Cost and Fees
Tuition rates vary depending on the Carleton program you are applying for, as well as other factors. Your tuition and ancillary fees* per term can be estimated using Carleton’s fee estimator. The quoted amounts include both the compulsory fees and optional non-tuition fees in their totals.
Note that the fee estimator calculates fees for a specified term. Most graduate programs require summer registration, which will increase your annual fees. It is important therefore to account for all relevant terms (fall, winter, and spring/summer) in your budget estimates.
It is also important to account for other expenses beyond tuition and fees in your annual budget. The following includes some important costs to consider:
| Other Expenses | Single Student Expenses | Average Family of Four Expenses |
|---|---|---|
| On-campus living Single room in Carleton’s residence including meal plan. Costs are from September to April only. Additional summer residency may be required at additional cost (roughly 50% of the Sept.-April costs listed). | C$14,000 to $20,000 | N/A |
| Off-campus living Estimates based on a one-bedroom unfurnished apartment for a single student and a two-to-three bedroom unfurnished accommodation for a family of four. Shared accommodations (i.e., roommates) and location within Ottawa may lower the overall cost. Additional utility charges may apply. Based on a one-year annual lease. Reference: Ottawa Public Health | C$1,626 per month based on numbers from Rental.ca = $19,512 per year Refer to Rentals.ca for up-to-date averages | C$2,831 per month based on numbers from Rental.ca = C$33,972 per year Refer to Rentals.ca for up-to-date averages |
| Books and supplies Varies according to program. | C$734 to C$2,000 | N/A |
| Miscellaneous expenses Electricity/Heat: Visit Hydro Ottawa site and Enbridge Gas for information Internet: Rogers or Bell are the main Internet providers in Ottawa Cellphone plan: Cellphone plan in Canada guide for newcomers | Varies | Varies |
| Groceries Based on 52 weeks (may not be applicable if on a meal plan) Prices are listed as per Ottawa Public Health Report in 2025 Additional source of information to review: Canada’s Food Price Report 2025 | C$892 per month = C$10,704 per year | C$1,180 per month = C$14,160 per year |
| Transportation** Public transportation amount based on one monthly adult transit pass. Cost listed is for 12 months. The costs of a student’s U-Pass (Universal Transit Pass) is included in your student fees. | N/A | Only the student is eligible for the U-Pass. OC Transpo presto passes cost C$138.50 per month for adults. Children 10 and under ride free. |
Note: these are only rough estimates of additional expenses. Your actual annual costs will vary depending on your specific lifestyle and situation. For instance, accommodation costs can often be significantly reduced through shared accommodations (i.e. roommates). Additional budgeting tools and information can be found here.
*Tuition and ancillary fees are estimates.
** If your registration status is full-time, the U-Pass (Universal Transit Pass) amount is included in your fall term fees. The U-Pass is for current students only. Dependents will be required to buy a PRESTO card or use bus tickets. octranspo.com
International Students
International students please note the following:
- International student tuition fees are subject to an annual increase of 5% to 8% pending Senate approval. Official tuition fee information is available on the Student Accounts Receivable website.
- All study permit applications must show the applicant meets financial requirements established by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, which may be higher than living expenses shown here.
- International student fees also include a 12-month mandatory University Health Insurance Plan as shown below:
| University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) | Single Student expenses | Average family expenses |
|---|---|---|
| Medical insurance for international students registered at Carleton University and their dependents (spouse and/or children) is mandatory. UHIP premium will be automatically added to your student account based on terms of enrolment. Premiums are updated in August of each year. | C$792.00 Single coverage from Sept. 1, 2025 to Aug. 31, 2026 | C$1,584: student and spouse for 12 months C$2,376: student plus spouse and 2 or more children from Sept. 1, 2025 to Aug. 31, 2026 |