Cheapest Universities in Canada For International Students 2024

Do you know there are cheap universities in Canada for international students who are looking for an affordable education abroad? Besides, of all the top destinations that students consider best for international studies, Canada has to be one of the cheapest countries to study in. The country has some universities with low tuition fees, even lower than in the United States. In addition to a serene environment for learning.

Moreover, the educational system is reputable and can be compared to other countries such as the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. Most students prefer to study in the country, because of the cheap tuition fee.  Canada is home to some of the best and top-ranking universities in the world. Offering a range of courses in English (or French) for students looking to study abroad.

However, most international students prefer to study abroad due to certain factors such as easy access to quality education, achieving a better standard of living, availability of jobs during and after studies, exposure to new cultures, the opportunity for development, etc.

Canada has become one of the top choices for international students when it comes to these aspects. Therefore, before we move over to the cheap universities in Canada, let's take a look at the reasons most international students choose Canada as their study destination.

Why Study in Canada?

However, here are the reasons international students choose to study in Canada:

1. Affordability:

Canada stands tall when it comes to tuition fee affordability. The tuition fees in cheap universities in Canada are lower than in other top study destinations such as the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. Besides, there are also scholarship opportunities for international students just as in other top study destinations.

Moreover, Canada is not only affordable in terms of tuition fees. For international students planning to study in Canada, finding cheap universities in Canada not only lowers your tuition fees but also offers affordable student accommodation. The cost of living in Canada can also be affordable, you can check out our previous post to know.

2. Reputation:

Canada has a preceding reputation for having a solid standard of education. Academic excellence and high quality of education are vital reasons why international students choose to study in Canada.

Over the year, Canada has been able to show they are reliable and trusted when it comes to delivering the best education to students. When a student receives a degree from a Canadian university, it truly spells boldly acts as a mark of trust and excellence.

3. Ease of Living:

The standard of living in the country is easy for international students to reside comfortably. Canada offers international students the opportunity to earn while they earn. There is part-time work for those who are sponsoring themselves to secure a job in their leisure time to sort their bills.

However, there are some countries that do not permit international students to work while they study in the country. But this is an exception when it comes to studying in Canada, as it is made by Canadian regulations. International students are offered the opportunity to work for up to 20 hours every week during their semesters and full-time during breaks.

Cheap Universities in Canada

The following are top universities in Canada that are well recognized internationally as excellent global schools and still offer much more affordable tuition rates than other international universities. They are as follows:

1. University of Alberta:

The University of Alberta is located in Edmonton, Canada. It is one of Canada's top teaching and research universities, with a renowned international reputation for excellence across the humanities, sciences, health sciences, engineering, business, and creative arts.

Moreover, the institution was founded by two men; Alexander Cameron Rutherford, the first Premier of Alberta, and Henry Marshall Tory, a McGill University professor who became the University of Alberta’s first president. However, the University of Alberta is one of the world's top research universities. The university ranks fourth in Canada and 81st globally for research impact.

Furthermore, in terms of career University of Alberta graduates rank number one in Canada and 31st in the world for employment rate. Students benefit from several internship and work experience programs as well as career mentoring opportunities offered at the university. There are also scholarship opportunities at the University of Alberta, and the tuition fee for Canadian citizens is $5,321, while an international student is $21,668.

2. University of Northern British Columbia:

The University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) was established in June 1990 when the members of the British Columbia (BC) legislative assembly passed the UNBC Act. However, the dream of having a northern university goes back much further, to the 1960s, when then-MLA Ray Williston set aside the land on which UNBC's Prince George campus is currently situated as a university reserve.

Moreover, the University of Northern British Columbia offers outstanding undergraduate and graduate learning opportunities that explore cultures, health, economics, and the environment. In addition to fostering and celebrating academic excellence, UNBC is a welcoming place, with a learning environment that is friendly, inclusive, and supportive.

Furthermore, just like other reputable universities, the UNBC offers workshops to assist students in preparing for employment, arranging employer recruiting and information sessions for students, participating in annual career fairs hosted on campus, posting career opportunities for Alumni, posting part-time and full-time jobs for students and organizing co-operative education work term placements.

The University of Northern British Columbia is one of the cheapest universities in Canada. In fact, the UNBC is the most affordable school for those who are doing postgraduate studies. They have a total number of students of approximately 4,000 offering various courses or programs. Some of these courses are medical sciences, and business administration. The tuition fee for Canadian citizens is $5,318, while an international student is $18,612.

3. McMaster University:

McMaster University was founded in 1887 in Toronto through the endowment from the estate of Senator William McMaster, a member of the first senate after Confederation and founding president of the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce.

The university is one of only four Canadian Universities that consistently ranks among the top 100 in the world by the major global rankings system. McMaster University is a renowned institution offering different courses such as nursing, engineering, MBA, humanities and arts, etc.

McMaster can be compared to other cheap universities in Canada, because of its cheap Master’s degree programs. The school has a scholarship program, and the tuition fee for international students is $25,000, while Canadian citizens pay the sum of $5,000.

4. University of Ottawa:

The University of Ottawa often referred to as Ottawa or U of O, is a bilingual public research university in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. The university offers a wide variety of academic programs, administered by ten faculties including the University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine, the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law, the Telfer School of Management, and the University of Ottawa Faculty of Social Sciences

Moreover, the university is co-educational and enrolls over 35,000 undergraduate and over 6,000 post-graduate students. The school has approximately 7,000 international students from 150 countries, accounting for 17 percent of the student population. In the 2021 Academic Ranking of World Universities rankings, the university placed 151–200 in the world and 9–12 in Canada.

The uOttawa offers lectures in both French and English language making it one of the biggest bilingual institutions we have in the world. It is part of the member of U15, a body of Canadian universities that have been recognized based on their research efforts. The institution has scholarship programs for students who merit it. The international fee is $31,444, while Canadian citizens pay $6,765.

5. Dalhousie University:

Dalhousie University is a public research university in Nova Scotia, Canada. The Canadian university offers more than 4,000 courses, and 180-degree programs in twelve undergraduate, graduate, and professional faculties. Moreover, Dalhousie University is a member of the U15, just like the University of Ottawa.

Dalhousie University has approximately 4,500 international students. The school is one of Canada's leading universities and is widely recognized for outstanding academic quality and teaching, and a broad range of educational and research opportunities.

However, the university was ranked 201-300 globally and 9-15 national in all 2021 ranking systems. International students pay the sum of $20,300, while Canadian citizens pay $10,010.

6. University of Saskatchewan:

The University of Saskatchewan (U of S) is a Canadian public research university, founded on March 19, 1907, and located on the east side of the South Saskatchewan River in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.  An "Act to establish and incorporate a University for the Province of Saskatchewan" was passed by the provincial legislature in 1907.

However, the University of Saskatchewan is one of Canada's top research universities (based on the number of Canada Research Chairs) and is also a member of the U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities.

The university is also home to world-leading research in areas of global importance, like water and food security. Study and discovery are enhanced by our outstanding facilities, including the Canadian Light Source synchrotron, VIDEO-InterVac, the Global Institute for Food Security, the Global Institute for Water Security, and the Sylvia Fedoruk Centre for Nuclear Innovation.

The institution has an acceptance rate that is high by 70%, and the rate is a huge benefit for international students who want to run a program in the country. The University of Saskatchewan is one of the cheap universities in Canada with good academics. The school has scholarships to offer support to students. International students pay the sum of $23,000, while Canadian citizens pay $8,700.

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7. Memorial University of Newfoundland:

The Memorial University of Newfoundland, also known as Memorial University, is a public university established in 1925 in the province of Newfound and Labrador. Memorial University offers certificate, diploma, undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate programs, as well as online courses and degrees.

This university is easy to gain admission based on the admission rate which is 66.8%. It is a well-recognized institution by international students due to the low tuition fee. They have various departments such as education, medicine, and geology which happen to be the best in the country. The tuition fee for Canadian citizens is $5,000, while an international student pays the sum of $10,000.

8. University of Manitoba:

The University of Manitoba is a non-denominational, public research university in the province of Manitoba, Canada. The University of Manitoba was founded in 1877, it is western Canada's first university.

Moreover, the university community is comprised of approximately 30,000 students, 8,700 faculty and staff, and 190,000 alumni. However, nearly 13% of the university's current students are international students representing approximately 104 countries around the world.

The school has been recognized based on the teaching standard for both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. It is one of the cheapest universities in Canada for both Canadian citizens and international students. The tuition fee for international students is $22,000, while the citizens pay $10,500.

9. University of Winnipeg:

The University of Winnipeg is a public university in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. It offers undergraduate faculties of art, business, economics, education, science, kinesiology, and applied health as well as graduate programs.

However, the University of Winnipeg was established in 1967 when United College received its charter. The university's founding colleges were Manitoba College and Wesley College, which merged in 1938 to form the United College.

Moreover, the University of Winnipeg is home to international students and a total number approximately of 10,000 students. It centers on undergraduate courses and it has gained good rankings in different areas of its studies based on the superb education they offer both domestic and international students. The international tuition fee is $13,695, while Canadian citizens pay $3,675.

How to Apply to Universities in Canada

You will need to visit the official website of the Canadian university in order to access the requirements and application. As an international student, your application for an admission offer to a university in Canada will have special requirements.

Moreover, you will need to provide documents such as letters of recommendation, a resume or CV, and previous educational certificates in addition to the student application. However, you may also need to provide the following:

• English proficiency
• Proof of finances
• International application
• Passport details
• Copy of your academic transcripts

Furthermore, you will also need a Canadian Student Visa for a study that is longer than six months in the country.

Final Thought

In conclusion, we have mentioned the reasons why most international students choose to study abroad. Such as gaining a reputable internationally recognized degree. You can also save some money as well since you can work while you study in the country.

Moreover, although the cheap universities in Canada offer tuition at a lower rate. However, there are international scholarship opportunities for non-Canadians. You can check them out to find other ways to lower your cost of living and studying in Canada. Scholarships are part of the ‘gift-aid’ forms of financial support — meaning you don’t have to pay the money back.

However, the official university website is the first place where students should look for scholarship or grant opportunities. Then, then next is exploring online resources and databases.