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20 Cheapest Canadian Universities 2024

20 Cheapest Canadian Universities 2024

Are you looking for Cheap universities in Canada for international students 2024. This article contains 20 Cheapest Canadian Universities. The Most affordable universities in Canada you can study. These canadian universities has low tuition fees for international student.

Why do most international students prefer to study abroad? A few factors influencing this decision, comes to mind.

International students mainly go abroad to study, due to easy access to quality education, exposure to new cultures, better standard of living, and availability of jobs during and after studies.

However, of all those choice countries on the list for international students, Canada has to be one of the cheapest countries to study in.

Studying in Canada and getting a work permit and then a permanent residency is easier when you compare it to other countries. Another reason why international students choose Canada is because of its cheap tuition fees, and affordability.

Canada has quickly become a favourite for students from all over the world, and if you too are thinking about going to school in this country, we give you 20 cheapest Canadian universities you can choose from.

 

Content of Content

  • Why study in Canada?
  • 20 cheapest Canadian universities
  • Table Showing 20 cheapest universities In Canada and their average school fees
  • Bonus: Cheapest Colleges In Canada

 

Why Study In Canada?

Choosing Canada for studies, on one hand means that you can either enjoy studying in cheap colleges in Canada for international students, or learn in some of the cheapest universities in Canada for international students.

Wherever you find yourself studying, you should know that Canada is going to offer you the best, regardless of which school your are studying in.

Here are 5 solid reasons why you should study in Canada:

 

1. It's An Affordable Country

Canada is more affordable to study in, when compared to other countries like United Kingdom or United States Of America.

 

2. A Reputation For Being The Best

Canada's reputation for having a solid standard of education, precedes it as it truly does have one of the best education systems in the world.

 

3. Easy Living

Living in Canada is easier than it is in other countries and you get along with the indigenes better.

 

4. Work As You Study

There are some countries that don't allow international students to work, but Canada offers you the opportunity to work as you study.

International students can work for up to 20 hours during semesters and full-time during winter break.

 

5. Lively Campuses

Canadian campuses are usually very lively and you get to meet a lot of interesting people there, plus the city is usually alive with events, fests, and other countries conducted thorough out campuses.

 

20 Cheap universities in canada for international students 2024

Table Showing 20 Cheapest Universities In Canada And Their Average School Fees

SN

University Name

Average Tuition Fees

1

.Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN)

USD 8,150 / academic year

2

University College of the North (UCN)

USD 8,600 - 10,120 / academic year

 

3

St. Stephen’s University (SSU)

USD 8,400/academic year

 

4

Athabasca University

USD 8,515/academic year

5

Canadian Mennonite University (CMU)

USD 8,450/ academic year.

 

6

Brandon University

13,000  CAD

7

University Of Laval

17,000 CAD

8

University Of St. Boniface 

22,400 CAD

9

University Of Saskatchewan 

USD 16,500

10

Booth University College 

USD 9,200/ academic year

11

Kingswood University

USD 9,550/academic year.

 

12

University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI)

 From USD 9,650 - USD 47,200 / academic year

 

13

Atlantic School of Theology (AST)

USD 9,900/ academic year.

 

14

University of Manitoba 

From USD 10,000 - USD 18,700 / academic year.

 

15

University of Winnipeg

From USD 10,100 to USD 12,500 per/ year.

 

16

Alberta University Of The Arts (AUArts)

USD 10,600/academic year

17

Royal Roads University A

3,750 – 27,600 CAD/year

 

18

Tyndale University

USD 11,300/academic year.

 

19

St. Thomas University (STU)

From USD 11,400 - USD 14,700/ academic year.

 

20

McMaster University 

Masters starting at 7,710 CAD/year

The above table is a summary for the list of cheap universities in Canada for international students.

 

20 Cheapest Canadian Universities

Canada boasts some of the most budget friendly schools in the world for international students.

This section, primarily covers 20 of the most affordable universities in Canada for international students, how to apply for admission to them, and their average tuition fees.

If you have been confused for a while now on which schools in Canada you can afford, thankfully our list of cheap universities in Canada will help.

 

1. Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN)

Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) is currently the cheapest university in Canada for international students to study in, and pulls in about 3,000 international students each year, because of how affordable it is.

MUN is ranked between 701st and 750th position, for best universities in the QS World ranking.

This cheapest Canadian university is spread across seven faculties, six schools, more than 30 research centers, and four additional campuses. 

Average Tuition Fee

$8,150 / academic year

 

How To Apply To MUN

Undergraduate

  • Choose a program and campus.
  • Review application deadlines
  • Check the admission requirements
  • Start your application

Additional information for application processes.

Memorial University Of Newfoundland undergraduate application.

 

Graduate

  • Choose your semester and check the deadlines
  • Identify and collect all required application materials
  • Submit your application

 

Additional information for graduate application process.

Memorial University Of Newfoundland graduate application.

 

 

2. University College of the North (UCN)

Next on our list of affordable universities in Canada is University College of the North. UCN rightfully made its way to our list as one of the low tuition fee universities in Canada.

Originating in 2004, UCN started out as a vocational center on 1966, and has grown to 2 campuses, 10 regional centres, five faculties of trades and technology, education, arts and science, business, and health, and offers 40 degree and non-degree programs.

University College of the North is located in Manitoba province.

Average Tuition Fee

 $8,600 - $10,120 / academic year.

 

How To Apply for Admission in UCN

Have your valid student visa or permanent resident card.

  • Buy health insurance before you arrive UCN and prior to registrating for the course.

 

  • Health insurance purchased after arriving at University College of the North and must be purchased prior to course registration.
  • Pay a non-refundable A fee of $158.00 + GSTm
  • Meet the program requirements and deadlines before you apply.
  • Complete all applications before submitting for processing, incomplete applications may result in rejection of the application. 

Additional information for international students' application process.

University College of the North international students application.

 

 

3. St. Stephen’s University (SSU)

St. Stephen’s University (SSU) is a private university located in a small town in New Brunswick, and is one of the universities in Canada for international students with low tuition fee.

SSU offers many study abroad opportunities to students, and enrols about 30 new students every year.

It offer, four Bachelor of Arts in humanities, international studies, psychology, and community engagement. St. Stephen’s University (SSU) also offers master degree programs in theology and culture, and different diplomas and certificates as well.

 

Average Tuition Fee

 USD 8,400/academic year.

 

How To Apply For Admission in SSU

Undergraduate

Pay the application fee.

Click on the registration button to register and pay the application fee of $100.

Failure to pay the application fee, means that you will have to register again with a different email when a session expires.

SSU Undergraduate Application.

 

Graduate

  • Fill the form provided by St.Stephen's University.

SSU Graduate Application.

 

 

4. Athabasca University

Athabasca University, Alberta is another cheap Canada university for international students to study in in Canada. Athabasca gives students the option to attend distance or online education, and is actually one of the first Canadian universities to offer this type of learning to students.

Athabasca University has 5 faculties of health disciplines, science and technology, humanities and social sciences, business and graduate studies. All programs are taught online, thereby giving students access to a flexible study schedule and aspiring students to apply for courses any time or the year.

 

Average Tuition Fee 

$8,515/academic year.

 

How To Apply For Admission in Athabasca University

Undergraduate

  • Undegraduate students only have to. apply once.
  • After applying, you can register for courses.
  • Register for AU courses on the 10th day of any month to resume your course on the 1st day of the next month.

AU Undergraduate Application.

Graduate

  • Consult the program’s website and try to learn the admission requirements, deadlines and English Language Proficiency requirements for various graduate programs.
  •  

Browse the list of graduate programs and select the one most suitable for you.

  • Complete the graduate application form.

AU Graduate Application.

Additional admissions information for Athabasca University.

 

5. Canadian Mennonite University (CMU)

Canadian Mennonite University is one of the most affordable universities in Canada, you could comfortably study in.

CMU is a private university located in Manitoba and is split into five schools which offer over 20 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Average Tuition Fee: USD 8,450/ academic year.

 

How To Apply for Admission in CMU

  • Be aware of Application Deadlines.
  • Complete an Application Form.
  • Pay $150 Application Fee (non-refundable).
  • Submit Supporting Documentation.
  • Include English Proficiency Exam Results.
  • Receive Notification of Admission from CMU
  • Apply for On-Campus Housing (if you hope to live on campus).
  • Use your Acceptance Letter to Apply for a Study Permit.

CMU  application additional information.

CMU undergraduate application.

CMU graduate application.

 

6. Brandon University

Located in Manitoba, Canada, Brandon University is one of the cheap public universities in Canada which was established in 1889

Brandon University is an affiliate of (CUCCOA) Canadian University and College Conference Organizers Association, and trains an estimate of 3,000 students.

BU is one of the renowned universities of Canada which offers undergraduate, graduate, pre-professional and certificate programs in arts, business administration, education, fine arts, music, nursing, science, environmental science, and psychiatric nursing.

Average Tuition Fee: 13,000 (Canadian Dollars) CAD

 

How To Apply for Admission in BU

  • Aspiring students should apply through the Brandon University application portal.
  • You will be required to pay an application fee of CAD 138.
  • Other requirements for admission include:
  • Original documents as directed.
  • Health insurance.
  • A financial statement including the bank statement verifying resources to pay for total oneyear expenses in Canada.
  • Student visa

Brandon University application information.

Brandon University application portal.

Brandon University undergraduate application information.

Brandon University graduate application information.

 

 

7. University Of Laval

The University Of Laval was the first French-Language university in North America, founded in 1663, when North America was still a French colony.

University of Laval is a public university, and also one of the low tuition fee universities in Canada. Now located in Quebec, this institution has become a renowned university in Canada, and has produced up to 312,000 graduates and has over 1,600 professors.

Average Tuition Fee: 17,000 CAD.

 

How To Apply for Admission in University of Laval

  • Interested students should apply on the University of Laval application portal or through a printable electronic form.
  • Application fee: 89 CAD
  • Basic Admission Requirements
  • Résumé
  • Work/life experience
  • Letter of interest
  • Research project proposal.
  • Copy of transcripts from your university studies or additional studies undertaken after completing your preuniversity education.
  • Copy of diplomas or degree certificates, once awarded, or official transcripts showing the name of the diploma received.
  • 3 copies of the Report on the Applicant(compulsory for doctoral applicants but coursespecific for masters applicants)
  • Proof of French language proficiency or English proficiency for English courses

University of Laval further application information.

 

 

8. University Of St. Boniface

University of St. Boniface, Winnipeg, Manitoba was established in 1818 by Father Norbert Provencher and happens to be the only French Language University in the entire province of Manitoba.

University of St. Boniface is a public institution, making it one of the cheapest universities in Canada for international students.

While this institute might have just officially received it's university status in the year 2011, it still maintained a reputable name in the list of coveted higher education institutes in Canada.

Average Tuition Fee: 22,400 CAD

 

How To Apply for Admission in University Of St. Boniface

  • Apply using any of the portals below:
  • Undergraduate Portal
  • Graduate Portal
  • Application Fee: CAD 120
  • Admission requirements depend on your program, going through your desired program can shed more light on this.
  • Generally, the university requires the following documents:
  • Original transcripts
  • English Language Proficiency Test Scores: TOEFL, IELTS, CEFR, CLB, CanTest
  • French Language Proficiency Test Scores: BI, TestCan, DELF All Public, DALF, TCF, TEF, TFI
  • Professional Profile (if applicable to the program)
  • Cover letters (if applicable to the program)
  • Passport Copies

Note:  The university doesn't accept scanned document, so you either have to mail it to them, or drop it off in person.

 

 

9. University Of Saskatchewan

University of Saskatchewan (U of Sask) is a non-profit Canadian university founded in 1907, and is highly regarded as one of 15 leading research-intensive universities in Canada, offering an enriching research environment complete with state of the art facilities.

U of Sask is the only Canadian university to partner with Oxford University, it offers few highly demanded courses in disciplines like - Law, Engineering, and Nursing. We would like to point out that U of Sask is among the  cheap engineering universities in Canada.

The University of Saskatchewan's graduate courses are unmatched, and offers disciplines like MBA in Agriculture and MEng in Computer Science.

Average Tuition Fee: 16,500

 

How To Apply for Admission in University Of Saskatchewan

  • Create your login id and pin on the official website application portal.
  • Choose your preferred application type Graduate (A) MPAcc program, Graduate (B) Fall Term start, Graduate (C) Winter Term start, Graduate (D) Spring Term start, Graduate (E) Non-Degree or Graduate (F) Joint Student.
  • Add your name to the Application checklist.
  • Pay a fee of 68 USD (non-refundable), to submit your application.
  • Check your application summary and requirements checklist to see if your admission has been confirmed.

U Of Sask further application information.

 

 

10. Booth University College

Booth University College, Manitoba is a private Christian institution, affiliated to Salvation Army, a Christian international organisation, this is why they offer their students the option to study some semesters in other countries.

Booth University College is one of the cheapest colleges in Canada for international students, and offers programs in humanities, business, social work, and social sciences.

Average Tuition Fee: USD 9,200/ academic year

 

How To Apply for Admission in Booth University College

  • Decide on a program.
  • Review Booth University College’s entrance requirements.
  • Apply to Booth University College (by April 16TH*)
  • Arrange for official transcripts
  • Accept offer of admission with A tuition deposit
  • Apply for a study permit
  • Attend a two-day orientation for international students

Booth University College application form.

 

11. Kingswood University

Kingswood University is perfect for international students who wish to pursue an educational program related to religion, as the school is affiliated to the Christian Church.

Kingswood University awards undergraduate and graduate degrees in areas like and graduate degrees in the areas of theology, evangelism and compassion ministry, ministry, and Christian school education. If you are interested in any of these courses, then you can study it a school that is among the affordable universities in Canada.

Kingswood University has two campuses in New Brunswick which house multiple student houses, and several sports facilities.

Average Tuition Fee: USD 9,550/academic year.
 

How To Apply for Admission in Kings University

  • Apply online
  • Pay the application fee ($140 non-refundable fee)
  • Submit your documents
  • Await your admission letter if successful

Kings University application further information.

 

 

12. University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI)

Universities Of Prince Edward Island is the only university located in the province of Prince Edward, it is a public university which originated in 1804.

UPEI has seven faculties of business, sustainable design engineering, science, nursing, veterinary medicine, arts, and education, it also has three student residences, a sports complex, and a research institute.

Many programs at University Of Prince Edward typically costs between USD 9,650 and USD 16,650 per year,  making it among the top cheap universities in Canada. The only exception from cheap school fees at UPEI is programs in the fields of health, which cost up to USD 47,200.

Average Tuition Fee: From USD 9,650 - USD 47,200 / academic year.

 

How To Apply for Admission in UPEI

  • Create a UPEI account
  • Complete an online application
  • Submit your UPEI application fee and completed application
  • Submit your transcript and supporting documents
  • Check your application status by logging into your account

UPEI additional information for application.

UPEI application website.

 

 

13. Atlantic School of Theology (AST)

The Atlantic School of Theology, Nova Scotia  is a public school which offers graduate degrees in both religious and non-religious to students from the two streams, and grants a Master of Arts in Religious Studies and Theology and a Master of Divinity as well.

This affordable Canadian university is among the best cheap universities in Canada and focuses on performing research at its centers too.

Average Tuition Fee: USD 9,900/ academic year.

 

How To Apply for Admission in AST

  • To apply to AST select the form you for the program you wish to study, and fill in accordingly.

These are further details for AST application.

 

 

14. University of Manitoba

Manitoba province houses several universities and colleges, including the University Of Manitoba which is the largest university in the province.

University Of Manitoba is ranked between the 601st and the 650th best universities according to the QS World University Ranking, it has almost 30,000 students and several education buildings throughout the region besides it's main campus.

The University Of Manitoba to students, offers 24 faculties in the areas of architecture, arts, science, education, humanities, ecology, as well as provides the opportunity for affordable studies, by being both a cheap and best university in Canada.

This Manitoba University is well-known for its faculty of medicine that has over 15 research institutes and 27 departments.

Average Tuition Fee: From USD 10,000 - USD 18,700 / academic year.

 

How To Apply for Admission in University Of Manitoba

Further information on the University Of Manitoba application process.

 

 

15. University of Winnipeg

The University of Winnipeg is essentially a low cost university in Canada for international students. This university was established after different colleges were merged.

University of Winnipeg houses six colleges of education, arts, science, kinesiology and applied health, graduate studies, and business and economics. It also has three colleges, 12 research centers and institutes, an anthropology museum, an art gallery, and multiple student residences.

The University Of Winnipeg mainly offers undegraduate courses, being an undergraduate university, but out offers eight master degree programs.

Average Tuition Fee: From USD 10,100 to USD 12,500 per/ year.

 

How To Apply for Admission in University Of Winnipeg

  • Visit the University Of Winnipeg application portal
  • Fill your details into the given form

Create an account and submit

University Of Winnipeg application form.

University Of Winnipeg admission requirements.

 

 

16. Alberta University Of The Arts (AUArts)

Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts) is a public university which offers degrees in various art and design fields such as - photography, print media, visual communication, ceramics, etc.

The Alberta University campus includes over 10 galleries for exhibiting student work within and outside the university.

When it comes to affordability, AUArts is one of the cheapest Canada universities to make our list.

Average Tuition Fee: USD 10,600/academic year.
 

How To Apply for Admission in AUArts

  • Fill the application form for Alberta University, and pay the application fee.
  • Portfolio submission & supporting documents
  • Official transcripts and English language proficiency documents

Application to Alberta University Of the Arts page.

 

 

17. Royal Roads University

Royal Roads University is celebrated and respected as both a military college and a public applied research university.

The programs offered at Royal Roads University equips you with the technique and tools you will depend the most on after graduation. This university is perfect for professionals as it offers a blended learning mode of both online and on-campus classes.

Royal Roads University awards degrees in courses like Education and Training, Humanities, Computer Science and IT, Engineering and Technology, Hospitality, Leisure, Sports and Law.

Additionally, Royal Roads is one university where you can acquire the cheapest LLM in Canada.

Average Tuition Fee: 3,750 – 27,600 CAD/year

 

How To Apply for Admission in  Royal Roads University

  • Select the program you want to study and the start date.
  • Read the program’s admission and supporting document requirements.

The application entails:

  • A nonrefundable application fee
  • No need to finish the application all at once, just make sure you save your progress.
  • Your official transcripts, and possibly other supporting documents, will need to be submitted separately after you have applied.
  • Changes can't be made to submitted applications.
  • Contact the Admissions Office if you need to add or change anything in your application.

Royal Roads University additional information for application processes.

Royal Roads application portal.

 

 

18. Tyndale University

Tyndale University is a Christian private university which awards undegraduate degrees in programs like education, religious education, business administration, philosophy, history, religious studies, English, etc.

Tyndale's graduate studies in theological studies, divinity, and a doctor of ministry, are offered at the Seminary. The university also awards various religion-related diplomas and certificates.

Tyndale University is one of the low cost university in Canada, due to its standard courses which are taught to students at an affordable tuition fee.

Average Tuition Fee: USD 11,300/academic year.
 

How To Apply for Admission in Tyndale University

  • The application process must be completed before the two main entry points: September (fall semester) and January (winter semester).

Tyndale University additional information for application processes.

Tyndale University application portal.

 

 

19. St. Thomas University (STU)

St. Thomas University (STU), New Brunswick is a public Catholic university with over 1,900 students, which is affiliated to the University of New Brunswick (UNB) because they share certain facilities.

STU's studies focus undegraduate education and degree programs include - multiple bachelors of arts, social work, education, and applied arts in more than 30 areas.

St. Thomas University is known for programs in criminology, human rights, journalism, and communication and public policy. Some of these fields are covered at STU's research center.

Average Tuition Fee: From USD 11,400 - USD 14,700/ academic year.

 

How To Apply for Admission in St. Thomas University

Create an profile / account on the application portal

Submit your application—admission by  October 1 when it opens.

Send your official documents to the university

St. Thomas University additional information for application processes.

St. Thomas University application portal.

 

 

20. McMaster University

Founded in 1887, McMaster University is 1 of the only 4 Canadian universities to be consistently ranked among the top 100 in the world by the major global ranking systems. McMaster is mentioned as Canada's most research-intensive, medical-doctoral university by Research Infosource in the years 2017 and 2018 respectively.

The McMaster model of teaching is a problem-based, student-centred approach to learning.

McMaster university offers Masters degree in Computer Science and IT, Engineering and Technology, Medicine and Health, Social Sciences, and Business and Management which is one of the cheapest course in Canada.

Average Tuition Fee - Masters starting at 7,710 CAD/year
 

How To Apply for Admission in McMaster University

  • Go through the admission requirements for international students, giving by McMaster University.
  • Visit the application portal, and start your application.

McMaster University additional information for application processes.

McMaster University application portal.

 

 

The Cheapest Colleges In Canada For International Students

The focus of this article is to introduce you to 20 of the cheapest Canadian Universities, but we have included this part to give you more options of places you can study at an affordable rate, besides a university.

In this section, we are going to be listing out the cheapest colleges in Canada, where they are located, and how much their tuition fees are.

 

1. Algonquin College

Algonquin attracts international students to its gates, because it is one of the known cheap colleges in Canada due to its low tuition fee.

Algonquin college prides itself with giving quality education at a low tuition price.

Average Tuition Fee: $4,527 per term and $9,054 per year.

Algonquin College Application Link

 

2. Seneca College

Seneca College, Toronto is on the list of  cheapest colleges in Toronto Canada for international students.

Seneca has campuses throughout Toronto and offers  various certificate, diploma, bachelor's, and postgraduate degrees.

Average Tuition Fee:  USD 7,262 (CAD 10,169)

Seneca College Application Link

Full Tuition Fees Details.

 

3. Bow Valley College

Bow Valley College, Alberta is a public comprehensive community institution established in 1965.

Bow Valley offers programs like - Business, Continuing Learning, Community Studies, Creative Technologies, Foundational Learning, Global Access, and Health & Wellness.

It's undergraduate tuition fee, starts from as low as $5,500 a year putting Bow Valley College on the list of cheap colleges in Alberta Canada for international students, if not the cheapest.

Average Fee: For Undergraduate Programs - 7,221 to 9,533 CAD ($5,525 to $7,294) a year.

Application Link Bow Valley College.

 

 

4. Camosun College

Camosun College is interested in developing the innovative side of students so that they excel in business and other managerial fields.

Camosun reserves 1000 slots or more every year for the international students who flock to it for studies, due to it being one of the affordable colleges in Canada for international students with a yearly tuition of $7000.

Average Tuition Fee: $7000 per year.

Camosun College Application Link.

 

International students applying for studies in Canada, will find this article exceptionally helpful when it comes to deciding which schools they want to study in in Canada and when they should start applying.

To reduce your search, we have narrowed the list of schools to cheap universities in Canada for international students 2024 as well as the cheapest colleges in Canada for international students.

Note that most of these universities and colleges are already accepting applications from international students for the year 2024, so hurry and start applying before the slots close.

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