15 Cheapest Universities in Canada for International Students

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In Canada, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in Canada without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Canada, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 129 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Canada, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Canada for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Canada ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Saskatchewan Polytechnic 4,932 CAD - 24,100 CAD 79%
University of Fredericton 7,020 CAD - 9,360 CAD 70%
NSCAD University 8,264 CAD - 12,400 CAD 64%
Red River College Polytechnic 8,808 CAD - 10,600 CAD 62%
LaSalle College Vancouver 8,880 CAD - 16,500 CAD 62%
College of the North Atlantic 9,162 CAD - 14,100 CAD 60%
Canadian Mennonite University 9,216 CAD - 11,600 CAD 60%
Yukon University 9,600 CAD - 12,000 CAD 58%
Booth University College 9,800 CAD - 12,300 CAD 58%
Redeemer University 9,987 CAD 57%
Holland College 10,400 CAD - 11,700 CAD 55%
College of New Caledonia 11,300 CAD - 14,200 CAD 51%
Mohawk College 11,400 CAD - 15,400 CAD 51%
University College of the North 11,500 CAD - 16,900 CAD 50%
Kingswood University 12,000 CAD 48%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 22,900 CAD for universities in Canada.

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1. Saskatchewan Polytechnic

Saskatchewan Polytechnic, often called Sask Polytech, is a post-secondary institution in Saskatchewan, Canada. It is the primary polytechnic in the province and is dedicated to providing career-focused education and applied learning opportunities. The institution has multiple campuses across the province, including Saskatoon, Regina, Moose Jaw, and Prince Albert. Each campus has modern facilities, specialized laboratories, industry-standard equipment, and resources supporting hands-on learning experiences.

2. University of Fredericton

The University of Fredericton believes education should be accessible, convenient and flexible. As a result, it is a fully online university offering degree and certificate programs. It is one of Canada’s best online universities and was designed from the ground up to be a fully online university. Furthermore, the university boasts a capacity to deliver the same quality of education as on-campus universities with the results to back it up.

 

3. NSCAD University

Specialising in art and design, the NSCAD University is a small but prestigious institution in Halifax. The university has produced numerous respected artists and performers since its establishment in 1887. It achieved great acclaim in the art sphere by continually honing previous expertise and swiftly testing or adopting new ideas. What distinguishes NSCAD from other art schools in Canada is its emphasis on craftsmanship and creation. As a result, the university offers numerous craft programs like ceramics making, jewellery design, and fashion.

4. Red River College Polytechnic

Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) is one of Manitoba’s largest centers for training and research in applied and technical subjects. It has eight campuses in the province, with three in Winnipeg and five across other regions, including rural communities. As a polytechnic college, the institute focuses on providing training that is practical and hands-on. It aims to prepare students to join the workforce to build their careers and contribute to the economic growth of the province.

5. LaSalle College Vancouver

LaSalle College, a leading art and design college in Vancouver, is a member of the LCI Education network, comprising 23 campuses across five continents. LaSalle offers diplomas, certificates, and undergraduate degree programs in applied arts and design. Students benefit from small classes with opportunities for individual attention, access to advanced technology, and leading experts as teachers. The institute has the vision to become one of the best creative arts providers in the country. LaSalle College Vancouver is particularly renowned for its program in video game design, which is considered one of the best in the country.

6. College of the North Atlantic

The College of the North Atlantic (CNA) is a post-secondary institution in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. It is the largest public college in the province and offers a wide range of programs and courses to meet the needs of diverse student interests and career aspirations. CNA provides over 100 full-time programs and more than 300 part-time courses across various fields of study. The college strives to deliver high-quality, hands-on education that prepares students for employment or further education.

7. Canadian Mennonite University

Canadian Mennonite University is a young Christian university in Manitoba offering university education across the arts and sciences, established as a result of three colleges merging. Supported by the Mennonite Church of Canada and the Mennonite Brethren Church of Manitoba, the university is rooted in Mennonite Christian communities and their traditions but is open to all students, irrespective of their background. The university provides vocation-centered education, encouraging students to work in careers that are personally meaningful, socially relevant, and environmentally helpful. All programs are informed by a commitment to peace and justice, helping to heal a fragmented world and nurture hope.

8. Yukon University

Yukon University is an institution in the north of Canada with a mission to provide quality education to indigenous people and international students. It is the only university in northern Canada and contributes tremendously to the region’s education and community identity. Furthermore, Yukon University is one of Canada’s foremost experts on indigenous people’s affairs and governance. Its passion for indigenous people’s rights is evident in its emphasis on honouring indigenous cultures, languages, heritage and traditional Knowledge

9. Booth University College

The Salvation Army initially established Booth University College as the Catherine Booth Bible College, a center for biblical studies. As the needs of the founding organization and society evolved, the institute was recast as a “growing Christian university college of choice.” It underwent a tremendous transformation by adding new programs of study and redesigning old programs and saw a significant increase in enrolment. “Education for a better world” is the idea that underlies the college’s main mission and commitment. It aims to train students to not only understand the state of the world but actively try to make it better. Integrating academic excellence with Christian faith, the college offers undergraduate degrees, associate degrees, and certificate programs across multiple disciplines.

10. Redeemer University

Redeemer University is a Christian higher educational institute founded by the late Rev. Dr. Henry De Bolster. Established with a mission to provide an education in liberal arts and sciences with a reformed Christian perspective and a Christ-centered core curriculum, students can choose to study any major they choose. Offering undergraduate programs across multiple disciplines, Redeemer University prepares future Christian leaders and encourages its students to see faith interspersed with all aspects of life.

11. Holland College

Holland College is a post-secondary institution located in Prince Edward Island, Canada. Established in 1969, it offers a range of career-oriented programs designed to prepare students for the workforce. Holland College offers over 65 diploma, certificate, and apprenticeship programs in business, information technology, health sciences, culinary arts, tourism and hospitality, trades, and more. The programs are developed in consultation with industry professionals to ensure they meet current job market demands and provide students with the practical skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their chosen fields.

12. College of New Caledonia

The College of New Caledonia (CNC) is a community college with six campuses spread across diverse locations in the central regions of British Columbia. It was created in 1969 as a vocational school to cater to the educational needs of residents in the central or interior regions of British Columbia. While it has developed into a respectable college, CNC still holds true to its initial goals by exhibiting a strong sense of duty to the interior region of British Columbia. One of the distinguishing qualities of CNC is its dedication to maintaining small class sizes to facilitate an engaging and personal learning environment.

13. Mohawk College

Mohawk College, established in 1966, is a post-secondary institution in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. It offers various programs and courses to equip students with the skills and knowledge required for successful careers. By establishing strong partnerships with industry and employers, Mohawk College ensures its programs align with current industry needs. Collaborating closely with businesses and community organizations, the college incorporates work-integrated learning, cooperative education, internships, and industry placements into many programs.

14. University College of the North

Located in the North of Manitoba province is the University College of North (UCN), a small but influential institution in the province’s history. Ever since its establishment in 1966 as Keewatin Community College, the institution has played a vital role in the region’s development. It evolved in 2004 from Keewatin Community College to University College of North. Due to its transformation into a university, UCN acquired the capacity to offer degree programs and provide more value for citizens of the region. As a result, UCN offers numerous vocational programs in addition to its degree programs.

15. Kingswood University

Kingswood University is a private Christian university in Sussex, Canada. It is affiliated with the Wesleyan Church in Canada and is among the universities in Canada providing higher education that conforms to core Christian values. The university aims to produce upstanding leaders ready to serve their communities by combining academic rigour with spiritual reformation and upliftment. As a Christian university specializing in religion, most of its programs have to do with theology and the Christian ministry.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Canada for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Canada ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Memorial University of Newfoundland 4,833 CAD - 7,800 CAD 73%
Mount Allison University 5,010 CAD 72%
Canadian Mennonite University 5,712 CAD - 8,568 CAD 68%
NSCAD University 5,865 CAD - 8,969 CAD 67%
Simon Fraser University 6,449 CAD - 67,800 CAD 64%
Ambrose University 6,689 CAD - 10,100 CAD 62%
Brandon University 6,824 CAD - 7,262 CAD 62%
St. Stephen’s University 6,900 CAD - 10,400 CAD 61%
Trinity Western University 7,260 CAD - 20,400 CAD 59%
University of Fredericton 7,724 CAD - 13,600 CAD 57%
University of Victoria 8,403 CAD - 21,300 CAD 53%
Mount Saint Vincent University 8,969 CAD - 13,500 CAD 49%
St. Mary’s University – Canada 9,000 CAD - 13,500 CAD 49%
Saint Francis Xavier University 9,024 CAD - 16,800 CAD 49%
Concordia University 9,120 CAD - 21,600 CAD 49%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 17,600 CAD for universities in Canada.

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1. Memorial University of Newfoundland

Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) is a public university founded to honour the memory of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who died in the First World War. The university is renowned for its research in ocean-related fields. It is a partner with the Ocean Frontier Institute and commits most of its research funding to the sustainable utilization of the Ocean’s resources. MUN offers one of the best marine courses available in Canada and has gained a strong reputation in oceanography and related fields.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Memorial University of Newfoundland should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 4,833 CAD to 7,800 CAD annually for their master's degree.

2. Mount Allison University

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Mount Allison University. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Mount Allison University is 5,010 CAD.

Mount Allison University is a public university in Sackville, New Brunswick, known for supporting free and critical thinking. It is the first university in Canada to award a bachelor’s degree to a woman. Deeply woven into the university’s core is a love for freedom and liberty as it consistently strives to promote diversity and inclusivity in all its initiatives and programs. While the university is among the oldest universities in Canada, it primarily focuses on undergraduate programs to ensure it delivers outstanding education.

3. Canadian Mennonite University

Canadian Mennonite University is a young Christian university in Manitoba offering university education across the arts and sciences, established as a result of three colleges merging. Supported by the Mennonite Church of Canada and the Mennonite Brethren Church of Manitoba, the university is rooted in Mennonite Christian communities and their traditions but is open to all students, irrespective of their background. The university provides vocation-centered education, encouraging students to work in careers that are personally meaningful, socially relevant, and environmentally helpful. All programs are informed by a commitment to peace and justice, helping to heal a fragmented world and nurture hope.

The tuition fee at Canadian Mennonite University for incoming international master’s students is 5,712 CAD to 8,568 CAD. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. NSCAD University

Another affordable university to consider in Canada is NSCAD University.

Specialising in art and design, the NSCAD University is a small but prestigious institution in Halifax. The university has produced numerous respected artists and performers since its establishment in 1887. It achieved great acclaim in the art sphere by continually honing previous expertise and swiftly testing or adopting new ideas. What distinguishes NSCAD from other art schools in Canada is its emphasis on craftsmanship and creation. As a result, the university offers numerous craft programs like ceramics making, jewellery design, and fashion.

The tuition fee in NSCAD University for master’s program for foreign students starts from 5,865 CAD.

5. Simon Fraser University

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Simon Fraser University has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 6,449 CAD yearly.

Simon Fraser University (SFU) is a public research university in Burnaby City, Canada. The university places great emphasis on research, especially in sustainability. It styles itself as one of the world leaders in research, knowledge development, and sustainability. Due to its focus on research, SFU offers one of Canada’s best graduate and postgraduate programs. Discoveries made by some of its students have been vital to solving global challenges.

6. Ambrose University

Ambrose University is a Christian educational institute established with the merging of two colleges with a rich history, Alliance University College and Nazarene University College. It is the official post-secondary educational institute of these two denominations: the Christian and Missionary Alliance in Canada and the Church of Nazarene Canada. The education at Ambrose integrates faith and advanced learning — students are encouraged to explore their academic and professional interests while also staying rooted in and exploring their faith. At its campus in southwest Calgary, the university offers undergraduate programs across several disciplines and postgraduate programs through its Seminary.

7. Brandon University

Brandon University was established as a Baptist college in Manitoba, as the region’s missionaries and settlers felt the need for a denominational college for the youth to study. Brandon College began primarily as a liberal arts college with theology courses and a high school department. The school of music was opened in 1906 and gained nationwide recognition for its courses. Even today, Brandon University has one of Canada’s best conservatory departments. The university stopped being a denominational college in 1938, but the local community helped to keep the college open. The institute expanded its degree offerings over the next few decades, becoming Brandon University in 1967.

8. St. Stephen’s University

St. Stephen’s University is a small private Christian university in St. Stephen, a town with the same name. In its over four decades of operation, the university has evolved into a stable institution with a tight-knit community of staff and students. The university firmly believes in the strength of specialization and focuses on theology, peace, and reconciliation. In addition, it has graduate studies as its focal point and only offers certificate programs at the undergraduate level.

9. Trinity Western University

Trinity Western University (TWU) is a private Christian university. It has two campuses in Langley and Richmond, British Columbia. TWU is Canada’s largest privately funded Christian university and offers programs at all levels of study in diverse areas. The university has an active sports culture and supports athletics at the varsity, club, and intramural levels for both women and men.

10. University of Fredericton

The University of Fredericton believes education should be accessible, convenient and flexible. As a result, it is a fully online university offering degree and certificate programs. It is one of Canada’s best online universities and was designed from the ground up to be a fully online university. Furthermore, the university boasts a capacity to deliver the same quality of education as on-campus universities with the results to back it up.

 

11. University of Victoria

The University of Victoria (UVic) is one of Canada’s top research-intensive educational institutes, with a history that can be traced back to the establishment of Victoria College in 1903. Granting degrees since 1963, the university has more than 20,000 students studying at its campus in Victoria. UVic is committed to engaging with the local community, fostering diverse perspectives from indigenous and international communities, and driving sustainability initiatives. It aims to positively affect society through its research, particularly in the areas of environment and sustainability, health and wellness, and technology’s impact on the human experience. UVic is also committed to encouraging scholarship led by the indigenous population across different disciplines and research highlighting social justice and equity.

12. Mount Saint Vincent University

Mount Saint Vincent University, colloquially referred to as the Mount, is a public university in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Established by the Sisters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul for the advancement of women’s education in Canada, the Mount has been nurturing and training impactful women since 1873. Founded when women were not even allowed to vote, the university has retained its position as one of the top global champions for women’s rights and social justice. In particular, the university has made significant advancements in food security, healthy aging, literacy, and disability management and is exceedingly committed to solving various social issues.

13. St. Mary’s University – Canada

St. Mary’s University is a Christian educational institute in Alberta. Following the Catholic intellectual tradition, it emphasizes the values of integrity, confidence, and compassion. It aims to be a leader in its field, to welcome students from all backgrounds, and provide education for the holistic development of mind, body, and spirit. The university offers undergraduate degrees in the liberal arts, sciences, and education at its Calgary campus.

14. Saint Francis Xavier University

Saint Francis Xavier University (StFX) is a public university in Antigonish, Canada. The university invests much of its efforts and resources in providing excellent undergraduate education but still offers quality education in select high-demand graduate programs. Its mission is to provide top-notch undergraduate education to students of all backgrounds.

In line with its goal of uplifting undergraduate education in Canada, StFX networks with countless thought leaders, institutions and industry experts to provide education that is both engaging and relevant. As a result, StFX is a member of the Maple League, a group of four universities in eastern Canada dedicated to transforming the undergraduate educational experience in the country.

15. Concordia University

Concordia University was established by the amalgamation of two educational institutes with rich histories, Loyola College and Sir George Williams University. Concordia continues to be guided by the core values of its founding institutes. It has expanded infrastructure at both campuses with several new buildings and facilities. Concordia University prides itself on being a next-gen university, bringing exciting innovation to its teaching and learning practices, knowledge creation and dissemination strategies, and space utilization.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Canada?

Applying to cheap universities in Canada requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in Canada for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in Canada?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Canada. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Canada is the Booth University College, which offers Behavioral Sciences, Biblical and Theological Studies, and Business Administration to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Ambrose University offers Divinity, Intercultural Ministries, and Theological Studies.

It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in Canada, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in Canada as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in Canada for international students was helpful!

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