15 Cheapest Universities in Alberta for International Students

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In Alberta, 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 Alberta, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 17 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Alberta, make sure to read more!

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

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

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
MacEwan University 13,700 CAD 29%
Athabasca University 13,700 CAD - 19,800 CAD 29%
Red Deer Polytechnic 15,000 CAD - 28,000 CAD 22%
Lethbridge College 15,100 CAD - 25,600 CAD 22%
Burman University 15,900 CAD 18%
Alberta University of the Arts 17,100 CAD 11%
Concordia University of Edmonton 17,500 CAD - 18,400 CAD 9%
King’s University 19,800 CAD -3%
Ambrose University 19,900 CAD -3%
University of Lethbridge 20,300 CAD -6%
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology 20,500 CAD - 24,600 CAD -6%
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology 21,300 CAD - 26,600 CAD -11%
University of Calgary 22,200 CAD - 30,100 CAD -16%
Bow Valley College 22,700 CAD - 27,100 CAD -18%
Mount Royal University 23,200 CAD - 24,900 CAD -20%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 19,200 CAD for universities in Alberta.

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1. MacEwan University

Established as Grant MacEwan Community College in Alberta, the institute has a rich history of growth and expansion from a community college to a university. It aims to provide a transformative education, facilitating a unique educational experience for students to help them on the path towards growth and accomplishment. Located in the heart of the city of Edmonton, MacEwan University offers undergraduate and diploma programs in a range of disciplines.

2. Athabasca University

Athabasca University is one of the country’s biggest open universities, offering education opportunities to students from all walks of life regardless of their background, age, and current life circumstances. The only admission requirement to enroll is that students must be above 16 years old. Being an online university, students can learn from anywhere as it does not operate any physical campus. It is Canada’s only fully digital university, with all courses designed specifically for online dissemination.

3. Red Deer Polytechnic

Red Deer Polytechnic is an institution of higher learning dedicated to providing technical training and applied research skills to indigenous and international students. The polytechnic evolved from a college to become a government-accredited polytechnic in 2021, where it changed its name from ‘Red Deer College’ to ‘Red Deer Polytechnic.’ The Polytechnic takes after the name of Red Deer City as it is the only post-secondary institution in the city. In addition, it is also believed to have played a crucial role in Red Deer City’s development into the third-largest city in Alberta province.

4. Lethbridge College

One of the first publicly-funded community colleges in the country, Lethbridge College was established as a response to the region’s growing population, wealth, and prosperity and the absence of post-secondary educational institutes in southern Alberta. From its modest beginnings in rented classroom spaces, the college has expanded to a busy campus in Alberta, offering a range of diploma, degree, certificate, and apprenticeship programs. The emphasis is on hands-on and engaging learning, with the aim to produce graduates equipped with the skills to join the workforce and build their careers.

5. Burman University

Burman University is a private university in Lacombe, Alberta, affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Though it is a private university, it still receives public funding from the government of Canada. This unique arrangement enables the university to hold on to its core Christian values while delivering education that surpasses international standards. As a result, the university has nurtured leaders and exceptional individuals in the spirit of service and hope.

6. Alberta University of the Arts

Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts) is a publicly funded college in the field of art and design. It was initially known as the Alberta College of Art and was a part of the institute now known as the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. It is one of four Canadian universities specializing in art, craft, and design and has contributed significantly to visual culture in the country and around the world. Intending to transform the world through art and design, the university has produced graduates who have gone on to become creative leaders, artists, and designers with a growing reputation in Canada and outside.

7. Concordia University of Edmonton

The Concordia University of Edmonton was established in Alberta by the Lutheran Church as a junior college for men. It expanded over the years, opening its doors to women and offering general courses in 1939 before gradually becoming a degree-awarding institute in 1987. Though it is no longer a faith-based campus, its goal to “create a community of active citizens, of good and honorable people” has stayed the same. The university prides itself on being a small university with a close-knit community where every student is important while having a global outlook.

8. King’s University

King’s University (TKUC) is a private Christian university in Edmonton, Alberta. With its focus on internships, practicum placements, hands-on learning, and career counselling, TKUC hopes to ensure success before and after the student graduates. It has a low student-to-lecturer ratio and uses a small class size for teaching to promote student engagement and create interactive lectures.TKUC’s approach to education has led to the university ranking highly on national surveys for student-faculty engagement and quality of teaching.

9. 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.

10. University of Lethbridge

The University of Lethbridge is a public research university in Lethbridge, a fast-evolving city in Southern Alberta. While the university is renowned for its dedication to research, it is also building a reputation as a hub for open discourse and critical thinking. The university promotes equity and inclusion and even creates special initiatives for minorities and disadvantaged members of society. Noticing the need for flexible education, the University of Lethbridge also created a second campus in Calgary. This Calgary campus provides online courses, blended learning programs, and evening/weekend programs to working individuals. The university hopes these programs will enable working professionals to advance their careers or join a new field.

11. Northern Alberta Institute of Technology

Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, popularly known as NAIT, is among the leading polytechnics in Canada. Initially established in 1962 as a training institution for apprentice electricians, the polytechnic has evolved into a large, comprehensive polytechnic. NAIT offers various courses and provides both degree and skill programs to motivated individuals. Most of its programs focus on developing competencies relevant to the work environment.

12. Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) is a public polytechnic in Calgary offering bachelor’s programs in addition to certificate and diploma programs. It is the second-oldest higher education institution in Calgary, providing post-secondary education since 1916. The polytechnic operates through four campuses in Calgary which are equipped with numerous facilities and attractions like the Tastemarket, which combines eating and learning into a unique experience.

13. University of Calgary

The University of Calgary, colloquially known as UCalgary, prides itself on its research output and contributions to promoting innovation in Canada. It is a member of the U15, an association of the top 15 universities in Canada, and has distinguished itself through innovations in entrepreneurship. Due to its passion for transforming entrepreneurship in the country, the university operates a business incubator close to the primary campus and actively supports entrepreneurs originating from the school. 

 

14. Bow Valley College

Bow Valley College is a higher educational institute in Calgary committed to providing practical education. Its programs are designed to build skills and help students join the workforce. It offers certificate and diploma programs across different disciplines, particularly in the areas of business, entertainment arts, health, and technology. Bow Valley aims to serve the community and make education more accessible through its regional campuses in Airdrie, Banff, Cochrane, and Okotoks.

15. Mount Royal University

Mount Royal University is a public university in Calgary, Alberta. Opened with less than 200 students at a small campus fondly known as “the barn,” the institute has seen tremendous growth and expansion. Today, nearly 15,000 students pursue undergraduate and diploma programs across many disciplines at its Lincoln Park (main) and Springbank campuses. Located on the hereditary lands of indigenous communities, the university aims to respect and integrate indigenous knowledge and honor indigenous identities. Mount Royal University stays true to its founding purpose of providing learning that is personalized to the needs of its students, leading to their success and satisfaction.

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

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

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
University of Lethbridge 4,902 CAD - 11,500 CAD 69%
Ambrose University 7,320 CAD 53%
University of Alberta 9,320 CAD 40%
Concordia University of Edmonton 12,900 CAD - 17,000 CAD 18%
Athabasca University 21,200 CAD - 24,000 CAD -36%
University of Calgary 21,600 CAD -39%
Alberta University of the Arts 31,300 CAD -101%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 15,500 CAD for universities in Alberta.

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1. University of Lethbridge

The University of Lethbridge is a public research university in Lethbridge, a fast-evolving city in Southern Alberta. While the university is renowned for its dedication to research, it is also building a reputation as a hub for open discourse and critical thinking. The university promotes equity and inclusion and even creates special initiatives for minorities and disadvantaged members of society. Noticing the need for flexible education, the University of Lethbridge also created a second campus in Calgary. This Calgary campus provides online courses, blended learning programs, and evening/weekend programs to working individuals. The university hopes these programs will enable working professionals to advance their careers or join a new field.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, University of Lethbridge should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 4,902 CAD to 11,408 CAD annually for their master's degree.

2. Ambrose University

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Ambrose University. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Ambrose University is 7,320 CAD.

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.

3. University of Alberta

The University of Alberta is a vibrant university in Canada with five campuses at various locations in Canada — four in Edmonton and one in Camrose. It is the fifth-largest university in the country, with over 35,000 students enrolled at the school yearly. The university has garnered a reputation for its impactful research and commitment to bettering the lives of students from indigenous communities in the region. Among its numerous initiatives for indigenous students are free online courses and targeted scholarships.

The tuition fee at University of Alberta for incoming international master’s students is 9,320 CAD. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Concordia University of Edmonton

Another affordable university to consider in Alberta is Concordia University of Edmonton.

The Concordia University of Edmonton was established in Alberta by the Lutheran Church as a junior college for men. It expanded over the years, opening its doors to women and offering general courses in 1939 before gradually becoming a degree-awarding institute in 1987. Though it is no longer a faith-based campus, its goal to “create a community of active citizens, of good and honorable people” has stayed the same. The university prides itself on being a small university with a close-knit community where every student is important while having a global outlook.

The tuition fee in Concordia University of Edmonton for master’s program for foreign students starts from 12,807 CAD.

5. Athabasca University

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Athabasca 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 21,200 CAD yearly.

Athabasca University is one of the country’s biggest open universities, offering education opportunities to students from all walks of life regardless of their background, age, and current life circumstances. The only admission requirement to enroll is that students must be above 16 years old. Being an online university, students can learn from anywhere as it does not operate any physical campus. It is Canada’s only fully digital university, with all courses designed specifically for online dissemination.

6. University of Calgary

The University of Calgary, colloquially known as UCalgary, prides itself on its research output and contributions to promoting innovation in Canada. It is a member of the U15, an association of the top 15 universities in Canada, and has distinguished itself through innovations in entrepreneurship. Due to its passion for transforming entrepreneurship in the country, the university operates a business incubator close to the primary campus and actively supports entrepreneurs originating from the school. 

 

7. Alberta University of the Arts

Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts) is a publicly funded college in the field of art and design. It was initially known as the Alberta College of Art and was a part of the institute now known as the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. It is one of four Canadian universities specializing in art, craft, and design and has contributed significantly to visual culture in the country and around the world. Intending to transform the world through art and design, the university has produced graduates who have gone on to become creative leaders, artists, and designers with a growing reputation in Canada and outside.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Applying to cheap universities in Alberta 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 Alberta?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Alberta. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Alberta is the Alberta University of the Arts, which offers Visual Communication Design, Drawing, and Photography to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Alberta University of the Arts offers Craft Media.

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 Alberta, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

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

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