Key takeaways
- Tuition fees in Canada differ by province – Ontario and British Columbia have higher fees while Quebec and Manitoba offer more affordable university options.
- UG programs generally cost CAD 15,000 to CAD 30,000 per year, while PG and doctoral programs can range from CAD 17,000 to CAD 45,000 annually.
- Programs like business, engineering, and medicine have higher tuition fees, whereas arts and humanities programs are generally more affordable.
- Some institutions, like DEA Canadian College and Alexander College, offer lower tuition, while universities like Northeastern University and Vancouver Film School charge higher tuition fees.
- Urban centres like Toronto and Vancouver tend to have a higher cost of living compared to smaller cities like Halifax or Winnipeg.
When planning to study in Canada, you should know that Canada stands out as one of the most desirable destinations for international students. This is because of Canada’s world-class universities, diverse culture, research opportunities, and overall student experience. In this article, we will be comparing the university fees for Canadian colleges for international students. The cost of studying in Canada can vary significantly based on the university, level of study, program, and location. For all this and a comprehensive tuition fee comparison, read on!
Table of Contents
- Understanding university fees in Canada
- Comparison of university tuition fees in Canada based on study level
- Canadian university tuition comparison based on field of study
- List of high-tuition and affordable universities in Canada
- Canadian universities with affordable fees
- Comparison of university tuition fees in Canada based on province
- Frequently asked questions
Time is running out! Secure your spot for the upcoming intake—apply today!
Understanding university fees in Canada
Before diving into specifics, let’s first understand the factors that contribute to the cost of universities in Canada:
- Type of institution
- Program of study
- Province
- Study level
Also read: Canada’s latest immigration updates for international students that you shouldn’t miss
Comparison of university tuition fees in Canada based on study level
Tuition fees can differ based on the study level. Undergraduate (UG), postgraduate (PG), and doctoral programs have different tuition rates, with postgraduate programs typically being more expensive. Let’s understand in detail:
Undergraduate programs
Undergraduate programs (UG) are the most common among international students and can be pursued in a wide range of fields.
- On average, undergraduate tuition fees for international students in Canada range from CAD 15,000 to CAD 30,000 annually.
- Top UG programs in Canada include Business, Engineering, Computer Science, and Arts & Humanities.
Postgraduate programs (Master’s and MBA)
Postgraduate (PG) programs, including Master's degrees and MBAs, typically have higher tuition fees.
- On average, postgraduate tuition fees for international students in Canada range from CAD 17,000 to CAD 45,000 annually.
- Programs like MBA, Engineering, Computer Sciences and Medical Sciences have particularly high costs due to their specialised nature.
Doctoral programs (PhD)
PhD programs tend to be the most expensive in terms of tuition due to the years of research and specialised academic supervision involved.
- On average, tuition fees for doctoral programs range from CAD 7000 to CAD 20,000 annually.
- Many Canadian universities offer research assistantships, fellowships, or scholarships to help offset costs.
- Top doctoral programs in Canada include Engineering, Natural Sciences, Medical Sciences, and Social Sciences.
Time is running out! Secure your spot for the upcoming intake—apply today!
Canadian university tuition comparison based on field of study
In Canada, tuition fees differ based on the field of study. Some programs, such as medical and law degrees, tend to have higher fees due to the specialised and intensive nature of the studies, while others are at an affordable range. Read to know more.
Business programs
Business programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees in business administration, tend to have higher tuition fees due to their high demand and the prestige associated with them.
- MBA programs, especially, can be quite costly.
- The fee for UG Business courses ranges from CAD 15,000 to CAD 35,000 per year, and PG Business courses cost around CAD 20,000 to CAD 50,000 per year.
Engineering programs
Engineering programs are some of the most expensive study programs in Canada. Engineering students typically pay higher tuition fees because of its specialised nature of the curriculum and lab facilities.
- The fee for UG Engineering courses ranges from CAD 18,000 to CAD 45,000 per year.
- PG Engineering courses cost around CAD 20,000 to CAD 45,000 per year.
Arts and Humanities
Arts and Humanities programs are typically more affordable than STEM programs. This is because they don’t require expensive lab equipment or resources, making them less costly.
- The fee for UG arts and humanities courses ranges from CAD 12,000 to CAD 25,000 per year.
- PG Arts and humanities courses cost around CAD 15,000 to CAD 30,000 per year
Medical programs
Medical programs in Canada are generally very expensive due to the specialised nature of the education and the lengthy program duration.
- The fee for UG medical programs (medical sciences and pre-med programs) ranges from CAD 30,000 to CAD 60,000 per year.
- PG medical programs also cost around CAD 30,000 to CAD 60,000 per year.
Law programs
Law programs in Canada also command high tuition fees. The JD (Juris Doctor) program is popular for those wishing to pursue a career in law, and tuition for these programs can be quite high.
- The fee for UG law programs ranges from CAD 18,000 to CAD 35,000 per year.
- PG law programs cost around CAD 25,000 to CAD 50,000 per year.
Time is running out! Secure your spot for the upcoming intake—apply today!
List of high-tuition and affordable universities in Canada
Canada offers a wide range of universities to fit different budgets. Whether you choose a high-tuition institution or an affordable one, both provide quality education and great career opportunities. Public universities tend to have lower tuition fees compared to private ones. Here’s a quick look at the top universities in Canada for international studens:
Canadian universities with high tuition fees
| University | Annual tuition fee | Key features |
| Northeastern University | CAD 25,000 to CAD 40,000 | Known for business, engineering, and technology programs, with co-op opportunities. |
| New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) | CAD 20,000 to CAD 30,000 | Offers specialised technology, business, and engineering degrees. |
| Vancouver Film School | CAD 22,000 to CAD 30,000 | A leading choice for film, animation, and gaming programs. |
| University of Victoria | CAD 18,000 to CAD 22,000 | Strong in arts, business, and engineering with research opportunities. |
| St. Francis Xavier University | CAD 18,000 to CAD 22,000 | Known for liberal arts and science programs with a close-knit campus community. |
Also read: 12 things I wish I knew before studying in Canada
Related articles
Canadian universities with affordable fees
| University | Annual tuition fee | Key features |
| DEA Canadian College | CAD 7000 to CAD 13,000 | Offers affordable business and healthcare programs. |
| Alexander College | CAD 8000 to CAD 14,000 | Great for arts, science, and business, with transfer options. |
| Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles – Campus Montréal | CAD 7000 to CAD 13,000 | Affordable French-language business and tech programs. |
| Academy of Learning Career College | CAD 7000 to CAD 10,000 | Focuses on career-ready programs like healthcare and IT. |
| Cégep Marie-Victorin | CAD 7000 to CAD 12,000 | Offers health sciences and technical programs at lower tuition. |
Time is running out! Secure your spot for the upcoming intake—apply today!
Comparison of university tuition fees in Canada based on province
Tuition fees differ from province to province due to regional funding, cost of living, and the institution's prestige. Let's deep dive into how it varies:
Ontario
Ontario is home to some of Canada’s most prestigious universities. International tuition fees in Ontario tend to be on the higher side, reflecting the quality of education and research opportunities available.
- The average tuition fees range from CAD 18,000 to CAD 45,000 per year.
- Recommended universities in the Ontario region include Trent University, Nipissing University, and Georgian College of Applied Arts and Technology, and Conestoga College.
British Columbia (BC)
British Columbia is known for its beautiful landscapes and strong academic institutions. BC is a popular destination for international students, with a slightly lower cost of living than Ontario but comparable tuition fees.
- The average tuition fees range from CAD 15,000 to CAD 30,000 per year.
- Recommended universities in the British Columbia region include University Canada West, DEA Canadian College, University of Northern British Columbia and New York Institute of Technology Vancouver.
Quebec
Quebec stands out for its relatively lower tuition fees, particularly for international students studying in French. However, you must be proficient in French to take full advantage of the tuition benefits in this province.
- The average tuition fees range from CAD 12,000 to CAD 18,000 per year.
- Recommended universities in the Quebec region include LaSalle College, Cégep Marie-Victorin and Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles - Campus Montréal.
Alberta
Alberta is another province with relatively high-quality universities and programs. Tuition fees in Alberta are generally moderate to high compared to other provinces.
- The average tuition fees range from CAD 16,000 to CAD 35,000 per year.
- Recommended universities in the Alberta region include Bow Valley College and Southern Alberta Institute of Technology.
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia offers a few excellent universities that provide quality education at slightly lower tuition rates than some larger provinces.
- The average tuition fees range from CAD 14,000 to CAD 22,000 per year.
- Recommended universities in the Nova Scotia region include Cape Breton University, Acadia University and St. Francis Xavier University.
The cost of studying in Canada varies widely based on factors like province, program, and study level. You can expect to pay between CAD 7000 and CAD 45,000 annually, with high-demand fields like engineering, medicine, and business often having the highest tuition fees.
While provinces like Ontario and British Columbia typically have higher fees, Quebec and Manitoba offer more affordable options. Additionally, some universities cater to various budgets, with institutions such as DEA Canadian College and Alexander College providing affordable tuition, while prestigious schools like Northeastern University and the University of Victoria are on the higher end. Understanding these factors helps you make an informed decision about your studies in Canada.
We’re a global technology-enabled platform to help international students like you study abroad. Download our all-in-one study abroad app, which makes it easy to find courses, apply, and enrol in international universities. With over 18 years of experience, we've helped more than 85,000 students from 25+ countries achieve their study-abroad dreams. You could be next!
Need help in selecting the right university? We are here to support you every step of the way.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most affordable university in Canada?
Some of the most affordable universities for international students in Canada include DEA Canadian College, Alexander College, and Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles, with tuition fees ranging from CAD 7000 to CAD 14,000.
How much are university fees in Canada?
Tuition fees in Canada vary based on the program and university, but on average, international students can expect to pay between CAD 7,000 to CAD 29,000 per year.
Which university has the lowest fee in Canada?
Memorial University of Newfoundland is often cited as having the lowest tuition fees for international students, with annual fees around CAD 11,000 to CAD 15,000.
How much is college in Canada for 4 years?
The total cost of college for an international student in Canada (including tuition, living expenses, and other fees) for 4 years could range from CAD 60,000 to CAD 120,000, depending on the institution.
How much does it cost to study in Canada from India?
The total cost for an Indian student to study in Canada (including tuition, living expenses, insurance, etc.) can range from INR 15 lakh to INR 40 lakh for a 4-year undergraduate program, depending on the university and location.
