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.
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.
International students in Canada can choose from several housing options, each with its own costs and benefits.
Demand for student housing in Canada is high. Secure accommodation as early as possible by:
Many schools have housing offices that help students find accommodation. Check your university’s website for resources.
As a tenant, you have legal rights under Canadian law. These include:
If you experience discrimination in the Canadian student rental market, report it to the Human Rights Commission in your province.
Rent for international students is one of the biggest expenses in Canada. Apart from rent, students must budget for:
Consider affordable housing in Canada by sharing accommodations or living further from the city center.
International students are often targeted by rental scams. Protect yourself by:
If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Use official university housing resources when in doubt.
Housing costs can be overwhelming. Some ways to reduce expenses include:
Some universities offer emergency housing assistance for students in financial distress. Check with your school’s student services.
Most schools have off-campus housing offices to help students find safe and affordable accommodation. Some also offer:
Check your university’s website for support programs.
While most scholarships cover tuition, some offer housing stipends:
International students can work 20 hours/week during school & full-time in breaks.
On-campus jobs are the easiest to get, with roles like:
Pro Tip: Some schools discount rent for students who work as residence advisors!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
