15 Cheapest Universities in British Columbia for International Students

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In British Columbia, 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 British Columbia, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 20 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in British Columbia, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in British Columbia for International Students

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

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
North Island College 7,932 CAD 66%
Emily Carr University of Art and Design 14,800 CAD - 21,900 CAD 35%
College of the Rockies 15,600 CAD 32%
University of the Fraser Valley 15,700 CAD 32%
LaSalle College Vancouver 16,500 CAD - 18,600 CAD 28%
British Columbia Institute of Technology 17,200 CAD - 25,500 CAD 25%
Langara College 18,800 CAD 18%
Capilano University 20,400 CAD - 32,100 CAD 11%
Kwantlen Polytechnic University 20,600 CAD 10%
Royal Roads University 21,700 CAD - 24,000 CAD 5%
Vancouver Island University 21,800 CAD 5%
Trinity Western University 22,300 CAD 2%
University of Northern British Columbia 23,900 CAD -5%
University of Victoria 28,000 CAD - 30,400 CAD -23%
University Canada West 32,100 CAD - 73,100 CAD -41%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 22,700 CAD for universities in British Columbia.

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1. North Island College

North Island College (NIC) is a community college in Canada designed to provide accessible and affordable education to communities in northern Vancouver Island and the coast of British Columbia. It is among the few comprehensive community colleges in Canada and delivers transformational education through its four campuses, spread across various locations on Vancouver Island.
The College has a unique history, starting in 1975 as a portable college comprising a mobile trailer and some converted school buses. As a result of this history, NIC has built a reputation for delivering outstanding distance education.

2. Emily Carr University of Art and Design

Emily Carr University (ECU) is a global leader in art, media, and design. It is one of the few universities in North America that focuses solely on art and design. The university merges practice, research, and theory, ensuring students receive a comprehensive art education that enables them to thrive in a competitive environment. Furthermore, the faculty of ECU comprises award-winning creators and industry experts with tons of experience in the art and design field.

3. College of the Rockies

College of the Rockies is a small public community college in British Columbia created to serve the residents of the Rocky Mountain Trench region. The college operates through five regional campuses, with the city of Cranbrook housing the main campus. Over the years of its operation, the College of the Rockies has developed into an upstanding institution which values quality over quantity. As a consequence, the college has maintained its small size, preferring value-based development over expansive growth. In addition, it utilizes small class sizes in educating its students with a focus on interactive practice-based learning.

4. University of the Fraser Valley

As an iconic institution in New Brunswick with a unique history, the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) styles itself as ‘the home of transformation.’ The university came into being from the determination of citizens of the Fraser Valley to possess a higher education institution within the region. Initially, the provincial government did not accept the request of the Fraser Valley citizens. However, their persistence in having a post-secondary educational facility led the government to establish a vocational college in the region. This vocational later evolved to become the University of the Fraser Valley.

Ever since becoming the University of the Fraser Valley, the university has displayed tremendous growth, becoming one of the largest universities in the region with five campuses spread across diverse locations in Canada. The university has especially distinguished itself in its ease of registration and the quality of student-faculty interaction.

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. British Columbia Institute of Technology

The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) is one of the biggest post-secondary educational institutes in the province. It opened with courses on engineering, health, and business but has since expanded to offer programs in diverse fields. The institute has trained specialists and innovators who shape society. It aims to provide an excellent education that produces graduates embarking on relevant and future-proof careers. The programs emphasize practical components, including real-world skills and industry training, which make the graduates ready to immediately join the workforce.

7. Langara College

Langara College was opened in 1965 as a part of Vancouver Community College. Five years later, Langara started offering classes at its West 49th Avenue campus, which remains its main campus even today. The institute expanded its offerings over the years and became an independent public college in 1994. Primarily seen as a pathways college, the university provides programs to help students continue their education, start their careers, and grow professionally. About half of the students studying at its Vancouver campus are enrolled in university transfer courses.

8. Capilano University

Capilano University (CapU) had modest beginnings when it first opened in 1968, offering classes at night in the West Vancouver Secondary School classrooms. It has since expanded to three different campuses in the region. CapU’s main campus in North Vancouver, located amidst verdant forests and fresh mountain air, was the first to be opened. Its second campus, in the village of Sechelt, is surrounded by mountains, forests, and the sea, benefitting the communities of the Sunshine Coast. The latest campus is located in the historic Shipyards building in Lonsdale, opening opportunities for community outreach and flexible program offerings. CapU also offers courses through the TsÌ“zil Learning Centre in partnership with the LílÌ“wat Nation, which owns and operates the center. The university offers undergraduate programs across several disciplines at its different idyllic centers.

9. Kwantlen Polytechnic University

Founded in 1981 to strengthen vocational education in Canada, Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) has grown into one of the largest and most influential institutions in British Columbia. It has campuses across five locations in British Columbia and offers a wide range of vocational and bachelor’s programs. Furthermore, KPU is Canada’s only polytechnic university. It is a university where ‘thought meets action,’ with curricula tailored towards applied and vocational programs. As a result, the university places a strong emphasis on hands-on learning and the development of technical skills.

10. Royal Roads University

Royal Roads University (RRU) is among the universities aiming to transform higher education in Canada. It is among the global leaders in online and blended education. RRU’s strong history in using adaptive education models derives from its development of professional courses. The university noticed that working individuals desired professional courses to elevate their careers. As a result, it created flexible and adaptable programs that combine online mode with periodic face-to-face learning sessions.

In addition, RRU hopes to nurture individuals with the courage to transform the world. It believes a learning environment that adapts to students’ needs is best suited for producing innovative and passionate individuals.

11. Vancouver Island University

Vancouver Island University is a public university located on Canada’s west coast. Established as a youth training center providing trade and vocational training, it has grown its offerings and expanded to become Vancouver Island University, a full-fledged university offering degree programs across various disciplines. About 12,000 students study at its three campuses, including a diverse population comprising about 12 percent indigenous and 12 percent international students.

12. 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.

13. University of Northern British Columbia

University of Northern British Columbia is a small public university in Prince George, a serene city in British Columbia filled with spectacular landscapes and lush greenery. The university has a reputation for spearheading sustainable initiatives and is colloquially known as Canada’s Green University. In addition to its focus on sustainability, the university is research-intensive in its approach, hoping to bring new knowledge to its students and help solve pressing global and local issues.

14. 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.

15. University Canada West

University Canada West is a relatively young private university located in Vancouver, specializing in business and technology. It designs its programs to reflect the latest knowledge, trends, and practices in the fields of business, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The programs are focused on building students’ careers and are available at its two campuses in Vancouver, as well as online, to cater to students who need some flexibility.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in British Columbia for International Students

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

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Thompson Rivers University 1,150 CAD - 15,100 CAD 93%
Simon Fraser University 3,971 CAD - 38,700 CAD 73%
University of Victoria 5,176 CAD - 22,000 CAD 65%
University of Northern British Columbia 7,494 CAD - 25,500 CAD 48%
Trinity Western University 8,025 CAD - 15,000 CAD 45%
Vancouver Island University 8,224 CAD - 12,000 CAD 43%
University of British Columbia 9,313 CAD - 67,600 CAD 36%
British Columbia Institute of Technology 12,800 CAD - 26,300 CAD 12%
Emily Carr University of Art and Design 15,300 CAD - 26,300 CAD -5%
Royal Roads University 15,900 CAD - 52,200 CAD -10%
University of the Fraser Valley 26,500 CAD - 27,300 CAD -83%
New York Institute of Technology Vancouver 36,700 CAD - 54,500 CAD -154%
University Canada West 36,900 CAD -156%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 14,400 CAD for universities in British Columbia.

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1. Thompson Rivers University

Initially founded as Cariboo College in 1970, Thompson Rivers University (TRU) has developed into a comprehensive and influential institution of higher learning in British Columbia. It is named after the convergence of two rivers in Kamloops, a renowned Canadian sporting city that also houses the university’s main campus. The university aims to become a learner-centred, sustainable university serving indigenous, local, and international students through flexible study programs and outstanding research.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Thompson Rivers University should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 1,150 CAD to 15,090 CAD annually for their master's degree.

2. Simon Fraser University

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Simon Fraser University. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Simon Fraser University is 3,971 CAD to 38,605 CAD.

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.

3. 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.

The tuition fee at University of Victoria for incoming international master’s students is 5,176 CAD to 21,970 CAD. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. University of Northern British Columbia

Another affordable university to consider in British Columbia is University of Northern British Columbia.

University of Northern British Columbia is a small public university in Prince George, a serene city in British Columbia filled with spectacular landscapes and lush greenery. The university has a reputation for spearheading sustainable initiatives and is colloquially known as Canada’s Green University. In addition to its focus on sustainability, the university is research-intensive in its approach, hoping to bring new knowledge to its students and help solve pressing global and local issues.

The tuition fee in University of Northern British Columbia for master’s program for foreign students starts from 7,494 CAD.

5. Trinity Western University

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Trinity Western 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 8,025 CAD yearly.

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.

6. Vancouver Island University

Vancouver Island University is a public university located on Canada’s west coast. Established as a youth training center providing trade and vocational training, it has grown its offerings and expanded to become Vancouver Island University, a full-fledged university offering degree programs across various disciplines. About 12,000 students study at its three campuses, including a diverse population comprising about 12 percent indigenous and 12 percent international students.

7. University of British Columbia

Established in 1908, the University of British Columbia (UBC) is the oldest and most prestigious university in British Columbia. It has distinguished itself as a global centre for research and learning. Over its century-long history, UBC has produced numerous outstanding individuals, including Nobel laureates, prime ministers, and prominent world leaders and artists. In addition, the university is home to several research institutes and world-class facilities, including the world’s largest particle accelerator and the first Max Planck Institute in North America.

8. British Columbia Institute of Technology

The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) is one of the biggest post-secondary educational institutes in the province. It opened with courses on engineering, health, and business but has since expanded to offer programs in diverse fields. The institute has trained specialists and innovators who shape society. It aims to provide an excellent education that produces graduates embarking on relevant and future-proof careers. The programs emphasize practical components, including real-world skills and industry training, which make the graduates ready to immediately join the workforce.

9. Emily Carr University of Art and Design

Emily Carr University (ECU) is a global leader in art, media, and design. It is one of the few universities in North America that focuses solely on art and design. The university merges practice, research, and theory, ensuring students receive a comprehensive art education that enables them to thrive in a competitive environment. Furthermore, the faculty of ECU comprises award-winning creators and industry experts with tons of experience in the art and design field.

10. Royal Roads University

Royal Roads University (RRU) is among the universities aiming to transform higher education in Canada. It is among the global leaders in online and blended education. RRU’s strong history in using adaptive education models derives from its development of professional courses. The university noticed that working individuals desired professional courses to elevate their careers. As a result, it created flexible and adaptable programs that combine online mode with periodic face-to-face learning sessions.

In addition, RRU hopes to nurture individuals with the courage to transform the world. It believes a learning environment that adapts to students’ needs is best suited for producing innovative and passionate individuals.

11. University of the Fraser Valley

As an iconic institution in New Brunswick with a unique history, the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) styles itself as ‘the home of transformation.’ The university came into being from the determination of citizens of the Fraser Valley to possess a higher education institution within the region. Initially, the provincial government did not accept the request of the Fraser Valley citizens. However, their persistence in having a post-secondary educational facility led the government to establish a vocational college in the region. This vocational later evolved to become the University of the Fraser Valley.

Ever since becoming the University of the Fraser Valley, the university has displayed tremendous growth, becoming one of the largest universities in the region with five campuses spread across diverse locations in Canada. The university has especially distinguished itself in its ease of registration and the quality of student-faculty interaction.

12. New York Institute of Technology Vancouver

New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) is a private research institute originating in New York but with multiple campuses around the globe. Due to the high demand for NYIT courses by Canadians, a Vancouver campus was created to provide Canadians with easy access to some of the institute’s courses and programs. As a result, the New York Institute of Technology Vancouver is the Vancouver campus of the New York Institute of Technology and its official Canadian branch.

13. University Canada West

University Canada West is a relatively young private university located in Vancouver, specializing in business and technology. It designs its programs to reflect the latest knowledge, trends, and practices in the fields of business, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The programs are focused on building students’ careers and are available at its two campuses in Vancouver, as well as online, to cater to students who need some flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Applying to cheap universities in British Columbia 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 British Columbia?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in British Columbia. For example, one of the best affordable schools in British Columbia is the British Columbia Institute of Technology, which offers Civil Engineering, Radiation Therapy, and Environmental Health to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the British Columbia Institute of Technology offers Building Engineering, Building Science, and Ecological Restoration.

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 British Columbia, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

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

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