Manitoba is one of Canada’s most scenic provinces. With forests, lakes, provincial parks, and protected areas, it can be a good place for students who enjoy the outdoors and want an active lifestyle while pursuing higher education.
Thanks to the quality of the universities and colleges in the area, students can find strong academic and career-focused options surrounded by beautiful scenery. Tuition fees vary by program and student status, but several Manitoba institutions offer comparatively affordable options for international students. Here, we’ve compiled some of Manitoba’s more affordable higher education providers.
Affordable Schools in Manitoba for International Students
1. Université de Saint-Boniface
Université de Saint-Boniface is a French-language university located in Winnipeg’s St. Boniface neighborhood and affiliated with the University of Manitoba. It offers university, technical, and professional programs. Its history dates back to 1818, when Latin was taught to boys in the French-speaking Red River Settlement.
The institution grew over the years, developed a classical college model, welcomed women to its classrooms in 1959, moved to a secular administration in 1969, and formally received university status in 2011. Classes are taught in French, and the university welcomes students from around the world.
2. Brandon University
- Admissions | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Tuition Fees: around CA$19,701 to CA$21,494/year (International Undergraduate, 30 credit hours) | around CA$9,125 to CA$9,563/year (International Graduate, 15 credit hours in listed programs)
Brandon University is a co-educational, non-denominational, government-supported institution in Brandon, Manitoba. Its roots go back to McKee’s Academy, which moved to Brandon in 1890, and Brandon College was organized under Baptist leadership in 1899. Brandon College became non-denominational in 1938 and received its university charter in 1967.
The university continued to grow after wartime enrollment challenges and now offers programs across areas such as arts, education, music, science, health studies, and graduate education. Its campus facilities include academic buildings, student residences, and the Healthy Living Centre, which opened in 2012.
3. University of Winnipeg
The University of Winnipeg received its university charter in 1967, but its roots date back to Manitoba College and Wesley College, which merged to form United College in 1938. Programs offered range from kinesiology and business to arts, science, education, and Indigenous studies. This affordable institution in Manitoba also offers select graduate programs and has worked steadily to make the campus more sustainable.
One thing that characterizes the university is that it is one of the first universities in Canada to require undergraduate students to complete Indigenous-focused coursework. Research at this school is highly promoted, with different centers designed for this purpose. Moreover, it has an extensive library available to students and faculty for further research and study time.
4. Canadian Mennonite University
- Admissions | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Tuition Fees: CA$1,175/3-credit course (International Undergraduate) | CA$1,456/3-credit course (International Graduate, Master of Arts and Master of Divinity)
Canadian Mennonite University, located in Winnipeg, is a faith-based university formally supported by Mennonite Church Canada and the Mennonite Brethren Church of Manitoba. It was founded in 2000 after the merger of three Mennonite colleges: Canadian Mennonite Bible College, Mennonite Brethren Bible College, later Concord College, and Menno Simons College.
CMU offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in areas such as arts, science, music, communications, business administration, theology, peacebuilding, social work, and education. CMU’s main Shaftesbury campus serves undergraduate and graduate students, while Menno Simons College programming in conflict resolution and international development is offered at the University of Winnipeg. Soccer and volleyball teams compete in the Manitoba Colleges Athletic Conference, and basketball teams compete in the Northern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
5. Booth University College
- Admissions | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Tuition Fees: CA$1,225/course plus CA$275/course in general and course fees (International Undergraduate) | CA$903/online or hybrid course plus CA$30 administrative fee (Continuing Studies)
This institution, established in 1982 as Catherine Booth Bible College, started with 28 students. Booth University College is located in downtown Winnipeg and became Booth University College in 2010 after Manitoba legislation granted it university college status. It offers undergraduate, continuing studies, and graduate programs.
This institution is affiliated with The Salvation Army. Programs offered at Booth include business, social work, humanities and social sciences, continuing studies, and a Master of Business Administration.
Manitoba is a great destination where you can pursue your higher education. Canada remains a popular country for international students because of its cultural diversity and range of study options. Furthermore, the variety of programs offered here makes it possible to find an area of interest at one or more of these institutions. While these schools are not as cheap as institutions in some other countries, they can offer strong academic and career-focused opportunities after graduation.
We hope this article on cheap universities in Manitoba was helpful. For more information about studying in Canada, make sure also to check out our Canada Page and the Available Courses for International Students!
