Do you want to study in Canada but do not have the adequate funds to do so? If yes, you're in luck! This article explores 6 of the most affordable Canadian universities offering the cheapest master’s courses. Canada has built a strong global reputation as one of the best countries for higher education, attracting thousands of international students every year. With world-class universities, diverse programs, and opportunities for post-study work and immigration, Canada remains a top study destination in 2026. However, the rising cost of tuition and living expenses can make studying abroad challenging for many. The good news is that several institutions offer excellent academic quality at significantly lower tuition rates.
In this guide, we explore the Cheapest Universities in Canada for International Students, highlighting schools that provide affordable programs without compromising on quality. From research-driven institutions like Memorial University of Newfoundland and University of Northern British Columbia to smaller community-focused campuses such as Brandon University and Université de Saint-Boniface, students have a wide range of budget-friendly choices. Whether your interest lies in business, engineering, health sciences, or the arts, these affordable Canadian universities open doors to both quality education and long-term career opportunities.
Why you should study your Master's Degree in Canada
When you're searching for a country to study your master's in, you should definitely consider Canada as one of your options. Canada is regarded as one of the top countries to study a master's degree for many reasons and we'll give you a few below.
Here are 5 reasons why you should study your Master's Degree in Canada:
1. World Ranking University
Canada has over 50 top-ranking institutions you can apply to. The universities have reputable lecturers, efficient student supports and on-campus and off-campus facilities that will ensure your studies run smoothly.
2. Safe and peaceful Society
Canada is widely recognised as one of the peaceful countries in the world. In 2024, Canada placed 11th on the Global Peace Index, making it one of the safest countries in the world. Students who have studied in Canada have reported very low crime rates, a harmonious culture where all Canadian and immigrant students live together in peace.
3. Adequate Support for International Students
In Canada, special support is provided for international students right from their admission inquiry period till they travel to the country.
Every college and university across Canada provides resources for its international student population to help them feel supported on campus and never feel like an outsider when they are thousands of miles away from home.
4. Affordable Tuition
Compared to the US and UK, Canadian universities offer more affordable tuition at top quality education. You can study at a World Ranking University as low as 10,000 CAD, so you don't have to break the bank to get a degree there.
5. Easy Student to PR Route
In Canada, a student can become a permanent resident after a year of graduation. So studying in Canada is your best bet if you're considering relocating from your country permanently or for a very long time.
Factors to Consider when searching for an Affordable University in Canada for your master's degree.
1. Accreditation
When you begin your search for an affordable university in Canada, start by checking the school’s accreditation. Make sure the university is officially recognized in Canada. Many students look at the low fees first and later discover that important organizations do not accept their program. You can avoid this problem by confirming the school’s accreditation and reputation before applying.
2. Quality of teaching
As you look deeper into your options, take time to read student reviews and teaching assessments. This helps you understand what the learning experience is like. Also, pay attention to the qualifications of the professors in your program. When you choose a school with strong teaching quality, you make it easier for yourself to understand the coursework and succeed in your studies.
3. Available specializations
When you find a school that fits your budget, check if it offers the exact program you want. Some universities specialize in specific fields, offering more advanced options. You should choose a school that offers the right specialization for your career goals, as this will help you acquire the knowledge and skills you need.
4. Campus facilities and student support
As you explore different universities, pay attention to the campus facilities. Look for good libraries, labs, study areas, and technology resources. Also, check the support services for international students. This includes help with visas, housing, healthcare, and academics. Strong support services can make your transition to life in Canada much smoother.
Here are six Canadian universities where you can find low-tuition master’s programs:
1. Brandon University
Located in Manitoba, Brandon University is the most affordable places to do a master’s as an international student with a tuition rate of 7,500-10,000 CAD. Their acceptance rate ranges from about 60-65% meaning there is a very high chance of getting in. The accepted English proficiency tests include: IELTS, TOEFL, and CANTEST. This university is suitable for those interested in Business, Education, Arts and Science programmes.
Average Tuition Fee: 7,500-10,000 CAD
General Admission Requirements
- Secondary School Admission Requirement (unless otherwise specified): Minimum five academic subjects in final year or senior exit exam with overall average of C or higher on those subjects.
- British Patterned Education (GCE): Minimum 2 Advanced (A) levels and 3 Ordinary (O) levels required with average of C or higher on those subjects.
- Two Advanced Subsidiary (AS) levels can be substituted for one Advanced (A) level course.
- Certificates from Cambridge International Examinations can be verified in our office. Applicants can send high-quality images of the documents by email.
- Pearson results must be sent directly from Pearson Edexcel. School copies will not be accepted.
- All other GCE results must be received directly from the examination board. School copies will not be accepted.
- International Baccalaureate (IB): International Baccalaureate Diploma with minimum overall score of 24 points. The IB Diploma must include at least three Higher Level courses, with the remaining courses at either the Higher Level or the Standard Level.
- West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE): C5 or higher in minimum of five subjects, including English and Mathematics.
How to Apply
- Fill out the online application form, including all secondary and post-secondary institutions attended/currently attending. Communications from the Admissions Office are sent by email. Use an email account that you check regularly and add us to your safe-sender list.
- Pay the non-refundable application fee of $70.00 CAD (Domestic) or $140.00 CAD (International). Fee is subject to change without notice.
- The Admissions Office will email you a document request once your application is received and processed. Have all requested documents sent to the Admissions Office by the Application Deadline. The application and document deadline are the same date. Understand which Domestic required documents or International required documents you may need to submit.
- Your applicant file will be assessed for admissibility when all required documents and the application fee are received. Note that additional documents may be requested during the assessment process.
- Admission decisions are communicated via email.
2. Université de Saint-Boniface
Also in Manitoba, this francophone institution offers master’s programs at competitive rates. Its smaller campus size and lower overhead help translate to more affordable tuition for international students. Their tuition rates range from about 7,500-10,000 CAD, and their acceptance rate is between 60-65% depending on your programme. It is a French-speaking university, but they accept English proficiency tests like TOEFL& IELTS. This school is perfect for those interested in programmes like Business, Education, and Nursing.
Average Tuition Fee: 7,500-10,000 CAD
General Admission Requirements
- Apply with a $100 non-refundable fee and meet the specific requirements for your program.
- While specific requirements vary, applications are evaluated holistically, so meeting the general requirements is a key first step.
How to Apply
- Prepare all the required documents, such as your high school diploma or bachelor's diploma, and any official transcripts.
- Fill out the online application form.
- After having submitted your application, send the required documents and (non-refundable) admission fees to the Registrar
Apply to Université de Saint-Boniface
3. Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN)
Based in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Memorial University of Newfoundland also known as MUNBis one of the most affordable universities in Canada, with tuition ranging from 9,000 to 12,000 CAD per year and an acceptance rate of around 70 to 75%. It accepts IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and Duolingo for test of English proficiency. MUN is particularly known for its Engineering, Medicine, Business, and Computer Science programs, and it’s located in one of Canada’s most affordable cities.
Average Tuition Fee: 9,000 to 12,000 CAD
General Admission Requirements
1. Choose a program and a campus
Memorial University offers a wide variety of programs. With over 300 program options and multiple campuses to choose from, your choices are wide open. Check out what is offered at the St. John’s Campus, Grenfell Campus, the Marine Institute, the Labrador Campus or online.
2. Review application deadlines
Application deadlines vary by program. We encourage you to submit your application well in advance of the posted deadlines.
If you are applying from outside of Canada and will need a study permit, review the study permit processing times to ensure you have sufficient time to arrive to Memorial.
3. Check the admission requirements
A) General admission requirements
General admission means you meet the university’s minimum requirements to gain early or verified acceptance.
All applicants must meet general admission requirements before being considered for admission to a competitive-entry program. If you are taking courses at a university or college for the first time, you will first be considered for admission under a general admission program such as a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science.
English language requirement
All applicants to Memorial University must meet our English language requirement.
If you haven’t yet met the requirement, you may be interested in our English as an Additional Language program offered at the Grenfell Campus.
B) Competitive-entry program requirements
If you are successful with general admission and have applied to a competitive-entry program, your application will be forwarded to that faculty/school for consideration. You will hear from them separately.
Note: Admission to Memorial's competitive-entry programs is competitive and selective. Meeting the minimum general admission requirements does not guarantee admission to a competitive-entry program.
4. Start the application
The online application takes about 30 minutes to complete. You may start an application, save it, and return to it any time before submitting.
You will need to submit a new online application if you are/were:
- Applying to Memorial for the first time
- Previously admitted but didn’t register for courses
- Previously enrolled and haven’t registered for courses in more than three consecutive semesters
- Current Memorial student applying to competitive-entry programs
Current Memorial students should review information on how to change their academic program, including how to declare their program/major/minor versus how to apply for admission to competitive-entry programs.
5. Submit your application and pay the fee
Once you've clicked the submit button on your application, proceed to the payment page and pay the non-refundable application fee(s). A valid Visa or MasterCard is required to submit the online application; debit cards are not accepted.
How to Apply
The online application takes about 30 minutes to complete. You may start an application, save it, and return to it any time before submitting.
You will need to submit a new online application if you are/were:
- Applying to Memorial for the first time
- Previously admitted but didn’t register for courses
- Previously enrolled and haven’t registered for courses in more than three consecutive semesters
- Current Memorial student applying to competitive-entry programs
Apply to Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN)
4. The University of Winnipeg
Located right in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the University of Winnipeg has tuition fees between 9,500 and 12,000 CAD per year, with an estimated acceptance rate of 70 to 75%. Accepted English language tests include IELTS, TOEFL, and Duolingo.
The university is well recognized for its Environmental Studies, Economics, Business, and Computer Science programs, and it’s known for having small class sizes and a strong sense of community.
Average Tuition Fee: 9,500 and 12,000 CAD
General Admission Requirements
You are a current high school student studying at a school in the Province of Manitoba, and expect to graduate from grade 12. Students from Manitoba high schools can self-report their grade 12 marks on the application.
You are a current high school student studying at a school in another Canadian province, and expect to graduate from grade 12 (or equivalent).
You wish to complete courses for interest only. You want to attend a lecture(s) at the University, but you will not receive any credit.
You are a high school student who is ready to start university early. You still have to complete some high school courses to graduate, but would like to take a limited number of University courses too.
You still need to complete three or less high school credits to meet regular admission status. You plan to finish your remaining high school credits at The University of Winnipeg Collegiate while taking a limited number of University courses too.
You have been admitted to UWinnipeg before, and you took a course(s) here at least one year or more ago.
You are attending an official partner university outside of Canada and want to enrol in one or two terms here.
You want to pursue a master’s degree.
You have been homeschooled, and can provide a portfolio with proof of completion of grade 12 or equivalent including Mathematics and English.
You are an international student studying outside of Canada wishing to pursue studies at UWinnipeg.
You do not have the required subjects for regular high school admission. You are 21 or over, or you will turn 21 during the calendar year in which you are admitted for the first time.
If you do not meet the University’s requirements for admission as a Mature Status student, you can still apply for admission as a Mature Access student. You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada, at least 21 years old in the year you first register for university courses, and you must not have graduated from high school or attended university or college.
You have an undergraduate degree already, and you want to pursue an additional undergraduate degree.
You are currently studying at another university or college, but you want to transfer to UWinnipeg to complete your degree.
You are enrolled in a degree program at another school, but you want to take a course(s) here on a Letter of Permission.
How to Apply
There is a non-refundable application fee required when you apply. This fee must be received by the University before we can start assessing your application.
- Domestic (Canadian) $100
- Continuance (domestic) $50
We encourage students to apply at least 3 to 4 months before their desired Start Term. You may start in Fall (September), Winter (January) or Spring (May).
DOMESTIC applicants
Transcripts: We accept only official transcripts issued by the high school, university or college you attended. You need to request your transcript(s) from the institution(s) and then mail them in yourself, or ask the institution to mail them directly to our Admissions Office. See addresses below. We do not accept photocopies.
Current Manitoba high school students: IF you apply before June 1, we will request the final grades from your high school on your behalf. You do not have to request your school.
Other documents: Name change documents, proof of citizenship, landing card, and diplomas can be scanned and uploaded to the Application Portal, or submitted via mail (see address below).
For information on supporting documents for international students, please see How to Apply: International Students.
Apply to The University of Winnipeg
5. University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC)
Situated in Prince George, British Columbia, UNBC’s tuition ranges from 10,000 to 14,000 CAD per year, with an estimated acceptance rate of about 70 to 75%. It accepts IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo, CAEL, and CELPIP as proof of English proficiency. UNBC is famously called “Canada’s Green University” for its strong focus on sustainability and is especially known for its Environmental Science, Health Sciences, Business, and Social Work programs.
Average Tuition Fee: 10,000 to 14,000 CAD
General Admission Requirements
Non-Competitive Entry Programs
Meeting the listed admission requirements and the minimum average needed to apply guarantees admission to a non-competitive entry program. The admission average is calculated using English 12 or English First Peoples 12 (or student's local equivalent), and the next three highest Academic Grade 12 courses with an additional Grade 12 class (which can be an elective or an additional Academic Grade 12 - whichever is highest). Upon application, students apply with “self-declared” grades as final Grade 12 grades may not yet be available. Self-declared grades will be used for awards consideration if awards application deadlines are met. Students will be given a 5% margin in awards consideration (e.g. award recipients declaring an 85% average will still receive their award if their final average is 80%).
Students can be admitted to their program without the courses listed under “High School courses required for degree completion” but will be required to take adjusted first-year schedules to account for missing prerequisites. This could lead to prolonged degree completion timelines. In the event that UNBC does not offer a course equivalent to the required prerequisite, students are responsible for seeking and completing outside coursework to continue their UNBC studies.
Competitive Entry Programs
Meeting the minimum average and course requirements for a competitive entry program does not guarantee admission, as space is limited in each program. A competitive average is established yearly based on that year’s applicant pool. Students above the established average may be offered early provisional admission. After the application deadline, students are admitted on a rolling basis as seats are accepted or declined. Deadlines may be extended based on capacity.
How to Apply
1. Explore
Begin by exploring our program information, admission requirements, fees, and deadlines. Then check out the online budget calculator, find out more about student life, see our beautiful campus, and join the UNBC community on social media.
2. Tell us about yourself
Receive personalized emails about your programs of interest, insider tips and hints, faculty information, student life and so much more!
3. Apply
4. Submit
Email unofficial documents to [email protected].
Mail official, sealed documents to:
University of Northern British Columbia
Undergraduate Admissions
3333 University Way
Prince George, BC
V2N 4Z9
B.C. high school students: send transcripts through the Ministry of Education.
5. Accept and confirm your offer
Wait for your acceptance letter in the mail. Once accepted, (congratulations!) we will email you registration tips, orientation information, and schedules for upcoming activities and events.
6. Register for classes
Now that you've been accepted, let's make it official.
Check the website or our email for information about when each semester's course schedule is released and open for registration.
7. Attend Orientation
Once you have registered for courses, you will receive an invitation to Orientation.
Apply to University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC)
6. Université de Moncton
Located in Moncton, New Brunswick, this university has tuition ranging from 14,000 to 16,000 per year, and an acceptance rate of between 60-750%. Though it should be noted that the acceptance rate depends on the program. It’s a French-speaking university that usually requires French proficiency, but also accepts IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo for English programs. Université de Moncton is known for its Law, Business, Engineering, and Arts programs, and it offers a warm, inclusive community for international students.
And that brings an end to our list of the most affordable universities in Canada. You can check the schools' websites for more detailed information and for more information on the Application process, the supporting documents, and the entry requirements
If you still feel these tuition fees are not affordable, you should also know that there are scholarship options available, like Mastercard, Macall Macbain, UBC Graduate, and the Government of Canada scholarships.
Average Tuition Fee: 14,000 to 16,000 CAD
General Admission Requirements
- An admission form request for junior university training (1er cycle) completed and signed;
- One up to date office copy of the student's high school records (the French baccalauréat), including all original copies or copies certified to be office copies of degrees and academic achievements. If you have already attended university or any other institute of higher education (post-secondary), you must also include official transcripts, a brief description of courses taken for equivalency examination and office copies certified to be true copies of degrees. Office copies must be sent directly to the Université de Moncton Admission Office by your home institution, in a sealed envelope bearing the institution's official seal. Documents are no longer considered official if the envelope has been opened or is torn.
- $50 Canadian dollars (non-refundable), for the creation and examination of your record. This sum can be sent to the campus either through an international postal money order or a cheque drawn from a Canadian bank account.
- You may also transact a bank transfer payable to the Université de Moncton, please contact us for bank transfer information.
How to Apply
The University's Admissions Service handles all requests for admission, ensures that each student's file is complete and advises students on their status. The staffs are also responsible for registration procedures and pertinent statistical data.
To be admitted to the Centre international d'apprentissage du français (CIAF), applicants must fill in an admission form that can be obtained by:
When filling in an admission form, applicants must indicate the program that interests them. Under choice of program (Choix de programme), write IMMERSION.
* Each admission form must be printed, signed and returned by mail with each of the required documents to the following address:
Université de Moncton, Campus de Shippagan
218 J.-D.-Gauthier Blvd.
Shippagan, New Brunswick
E8S 1P6 Canada
Apply to Université de Moncton
Conclusion
There you have it guys, 6 Canadian universities you can apply to before the academic season of 2026. Take your time to go through each of them and find the one that has a course that fits your budget. Goodluck in your application!
