Student budget calculator

Post-secondary education can be an exciting first step into your next chapter, but it can also feel intimidating. If you're unsure about how to pay for school or what the costs might be, a simple student budget can do the trick.

We'll guide you through the easy process of building a full-year budget. Enter your costs and break down where your money is coming from to gain valuable insights about how to start managing your cash, saving and investing.

What will I get from this?

  • Gain financial confidence by seeing the big picture.
  • Learn about the many ways to fund your education.
  • Get tailored tips for building savings, managing your spending and more.

Not what you're looking for?

Return to all budget calculators.

Enter your school expenses

Enter your expenses using whole numbers, then select a frequency. All fields are optional.

If you'd like to identify your budget with a title, enter it here. It can contain up to 30 characters. We won't store this information.

Canadian students enrolled full-time in undergraduate programs paid an average of $6,693 in tuition for the 2021-22 school year, according to Statistics Canada. International students in undergraduate programs paid an average of $33,6231.
If you don't know your exact tuition, check your school's website for an estimate.

This could include textbooks or online resources. Your school website may provide guidelines. For example, some Canadian universities advise budgeting for at least $1,000 per school year.

This could include costs such as lab fees and student union membership dues. Canadian undergraduate students paid an average of $1,002 in additional fees for the 2021-22 school year, according to Statistics Canada1.

This could include the cost of a new computer and other hardware, as well as any tools or equipment necessary for your program.

Estimate your housing costs

Enter your expenses using whole numbers, then select a frequency. All fields are optional.

Estimate your food costs

Enter your expenses using whole numbers, then select a frequency. All fields are optional.

Estimate your technology costs

Enter your expenses using whole numbers, then select a frequency. All fields are optional.

Include the cost of all services you subscribe to – whether for TV, movies, music, video games or anything else.

Estimate your transportation costs

Enter your expenses using whole numbers, then select a frequency. All fields are optional.

Many transit systems offer student discounts, so check their websites for opportunities to save on transportation.

Consider the costs of oil changes, tire rotations and various repairs.

Estimate your personal spending

Enter your expenses using whole numbers, then select a frequency. All fields are optional.

Estimate how much you'll spend going to concerts, movies, social outings and other events.

This could include the cost of a gym membership, fitness classes and sports equipment.

Along with sunny holidays, ski trips and other vacations, you may also need to budget for trips home throughout the school year.

Estimate how much you plan to save and invest

Enter your saving and investing goals using whole numbers, then select a frequency. All fields are optional.

If you plan to start building a portfolio while in school, enter how much you'll put toward investments each month.

A financial safety net can help you through times when you need extra money, so it's smart to put something aside for a rainy day.

Whether you’re hoping for a vacation, a car or a nice pair of shoes, a savings plan will help get you on track.

Determine the money you have available

Enter your amounts using whole numbers, then select a frequency. All fields are optional.

Merit-based scholarships can lighten the burden of your post-secondary education by offsetting your costs with some extra cash.

You may qualify for special funding programs based on financial need, extracurricular activities and other criteria.

If you plan on dipping into your own savings to help pay for your education, enter that amount here.

The federal and provincial governments offer loans you can put toward larger expenses such as tuition, residence fees and course materials.

Banks offer student lines of credit, which provide a pool of money whenever you need it. They also feature several different repayment options.

Annual cost breakdown

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Your student budget

Save your budget as a PDF or print a copy so you can share it with your advisor. They’ll use it to help build a strategy that’s right for you.

Compare your costs and available money

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Insights

Grow your savings

It's never too early to set savings goals. These tips will help you get a head start. Opens in a new window.

Learn about investing

You have big goals and big dreams. Learn how investing could help you reach them. Opens in a new window.

Build your credit

A credit history can help you make big purchases down the road. Learn how to get ahead. Opens in a new window.

Grow your savings

Saving while studying might seem difficult, but it's not out of reach. These tips will help. Opens in a new window.

Credit cards 101

They're handy tools for making purchases and building credit, so get the low down on credit cards. Opens in a new window.

Build your credit

A credit history can help you make big purchases down the road. Learn how to get ahead. Opens in a new window.

Find ways to save

Smart spending can ease your burden. Check out these five money-management tips for students. Opens in a new window.

Understand your borrowing options

You may be able to borrow more to pay for your education. Get to know your options. Opens in a new window.

Build your credit

A credit history can help you make big purchases down the road. Learn how to get ahead. Opens in a new window.

Budget breakdown

Budget breakdown

Get a head start on saving

Meet with us Opens in a new window.

Simple student banking

Opens in a new window.

University, college and CEGEP students can enjoy unlimited transactions2 and zero monthly fee3.

Opens in a new window.

Build credit, earn rewards and pay for everyday purchases with a no- or low-fee student credit card.

Opens in a new window.

CIBC Investor's Edge can help you start building your portfolio, even on a student budget.