10 Cheapest Universities in Canada for International Students
Canada is one of the top study destinations in the world due to its quality and affordable education. Studying in Canada is much more affordable than in many countries of the world.
The education system in the country has attracted many foreign learners who get admissions into their institutions. The low and affordable tuition fees are also motivating factors for studying in the North American country. Students will, therefore, pay relatively less for quality education.
International students who are on a low budget find Canada as an excellent alternative for getting quality and affordable education. Additionally, you’ll be studying in an English or French territory in a highly developed country. Canadian degree is globally recognised and can be compared to other top study destinations like the US, UK, Australia and others.
In this article, you’ll learn about the cheapest universities in Canada for international students. So if you’ve been looking for where to get an affordable degree in Canada, you’ll get all the information on this page.
Contents
Why Study in Canada
You might ask why do I need to study in Canada. Below is just a few reasons why so many international students choose Canada as a preferred study destination.
1. Affordable Education
Canada is known to offer affordable and quality education to both domestic and international students. Obtaining a degree in Canadian University is much cheaper compared to other English speaking countries like the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.
2. Reputation
The Canadian education system has a reputation for being one of the best in the world. Also, Canadian universities are also among the top-ranked universities in the world.
3. Ease of Living
For French and English speakers, it’s very easy for international students to get along in Canada. Additionally, the standard of living in Canada is high, so it’s very easy to integrate smoothly among the locals.
Cheapest Universities in Canada for International Students
Tuition fee in Canadian universities for international students varies considerably based on the level of study and the course of study. Art-related courses are cheaper than science-based courses.
READ ALSO:Â List of Universities to Study in Canada Without IELTS
Furthermore, international students can also enrol in several tuition-free universities in Canada.
1. Brandon University
- Location:Â Brandon, Manitoba
- International Undergraduate Tuition: $1,910 – $17,094
- International Graduate Tuition: $1,909 – $7,741
Brandon University is the cheapest University in Canada for International Students. It is one of the most affordable universities in Canada known for establishing a positive relationship with international students. Brandon University also offers one-to-one professor interactions and research opportunities not available at larger universities.
2. University of Northern British Columbia
- Location:Â Prince George, British Columbia
- International Undergraduate Tuition:Â $2,485 – $14,169
- International Graduate Tuition: $2,333 – $9,334
The University of Northern British Columbia is one of the cheapest universities in Canada for international students. UNBC provides outstanding undergraduate and graduates learning opportunities that explore cultures, health, economies, sciences, and the environment.
3. Dalhousie University
- Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia
- International Undergraduate Tuition: $4,523 – $7,874
- International Graduate Tuition: $9,906 – $29,385
Dalhousie University is one of the oldest and cheapest universities in Canada. The university is strategically located in one of the friendliest cities in the world attracting more than 19,000 students from around the world.
4. Université de Saint-Boniface
- Location:Â Winnipeg, Manitoba
- International Undergraduate Tuition: $7,482 – $8,132
Université de Saint-Boniface also offers low and affordable tuition fees for international students. It is very convenient for those who speak a certain level of French that meet their minimum requirements.
5. University of Guelph
- Location:Â Guelph, Ontario
- International Undergraduate Tuition: $12,605 – $18,453
- International Graduate Tuition: $6,560 – $12,000
The University of Guelph is one of the cheapest universities in Canada for international students. International students at Guelph will receive special assistance at the university with visa applications, English language study, housing, and have access to an advisor specifically for international students.
READ ALSO: Cheapest Universities in Canada for Master Degree.
6. Simon Fraser University
- Location:Â Burnaby, British Columbia
- International Undergraduate Tuition: $1,029.70 (per unit)
- International Graduate Tuition:Â $6,811 – $11,681
Simon Fraser University is one of the leading universities in Canada. Their tuition is also cheap when compared to other top institutions in the country. They have campuses in British Columbia’s largest municipalities — Vancouver, Burnaby and Surrey.
Tuition fees for international undergraduate and graduate students vary considerably based on the program of study.
7. Memorial University of Newfoundland
- Location:Â St. Johns, Newfoundland
- International Undergraduate Tuition:Â $11,460
- International Graduate Tuition: $6,390 – $17,988
The Memorial University of Newfoundland is among the cheapest universities in Canada for international students. The University warmly welcomes and encourages international applications. It also offers specialized services for international students such as student advising, an internationalization office, and international student groups.
8. University of Saskatchewan
- Location:Â Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
- International Undergraduate Tuition: $1,740.36 – $2,619.96 (per 3 unit)
- International Graduate Tuition: $6,730.80
The University of Saskatchewan (USask) is one of the top research-intensive, medical doctoral universities in Canada, and is home to world-leading research in areas of global importance, such as water and food security and infectious diseases. It has over 80 Masters and Doctorate degrees. Specializing in research and medical fields.
9. Canadian Mennonite University
- Location:Â Winnipeg, Manitoba
- International Undergraduate Tuition: $17,000
- Degree Programs: Three- and four-year BA, BSc, BBA, and Master’s Programs
The Canadian Mennonite Univesity is one of the cheapest universities in Canada for international students.
An international student (including the U.S.) taking full-time (24 credit hours) courses, living in the dormitory, using the full meal plan, and paying for required health insurance fees, can expect to pay about $17,000 (Canadian dollars).
10. University of Calgary
- Location:Â Calgary, Alberta
- International Undergraduate Tuition: $2,017 – $3,751 (per 3 units)
- International Graduate Tuition: $8,081 (except thesis) / $29,027 (thesis-based)
The University of Calgary is one of the best and top universities in Canada. They offer course-based and research-based Masters and Doctorate degrees in a variety of subjects. Tuition fees for undergraduate programs are charges based on per unit.
READ ALSO:Â List of Canadian Universities Without Application Fees
Cost of Living in Canada for International Students
Just like every developed country, the cost of living in Canada varies considerably depending on location. Many large metropolis is extremely expensive and unaffordable for many students. However, there’re still some areas where international students can live under a strict budget.
Below is a breakdown of the average student living cost in Canada.
- Housing:Â 250-800 CAD
- Internet:Â 50-70 CAD
- Basic utilities (electricity, water, heat, garbage, etc):Â 150 CAD
- Food:Â 300CAD
- Transport pass:Â 90 CAD
Note: The Canadian government requires that an applicant show proof of having $10,000 CAD on top of tuition for a student visa, however, you will likely need more.
How to Apply to Canadian Universities
As an international student, your application to a Canadian university will have special requirements. In addition to the typical student application including letters of recommendation, resume and educational history, you may also be asked to provide the following:
- Proof of finances
- English proficiency
- International application
- Passport information
- A translated copy of your transcript
Remember that you will also need a student visa to study for longer than six months in Canada. The application can be done online and costs $150 CAD. The government of Canada will ask for proof of finances, proof of health and general well-being, proof of no criminal record, and your university acceptance letter. It is recommended that you begin your student visa application as soon as you receive acceptance into the Canadian university.