Discover the cheapest universities in Canada for international students.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Why Canada Is a Top Study Destination for International Students
- Understanding Tuition Fees in Canadian Universities
- Key Factors That Affect the Cost of Studying in Canada
- Top Cheapest Universities in Canada for International Students
- Comparison Table of the Cheapest Canadian Universities
- Additional Ways to Save Money While Studying in Canada
- Scholarships and Financial Aid for International Students
- Cost of Living in Canada: What to Expect
- How to Apply to Canadian Universities as an International Student
- Why Choosing an Affordable University in Canada is a Smart Investment
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Introduction – Cheapest Universities in Canada
Canada has become one of the most preferred destinations for international students seeking quality education at an affordable cost. With a globally respected education system, friendly immigration policies, and post-study work opportunities, Canada attracts thousands of students from Africa, Asia, Europe, and other parts of the world each year.
While some Canadian universities charge high tuition fees, several institutions offer excellent programs at very low costs without compromising the quality of education. Choosing a cheap but reputable university in Canada can help international students reduce financial pressure, enjoy world-class education, and still have opportunities to work or settle in the country after graduation.
This guide explores some of the cheapest universities in Canada, their average tuition fees, programs offered, locations, and the reasons they are great options for students who want to study in Canada on a budget.
2. Why Canada Is a Top Study Destination for International Students
Canada is recognized globally for its excellent academic standards, advanced research opportunities, and welcoming environment. Many students choose Canada because:
- It has universities consistently ranked among the best in the world.
- Tuition fees are lower than in the US, UK, or Australia for the same quality of education.
- International students can work while studying, which reduces the cost burden.
- There are strong post-study work and immigration pathways, making it easier to stay after graduation.
- The country is safe, multicultural, and English-friendly, making adaptation easier for international students.
These factors make Canada an attractive destination for students who want quality education at a reasonable cost.
3. Understanding Tuition Fees in Canadian Universities
The tuition fee in Canada depends on several factors including the program, university, province, and whether the student is domestic or international. Generally, international students pay higher fees than local students, but many universities offer affordable options.
Average tuition fee ranges for international students in Canada:
| Program Type | Annual Tuition (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | $7,000 – $25,000 |
| Postgraduate | $8,000 – $20,000 |
| Professional Programs | $15,000 – $50,000 |
Some public universities in Canada offer lower tuition rates for international students compared to private institutions. In addition, many of them provide scholarships, bursaries, and assistantships that can further reduce costs.
4. Key Factors That Affect the Cost of Studying in Canada
When planning your education in Canada, tuition is not the only cost to consider. Total expenses vary based on:
- University type – Public universities are usually more affordable.
- Province – Tuition fees in provinces like Newfoundland, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan are often lower than in Ontario or British Columbia.
- Program of study – Engineering, Medicine, and Business tend to cost more.
- Scholarship availability – Many universities offer financial aid to international students.
- Living expenses – Cities like Toronto and Vancouver are more expensive compared to smaller towns.
Understanding these cost factors helps students choose the most affordable and suitable university for their academic goals.
5. Top Cheapest Universities in Canada for International Students
Below are ten of the most affordable universities in Canada that maintain strong academic reputations, low tuition, and welcoming environments for students from all over the world.
a. University of Saskatchewan
- Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
- Average Tuition: CAD $7,000 – $15,000 per year
- Popular Programs: Engineering, Agriculture, Computer Science, Arts, and Business
- Why It’s Affordable: The university offers some of the lowest tuition rates in Canada and has a variety of scholarships for international students.
The University of Saskatchewan is a top research-intensive university known for its innovation, high-quality academic programs, and strong student support. The cost of living in Saskatoon is lower compared to big cities, making it a great budget-friendly option.
b. Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN)
- Location: St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
- Average Tuition: CAD $6,000 – $12,000 per year
- Popular Programs: Medicine, Engineering, Humanities, Business Administration
- Why It’s Affordable: Known as one of Canada’s cheapest universities, MUN offers low tuition fees and several scholarships for foreign students.
MUN is famous for its excellent research opportunities and supportive academic environment. St. John’s has one of the lowest living costs in Canada, further reducing expenses.
c. Brandon University
- Location: Brandon, Manitoba
- Average Tuition: CAD $7,200 – $15,000 per year
- Popular Programs: Education, Arts, Science, Music
- Why It’s Affordable: Brandon University maintains lower tuition rates and offers small class sizes for a more personalized learning experience.
It is an excellent choice for students looking for a close-knit academic community with affordable fees.
d. University of Manitoba
- Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba
- Average Tuition: CAD $8,000 – $16,000 per year
- Popular Programs: Business, Science, Health, Engineering
- Why It’s Affordable: As a public research university, it offers a range of scholarships and assistantship opportunities to international students.
Winnipeg is known for its low living cost, making it an ideal destination for budget-conscious students.
e. University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI)
- Location: Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
- Average Tuition: CAD $8,000 – $17,000 per year
- Popular Programs: Veterinary Medicine, Business, Arts, Education
- Why It’s Affordable: UPEI has relatively low tuition fees and offers entrance scholarships to outstanding international students.
The province’s calm environment and low housing costs make UPEI an attractive and affordable study option.
f. University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC)
- Location: Prince George, British Columbia
- Average Tuition: CAD $8,500 – $18,000 per year
- Popular Programs: Environmental Science, Health Sciences, Business
- Why It’s Affordable: Despite being in British Columbia, UNBC has lower fees than most universities in the province.
It offers a unique learning environment with smaller class sizes and strong academic support.
g. Athabasca University
- Location: Alberta (online university)
- Average Tuition: CAD $9,000 – $14,000 per year
- Popular Programs: Business, Arts, Computer Science, Health Studies
- Why It’s Affordable: Being Canada’s leading online university, students save on accommodation and transportation costs.
This is an excellent option for students who want flexible learning with lower total costs.
h. Cape Breton University
- Location: Sydney, Nova Scotia
- Average Tuition: CAD $8,500 – $17,000 per year
- Popular Programs: Business, Science, Engineering Technology
- Why It’s Affordable: The tuition rates are competitive and living costs in Sydney are low.
Cape Breton University is also known for its international student support services.
i. University of Regina
- Location: Regina, Saskatchewan
- Average Tuition: CAD $9,000 – $16,000 per year
- Popular Programs: Business Administration, Engineering, Social Work
- Why It’s Affordable: It offers competitive tuition and strong scholarship programs for international students.
The university is well-regarded for its co-op programs that allow students to work while studying.
j. Saint Mary’s University
- Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia
- Average Tuition: CAD $9,000 – $18,000 per year
- Popular Programs: Business, Arts, Science, Engineering
- Why It’s Affordable: Saint Mary’s University is recognized for its affordable tuition fees and supportive international community.
Halifax is a student-friendly city with moderate living costs compared to Toronto or Vancouver.
6. Comparison Table of the Cheapest Canadian Universities
| University | Location | Tuition Range (CAD) | Key Programs | Notable Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Saskatchewan | Saskatchewan | $7,000 – $15,000 | Engineering, Business | Low cost of living |
| Memorial University of Newfoundland | Newfoundland | $6,000 – $12,000 | Medicine, Humanities | Lowest tuition in Canada |
| Brandon University | Manitoba | $7,200 – $15,000 | Education, Arts | Personalized learning |
| University of Manitoba | Manitoba | $8,000 – $16,000 | Engineering, Science | Many scholarships |
| UPEI | Prince Edward Island | $8,000 – $17,000 | Veterinary, Business | Entrance scholarships |
| UNBC | British Columbia | $8,500 – $18,000 | Environmental Science | Lower BC fees |
| Athabasca University | Alberta (online) | $9,000 – $14,000 | Computer Science, Health | Flexible online study |
| Cape Breton University | Nova Scotia | $8,500 – $17,000 | Business | Low living cost |
| University of Regina | Saskatchewan | $9,000 – $16,000 | Engineering, Social Work | Co-op programs |
| Saint Mary’s University | Nova Scotia | $9,000 – $18,000 | Business, Arts | Supportive community |
7. Additional Ways to Save Money While Studying in Canada
Studying in Canada can be affordable if students are strategic. Here are practical tips:
- Choose universities in provinces with lower living costs.
- Apply for entrance scholarships and bursaries.
- Live in shared accommodation or university residence.
- Cook your own meals instead of eating out.
- Use student discounts for transportation and entertainment.
- Work part-time (up to 20 hours per week during studies).
8. Scholarships and Financial Aid for International Students
Many Canadian universities provide merit-based and need-based scholarships to help international students cover tuition and living expenses. Popular options include:
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
- Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
- Canada-ASEAN Scholarships
- University-specific entrance scholarships
- Research assistantships and graduate fellowships
Applying early increases the chance of securing financial aid.
9. Cost of Living in Canada: What to Expect
Although tuition is a major cost, living expenses also affect the total cost of studying in Canada. On average, international students spend:
| Expense Category | Estimated Monthly Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | $500 – $1,200 |
| Food | $250 – $400 |
| Transportation | $100 – $150 |
| Health Insurance | $75 – $150 |
| Miscellaneous | $100 – $200 |
Tip: Smaller cities generally have lower living costs than large urban centers like Toronto and Vancouver.
10. How to Apply to Canadian Universities as an International Student
The application process is straightforward if you plan ahead. General steps include:
- Choose your program and university
- Check admission requirements and deadlines
- Prepare academic documents and English proficiency test results (IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo)
- Submit your application online
- Receive admission offer and apply for a study permit
- Arrange accommodation and prepare for travel
Many universities offer application fee waivers or reductions to support international applicants.
11. Why Choosing an Affordable University in Canada is a Smart Investment
Studying at an affordable university in Canada provides a high return on investment. Students gain access to:
- Quality education at a lower cost
- Job opportunities during and after studies
- Exposure to a global network
- A pathway to permanent residency (PR) for those who qualify
This makes Canada not just a study destination but also a long-term career and migration opportunity.
SEE ALSO: Cheapest Cities in Canada for Students to Live and Study
Frequently Asked Questions On Cheapest Universities in Canada
Q1: Which university is the cheapest in Canada for international students?
Memorial University of Newfoundland is widely considered the cheapest, with annual tuition starting around CAD $6,000.
Q2: Can international students work while studying in Canada?
Yes. Students can work part-time during academic sessions and full-time during breaks with a valid study permit.
Q3: Are scholarships available for undergraduate students?
Yes. Many universities offer entrance scholarships for international undergraduates based on academic performance.
Q4: Is it cheaper to live in small Canadian cities?
Absolutely. Cities like Saskatoon, St. John’s, and Brandon have significantly lower living costs compared to Toronto or Vancouver.
Q5: Can I apply for permanent residency after studying in Canada?
Yes. Many international students transition to permanent residency through programs like the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and Express Entry.