15 Cheapest Universities in Ontario for International Students

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In Ontario, 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 Ontario, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 43 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Ontario, make sure to read more!

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

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

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Redeemer University 9,987 CAD 63%
Mohawk College 11,400 CAD - 15,400 CAD 58%
Nipissing University 12,100 CAD - 18,100 CAD 56%
Fanshawe College 13,100 CAD - 26,700 CAD 52%
Cambrian College 14,100 CAD - 16,400 CAD 49%
Georgian College 14,800 CAD - 16,200 CAD 46%
Durham College 14,900 CAD 45%
Loyalist College 15,300 CAD - 15,900 CAD 44%
Canadore College 15,600 CAD - 29,000 CAD 43%
Conestoga College 16,500 CAD - 24,700 CAD 40%
George Brown College 16,800 CAD - 31,200 CAD 38%
Confederation College 17,200 CAD - 26,000 CAD 37%
Algonquin College 17,300 CAD - 22,000 CAD 37%
Humber College 17,900 CAD - 23,000 CAD 34%
Fleming College 18,700 CAD - 21,500 CAD 31%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 27,000 CAD for universities in Ontario.

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1. Redeemer University

Redeemer University is a Christian higher educational institute founded by the late Rev. Dr. Henry De Bolster. Established with a mission to provide an education in liberal arts and sciences with a reformed Christian perspective and a Christ-centered core curriculum, students can choose to study any major they choose. Offering undergraduate programs across multiple disciplines, Redeemer University prepares future Christian leaders and encourages its students to see faith interspersed with all aspects of life.

2. Mohawk College

Mohawk College, established in 1966, is a post-secondary institution in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. It offers various programs and courses to equip students with the skills and knowledge required for successful careers. By establishing strong partnerships with industry and employers, Mohawk College ensures its programs align with current industry needs. Collaborating closely with businesses and community organizations, the college incorporates work-integrated learning, cooperative education, internships, and industry placements into many programs.

3. Nipissing University

Nipissing University was initially established as an affiliate of Laurentian University and finally became an independent university in 1992. Founded to address the particular needs of Northern Ontario, Nipissing University is committed to playing an important role in the lives of the people and the local community, contributing to their educational, socio-cultural, and economic growth.

4. Fanshawe College

Fanshawe College is a well-established public college located in Ontario, Canada. Founded in 1967, it has become one of Ontario’s largest colleges, offering a wide range of programs and courses across various fields of study. The college campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and specialized training centers. These resources provide students with hands-on learning experiences and support their academic and practical training needs. Moreover, Fanshawe College offers various support services and resources to assist students throughout their academic journey.

5. Cambrian College

Established in 1967, Cambrian College has a long history of delivering quality education and training. Cambrian College is committed to providing students with hands-on, experiential learning opportunities. It boasts modern facilities, state-of-the-art equipment, and specialized labs that simulate real-world work environments. The college takes pride in its strong partnerships with industry and community organizations. These partnerships help shape the curriculum, ensuring that programs are aligned with industry needs and current trends.

6. Georgian College

Established in 1967, Georgian College is one of the largest colleges in Ontario, Canada. It offers various programs and courses catering to students’ diverse needs and interests. Building strong relationships with industry partners and employers is a priority for Georgian College. Through close collaboration, the College ensures its programs align with industry needs and provide students with relevant and sought-after skills. The college also emphasizes research and innovation, actively engaging in applied research projects and collaborations that contribute to industry advancements.

7. Durham College

Since its establishment in 1967, Durham College (DC) has committed itself to ensuring the success of its students by providing high-quality programs. With its motto of ‘success matters’, the college has shaped its courses to emphasize training skills relevant to real-world situations instead of teaching from a purely academic standpoint. The college regularly collaborates with industry experts to ensure its programs are impactful and applicable in the contemporary workplace.

8. Loyalist College

Loyalist College, established in 1967, is a post-secondary institution in Belleville, Ontario, Canada. Loyalist College operates a picturesque campus situated on 200 acres of land. The campus features modern facilities, specialized labs, industry-standard equipment, and resources that support immersive learning experiences and applied research projects. The college also offers state-of-the-art simulation labs, where students can gain practical skills and experience in realistic environments. Moreover, Loyalist College values diversity and inclusivity, creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for students from various backgrounds.

9. Canadore College

Canadore College, also known as Canadore College of Applied Arts and Technology, is a post-secondary institution in Ontario, Canada. Canadore College’s mission is to provide outstanding education and training, as well as applied research and service innovation, to individuals for social, economic, and cultural development. Moreover, Canadore College aims to be a leader in applied education and training, recognized for excellence in program delivery, industry partnerships, and student success.

10. Conestoga College

Conestoga College is a public polytechnic with headquarters in Kitchener, Ontario. The college is committed to delivering practical-based education to its students through its numerous campuses and learning centres in Ontario. It is the only polytechnic institution in Ontario and plays a vital role in the development of the region by training professionals and experts who contribute tremendously to the province’s economy.

11. George Brown College

George Brown College is a renowned public college in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Established in 1967, the college is named after George Brown, a significant figure in Canadian history. One of the hallmarks of George Brown College is its strong industry connections. The college maintains close partnerships with local businesses, organizations, and industry professionals, enabling students to benefit from valuable networking opportunities, internships, and co-op placements. These connections facilitate the seamless transition from classroom learning to professional employment.

12. Confederation College

Confederation College is one of the colleges founded during the formation of the college system in Canada. It is the only college of applied arts and technology in the Northwestern region of Ontario, with up to eight campuses spread across the region. The college seeks to continuously make significant economic contributions to Northwestern Ontario by training experts and professionals to work in various local industries and sectors. It boasts itself as a dynamic learning environment where technical skills can developed alongside out-of-classroom interests and hobbies.

13. Algonquin College

Algonquin College is an applied arts and technology college offering numerous degree, diploma and certificate courses in diverse disciplines. The college places great emphasis on research and collaborates with various sponsors on numerous applied research topics. It has three campuses: a main campus in Ottawa and two branch campuses in Perth and Pembroke.

14. Humber College

Humber College is a leading public college in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Established in 1967, it has become one of the country’s largest and most diverse colleges. Humber College is known for its strong commitment to career-focused education and dedication to providing students with practical skills and industry-relevant knowledge. Additionally, Humber College provides a vibrant campus life with various extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations that contribute to students’ holistic development and foster a sense of community.

15. Fleming College

Fleming College is a post-secondary institution located in Ontario, Canada. It was established in 1967 and is named after Sir Sandford Fleming, a renowned Canadian engineer and inventor. The college offers many programs and courses to help students develop the skills and knowledge necessary for successful careers. Many programs include work-integrated learning opportunities, cooperative education, internships, and field placements, allowing students to gain practical experience and develop professional networks.

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

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

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Nipissing University 12,000 CAD 45%
Queen’s University 13,000 CAD - 43,000 CAD 40%
University of Guelph 13,400 CAD - 31,400 CAD 38%
Brock University 13,500 CAD - 35,500 CAD 38%
Wilfrid Laurier University 15,000 CAD - 37,300 CAD 30%
Royal Military College of Canada 15,500 CAD - 16,700 CAD 28%
Fleming College 16,900 CAD - 33,600 CAD 22%
Tyndale University 17,000 CAD - 21,100 CAD 21%
Niagara College 17,900 CAD - 18,600 CAD 17%
Laurentian University 18,700 CAD - 34,800 CAD 13%
York University 18,900 CAD - 84,200 CAD 12%
Western University – Canada 19,600 CAD - 54,700 CAD 9%
University of Windsor 19,700 CAD - 36,000 CAD 9%
Carleton University 19,800 CAD - 46,400 CAD 8%
University of Ottawa 20,000 CAD - 56,000 CAD 7%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 21,400 CAD for universities in Ontario.

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1. Nipissing University

Nipissing University was initially established as an affiliate of Laurentian University and finally became an independent university in 1992. Founded to address the particular needs of Northern Ontario, Nipissing University is committed to playing an important role in the lives of the people and the local community, contributing to their educational, socio-cultural, and economic growth.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Nipissing University should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 11,967 CAD annually for their master's degree.

2. Queen’s University

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Queen’s University. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Queen’s University is 12,927 CAD to 42,925 CAD.

Established in a charter issued by Queen Victoria, Queen’s University had humble beginnings, opening with just two professors and 13 students in a small house on the outskirts of town. Initially supported by the Presbyterian Church, the institute later separated from the church and embraced secularism. Over the years, it faced many adversities — it went through periods with meager financial support, witnessed stagnation during the economic depression, and survived two world wars. The end of the second war finally ushered in an age of uninterrupted growth in the university’s history. It opened more departments and undertook renovations and new building constructions. Today, it is a member of the U15 group of research-intensive Canadian universities and has more than 31,000 full and part-time students studying at its campus in Kingston. It has many renowned research and creative centers, including the Agnes Etherington Art Centre and the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts.

3. University of Guelph

The University of Guelph was established by merging three colleges with their own rich histories: Ontario Veterinary College, Ontario Agricultural College, and Macdonald Institute. Since then, the university has expanded to add more departments and programs across different fields. The University of Guelph now has three campuses. Its main campus in Guelph is a collaboration with the Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning in Toronto, while its third campus in Ridgetown is known for its agriculture, veterinary, and environmental science programs.

The tuition fee at University of Guelph for incoming international master’s students is 13,338 CAD to 31,304 CAD. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Brock University

Another affordable university to consider in Ontario is Brock University.

Located at the centre of Canada’s Niagara Peninsula, Brock University is the only university in Canada in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The university was named in honour of General Sir Isaac Brock, who was responsible for defending Upper Canada against the United States during the War of 1812. While not a member of U15, Brock University has distinguished itself in research, especially at the undergraduate level. In 2008, Brock was ranked third among Canadian universities in the undergraduate category for research publication output and impact indicators.

The tuition fee in Brock University for master’s program for foreign students starts from 13,451 CAD.

5. Wilfrid Laurier University

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Wilfrid Laurier 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 14,974 CAD yearly.

Wilfrid Laurier University is a public university with three campuses in southwestern Ontario, Canada, offering over 100 bachelor’s programs and over 35 master’s programs. Laurier is committed to academic excellence and ensuring all students have a rewarding and impactful university education.

Ranked among the top 25% of Study Abroad Aide’s Best Value University Rankings for International Students, Laurier has vibrant campus communities in Brantford, Milton, and Waterloo.  On all campuses, Laurier students will learn from award-winning professors who are experts in their field and combine classroom learning with real-world experiences and opportunities. When Laurier students graduate, they will have the knowledge, skills, and experiences they need to achieve their career goals.

6. Royal Military College of Canada

The Royal Military College of Canada (RMC) is a military institution. They provide different programs in the Arts, Sciences, and Engineering for students in the Canadian Armed Forces. RMC also boasts of different recreational and wellness programs to help support its students.

7. Fleming College

Fleming College is a post-secondary institution located in Ontario, Canada. It was established in 1967 and is named after Sir Sandford Fleming, a renowned Canadian engineer and inventor. The college offers many programs and courses to help students develop the skills and knowledge necessary for successful careers. Many programs include work-integrated learning opportunities, cooperative education, internships, and field placements, allowing students to gain practical experience and develop professional networks.

8. Tyndale University

Tyndale University is a private Christian university in Toronto providing graduate and undergraduate education. It is an interdenominational Christian institution and receives support from the general Christian community in Canada instead of a specific denomination. Unlike most Christian universities in Canada, Tyndale University offers a wide range of programs in addition to its bible and theology programs.

9. Niagara College

Niagara College, established in 1967, is a post-secondary institution in the Niagara Region of Ontario, Canada. It offers various programs and courses to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for successful careers. The college collaborates closely with businesses, organizations, and community stakeholders to develop programs that align with industry needs and trends. Moreover, Niagara College is committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility, integrating sustainable practices into its operations, curriculum, and campus facilities.

10. Laurentian University

Laurentian University is one of Canada’s leading bilingual universities, offering programs in English and French. It is also the country’s only university with a tricultural mandate, encouraging emphasis on anglophone, francophone, and indigenous cultures. The university aims to train the leaders of tomorrow who can address local and global challenges with innovative solutions.

11. York University

York University is one of the largest public universities in Canada. It has three main campuses (Glendon, Keele, and Markham) in the Greater Toronto Area and satellite locations in different parts of the country and outside. Informed by a strong commitment to the public good, York University’s vision is to provide an excellent research-driven learning environment for a diverse student community.

12. Western University – Canada

Western University is a leading university located in London, Ontario. It is one of the founding members of the U15, a group of Canada’s best research universities. The university has one of Canada’s most beautiful campuses, combining historic Gothic structures with modern buildings. It seeks to build a secure and inclusive community with major initiatives to strengthen accessibility, diversity, sustainability, safety, and mental well-being. Western University aims to provide a university experience that leads to holistic development and prepares its graduates to become future leaders. The university has a vast network of alumni who are recognized for their intellect and contribution, including several recipients of the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship.

13. University of Windsor

While the university’s history can be traced back to the establishment of a small Roman Catholic liberal arts college in 1857, the modern University of Windsor was born in 1963 when five colleges merged into a secular and autonomous degree-awarding institution. Windsor’s vision is to enable change through research and learning, engaged at both the regional and global levels. The university’s main campus is on the banks of the Detroit river, close to both Windsor and Detroit.

14. Carleton University

Carleton University was established by the community in Ottawa to meet the needs of veterans coming back from World War II and to provide the opportunity to pursue higher education for those forced to join the workforce to deal with the economic depression. The university’s strengths are its programs in journalism, technology, architecture, and international and public affairs. More than 24,000 full-time students study at its sprawling 100-acre campus located next to the historic Rideau Canal.

15. University of Ottawa

The University of Ottawa is the world’s largest bilingual university; its bilingual tradition can be traced back to its origin more than 150 years ago. It was established as a bilingual Catholic college, with students studying in both English and French. The university became a publicly funded secular institute in 1965. It is one of the top research universities in the country, with more than 90 Canada Research Chairs. The university has four main strategic areas for research: advancing sustainability, fostering just societies, understanding different aspects of digital technologies, and promoting health and wellness. The University of Ottawa has several research centers and laboratories with state-of-the-art facilities to contribute towards cutting-edge research.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Applying to cheap universities in Ontario 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 Ontario?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Ontario. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Ontario is the Algonquin College, which offers Event, Sport and Entertainment Management, Building Conservation, and Marketing to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Brock University offers Biological Sciences, English, and Computer Science.

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

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

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