Explore Cheap Universities in Canada for International Students, featuring affordable tuition options, low cost programs, scholarships, and quality education for global learners. Canada is a top destination for international students due to its high-quality education, diverse cultural environment, and welcoming policies. However, tuition fees can be a major concern for many students seeking affordable options. Fortunately, Canada offers a range of universities that provide excellent education at relatively low costs.
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In this guide, we’ll explore the top 20 cheap universities in Canada for international students, highlighting institutions like the University of Saskatchewan, University of Calgary, and University of Alberta, known for their affordability and academic excellence.
These colleges ensure that students don’t have to break the bank to obtain a top-notch degree by offering a range of programs that cater to diverse academic interests. Whether you’re looking for undergraduate or graduate opportunities, this list will help you find a budget-friendly pathway to success in Canada.
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Cheapest Universities in Canada for International Students
1. University of Saskatchewan
The University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, established in 1907, stands out in the discussion of Cheap Universities in Canada for International Students as a leading research institution, enrolling over 26,000 students from more than 130 countries worldwide.
The annual tuition fees for undergraduate programs vary from $19,895 (Pharmacy) to $122,778 (Dentistry – DMD). The annual cost of textbooks and supplies ranges from $1,500 to $2,500, while student fees for full-time students are $1,088.72.
USask provides 80 programs in more than 130 fields of study. Water security, health and wellness, and communities and sustainability comprise its signature research areas. Agriculture, engineering, veterinary medicine, and the environment are among the most popular programs.
2. University of Calgary
The University of Calgary is a distinguished public research university located in Calgary, AB, established in 1966. UCalgary provides education to more than 26,000 undergraduate students and 6,000 graduate students across 14 facilities and 250+ programs.
The cost of undergraduate programs varies, with Veterinary Medicine costing $10,672.31 and Law costing $46,253.74. The aggregate expense for the majority of programs is $30,856.74. Tuition, fees, personal expenses, and books and supplies comprise the expenses. Utilize the Undergraduate Cost Estimator tool to obtain estimates.
The tuition and fees for its international Graduate programs are contingent upon the program. The cost of a Master of Arts in Political Science is $170.00 per term, while a Master of Pathologists’ Assistant is $11,539.77 per term.
Nursing, Life Sciences and Medicine, Engineering and Technology, Accounting and Finance, and Computer Science and Information Systems comprise UCalgary’s most prestigious programs.
3. University of Alberta
The University of Alberta, which was founded in 1908, is a top-five university in Edmonton, AB. It has four campuses in Edmonton and one in Camrose, and it has 41,000 students enrolled in 18 faculties. It provides more than 200 undergraduate programs, 500 graduate programs, 250 specializations, and 300 research stations throughout the province.
Depending on the program you select, the university’s undergraduate tuition rates range from $29,192.40 (BEd Adult Education) to $51,156.18 (Law, Juris Doctor). The cost of non-tuition varies from $3,100 to $3,600, contingent upon the program. Utilize the Undergraduate Cost Calculator to obtain an estimate of your tuition expenses.
Nursing, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Food Science & Technology, Petroleum Engineering, Environmental Science & Engineering, Instrument Science & Technology, and Agriculture. One of the most popular university programs is science.
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4. University of Ottawa
The University of Ottawa, also known as uOttawa or U of O, is a public research university located in Ottawa, ON. It is bilingual (English-French) and admits international students from over 145 countries.
For international students, the tuition fee cost for an undergraduate program (full-time, flat rate) per term is contingent upon the program and the number of units enrolled.
The tuition for Education is $21,262.54 per term, while the tuition for Civil Engineering undergraduates is approximately $31,582.15 per term.
For the Faculty of Education, a graduate program that consists of two or fewer terms may incur a cost of $11,419.68. Utilize the tuition fee table to obtain tuition cost estimates.
The University of Ottawa provides the following programs: Arts, Civil Law Section (Faculty of Law), Engineering, Health Sciences, Science, Social Sciences or the Telfer School of Management, Education, Common Law, and Medicine.
5. University of Winnipeg
The University of Winnipeg, located in Winnipeg, is one of the cheap universities in Canada for international students, a distinguished research institution with a history spanning over 145 years. It is renowned for its exceptional educational opportunities and small class sizes, and it is the residence of more than 1,000 international students from more than 75 countries.
For a full course load (30 credit hours in any faculty), the estimated tuition and fees for undergraduate international students are $16,245 (Arts-Low) and $20,599.50 (Business). The total cost, which encompasses fees, books, supplies, health insurance, and the application fee, is between $20,255 and $24,810.
Arts, Business and Economics, Education, Kinesiology and Applied Health, and Science comprise the five faculties of UWinnipeg. The university is renowned for its small class sizes, which have a student-to-professor ratio of 22:1.
6. Brandon University
Brandon University, a regional university located in Brandon, MB, provides undergraduate, graduate, pre-professional, and certificate programs to students from over 30 countries and five continents.
Brandon University charges approximately $35,000 for the initial year of study. This is predicated on a full course load and encompasses tuition, books, on-campus residence with a meal plan, and health insurance. The Tuition Tables can be downloaded to obtain precise tuition costs and fees.
Brandon University provides a wide range of programs through the School of Music, the faculties of Arts, Education, Health Studies, and Science.
7. University of Guelph
The University of Guelph, located in Guelph, ON, is a comprehensive university that is among the best in the country. The university provides a variety of programs, including 80 undergraduate programs, over 100 graduate and post-doctoral study programs, and diploma programs, across its three campuses.
The estimated annual expenses for undergraduate international students vary from $50,214 to $72,703, contingent upon the program. The expense encompasses tuition fees, mandatory fees, textbooks, health insurance, a residence room, a full meal plan, and a personal budget.
International students’ graduate tuition and fees vary from $6,050 (MCL) to $14,829 (MCTI) per semester, contingent upon a variety of factors, including their lifestyle and program.
The most popular courses at the university are those in the arts and humanities, business and management, engineering and technology, life sciences and medicine, and natural sciences. Additionally, it provides OpenEd Learning and Associate Diplomas.
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8. Regina University
Founded in 1974, the University of Regina is a prestigious mid-sized public research university located in Regina, Saskatchewan. There are 78 graduate programs and 120 undergraduate programs available.
The total costs for five standard classes (15 credit hours) in the Fall 2023 Undergraduate schedule vary from $11,845.20 (Arts) to $13,888.95 (Business Administration).
The total cost for the Spring and Summer 2023 schedule is $11,090.55 for Arts and $13,036.80 for Business Administration. The tuition and fees for five standard classes (15 credit hours) are also included in the costs.
Nursing and Midwifery, Environmental Engineering, Performing Arts and Music, Human Resource Management, Fine Arts, and Psychology comprise the university’s most prestigious courses.
9. Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN)
One of the largest universities in Atlantic Canada is the Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN), the sole university in Newfoundland and Labrador. It provides academic and professional support programs to domestic and international students from more than 90 countries, totaling over 300 programs.
As of Fall 2023, the tuition and fees for a bachelor’s degree program comprising 10 courses over two semesters at St. John’s Campus amount to $20,790 for new international students. Additional fees can be viewed here.
MUN provides over 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs to 19,400 students from over 115 countries across its five campuses. The following programs are offered: business, arts, education, medicine, nursing, and social work.
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10. Carleton University
Carleton University, featured among Cheap Universities in Canada for International Students, is a research and teaching institution located in Ottawa, ON, and was established in 1942. With over 31,000 full time and part time students, the university hosts a diverse international population representing more than 150 countries worldwide.
The estimated tuition and living costs for one academic year at Carleton range from $48,081 to $65,950 for students living on campus and from $45,296 to $68,965 for those living off campus. These figures include personal expenses, insurance, books and supplies, housing, as well as tuition and mandatory student fees.
Carleton University offers a wide selection of undergraduate and graduate programs across multiple disciplines, including business, engineering, mathematics and science, public affairs, architecture, industrial design, and journalism, making it a practical academic choice for cost conscious international students.
11. Simon Fraser University
Simon Fraser University, established in 1965, is a public research university located in Greater Vancouver, BC. It is recognized as one of the most research-intensive institutions in Canada. It has three campuses, a student body of over 37,000, and over 8,600 international students from 132 countries.
The estimated total costs for international students at SFU are $24,801 for undergraduate students and $11,452 for graduate students. Costs encompass tuition and fees, textbooks and supplies, insurance, and residence with meal plan.
Physical Sciences, Education, Arts & Humanities, Psychology, Life Sciences, Social Sciences, Engineering & Technology, Clinical, Pre-clinical & Health, Law, Computer Science, and Business & Economics are among the programs offered at SFU.
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12. Concordia University
Concordia University, located in Montreal, QC. It was founded in 1974 and currently serves over 51,000 students, including 9,600 international students, across two campuses.
An undergraduate international student’s estimated expenses for one year of full-time studies (30 credits) (tuition and compulsory fees only) vary from $22,899 to $32,120, contingent upon the selected degree plan.
The university is renowned for its Communication Studies programs, as well as its offerings in Education, English language and literature, Accounting and Finance, Linguistics, Psychology, and Sociology.
13. University of Northern British Columbia
One of Canada’s most superior small and research-intensive universities is the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC). It has five campuses and more than 4,200 students enrolled, of whom 466 are international students from more than 40 countries.
The basic full-time tuition per year over three terms for graduate students is $10,993.48, while the tuition and fees for an undergraduate international student (full-time based on 30 credits per year) are $25,812.42. The expenses consist of tuition, fees, and textbooks.
The following programs are offered: Arts, Commerce, Education, Health Sciences, Science, Applied Science, Nursing, Planning, and Social Work. Business, Sport Science, Biomedical Engineering, and Agriculture Sciences are among the most popular courses offered at the University of Northern British Columbia.
14. Canadian Mennonite University
Located in Winnipeg, MB, Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) is a private Mennonite institution that was established in 2000. International students comprise twelve percent of the student body.
The tuition fees for Undergraduate and Graduate international students who are enrolled in a 3-credit-hour course at CMU, which includes the health insurance fee, are $2,745 and $2,810.63, respectively.
CMU provides a wide range of accredited bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the liberal arts, as well as comprehensive university programming. It provides academic programs in the arts, sciences, business, and music.
15. University of Prince Edward Island
Founded in 1969, the University of Prince Edward Island is the sole public university in the province and is located in Charlottetown, PEI. It is home to over 5,500 students and welcomes 1,700 international students from more than 90 countries annually, with three campuses.
A full time Undergraduate international student’s tuition costs under Cheap Universities in Canada for International Students can vary from $14,838 to $74,804, depending on the faculty and courses they choose.
The expenses consist solely of tuition and international fees, and do not encompass other fees, student union fees, or program fees. Utilize the Tuition and Fees Selector to obtain an approximate cost for the program of your choice.
UPEI provides a variety of programs, such as Medicine & HealthCare, MBA, Engineering, Science, Arts, Information Technology, and Management, and offers Undergraduate, Professional, and Graduate learning options.
16. Dalhousie University
Dalhousie University, founded in 1818, a research-focused college has four campuses and satellite locations throughout multiple regions. It is located in Halifax, Nova Scotia. There are more than 20,000 students, with 24% of them being international students from over 115 countries.
The estimated costs of undergraduate programs for a single year range from $16,503.83 (Veterinary Technology) to $49,998.43 (Nursing). The cost of graduate programs varies from $12,382.42 (Doctorate in Computer Science) to $34,964.41 (Master of Engineering).
The expenses are contingent upon the selected program and encompass tuition, international fees, incidental fees, and books and supplies. Utilize the Fee Calculator to obtain approximate costs.
Dalhousie University offers more than 200 programs in 13 distinct academic faculties, including Architecture, Costume Studies, Community Design, International Food Business, Landscape Architecture and Environment, Sustainability, and Society.
17. Cape Breton University
Cape Breton University (CBU) is a public, co-ed undergraduate institution located in Sydney, Nova Scotia, that was established in 1951. The university is home to nearly 7,000 students from over 70 different countries.
The cost of education for an international student at CBU who enrolls in ten undergraduate-level courses per academic year (30 credits) ranges from $19,474.30 to $20,137.30. Tuition, international differential fees, an international medical plan, and other fees comprise the expenses.
CBU provides a wide range of programs in a variety of disciplines, such as Business, Science & Technology, Nursing, Education & Health, and Arts & Social Sciences.
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18. Dominican University College
Dominican University College (DUC) is a private, first-class bilingual research university situated in Ottawa, ON. It was founded in 1901 and is devoted to the study of theology and philosophy. For the academic year 2022-2023, the tuition fees for international students are $14,440 per year for a full-time undergraduate and $21,660 per year for a full-time graduate.
Civil and pontifical bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate programs in theology and philosophy are offered by DUC. Courses include Ancient Greek Philosophy, Aristotle’s Metaphysics, Epistemology, Ethics I, Introduction to Philosophy, Medieval Philosophy, and Political Philosophy.
19. Saint Boniface University
Université de Saint-Boniface (USB) is a public university in Winnipeg, MB, that was established in 1818. There are 1,368 students enrolled in this French-language college, which offers professional and technical programs in addition to university degrees.
Université de Saint-Boniface estimates that the annual cost of full-time studies for international applicants outside of Canada ranges from $10,570 to $16,850. This encompasses medical insurance and books and materials.
USB provides a variety of faculties, including Arts, Business Administration, Education, Sciences, Social Services, Technical and Professional, and Translation, in addition to Bachelor, Master, and Doctoral level programs.
20. Vancouver Island University
Nanaimo, British Columbia is home to the public institution Vancouver Island University (VIU). It has four campuses and serves 18,000 full- and part-time students, including 2,000 international students from over 40 countries.
The program selection and accommodation choices directly influence tuition fees and overall study abroad expenses, a key consideration when exploring cheap universities in Canada for international students. According to the VIU cost calculator, the estimated first year cost for the Business Administration Bachelor program is $24,372, covering tuition, books, and mandatory student fees.
Beyond cost efficiency, Vancouver Island University stands out among cheap universities in Canada for international students by offering over 120 academic pathways across undergraduate and graduate degrees, vocational and trades certificates, and diploma programs. These programs span high demand fields such as Business and Management, Education, Health Sciences, Trades and Applied Technology, and Science, Engineering and Technology, ensuring students receive both affordability and career focused education.
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Conclusion
Cheap Universities in Canada for International Students highlights how Canada offers numerous affordable options for international students seeking higher education without compromising academic quality. Institutions such as the University of Saskatchewan, University of Calgary, and University of Alberta stand out for their competitive tuition fees and strong academic standards.
Alongside many other institutions featured in our list of Canada’s top 20 affordable universities, these schools provide students with an excellent opportunity to manage costs while earning a globally respected qualification. By carefully considering factors such as location, tuition fees, and available scholarships, international students can make informed choices and confidently begin a rewarding academic journey in Canada.
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