Toronto, the capital of Ontario, is Canada’s largest city. As a major center for business, finance, technology, entertainment, and culture, it offers a cosmopolitan environment comparable to other global cities. Its highly multicultural population also makes it an ideal location for students who wish to study abroad.
Many international students choose this city because it is home to exceptional Canadian universities. However, housing and other living costs in Toronto can be high, and tuition varies substantially by institution and program. Prospective international students should prepare a detailed budget and compare current fee schedules before applying.
Lower tuition does not necessarily mean lower-quality education. Let’s take a look at the cheapest universities in Toronto for international students.
Affordable Schools in Toronto for International Students
1. Tyndale University
- Admissions | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Tuition and Fees: CA$17,700 per year for a typical full-time undergraduate course load | CA$8,376–CA$18,846 per year for selected seminary and graduate programs, before applicable international-student and health-plan charges
Tyndale University is an independent Christian university in Toronto. Its roots date to 1894, when the Toronto Bible Training School opened with students from eight denominations. Today, its student body represents more than 40 Christian denominations and more than 60 ethnic backgrounds.
Given its history, Tyndale is known for undergraduate programs in biblical studies and theology, Christian ministry and practical theology, intercultural studies, and music, including Music: Performance and Music: Worship Arts. It also offers programs in biology, business administration, English, and social service work.
Tyndale also offers seminary and graduate options in areas such as biblical languages, biblical studies, pastoral ministry, and spiritual formation.
2. Toronto Metropolitan University
Toronto Metropolitan University, formerly Ryerson University, is a public university in downtown Toronto. It began as the Ryerson Institute of Technology in 1948 and adopted its current name in April 2022.
TMU has 10 faculties and serves nearly 48,000 students. It offers more than 60 undergraduate and more than 65 graduate programs, including programs through the Lincoln Alexander School of Law and the School of Medicine.
3. OCAD University
- Admissions | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Tuition Fees: approximately CA$32,000 per academic year for international undergraduate students | approximately CA$57,000–CA$84,000 in total program tuition for international graduate students
OCAD University, formerly the Ontario College of Art & Design, is Canada’s oldest and largest art and design university. It opened in 1876 as the Ontario School of Art and is based in downtown Toronto.
OCAD U has three faculties: the Faculty of Art, the Faculty of Design, and the Faculty of Arts & Science. These faculties oversee undergraduate programs such as advertising, creative writing, and digital futures. Its seven graduate programs include Design for Health, Inclusive Design, and Criticism & Curatorial Practice.
4. York University
Founded in 1959, York University is Canada’s third-largest university. It serves more than 53,000 students from over 160 countries.
York’s three campuses in the Greater Toronto Area are Keele, Glendon, and Markham. Keele is the university’s largest campus, Glendon offers a bilingual environment, and Markham is York’s newest campus, with programs emphasizing technology, entrepreneurship, and industry collaboration. York also operates additional learning and professional-development locations.
FAQs: Studying in Canada as an International Student
What Are the General Requirements to Study in Toronto?
Undergraduate applicants generally need a secondary-school credential equivalent to an Ontario Secondary School Diploma and the prerequisite courses for their chosen program. Graduate applicants generally need an appropriate bachelor’s degree, although grade thresholds and prerequisite subjects vary by university and program. Applicants who do not qualify for an exemption normally need to provide proof of English language proficiency for programs taught in English. Accepted tests and minimum scores vary.
Additional materials may include recommendation letters, creative portfolios, writing samples, interviews, or auditions, depending on the program. Applicants can also consult guides to the ACT and GMAT when relevant to a specific application, but neither test should be assumed to be required without checking the official program page.
What Is the Most Affordable University in Toronto?
Among the institutions listed in this article, Tyndale University currently has the lowest standard full-time undergraduate tuition and fee figure. Its undergraduate tuition and fees are CA$17,700 for a typical 10-course academic year in 2026–2027, before additional international-student and health-plan charges. Tyndale’s seminary and graduate tuition and fees range from CA$8,376 per year for the Doctor of Ministry or Post-DMin Certificate to CA$18,846 per year for Master of Arts programs.
This comparison is limited to the institutions and standard programs covered here. Specialized programs, course loads, ancillary charges, health insurance, books, housing, and other living expenses can materially change the total cost. Fees are reviewed regularly, so applicants should use the linked official pages for their intended program and intake.
In conclusion, Toronto is home to many well-known universities in Canada, but tuition and living costs can be high. This article highlights several institutions at different price points. Compare the schools above based on your specific program, course load, available scholarships, and total cost of attendance.
We hope this article helps as you plan to apply to one of Toronto’s universities. For more information, read the Guide to Studying in Canada and explore the Available Courses for International Students!
