7 Cheapest Universities in Halifax for International Students

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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!

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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*
Dalhousie University 16,900 CAD 20%
Mount Saint Vincent University 19,600 CAD - 20,000 CAD 8%
Saint Mary’s University 19,700 CAD - 21,200 CAD 7%
NSCAD University 20,900 CAD 2%
Saint Mary’s University, Halifax 20,900 CAD - 25,100 CAD 1%
Nova Scotia College of Art and Design University 23,900 CAD -13%
University of King’s College 25,800 CAD - 28,100 CAD -22%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 21,100 CAD for universities in Halifax.

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1. 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.

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. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Nova Scotia College of Art and Design University

Specialising in art and design, the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design University (NSCAD) 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 crafts programs like ceramics making, jewellery design and fashion.

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*
Saint Mary’s University, Halifax 12,300 CAD - 45,800 CAD 34%
Mount Saint Vincent University 13,400 CAD 28%
Saint Mary’s University 14,700 CAD - 19,200 CAD 21%
Dalhousie University 16,900 CAD 9%
NSCAD University 21,100 CAD -14%
Nova Scotia College of Art and Design University 24,100 CAD -30%
University of King’s College 26,600 CAD - 29,800 CAD -44%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 18,400 CAD for universities in Halifax.

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1. 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.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Saint Mary’s University, Halifax should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 12,284 CAD to 45,724 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 13,304 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. 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.

The tuition fee at Saint Mary’s University for incoming international master’s students is 14,688 CAD to 19,155 CAD. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Dalhousie University

Another affordable university to consider in Halifax is 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 in Dalhousie University for master’s program for foreign students starts from 16,860 CAD.

5. NSCAD University

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, NSCAD 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 21,012 CAD yearly.

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.

6. Nova Scotia College of Art and Design University

Specialising in art and design, the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design University (NSCAD) 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 crafts programs like ceramics making, jewellery design and fashion.

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!