5 Cheapest Universities in Edmonton for International Students

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In Edmonton, Alberta, there are a handful 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, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Edmonton, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 5 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Edmonton, make sure to read more!

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

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Edmonton 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%
Concordia University of Edmonton 17,500 CAD - 18,400 CAD 9%
King’s University 19,800 CAD -3%
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology 20,500 CAD - 24,600 CAD -7%
University of Alberta 24,100 CAD -26%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 19,100 CAD for universities in Edmonton.

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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. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

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

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

1. 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.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, University of Alberta should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 9,320 CAD annually for their master's degree.

2. Concordia University of Edmonton

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Concordia University of Edmonton. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Concordia University of Edmonton is 12,807 CAD to 16,982 CAD.

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.


Frequently Asked Questions

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

Applying to cheap universities in Edmonton 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 Edmonton?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Edmonton. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Edmonton is the Concordia University of Edmonton, which offers Biology, Economics, and Education to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Concordia University of Edmonton offers Educational Leadership, Information Systems Assurance Management, and Information Systems Security Management.


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

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

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