7 Cheapest Universities in Calgary for International Students

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In Calgary, 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 Calgary, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 7 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Calgary, make sure to read more!

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

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

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Alberta University of the Arts 17,100 CAD 21%
Ambrose University 19,900 CAD 8%
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology 21,300 CAD - 26,600 CAD 1%
University of Calgary 22,200 CAD - 30,100 CAD -3%
Bow Valley College 22,700 CAD - 27,100 CAD -5%
Mount Royal University 23,200 CAD - 24,900 CAD -7%
St. Mary’s University – Canada 23,800 CAD - 30,400 CAD -10%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 21,500 CAD for universities in Calgary.

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1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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. 

 

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

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

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

1. 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.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Ambrose University should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 7,320 CAD annually for their master's degree.

2. University of Calgary

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is University of Calgary. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at University of Calgary is 21,600 CAD.

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. 

 

3. 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.

The tuition fee at Alberta University of the Arts for incoming international master’s students is 31,250 CAD. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Applying to cheap universities in Calgary 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 Calgary?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Calgary. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Calgary 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 Calgary, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

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

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