7 Cheapest Universities in Halifax for International Students

Search Courses:

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

Apply for 2026 Intake!

Applications for 2026 Intake are open. Search through the degrees around the world!

Apply Now

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

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

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
NSCAD University 8,264 CAD - 12,400 CAD 67%
Mount Saint Vincent University 19,800 CAD 21%
NSCAD University 20,900 CAD 17%
Dalhousie University 29,200 CAD - 45,900 CAD -17%
Saint Mary’s University 30,100 CAD -20%
Saint Mary’s University, Halifax 30,100 CAD -20%
University of King’s College 35,900 CAD -44%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 24,900 CAD for universities in Halifax.

Search Bachelor's Courses for International Students!

Search through the bachelor's courses that are currently open for international students!

Apply Now

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. NSCAD University

NSCAD University is a public university in Halifax, Nova Scotia specializing in art and design. The university employs a unique approach to education, integrating arts, culture, and community to provide an inclusive and comprehensive arts education. NSCAD believes that students who are more active in their community and frequently engage with their culture will go further in their careers and create art that resonates with people. As a result, the university promotes multiculturalism, diversity, and equity in all its operations and initiatives.

4. Dalhousie University

Dalhousie University (Dal) is a public research university with four campuses spread across multiple locations in Nova Scotia. The university has vastly distinguished itself in research and innovation and is a member of the U15, a group of top research-intensive universities in Canada. In terms of its mission, Dalhousie University aims to provide a conducive, engaging, and collaborative environment where researchers, instructors, and students can achieve excellence.

5. Saint Mary’s University

Saint Mary’s University (SMU) is a public university in Halifax, Canada. It was formerly a Catholic university but became a public institution due to its rapid growth and the government’s interest in the university. The university has developed into a highly inclusive institution excelling in athletics and special education. It aims to produce individuals who all have leadership, teamwork, critical inquiry, and global awareness soft skills. SMU believes these skills help students succeed in contemporary society.

6. Saint Mary’s University, Halifax

Founded in 1802, Saint Mary’s University is the oldest university founded by the Roman Catholic Church in Canada. Its rich history and excellent research tradition make it one of the most prestigious universities in the Nova Scotia province. Over the years, the university has cultivated a strong research culture among its faculty and students, growing to become the second-biggest university in Nova Scotia by research income. Saint Mary’s University is also known in Canada for its research contributions in Chemistry and its leading business programs.

7. University of King’s College

Established in 1789 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the University of King’s College is the oldest chartered university in Canada. The university strongly believes in quality over quantity and intentionally keeps its student population small to provide them with the best education possible. With its interdisciplinary approach to education, students are better prepared for the global society where there are now increasing intersectionalities between disparate fields.

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

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

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
NSCAD University 5,865 CAD - 8,969 CAD 72%
Mount Saint Vincent University 8,969 CAD - 13,500 CAD 56%
Dalhousie University 20,600 CAD - 36,800 CAD -1%
NSCAD University 21,100 CAD -3%
Saint Mary’s University 26,000 CAD - 53,000 CAD -27%
Saint Mary’s University, Halifax 26,000 CAD - 53,000 CAD -27%
University of King’s College 34,100 CAD - 38,100 CAD -67%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 20,400 CAD for universities in Halifax.

Search Master's Courses for International Students!

Search through the master's courses that are currently open for international students!

Apply Now

1. 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.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, NSCAD University should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 5,865 CAD to 8,969 CAD annually for their master's degree.

2. Mount Saint Vincent University

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Mount Saint Vincent 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 Saint Vincent University is 8,969 CAD to 13,453 CAD.

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.

3. Dalhousie University

Dalhousie University (Dal) is a public research university with four campuses spread across multiple locations in Nova Scotia. The university has vastly distinguished itself in research and innovation and is a member of the U15, a group of top research-intensive universities in Canada. In terms of its mission, Dalhousie University aims to provide a conducive, engaging, and collaborative environment where researchers, instructors, and students can achieve excellence.

The tuition fee at Dalhousie University for incoming international master’s students is 20,552 CAD to 36,703 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 Halifax is NSCAD University.

NSCAD University is a public university in Halifax, Nova Scotia specializing in art and design. The university employs a unique approach to education, integrating arts, culture, and community to provide an inclusive and comprehensive arts education. NSCAD believes that students who are more active in their community and frequently engage with their culture will go further in their careers and create art that resonates with people. As a result, the university promotes multiculturalism, diversity, and equity in all its operations and initiatives.

The tuition fee in NSCAD University for master’s program for foreign students starts from 21,012 CAD.

5. Saint Mary’s University

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Saint Mary’s 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 26,000 CAD yearly.

Saint Mary’s University (SMU) is a public university in Halifax, Canada. It was formerly a Catholic university but became a public institution due to its rapid growth and the government’s interest in the university. The university has developed into a highly inclusive institution excelling in athletics and special education. It aims to produce individuals who all have leadership, teamwork, critical inquiry, and global awareness soft skills. SMU believes these skills help students succeed in contemporary society.

6. Saint Mary’s University, Halifax

Founded in 1802, Saint Mary’s University is the oldest university founded by the Roman Catholic Church in Canada. Its rich history and excellent research tradition make it one of the most prestigious universities in the Nova Scotia province. Over the years, the university has cultivated a strong research culture among its faculty and students, growing to become the second-biggest university in Nova Scotia by research income. Saint Mary’s University is also known in Canada for its research contributions in Chemistry and its leading business programs.

7. University of King’s College

Established in 1789 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the University of King’s College is the oldest chartered university in Canada. The university strongly believes in quality over quantity and intentionally keeps its student population small to provide them with the best education possible. With its interdisciplinary approach to education, students are better prepared for the global society where there are now increasing intersectionalities between disparate fields.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Halifax, Nova Scotia?

Applying to cheap universities in Halifax 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 Halifax?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Halifax. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Halifax is the Dalhousie University, which offers Accounting, Acting, and Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Dalhousie University offers Biological Engineering, Communication Sciences and Disorders, and Digital Innovation.

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

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

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