How Much Does It Cost to Become a Dietitian in Canada?
Before applying to a Master’s program, students must complete an undergraduate degree in nutrition, dietetics, or a related field.
➡️ Estimated Total for 4 years: $45,000–$72,000
- Tuition & Fees: On average, Canadian universities charge $6,000–$12,000 per year for domestic students. At the University of Saskatchewan, tuition and fees total around $11,200–$12,200 annually, while at University of British Columbia it is closer to $6,000 per year.
- Books & Supplies: While there's no centralized data, budgeting CAD 1,500–2,500/year reflects current student experience estimates.
➡️ Estimated Total for 4 years: $45,000–$72,000
updated august 29, 2025
by Ina Benkova rd
Becoming a Registered Dietitian (RD) in Canada is a rewarding career path, but it also requires a significant financial investment. With the new requirement for a Master’s degree, students can expect higher costs than in the past. Let’s break down the typical expenses involved, including tuition, textbooks, fees, and the hidden costs of unpaid placements.
1. Undergraduate Degree (4–5 years)
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Dietitian in Canada?
Since 2024, new graduates must hold a Master’s degree to qualify for registration. These programs combine advanced coursework with practicum placements.
➡️ Estimated Total for Master’s: ~$30,000
- Tuition & Fees: Around $13,500 per year at UBC, with the full program costing ~$30,000. Other universities fall within a similar range. Comparable programs at other Canadian universities fall in a similar range (CAD 25,000–30,000 total).
- Additional Fees: Some programs, like Toronto Metropolitan University, charge extra practicum fees (~$1800 per practicum course)
- Books & Supplies: Master’s programs often rely more on journal articles and online resources, so budgeting around $500 total for textbooks and materials is more realistic.
➡️ Estimated Total for Master’s: ~$30,000
2. Master’s Degree in Nutrition & Dietetics (Mandatory)
This figure isn't from a published tuition sheet but rather a practical budgeting estimate based on student reports, university advisories, and cost-of-living data for Canadian placements. Here’s where it comes from:
➡️ Therefore, CAD 2,000–5,000 estimate is a conservative range meant to capture:
$500–1,000 → professional attire, insurance, supplies
$500–1,500 → transportation (monthly passes, gas, mileage, parking fees)
$1,000–2,500 → potential relocation or temporary housing if placements are far from campus
It’s not an “official” number from one university, but a student-informed budgeting guideline that reflects real-world placement experiences across Canada.
- Travel & Relocation: Some placements require students to move temporarily or commute long distances. Universities like Toronto Metropolitan University explicitly warn that placements may be “outside the GTA” and students should be prepared for additional transportation and accommodation costs (TMU Practicum Information).
- Professional attire, immunizations, insurance: Programs like UBC Master of Nutrition and Dietetics require professional attire, immunizations, and liability insurance, which are not covered by tuition (UBC MND Program Costs).
- Student Experiences: Informal data from dietetic student forums and RD Facebook groups show reported extra costs ranging from a few hundred dollars for local placements to several thousand when relocation was needed.
➡️ Therefore, CAD 2,000–5,000 estimate is a conservative range meant to capture:
$500–1,000 → professional attire, insurance, supplies
$500–1,500 → transportation (monthly passes, gas, mileage, parking fees)
$1,000–2,500 → potential relocation or temporary housing if placements are far from campus
It’s not an “official” number from one university, but a student-informed budgeting guideline that reflects real-world placement experiences across Canada.
3. Unpaid Practicum Placements
After completing your education, you must pass the Canadian Dietetic Registration Examination (CDRE).
➡️ Exam Fee: $600 per attempt.
➡️ Exam Fee: $600 per attempt.
4. Licensing Exam
2. Master’s Degree in Nutrition & Dietetics (Mandatory)
2. Master’s Degree in Nutrition & Dietetics (Mandatory)
Expense Category Estimated Range (CAD)
Undergraduate (4 years): $45,000–72,000
Master’s Degree: ~$30,000
Textbooks & Supplies (total): $6,000–8,000
Placements (extra costs): $2,000–5,000
CDRE Exam Fees: $600–1,200
➡️ Overall Estimated Total $83,600–115,200
And this is not even considering costs for living/accommodations costs if you are living in residence or off campus away from home!
The Bottom Line – Total Cost
Pursuing a career as a Registered Dietitian in Canada is both an exciting and challenging journey. The recent requirement for a Master’s degree has raised the overall financial investment, with total costs now ranging from $80,000 to $110,000 before even factoring in living expenses. While tuition makes up the bulk of this amount, hidden costs—like practicum placements, relocation, and licensing exam fees—can quickly add up and should not be overlooked.
Despite the expense, many find the profession deeply rewarding. Dietitians play a vital role in shaping public health, supporting individuals with complex medical needs, and helping communities build healthier relationships with food. For students committed to this career, careful financial planning, exploring scholarships, and budgeting realistically for placements can help make the path more manageable.
In the end, becoming a dietitian is more than an investment in education—it’s an investment in a career that allows you to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives.
Despite the expense, many find the profession deeply rewarding. Dietitians play a vital role in shaping public health, supporting individuals with complex medical needs, and helping communities build healthier relationships with food. For students committed to this career, careful financial planning, exploring scholarships, and budgeting realistically for placements can help make the path more manageable.
In the end, becoming a dietitian is more than an investment in education—it’s an investment in a career that allows you to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives.
