As an international student, you know that college in Canada isn’t cheap. But the good news is there are some very affordable universities that offer world-class education at a lower cost.
In this post we’ve rounded up 10 of the most inexpensive universities in Canada for international students. We’re talking low, and affordable tuition all at reputable schools where you can earn a valuable degree. Whether you want to study business, engineering, humanities or sciences, you can get an affordable education in Canada.
Keep reading to discover 10 of the cheapest universities in Canada for international students.
Why Study in Canada?
Studying in Canada has some major perks. For one, Canadian universities offer world-class education at lower costs than schools in the US or UK.
You’ll also get to experience the beauty of Canada with its natural scenery, vibrant cities, and outdoor activities galore. Four seasons mean you can go hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter!
Canada’s economy is booming, so as an international student you’ll have opportunities to work while you study and after you graduate. Most schools have internship programs to help you gain Canadian work experience.
Canada is an open, peaceful and safe country. Canadians are famous for being some of the friendliest people on earth. You’ll feel welcomed and supported throughout your studies.
There are many paths to permanent residency in Canada, so studying there can be a great way to immigrate if you choose. Over 250,000 international students go to Canada each year, and many become permanent residents after graduating.
Overall, Canada offers a high quality of life, stunning natural beauty and a peaceful society where people from all over the world feel at home. For a top-notch education at an affordable price, Canada is the place to be.
Top 10 Cheap Universities in Canada for International Students
Canada has some of the most affordable universities in the world for international students. Here are 10 Cheapest Universities for International Students in Canada:
Simon Fraser University
Simon Fraser University (SFU) is located in British Columbia, Canada. Founded in 1965, SFU has three campuses in Burnaby, Surrey and Vancouver. It comprises more than 30,000 students and 160,000 alumni.
SFU tuition fee varies by program and campus but has an average tuition fee of around $13,000 per year for undergraduate international students. It offers a variety of courses and programs including sciences, applied sciences, arts, business, communication, education, engineering, environment, and health sciences.
Some of the popular programs include:
- BA in Health Sciences,
- BBA,
- Certificate in Innovation and Entrepreneurship,
- M.Sc in Applied Mathematics
Whether you want to study in a campus surrounded by mountains or in the heart of a city, SFU has a place for you. Experience all that British Columbia has to offer natural beauty, vibrant culture, and a multicultural society.
University of Guelph
The University of Guelph is located in Guelph, Ontario, about an hour west of Toronto. Founded in 1964, the university has a reputation for excellence in life sciences and agriculture.
The university, which has seven academic divisions and multiple research centers, provides more than 90 undergraduate degrees, 48 master’s programs, and 23 doctoral programs. The institution also includes the MacKinnon Building, which houses Canada’s largest library, with over two million volumes.
Tuition fees at Guelph are quite affordable, averaging around $16,000 per year for undergraduate international students. The university
Popular programs include:
- BA in Art History
- Meng. in Biomedical
- MBA
- B.Sc in Computer Science
- Graduate Certificate Business
- M.Sc in Clinical Studies
The campus spans over 1,500 acres with modern facilities and student housing. Guelph has a vibrant and close-knit campus culture with over 200 student clubs and organizations to get involved in.
Overall, the University of Guelph provides high quality and affordable education in a supportive learning environment. For budget-conscious international students, Guelph deserves consideration as an excellent choice in Canada.
Concordia University
Concordia University, located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, was founded in 1974. With an average tuition of only $30,000 per year for undergraduate programs, Concordia is one of the most affordable universities for international students in Canada.
Concordia offers over 400 undergraduate and over 120 graduate programs and courses in Four faculties, a school of graduate studies and numerous colleges, centres and institutes, the faculties are: Faculty of Arts and Science, Faculty of Fine Arts, Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science, and the John Molson School of Business. The university has a strong reputation for research in fields like aerospace, artificial intelligence, digital arts and humanities.
Some of the popular programs include:
- B.Com
- B.Eng in Aerospace
- Master of Supply Chain Management
- Master of Applied Computer Science
The main campus is located in a culturally vibrant downtown area of Montreal with two metro stations nearby for easy access. Concordia has over 50,000 students and is known for its diverse and international student body, with students from over 150 countries.
Concordia provides an affordable, high-quality education in an exciting city. For budget-conscious international students, Concordia should be at the top of your list.
University of Calgary
The University of Calgary is located in Calgary, Alberta and was founded in 1966. The average undergraduate tuition fee for international students is around $25,000 per year.
The university has over 250 undergraduate programs and 170 degrees across 65 graduate programs spanning across 14 faculties and over 85 research institutes and centres.
Some of the popular programs include:
- BA in Anthropology
- B.Sc in Geography
- M.Sc in Accounting
- M.Sc in Software Engineering
The university has a strong focus on research and ranks among the top research universities in Canada.
The main campus, covering over 200 hectares, is in a suburban setting in north-west Calgary. The university has a number of research facilities, including the University Research Park. The university has over 32,000 students, including over 3,000 international students from 155 countries.
The university has a number of student supports available, including scholarships, housing, health insurance, and career resources. The university has over 275 student clubs and organizations, as well as varsity athletic teams. The university has an active campus life with events, concerts, lectures, and recreational activities.
Overall, the University of Calgary offers high quality and affordable education with a variety of programs in an attractive city and campus environment. For those looking for an affordable yet reputable university in Canada, the University of Calgary is an excellent choice.
University of Saskatchewan
The University of Saskatchewan is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. Founded in 1907, it is a public research university. With a campus size of over 500 acres, the university has over over 80 distinct programs in over 130 fields of study and an enrolment of over 25,000 students. The University of Saskatchewan is the largest educational institution in Saskatchewan, Canada.
The University of Saskatchewan is a member of the U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities (the 15 most research-intensive universities in Canada) and one of Canada’s top research universities (based on the number of Canada Research Chairs).
The average tuition fee for international undergraduate students is around $26,000 per year.
Some of the popular programs include:
- B.Sc in Biomedical Neuroscience
- B.Sc in Computer Engineering
- M.Com
- M.Sc in Computer Science
It has many student exchange programs and research partnerships with universities around the world.
The university has a long history of more than 100 years. It has produced many notable alumni including scientists, politicians, business leaders, and athletes.
University of Alberta
The University of Alberta is a top 5 research university located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Founded in 1908, the U of A has a long, rich history of excellence in teaching, research and community service. It has five campuses across Edmonton with over 38,000 students enrolled in 200+ undergraduate and over 500 graduate programs across 18 faculties.
The average tuition fees for international undergraduates is around $10,000 per year. The U of A offers a wide range of courses and programs in arts, science, business, engineering, health sciences, and education.
Some of the popular programs are:
- B.Sc in Civil Engineering
- M.Sc in Dental Hygiene
- B.Com (Hons.)
- M.Eng in Mechanical engineering
The university has more than 200 student clubs and sports teams, with the U of A Golden Bears and Pandas athletic teams competing in U Sports. The U of A has a vibrant campus life with many recreational facilities, eateries, residences and amenities for students.
University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC)
The University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) is located in Prince George, British Columbia. Founded in 1990, UNBC has a small student population of about 3,656 students. It offers more than 62 bachelor degrees, 29 master degrees, and 3 PhD degrees.
Some of the major programs include:
- Bachelor of Applied Science
- B.Com
- MBA
- M.Sc in Health Science
UNBC has a scenic campus in a natural setting, with forests, trails and the Nechako River. Undergraduate tuition fees for international students are around $10,000 per year. UNBC provides unique opportunities for learning and research in northern British Columbia.
University of Winnipeg
The University of Winnipeg is located in downtown Winnipeg, Manitoba. It has a long history but we will summarize it. Manitoba College, founded in 1871, and Wesley College, founded in 1888, combined to establish United College in 1938. United College was granted a charter in 1967 and became the University of Winnipeg. University of Winnipeg is a public university focused on undergraduate studies with an average tuition of only $12,000 per year for international students.
Some of the most popular programs at the UWinnipeg include:
- BBA
- MBA
- B.Sc in Chemistry
- M.Sc in Applied Computer Science
With small class sizes, dedicated professors and an urban campus, the University of Winnipeg provides high quality education at an affordable cost. For budget-conscious international students, it is an excellent choice to earn a degree in Canada.
University of Ottawa
The University of Ottawa, located in the heart of Canada’s capital, is a bilingual public university that was established in 1848. With a student population of over 47,000, uOttawa offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs including Arts, Education, Engineering, Health Sciences, Management, Science and Social Sciences.
Tuition fees for international undergraduate students average around $38,692 per year, depending on the program. uOttawa provides many scholarships and bursaries for international students to help make their education more affordable.
Some of the popular majors of study for international students include:
- M.Sc in Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- B.Sc in Biochemistry
- BBA
The university has three campuses located in Ottawa, Toronto and Windsor. Students can get involved in over 250 clubs and enjoy a vibrant student life in Canada’s capital city. uOttawa’s notable alumni include politicians, business leaders, scientists and artists.
With a long history of excellence in research and education, the University of Ottawa is a wonderful place for international students to pursue their dreams and open up opportunities for an exciting career.
Brandon University
Brandon University is located in Brandon, Manitoba. Founded in 1899, it is a public university with an average tuition of $10,000 per year for undergrad programs. Brandon University offers over 30 undergraduate and graduate programs in arts, education, music, and science.
Some of the popular majors are:
- BA in Music
- B.Sc in Chemistry
- M.Sc in Business and Accounting
The campus has many historical buildings with Gothic Revival architecture. Brandon University has over 3,000 students and is focused on small class sizes for a more personalized learning experience. They aim to provide high quality and accessible education.
With affordable tuition and a variety of programs, Brandon University is an excellent choice for international students looking to study in Canada on a budget. The small city of Brandon has a low cost of living and natural surroundings, being close to Riding Mountain National Park.
Frequently asked Questions
Many international students have questions about studying in Canada on a budget. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the cheapest universities in Canada:
Do I need a student visa to study in Canada?
Yes, as an international student you will need to obtain a Canadian study permit to enroll in any program of study in Canada that is longer than 6 months. The requirements and application process for a study permit will depend on your country of citizenship.
Are there scholarships or funding available for international students?
Yes, many Canadian universities offer scholarships, bursaries, and other financial assistance for international students. Some options include:
- Entrance scholarships based on your academic grades
- Need-based bursaries for students from developing countries
- Teaching or research assistantships where you work part-time at the university in exchange for funding
- Private scholarships and student loans provided by organizations and banks
- On-campus work opportunities through the university’s work-study program
Be sure to check with the universities you’re interested in to explore all options for funding your studies. With some digging, you can find ways to offset the costs of your education in Canada.
Conclusion
So there you have it, 10 of the cheapest universities in Canada for international students. Any of these schools would be an excellent choice if you’re looking for a high-quality yet budget-friendly education. With stunning campuses, innovative programs, and a diverse student population, Canada has so much to offer. And the best part is you don’t need a huge bank account to experience it.
Education is meant to be accessible for everyone, regardless of their financial situation. If money has been the only thing holding you back from studying abroad, let this list inspire you. There are affordable options out there if you look for them. So start researching scholarships, save up, and get ready for a life-changing adventure at one of these cheap Canadian universities.