10 cheap universities in Canada for international students

If you are looking for a quality, affordable education, Canada is the place to be. There are many excellent universities in Canada that offer low tuition fees for international students.

In this article, we will discuss 10 of the best cheap universities in Canada. So whether you are interested in studying business, engineering, or medicine, there is a university in Canada that fits your needs! 

Also read: Study in Canada

Simon Fraser University

Simon Fraser University (SFU), founded in 1965 as the first Canadian university, is located in British Columbia, Canada. The campus boasts modern architecture with traditional elements comprising a wide array of research facilities, including specialised labs and libraries that cater to the diverse interests of SFU's students and faculty.

In addition to its main campus, SFU has two satellite campuses in Vancouver and Surrey that offer a wide range of academic programs. With these three campuses combined, SFU is one of the top universities in Canada and abroad for providing an exceptional educational experience.

Simon Fraser University (SFU) is one of the cheapest universities in Canada, offering an excellent quality of education at a relatively low cost. Tuition fees vary by program and campus but generally range from approximately $13,000 annually for international students. 

SFU also offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid programs to help offset the cost of tuition, enabling more students to access quality education. All in all, SFU has made higher education more accessible than ever before. With its competitive tuition fees and commitment to student success, it is an ideal choice for anyone looking to further their education. 

Also Read: 10 of the cheapest countries to study abroad

University of Guelph

The University of Guelph is a comprehensive public research university located in the city of Guelph, Ontario. Founded in 1964, it is one of Canada’s oldest universities, with a total enrollment of over 27,000 students and an annual budget of over $500 million.

With seven academic divisions and numerous research centers, the university offers more than 90 undergraduate degrees, 48 master's programs, and 23 doctoral programs. The university is also home to the MacKinnon Building, which houses the largest library in Canada, with more than two million volumes.

The University of Guelph is one of the cheapest universities in Canada, offering a wide range of courses to students from all backgrounds. However, tuition fees vary depending on the program chosen and the number of credit hours enrolled.

For example, an undergraduate arts or science program may cost $7,236 per year for full-time students and $1,924 per course for part-time students. Graduate programs typically range from $4,800 to $10,000 in tuition fees. The University also offers a variety of scholarships and awards to help offset tuition costs.

Also Read: How much does it cost to study in Canada?

Concordia University

Concordia University is a public university that was founded in 1974 through the merger of Loyola College and Sir George Williams University. It is located in Montreal, Quebec, and has two campuses that cover more than 39 acres and home to over 45,000 students from 150 countries.

It is a comprehensive university that offers undergraduate and graduates degrees in arts & science, fine arts, engineering & computer science, business, journalism and communication, and more.

Tuition fees at Concordia are some of the cheapest in Canada, with bachelor’s degrees starting at around $6,000 per year. In addition, financial aid and scholarships are available to help make tuition more affordable.

Concordia University provides a range of student services to ensure students receive the support they need during their studies. The student services team can assist with academic and personal issues, career counselling, health care, and more. This allows Concordia students to focus on their studies without worrying about other aspects of life.

Also read: Living Cost for International Students in Canada

University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is located in the heart of Alberta's largest city and is home to over 30,000 students. The university campus covers a sprawling 200 hectares and is considered one of the most beautiful campuses in Canada, with spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains.

The University has its own foundation to support students, faculty, and staff through scholarships, grants, and awards. It also funds research initiatives at the university, helping foster new knowledge development and innovative solutions.

The University of Calgary is one of the cheapest universities in Canada, with competitive tuition fees for both domestic and international students. With tuition fees below the national average, it provides great value for students pursuing their degrees and educational goals. It offers flexible payment plans that allow students to spread out tuition payments over the course of the semester, making it easier for them to manage their finances. 

For international students, the university has a variety of visas and work permits available that can make it easier to study at the University of Calgary. Moreover, the university provides a wide variety of support services to help students succeed in their studies and find employment after graduation.

Also Read: Is it Safe to Study in Canada?

University of Saskatchewan

The University of Saskatchewan is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and has a campus of over 500 hectares. The university also has a foundation that supports its various programs and scholarships. There are currently over 22,000 students enrolled in different undergraduate and graduate degrees, including arts, engineering, science, health sciences, business administration, education, pharmacy, and many more.

In addition to its academic programs, the University also offers many other services like student housing, counseling, and career development.

The tuition fees of the University of Saskatchewan for international students vary depending on the program and degree level. For undergraduate studies, the tuition fee ranges from $19,200 to $33,500 per year, while the graduate tuition fee may range from $3,400 to $10,000 per year. 

International students may also have to pay for living expenses, such as housing and food. However, the University of Saskatchewan offers several financial aid options to help international students cover their tuition fees and other costs associated with studying at the University. Scholarships, bursaries, and grants are available to eligible applicants who demonstrate academic excellence or financial need. 

Work opportunities are also available on or off campus, which can help international students earn money while they study.

Also Read: Canada Education System for International Students

Brandon University

Brandon University, located in Manitoba, offers a wide range of degrees and programs across its three faculties: arts, science, and education. The university boasts several unique research initiatives that have put it on the map, including the Centre for Aboriginal and Rural Education Studies, which focuses on indigenous issues.

The university also has a variety of student services and support programs, such as the Student Success Centre, which provides academic advising, career counselling, financial aid advice, and much more. Additionally, Brandon University is home to a vibrant campus life with student clubs and organisations that organize events throughout the year.

Brandon University prides itself on providing affordable education to its students, with tuition fees that are substantially lower than those of other Canadian universities. The average cost of tuition at Brandon University is around $2,700 per year for undergraduate programs and around $3,400 per year for graduate programs. In addition to these low tuition rates, Brandon University also offers financial aid and scholarships to students in need, allowing them to make their education more accessible.

Also read: Is schooling harder in the US than Canada?

University of Northern British Columbia

The University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) is a public university located in Prince George, British Columbia. It offers more than 50 programs across three faculties – arts, science, and professional studies – ranging from undergraduate to graduate level.

It has an enrollment of over 3,000 students, a student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1, and a vibrant student life – with over 60 clubs and organisations on campus. In addition, it provides excellent support services such as mental health counselling, career guidance, academic advising, and many others, which help students reach their full potential.

The University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) is known as the cheapest university in Canada, with tuition fees at UNBC being lower than most other universities in the country due to its unique fee structure. Tuition fees are determined by the program of study and the student's residency status ranging from $2,000 to $9,500 per year. International students are charged higher tuition fees than domestic students, with the exact amount depending on their program of choice.

Canadian Mennonite University

Canadian Mennonite University (CMU), founded in 1999 by the Mennonite Church of Canada, is located in Winnipeg, Manitoba. It offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs in areas such as arts, sciences, business, education, and music.

In addition to its academic programs, CMU offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports and student organisations. Students can also get involved in the Mennonite community by attending weekly worship services or volunteering with local charities.

Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) is an ideal choice for those who want to pursue their academic dreams without breaking the bank with an undergraduate tuition fee of just $12,327 per year. In addition, CMU has established a work-study program to help students find jobs related to their field of study, allowing them to gain valuable experience while helping cover some of their tuition costs.

University of Regina

The University of Regina, established in 1911, is located in Regina, Saskatchewan. The university campus comprises 10 faculties, 25 research centers, and over 100 clubs where students can get involved to experience vibrant campus life. The university is home to an extensive library system that includes several specialised libraries, such as the Health Sciences Library and the Drinkle Library. Additionally, the on-campus Student Centre and Wellness Centre help students stay healthy and get involved in campus life.

The University of Regina is renowned for being one of the cheapest universities in Canada, boasting tuition fees far below the national average. The tuition fee per semester for international students range from $2,000-$7,800 per semester. 

The University of Regina also offers flexible payment plans to spread the tuition cost over a longer period. The University of Regina is committed to making education accessible through its Tuition Reduction Program, which provides tuition fee waivers for eligible students.

Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN)

The Memorial University of Newfoundland, located in St. John's, was founded in 1925. It offers various undergraduate and graduate programs, including humanities, sciences, engineering, and medicine, and has several research institutes focusing on ocean sciences, aquaculture, and cold-ocean environments.

Memorial University has several satellite campuses in other parts of the province in addition to its main campus in St. John's. The university is also home to Research and Innovation Park, which connects industry partners with academic research expertise.

The Memorial University of Newfoundland has a very affordable tuition fee but the actual tuition fee amounts vary depending on the program and credits taken; for example, the average undergraduate tuition fee for a full-time program is $5,400 per year, significantly less than many other universities in Canada.

MUN also offers a variety of financial assistance and scholarships to help students cover the cost of their tuition, like scholarships, bursaries, grants, and loans to both domestic and international students. Additionally, MUN offers a tuition rebate program that can help further reduce the cost of tuition for qualifying students.

MUN offers a range of academic support services and resources to help students succeed in their studies. This includes a writing center that provides:

• Free one-on-one consultations.
• An academic success center offering tutoring sessions.
• A library with access to over 6 million books.

With all these features combined, MUN is the perfect choice for those looking for a quality university education at an affordable price.

Province-Wise Cheap Universities in Canada

Below is a list of cheap universities in Canada sorted location-wise:

• Toronto
• Montreal
• Vancouver
• Ottawa
• British Columbia
• Quebec
• Ontario

1. Toronto:

University: OCAD University 
Average Tuition Fee: CAD 49,000 - CAD 69,000

University: Ryerson University
Average Tuition Fee: CAD 29,945 -CAD 38,457

2. Montreal:

University: University of Quebec at Montreal
Average Tuition Fee: CAD 49,000 - CAD 69,000

University: Concordia University
Average Tuition Fee: CAD 37,500

3. Vancouver:

University: Simon Fraser University
Average Tuition Fee: CAD 5,842 - CAD 57,000

University: University Canada West
Average Tuition Fee: CAD 7,750 - CAD 76,800

4. Ottawa:

University: University of Ottawa
Average Tuition Fee: CAD 33,000

University: Carleton University
Average Tuition Fee: CAD 29,000

5. British Columbia:

University: Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Average Tuition Fee: CAD 15,000

University: University of Northern British Columbia
Average Tuition Fee: CAD 35,000 to CAD 48,000

6. Quebec:

University: University of Montreal
Average Tuition Fee: CAD 21,000

University: TELUQ University
Average Tuition Fee: CAD 17,000

7. Ontario:

University: University of Windsor
Average Tuition Fee: CAD 22,500

University: University of Guelph
Average Tuition Fee: CAD 10,000

Frequently Asked Questions:

Which university has lowest fee in Canada?

Universities with lowest fee in Canada:

• University of Calgary
• University of Guelph
• University of Manitoba
• University of Sasketchawan
• Memorial University of Newfoundland
• Bow Valley College
• Humber College
• Algonquin College
• Simon Fraser University

Is Canada a cheap place to study?

Canada offers affordable education, with tuition fees ranging from CAD 12,000 to CAD 30,000 per year, making it a an economical option, without compromising on the quality of education.

Is Canada cheaper to study than us?

On average, the cost of living in Canada is 13% cheaper than living in the US. Even in some of the largest Canadian cities, cost of living is cheaper than their US counterparts. Canadian tuition is also cheaper in general than US tuition.

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