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Canada's Top 11 Cheapest Universities for Foreign Students
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International students looking for a high-quality, reasonably priced education now flock to Canada in large numbers. The expense of studying overseas might be a problem for many, but Canadian institutions that provide affordable tuition are a great option for students from other countries. The University of Guelph, Concordia, University of Calgary, University of Saskatchewan, and Simon Fraser University are among the least expensive universities in Canada. With annual fees ranging from 12,000 CAD to 30,000 CAD, the country provides a large selection of degree & diploma programs at reasonable costs.
Learn about some of the most affordable Canadian institutions for foreign students in the most well-liked Canadian cities, such as Toronto, Quebec, Vancouver, and other places, by continuing to read.
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Table of Contents
Introduction
Canada’s education system is well respected when compared to other prominent study locations such as the United States and the United Kingdom. The following article provides a list of some of Canada’s cheap institutions that provide high-quality education to international students. These affordable institutions offer a diverse range of academic possibilities in a variety of disciplines of study, as well as scholarships, fee exemptions, and grants to overseas students. Many of these low-cost universities are approved by the Canadian government and are designated learning institutions (DLIs). Discover Canada’s cheapest universities in prominent cities such as Toronto, Ontario, and Quebec in this blog post.
Top 11 Affordable Universities in Canada
International students’ tuition expenses are often three times greater than those of native students. If you’re seeking for the best affordable higher education alternatives in Canada, the list below might help you make an informed decision. These universities offer various bachelor’s and master’s degree programs at more affordable fees than alternatives. Check out the top eleven cheapest institutions in Canada for international students, along with their average fees, below.
- University of Northern British Columbia
- University of Winnipeg
- University of Ottawa
- Concordia University
- University of Calgary
- University of Saskatchewan
- University of Alberta
- Simon Fraser University
- University of Guelph
- Memorial University of Newfoundland
- Brandon University
1. University of Northern British Columbia
The institution of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) is a public institution based in Prince George, British Columbia. It has continuously been ranked as one of the top small Canadian universities by Maclean Magazine, and it is also among the cheapest universities in Canada for international students. UNBC provides over 50 undergraduate and graduate programs in the arts, sciences, and professional disciplines. With a strong emphasis on research and a diverse range of subjects, UNBC offers an exceptional educational experience for students seeking affordable higher education in Canada.
QS World University Rankings 2024 | 781-790 |
Average Tuition Fee | CAD 10,994-25,813/Year |
Popular Programs | Bachelor of Applied Science B.Com MBA M.Sc. in Health Science Master of Engineering in Integrated Wood Design Master of Education |
Location | Prince George |
Scholarships | UNBC Scholars Early Entrance Awards Entrance Awards In-Course Undergraduate Awards General Awards Graduate Awards Dean/Graduate Program’s Awards Nordic Sports Leadership Awards |
2. University of Winnipeg
The University of Winnipeg, founded in 1967, is a prominent public research institution in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The institution has about 1,400 foreign students from roughly 80 countries, accounting for nearly 16% of the total population of students. It has a high reputation for teaching excellence, diversity, research, and innovation, while also providing an affordable educational experience for international students. The acceptance rate for the University of Winnipeg is 75%, indicating a less tough admissions procedure. To demonstrate your English language competency, you must have an IELTS score of 6.5. Graduate-level students are required to have a minimum GPA of 3.0 (83-86%), while undergraduate applicants must have a minimum high school aggregate of 72-75% to be considered for admission.
Average Tuition Fee | CAD 10,244.34- 26,847 / Year |
Popular Programs |
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Location | Winnipeg |
Scholarships |
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3. University of Ottawa
The University of Ottawa is well-known for its worldwide reach, attracting approximately 40,000 students from diverse nations. The university provides a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral study programs in both English and French, making it one of the world’s largest bilingual universities. The University of Ottawa stands out as one of the most affordable universities in Canada. The institution provides courses in the arts, business management, law, medicine, education, and engineering.
QS World University Rankings 2024 | 203 |
Average Tuition Fee | CAD 24,972-77,520 Per Year |
Popular Programs |
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Location | Ottawa |
Scholarships |
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4. Concordia University
Concordia University is a public university in Canada, founded in 1974. It is located in Montreal, Quebec, and has two campuses that span more than 39 acres, drawing students from 150 countries. With approximately 51,000 students, it provides programs in engineering, economics, computer science, and marketing. The University’s John Molson School of Business is listed among the top ten business schools in Canada. The university is well-known among international students for its reasonable fees in Canada. International students must achieve strict English language competency standards for undergraduate and graduate admission to Concordia University. Undergraduate candidates must have an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with no bands below 5.5 or a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 80. Graduate candidates must have an overall IELTS score of 6.0, with no bands below 6.0, or a TOEFL iBT score of 80.
QS World University Rankings 2024 | 387 |
Average Tuition Fee | CAD 665-1,030 Per Credit |
Popular Programs |
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Location | Montreal |
Scholarships |
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5. University of Calgary
The University of Calgary is a public research institution based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It is one of Canada’s leading research institutions, with a reputation for providing outstanding graduate programs to both international and domestic students. With nearly 33,000 students, the institution features 14 faculties and 85 research institutes and centers. It is ranked sixth in Canada by Research Infosource, with a remarkable graduate employment rate of 94.1%. The University of Calgary provides courses in a variety of disciplines, including accounting and finance, business and economics, engineering, and computer science. It is widely recognised as an affordable institution in Canada for overseas students in 2024, in comparison to prominent universities like the University of Toronto and the University of British Columbia.
QS World University Rankings 2024 | 182 |
Average Tuition Fee | CAD 14,450-42,600/Year |
Popular Programs |
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Location | Calgary |
Scholarships |
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6. University of Saskatchewan
The University of Saskatchewan was founded in 1907 and is based in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. It is one of Canada’s oldest and cheapest universities for overseas students, as well as a member of the U15 Group of Canadian Research institutions. The institution provides various scholarships and bursaries to overseas students seeking an affordable education in Canada. The University of Saskatchewan provides a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate programs in arts, engineering, science, health sciences, business administration, teaching, pharmacy, and other fields. The university requires either an IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6 in each band or a TOEFL score of 86 with a minimum of 19 in each band.
QS World University Rankings 2024 | 345 |
Average Tuition Fee | CAD 19,130-118,056/Year |
Popular Programs |
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Location | Saskatchewan |
Scholarships |
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7. University of Alberta
The University of Alberta is a research-intensive public institution in Canada that is world-renowned for its academic excellence. In addition to its low tuition fees, the University of Alberta is known for its research programs and strong career opportunities. It has almost 9,000 foreign students, with a job placement rate of more than 90%. The institution provides courses in a variety of subjects, including science, the arts, and business. The University of Alberta’s undergraduate tuition price for 12 credits is $5,284.08, which is less than at similar Canadian universities.
QS World University Rankings 2024 | 111 |
Average Tuition Fee | CAD 1,331.40 – 4,945.20 Per 3-Credits |
Popular Programs |
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Location | Edmonton |
Scholarships |
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8. Simon Fraser University
Founded in 1965, Simon Fraser University (SFU) is a public research university situated in British Columbia, Canada. At its three campuses in Burnaby, Surrey, and Vancouver, SFU accommodates over 30,000 students from more than 150 different countries. SFU is one of the most affordable institutions in Canada and it provides a top-notch education at a comparatively affordable cost. The English language competency standards for international students applying to SFU must be fulfilled. A minimum of 6.5 in every section of the IELTS academic exam or an overall score of 93 on the TOEFL iBT, with at least 20 points in each category, are considered acceptable scores.
QS World University Ranking 2024 | 318 |
Average Tuition Fee | CAD 5,842-57,000/Year |
Popular Programs |
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Location | British Columbia |
Scholarships |
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9. University of Guelph
Founded in 1964, the University of Guelph is a public research university situated in Guelph, Ontario. The University of Guelph, which has seven major faculties, enrolls over 30,000 students annually from more than 130 nations. Offering a wide choice of undergraduate, graduate, certificate, and diploma programs, it is one of the top affordable and low-tuition institutions in Canada. The institution requires English language proficiency from prospective overseas students. A minimum TOEFL iBT score of 89 with no score lower than 21 or an overall IELTS score of 6.5 with no band less than 6 are required for undergraduate applicants. A minimum TOEFL iBT score of 89 or an IELTS score of 6.5, with at least 21 points in each of the four categories, is required of graduate applicants.
QS World University Rankings 2024 | 486 |
Average Tuition Fee | CAD 3,979-14,829/Year |
Popular Programs |
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Location | Guelph |
Scholarships |
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10. Memorial University of Newfoundland
Established in 1925, Memorial institution of Newfoundland (MUN) is a public university with its main campus located in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. It offers numerous undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of fields, including the humanities, sciences, engineering, and medicine. For both undergraduate and graduate degrees, MUN has affordable fees for every semester. Furthermore, it offers research and study possibilities in the fields of marine engineering, cold-ocean habitats, aquaculture, and ocean sciences. Over 19,000 students from 115 different countries study at MUN.
In addition to its online offerings, the institution provides over 100 undergraduate programs in both Newfoundland and Labrador. International candidates must fulfil specific requirements for English language ability, such as a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL (iBT) score of 79 for undergraduate courses. The application procedure involves a non-refundable fee.
QS World University Ranking 2024 | 641-650 |
Average Tuition Fee | CAD 5,580.75 – 5,731 CAD for 9 credit hours |
Popular Programs |
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Location | Manitoba |
Scholarships |
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11. Brandon University
Located in Manitoba, Brandon University is a small university. The university is regarded as one of the most affordable for overseas students. Several academic programs, including UG and PG options as well as certificate and diploma programs, are available at Brandon University.
Average Tuition Fee | CAD 5,580 – CAD 5,731 for 9 credit hours |
Popular Programs | BA in Music B.Sc. in Chemistry M.Sc. in Business and Accounting |
Location | Manitoba |
Canada's Cheapest Universities By Province
Canada is a popular study location for international students, with several areas, provinces, and towns to choose from. Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Ottawa, and British Columbia are some of the well-known destinations in Canada with affordable universities. Each of these locations offers distinct opportunities and experiences for students. Find the cheapest universities in Canada based on location below.
Quebec
Ontario
Toronto
British Columbia
Montreal
Ottawa
Vancouver
Quebec
Quebec is a popular destination for overseas students in Canada owing to its cultural variety and exceptional educational value. Some of the cheapest universities in Quebec for overseas students include:
University | Average Tuition Fee | Popular Programs |
10,38,812 INR/17,000 CAD | BA | |
14,22,130 INR/21,000 CAD | MBA | |
12,22,130 INR/20,000 CAD | MBA |
Ontario
Ontario is a popular destination for overseas students in Canada, owing to its world-class universities and employment prospects. With Ottawa, Canada’s capital city, and Toronto, Canada’s financial powerhouse, both located in Ontario, the province provides students with a competitive advantage with degrees that are valuable and globally recognized. Ontario’s universities provide an extraordinary and highly valued education, as well as great placement and work possibilities. The table below lists the cheapest universities in Ontario.
University | Average Tuition Fee | Popular Programs |
13,74,898 INR/22,500 CAD | Master of Management | |
6,11.066 INR/10,000 CAD | Bachelor in Computer Science |
Toronto
Toronto, Canada’s largest city, stands out as an ideal study location for international students seeking to further their education in the country. It was placed 13th among the best student destinations in the world by the QS Best Student City Rankings. This dynamic city not only provides fascinating social experiences, but it also contains some of Toronto’s cheapest universities, making education reasonable. Some universities include:
University | Average Tuition Fee | Popular Programs |
29,94,225 INR/49,000 CAD-4,21,63,600 INR/ 69,000 CAD | BA (Hons.) Design | |
18,29,838 INR/29,945 CAD-23,49,977 INR/38,457 CAD per annum | M.Sc in Data Science and Analytics | |
23,22,050 INR/38,000 CAD-61,41,215 INR/100,500 CAD per annum | B.Sc (Hons.) in Computer Science |
British Columbia
British Columbia has grown as a popular study abroad destination among international students in the last five years, drawing a sizable number of international students. The province is well-known for its low-cost universities in Canada, which make education more affordable for students. British Columbia, with significant cities such as Vancouver, Victoria, and Surrey, as well as other educational hubs, provides excellent academic prospects. All universities have worldwide recognition and rankings, indicating that they provide students with high-quality education on a global scale. Some of the cheapest universities in British Columbia are listed below.
University | Average Tuition Fee | Popular Programs |
9,16,50,00 INR/15,000 CAD | Diploma in Accounting | |
2,13,80,00 INR/35,000 CAD to 48,000 CAD | Bachelor of Applied Science | |
29,33,118 INR/39,000 CAD | B.Sc in Computer Science |
Montreal
Montreal, known as Canada’s cultural hub, attracts foreign students from all over the world. The city has been named one of the world’s best student-friendly cities by the QS Rankings. There are various affordable universities in Montreal for overseas students to consider.
University | Average Tuition Fee | Popular Programs |
22,91,500 INR/37,500 CAD per annum | BBA | |
15,27,600 INR/25,000 CAD per annum | BBA | |
1,28,32,000 INR/21,000 CAD per annum | Bachelor in Accounting |
Ottawa
Ottawa, Canada’s capital, provides foreign students with an inexpensive and globally acclaimed education. It is the country’s fourth-largest city, with a population of over 1.4 million, the majority of whom live in Ottawa and the rest in nearby municipalities such as Gatineau. The city’s distinctive trait is its bilingualism, with both English and French extensively spoken. If you wish to study in Ottawa, here are some of the affordable universities that provide outstanding opportunities to foreign students.
University | Average Tuition Fee | Popular Programs |
20,16,518 INR/33,000 CAD per annum | M.Sc in Innovation and Entrepreneurship | |
1,77,200 INR/29,000 CAD per annum | BBA |
Vancouver
Vancouver, one of the most popular destinations among foreign students, stands out for its placement and employment opportunities. The city is well-known for its top-tier institutions, which provide remarkable facilities and high-quality education and research possibilities. With over 10,000 international students from more than 80 countries, Vancouver has established a reputation as one of the world’s greatest student towns. Find affordable universities in Vancouver below.
University | Average Tuition Fee | Popular Programs |
4,73,500 INR/7,750 CAD-47,00,000 INR/76,800 CAD per annum | BA in Business Communications | |
17,16,179 INR/28,085 CAD-46,70,000 INR/76,423.08 CAD per annum | BA in Economics | |
3,57,000 INR/5,842 CAD-34,79,000 INR/57,000 CAD per annum | BA in Health Sciences, |
Conclusion
Canada is a popular destination for international students looking for affordable universities with excellent academic programs. Canada’s tuition expenses are much lower than those in the United States, making it an ideal place for studying abroad in a variety of subjects. Many affordable institutions in Canada have great placement records and provide a variety of work options. With over 621,000 foreign student enrollments, Canada is an excellent choice for quality education and value for money.
The 11 Universities listed above strike an outstanding mix between price and educational quality, making them perfect for students on a tight budget. While tuition costs are important, keep in mind the other expenditures of studying abroad, such as living expenses, health insurance, and transport.
If you’re torn between options, all you need is professional advice to choose the finest Canadian university for your study abroad goals. Who can be better than Global Campus? Our experts will assist you in finding effective answers to all your study abroad challenges. Contact us today!
FAQs
Which are the cheapest institutions in Canada?
The cheap universities in Canada are:
- University of Alberta
- University of Calgary
- University of Ottawa
- University of Saskatchewan
- Concordia University
- University of Guelph
- Memorial University of Newfoundland
- University of Northern British Columbia
- Simon Fraser University
- University of Winnipeg
- Brandon University
Which Canadian cities have the lowest cost of living for overseas students?
The top six cheapest cities in Canada for international students are:
- Calgary, Alberta
- Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
- Kitchener-Cambridge-Waterloo, Ontario
- Montréal, Quebec
- Moncton, New Brunswick
- Winnipeg, Manitoba
Can I Get Free Education in Canada?
It is important for prospective students to know that Canada does not have any tuition-free universities. For their programs, all Canadian institutions charge a tuition fee. However, if they are granted a fully-funded scholarship, students could be able to continue their studies without having to worry about paying for tuition.
What is the average tuition fee for the most affordable Canadian universities?
The average annual tuition fee at most affordable institutions in Canada is between 12,000 and 45,000 CAD.
Is it easy to get into affordable institutions in Canada?
Yes! International students can easily acquire admission to affordable universities in Canada if they meet all of the requirements for admission.
Which is the cheapest University in Canada?
The University of Guelph is by far one of the cheapest universities in Canada, with average annual tuition rates ranging from CAD 3,979 to CAD 14,829.
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