month, with Vancouver and Toronto being the most expensive. Shared accommodations can reduce costs to $600–$1,500 per month. Homestays cost around $900–$1,500 per month, including meals. Montreal, Calgary, and Ottawa offer more affordable options compared to Toronto and Vancouver.
How can I find affordable housing as an international student?
Start your housing search early—at least 3–6 months before arriving. Check university housing offices, student rental websites (Kijiji, Rentals.ca, Zumper), and social media groups. Consider sharing an apartment to lower costs. Some universities offer subsidized housing or emergency assistance. Homestays can also be an affordable option, with the added benefit of meals included.
What are common rental scams, and how can I avoid them?
Scams often involve fake listings, landlords demanding full payment upfront, or properties priced below market rates. To stay safe, never send money before seeing a property, verify the landlord’s identity, and avoid cash transactions. Use university-approved housing resources whenever possible. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Report scams to your university or local housing authority.
What rights do I have as a tenant in Canada?
As a tenant, you have the right to a written lease, safe living conditions, and protection from unfair eviction. Your landlord cannot increase rent excessively or demand more than one month’s rent as a deposit (varies by province). Discrimination in renting is illegal. If you face issues, contact your provincial tenancy board or a student legal aid service for help.
Can international students apply for financial aid for housing?
Some universities offer housing assistance and scholarships for international students. Programs like the UBC International Student Award and Ontario Trillium Scholarship may help with housing costs. Additionally, students can work part-time (20 hours/week) to help cover rent. Some on-campus jobs, like residence advisors, may offer discounted or free housing. Check with your school’s financial aid office for available programs.
Final Housing Checklist for International Students
- Start your housing search at least 3-6 months before arrival
- Confirm your budget and be aware of extra costs (utilities, deposits, internet)
- Use university housing offices & rental websites (Zumper, Kijiji, Rentals.ca)
- Be cautious of rental scams—never pay before seeing the property
- Know your tenant rights and where to seek help if needed
