Canada is home to more than 640,000 international students. This volume is not surprising, given that the country is famous for its world-class universities, high quality of life, and safety and security. Like many foreign enrollees, you too can complete your studies in Canada – without spending much money.
As long as you attend any of these affordable universities in the country, you can receive quality Canadian education at lower costs. This article lists schools where you can spend less tuition expenses than most of the nation’s higher institutions, so read carefully!
Affordable Schools in Canada for International Students
1. Memorial University of Newfoundland
The Memorial University of Newfoundland, also known as Newfoundland and Labrador’s University, is the cheapest institution in Canada for international students. It was founded in 1925 in memory of First World War veterans. To date, it is one of the most prominent schools in Atlantic Canada – and the only one to service Newfoundland and Labrador.
MUN has seven faculties in arts, education, medicine, engineering, business, nursing, and science. It also has six schools in pharmacy, music, human kinetics, social work, recreation, and graduate studies. Due to its affordable tuition, this Canadian institute has seen an influx of students from all over the globe.
2. University of Manitoba
The University of Manitoba, or U of M, is a public research institution with campuses in Fort Garry and Bannatyne. It opened in 1877 and is historically known as the first educational institution in Western Canada. This Canadian higher education provider offers numerous programs through the schools of agriculture, environment, rehabilitation science, architecture, art, education, engineering, kinesiology, science, social work, human ecology, business, music, and graduate studies.
Many factors come into play when calculating your total term tuition and fees, which include your program of study, the specific classes you’re taking, and whether you’re a resident or international student.
3. Concordia University
Next on our list of cheap universities in Canada for international students is Concordia University. It is a comprehensive public educational institution in the French-speaking region of Montreal, Quebec. Although this is the case, it primarily uses English as the medium for instruction.
Formed as a merger between Loyola College and George Williams University, it is categorized into the fine arts, arts & science, engineering & computer science, business, and graduate studies faculties. As one of the top-rated higher institutions in Canada, Concordia University is well-known for its prestigious John Molson School of Business.
4. McGill University
Founded in 1821, McGill University is a public research institution named after founder James McGill. It has campuses in downtown Montreal and Montreal Island. Known to levy the highest grade for admission, it offers 300+ programs through the faculties of agriculture, arts, dentistry, education, engineering, law, management, medicine, music, religious studies, science, and continuing education.
McGill is known for having one of the most diverse student populations. It has become an attractive destination amongst many foreigners, as this instituion is recognized as one of the top public universities in Canada and one of the top 50 in the world.
5. Toronto Metropolitan University
Located in downtown Toronto, Toronto Metropolitan University is another of Canada’s cheapest public research institutions. It was established in 1948 as the Ryerson Institute of Technology before being given the university title in 1993. Apart from housing the most prominent business school in the country – the Ted Rogers School of Management – it also specializes in the fields of the Arts, Communication & Design, Community Services, Engineering & Architecture, Science, and Continuing Education.
Compared to most Canadian universities, TMU has the smallest international student community. They make up only 5% of the school’s 48,000 and more students. Learners are recommended to review the precise cost of their chosen curriculum, so make sure to always check the school’s official website for more information.
6. University of New Brunswick
The University of New Brunswick, or UNB, is an affordable institution in Canada with campuses in Saint John and Fredericton. Founded in 1785, it is the oldest English-language Canadian school and one of the oldest in North America. It was established by seven loyalists who left the US after the American Revolution.
UNB offers 75 bachelor’s degrees – and graduate programs across 30 fields. These include the arts, business, computer science, engineering, forestry, kinesiology, law, leadership studies, nursing, and science.
7. University of Alberta
The University of Alberta, or U of A, is a public educational institution in Edmonton, Alberta. It first opened its doors in 1908 through the efforts of Premier Alexander Cameron Rutherford and University President Henry Marshall Tory. U of A has faculties in agriculture, business, arts, education, engineering, graduate studies, law, medicine & dentistry, native studies, nursing, pharmacy, kinesiology, rehabilitation medicine, public health, and science.
8. University of British Columbia
Founded in 1908, the University of British Columbia is the province’s oldest higher education institution. With branches in Vancouver and Kelowna, it is the alma mater of many famous Canadians – including current prime minister Justin Trudeau. It has different faculties in every branch. Its Vancouver campus is home to the departments of applied science, arts, dentistry, education, forestry, land & food systems, medicine, pharmacy, and science.
UBC is the Canadian university to have the highest percentage of international students. To date, over 30% of its students represent various countries across the globe. As expected, many foreign enrollees are drawn to this cheap university in Canada for international students due to its prestige as one of the renowned universities.
9. University of Ottawa
Also known as the U of O, the University of Ottawa is the largest bilingual educational institution in the world. This cheap school in Canada is located in Ontario and was founded in 1848 as the College of Bytown. Ten faculties oversee its undergraduate and graduate programs, specializing in the arts, education, engineering, health science, law (civil and common), medicine, science, social science, and management.
10. University of Toronto
Founded in 1827 as King’s College, the University of Toronto is the oldest higher education institution in Ontario. It’s also the highest-ranked Canadian tertiary school in the QS World Rankings 2024, at number 21, nine notches ahead of the next-in-line Mcgill University. U of T is divided into several faculties, including the arts & science, applied science & engineering, architecture, music, forestry, information, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, kinesiology, public health, law, management, public policy, education, social work, and theology.
FAQs: Studying in Canada
What are the General Requirements to Study in Canada?
A high school diploma is the basic requirement for a bachelor’s or bachelor’s honors degree. Likewise, master’s degree applicants need a bachelor’s degree to be admitted. A transcript of records is also required, apart from other documents such as work experience and GRE/GMAT results (for master’s applicants). Depending on the university, proficiency in English or French is also needed.
Why are Canadian Schools Popular Among International Students?
First, the high rankings of Canadian universities and colleges attract many international students. These renowned institutions include the University of Toronto, McGill University, McMaster University, and the University of British Columbia, which can rival the Ivy League and prestigious schools in the United Kingdom. Moreover, unlike some of the universities in the United States, they are known for offering great scholarships to international students!
Second, international students wish to study in Canada because of its beautiful cities. This country is known for its beauty and scenic views. Since places like Vancouver, Quebec, and Nova Scotia are famous tourist attractions, many international students wish to study in Canada to sightsee and view the magnificent nature.
Third, Canadian universities and colleges offer bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. programs with affordable tuition. Professional degrees, such as MBA and MD, can also be obtained here at much lower costs than in other countries.
Can International Students Study in Canada Without Paying the Tuition Fees?
This question is a famous thought that many international students ask. If you can’t afford to pay the tuition fees, it is still possible for you to study in Canada. We’ve compiled a guide on how international students can study in Canada for free. The article covers several ways, so we highly recommend that you look at it, especially if you can’t pay these fees.
Do these Affordable Universities in Canada Offer Scholarships?
Yes! These affordable universities also offer scholarships for international students. With the cheap tuition fees coupled with scholarships, you can reduce your costs significantly. To see the complete list, visit the Canada Scholarships Page!
Studying at one of Canada’s most affordable institutions for international students is an excellent way to reduce expenses without sacrificing their quality of education. Taking advantage of these low tuition offers can pave the way to an easier and more fulfilling educational experience in the country. Consider these universities above if you want to pay a cheap tuition fee!
We hope this article on cheap universities in Canada was helpful. To learn more information like this, feel free to check out our Study in Canada page and the Canada Programs for International Students!
