Understanding the real cost of post-secondary education in Quebec
When it comes to post-secondary education, tuition fees are only part of the bill. Housing, transportation, food, school supplies, lifestyle: the costs can mount up—and often faster than you can imagine. For many parents, the true cost of education is unclear until those expenses become real.
Understanding these costs is crucial for measuring the scale of the investment and exploring possible solutions, such as education savings. To help you lay a solid foundation for informed financial planning, we will present the main elements that influence the real cost of vocational, college and university education in Quebec.
In this article:
- The overall cost of education: an underestimated reality
- The main factors influencing the cost of education
- Costs depend on the pathway chosen
- Staying at home versus leaving the nest
- Student budget expenses
- Why understanding costs is essential for parents
- Frequently asked questions about education costs
The overall cost of education: an underestimated reality
In 2024, the Quebec government estimated that one out of every two students1 would be able to earn a diploma of college studies (DCS) and a bachelor’s degree (BAC) during their school career. For families, this means financing at least five years of post-secondary education, and sometimes more when a master’s or doctorate is added to the curriculum.
Between tuition and the many expenses tied to school and student life, education often costs far more than expected—especially as the cost of living continues to rise.
How much does a post-secondary program (DCS + BAC) cost?
In 2025, the cost of this typical program—which includes two years of college and three years of university—was estimated at $105,0002 if the child moves away from home for their studies. In another ten years, this same program could cost nearly $132,000.2
The table below shows how inflation will affect the future cost of your child’s education, and the cost differences between going to school close to home and moving away.
Estimated education expenses to complete a DCS (2 years) + BAC (3 years)2
| At home | Away from home | |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $36,908 | $105,268 |
| 2030 | $41,922 | $117,676 |
| 2035 | $47,665 | $131,815 |
| 2040 | $54,251 | $147,616 |
The main factors influencing the cost of education
Various factors affect the price of obtaining a degree, and some play a more important role than others. The young person’s background and career choice will determine in particular:
- The type of program and level of study: Some programs require more materials, include internships or last longer, which raises costs. For example, university studies or private colleges generally cost more than college studies at a CEGEP.
- The length of the school career: Each additional year entails additional tuition and living expenses. The bill can rise quickly if the course of study is lengthened or a new program is chosen.
- Location (city, region, school): Studying close to home or in your region often costs less, while larger cities and student housing tend to be more expensive, even when tuition is similar.
Costs depend on the pathway chosen
Obviously, a few months’ training at a vocational centre and several years at university are not equivalent investments. Today, many training programs offer great career opportunities and allow graduates to enter the job market sooner—in addition to being recognized as eligible study programs for RESPs.
CEGEP technical programs
Contrary to pre-university programs, technical programs offered at CEGEP generally lead directly to the job market after three years of study.
Estimated education expenses to complete a technical DCS (3 years)3
| At home | Away from home | |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $17,615 | $58,630 |
| 2030 | $19,825 | $65,331 |
| 2035 | $22,328 | $72,818 |
| 2040 | $25,167 | $81,186 |
Training at a vocational centre or trade school
Vocational training programs last between 6 and 18 months, enabling students to enter the job market quickly. Offered for various trades, they lead to a Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS).
Estimated education expenses to complete a DVS (1 year)4
| At home | Away from home | |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $4,853 | $18,524 |
| 2030 | $5,441 | $20,610 |
| 2035 | $6,105 | $22,935 |
| 2040 | $6,854 | $25,527 |
Staying at home versus leaving the nest
Just being able to study close to home has a huge impact on the total cost. Over the course of a five-year bachelor’s degree, living at home can save an estimated $68,000 compared with moving away for school. The difference is striking!
Studying close to home: real savings
Attending school while living with parents can significantly reduce expenses for housing, food and essential services. This option makes studies more accessible and can significantly reduce the overall budget.
The costs associated with student housing are substantial: rent, electricity and Internet, furnishings and insurance. On top of this, food and transport costs are often higher. And let’s not forget that location is also an important variable in the cost of rent.
Average monthly cost of rental housing in Quebec in 2025
| City (CMA) | Apartment one bedroom |
Apartment three bedrooms (shared) |
|---|---|---|
| Montréal | $1,131 | $1,626 ($542) |
| Gatineau | $1,362 | $1,520 ($507) |
| Québec | $1,107 | $1,475 ($492) |
| Sherbrooke | $906 | $1,376 ($549) |
| Trois-Rivières | $828 | $1,099 ($366) |
| Saguenay | $762 | $1,054 ($351) |
Source: CMHC – Rental Market Survey (Quebec CMA)
Even in more affordable university towns like Sherbrooke, Trois-Rivières or Saguenay, leaving home can add up to several thousand dollars a year in extra housing costs, depending on the type of housing chosen. Choosing to live in a shared apartment—or even in a student residence—obviously helps reduce costs.
Student budget expenses
The cost of education falls into three main categories: tuition fees, school supplies and living expenses. Together, they make up a significant budget that families need to plan for.
Tuition and institutional fees
At university, the cost is approximately $2,000 per semester (15 credits) in 2025, including tuition ($100/credit) and various fees (management, ancillary, technology, student associations, etc.), which may also vary from one institution to another. You can find this information on their respective websites.
Studying at a public CEGEP is considered free in Quebec. However, you will need to budget a few hundred dollars per session for fees (registration, admission, student life, association, etc.). This amount is determined by each institution.
Manuals, equipment and technological tools
School supplies include textbooks, materials and equipment such as a computer. These expenses vary according to the program and may be higher at the beginning.
Transport, food and living expenses
Living expenses cover housing, groceries, transportation and personal expenses such as sports and recreation. They vary according to lifestyle and often represent the largest part of the student budget.
Why understanding costs is essential for parents
Knowing the real cost of studies allows you to avoid financial surprises. You can predict your expenses more accurately and narrow the gap between budget and reality.
With a good understanding of costs, you can now establish a realistic financial plan and adopt suitable strategies, such as education savings. Start planning for your child’s education funding now!
Frequently asked questions about education costs
On average, you will need between $15,000 and $25,000 a year, depending on your lifestyle (with or without housing). These amounts include tuition, school supplies and living expenses.
Yes. Staying at home can save several thousand dollars a year. In the long term, this can reduce the total cost of education by tens of thousands of dollars.
The cost varies based on your program, the length of your studies, where you go to school and whether you live at home or on your own. As a result, two pathways can be very different.
Certain decisions can make a real difference:
- Study close to home
- Opt for shared housing
- Choose a shorter or more technical pathway
- Manage a tight student budget
The most advantageous savings solution is the RESP. It allows you to benefit from government grants of up to $12,8005 and to grow your capital tax-free over time.
A: You can start contributing to an RESP as soon as possible—as soon as your child has a SIN! This way, you can take full advantage of government grants and other tax benefits associated with education savings.
1. Institut de la statistique du Québec, Le Québec chiffres en main 2025.
2. Cost to complete two years of CEGEP and three years of university in Quebec. 3.45% annual increase in tuition fees. Housing included and 2.1% annual increase in living expenses for students away from home. These costs may vary depending on several factors, such as the program, duration, etc. Sources: Ministère de l’Éducation, Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur, Ministère de la Famille, Statistics Canada and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
3. Cost to complete three years of CEGEP. 3.45% annual increase in tuition fees. Housing included and 2.1% annual increase in living expenses for students away from home. These costs may vary depending on several factors, such as the program, duration, etc. Sources: Ministère de l’Éducation, Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur, Ministère de la Famille, Statistics Canada and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
4. Cost to complete one year of vocational studies. 3.45% annual increase in tuition fees. Housing included and 2.1% annual increase in living expenses for students away from home. These costs may vary depending on several factors, such as the program, duration, etc. Sources: Ministère de l’Éducation, Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur, Ministère de la Famille, Statistics Canada and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
5. The lifetime maximum per beneficiary is $7,200 for the Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG) and $3,600 for the Quebec Education Savings Incentive (QESI). The Canada Learning Bond (CLB) can be up to $2,000 per beneficiary, for a child born after December 31, 2003, to a financially eligible family. Certain conditions apply. See our prospectus at Kaleido.ca.
