Studying in some of the cheapest universities in Canada is an excellent option for students looking for affordable tuition rates. With this, you can complete your studies in Canada without breaking the bank.
Studying in Canada is not exactly cheap but it is much more affordable than other popular study destinations: USA and UK.
In addition to affordable tuition rates, many Canadian universities offer fully-funded scholarships and many other financial aid programs.
We have ranked the top 20 cheapest universities in Canada for those looking for affordable degrees. Before we talk about these schools, let’s take a quick look at the reasons to study in Canada.
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Reasons to Study in Canada
Many international students prefer to study in Canada because of the following reasons
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Affordable education
A lot of public universities in Canada, including top-ranked universities have affordable tuition rates. These universities also offer financial support to students.
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Quality education
Canada is widely recognized as a country with a high-quality education. A significant number of Canadian universities are ranked among the best universities in the World.
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Low crime rates
Canada has a low crime rate and it is consistently ranked among the safest countries to live in. According to Global Peace Index, Canada is the sixth safest country in the world.
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Opportunity to work while studying
Students who have study permits can work on-campus or off-campus in Canada. Full-time international students can work for 20 hours per week during school terms and full-time during holidays.
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Opportunity to live in Canada after studies
The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) allows international students who have graduated from eligible designated learning institutions (DLIs) to live and work in Canada for at least 8 months.
List of the Cheapest Universities in Canada
The top 20 cheapest universities in Canada were ranked based on the cost of attendance, the number of financial aid awards granted each year, and the quality of education.
Below is a list of the top 20 cheapest universities in Canada:
- Brandon University
- Universite de Saint-Boniface
- University of Guelph
- Canadian Mennonite University
- Memorial University of Newfoundland
- University of Northern British Columbia
- MacEwan University
- University of Calgary
- The University of Prince Edward Island
- University of Saskatchewan
- Simon Fraser University
- Dominican University College
- Thompson Rivers University
- Université Saint Paul
- University of Victoria
- Concordia University
- Mount Allison University
- Booth University College
- The King’s University
- University of Regina.
Top 20 Cheapest Universities in Canada
1. Brandon University
- Undergraduate Tuition: $4,020/30 credit hours for domestic students and $14,874/15 credit hours for international students.
- Graduate Tuition: $3,010.50
Brandon University is a public university located in Brandon, Manitoba, Canada. It was founded in 1890 as Brandon College and attained university status in 1967.
Brandon University’s tuition rates are among the most affordable in Canada. It also offers financial assistance to students.
In 2021-22, Brandon University awarded over $3.7 million in scholarships and bursaries.
Brandon University offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of fields, which includes:
- Arts
- Education
- Music
- Health Studies
- Science
2. Universite de Saint-Boniface
- Undergraduate Tuition: $4,600 to $5,600
Universite de Saint-Boniface is a French-language public university located in the Saint Boniface neighborhood of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Founded in 1818, Universite de Saint-Boniface is the first post-secondary educational institution in Western Canada. It is also the only French-language university in the province of Manitoba, Canada.
In addition to affordable tuition rates, students at the Universite de Saint-Boniface may be eligible for several scholarships.
The language of instruction at Universite de Saint-Boniface is French – all programs are available in French only.
Universite de Saint-Boniface offers programs in these areas:
- Business Administration
- Health Studies
- Arts
- Education
- French
- Science
- Social Work.
3. University of Guelph
- Undergraduate Tuition: $7,609.48 for domestic students and $32,591.72 for international students
- Graduate Tuition: $4,755.06 for domestic students and $12,000 for international students
The University of Guelph is a public university located in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. It was established in 1964
This university has an affordable tuition rate and offers several scholarships to students. In the 2020-21 academic year, 11,480 students received $26.3 million CAD in awards, including $10.4 million CAD in need-based awards.
University of Guelph offers undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education programs across a range of disciplines, which includes:
- Physical and Life Sciences
- Arts and Humanities
- Social Sciences
- Business
- Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences.
4. Canadian Mennonite University
- Undergraduate Tuition: $769/3 credit hour for domestic students and $1233.80/3 credit hour
Canadian Mennonite University is a private Christian university located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. It was established in 2000.
Compared to many other private schools in Canada, Canadian Mennonite University has very affordable tuition rates.
Canadian Mennonite University offers undergraduate degrees in:
- Arts
- Business
- Humanities
- Music
- Sciences
- Social Sciences
It also offers graduate programs in Divinity, Theological Studies, and Christian Ministry.
5. Memorial University of Newfoundland
- Undergraduate Tuition: $6000 CAD for domestic students and $20,000 CAD for international students
The Memorial University of Newfoundland is a public university located in St. John’s, Canada. It started as a small teachers’ training school nearly 100 years ago.
Memorial University offers affordable tuition rates and also offers several scholarships to students. Each year, Memorial University offers about 750 scholarships.
Memorial University offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in these areas of study:
- Music
- Education
- Engineering
- Social Sciences
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Science
- Business Administration.
6. University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC)
- Undergraduate Tuition: $191.88 per credit hour for domestic students and $793.94 per credit hour for international students
- Graduate Tuition: $1784.45 per semester for domestic students and $2498.23 per semester for international students.
University of Northern British Columbia is a public university located in British Columbia. Its main campus is located in Prince George, British Columbia.
UNBC is the best small university in Canada according to the 2021 Maclean’s magazine rankings.
In addition to affordable tuition rates, UNBC offers several scholarships to students. Each year, UNBC devotes $3,500,000 in financial awards.
UNBC offers undergraduate and graduate programs in these study areas:
- Human and Health Sciences
- Indigenous Studies, Social Sciences, and Humanities
- Science and Engineering
- Environment
- Business and Economics
- Medical Sciences.
7. MacEwan University
- Undergraduate Tuition: $192 per credit for Canadian students
MacEwan University of a public university located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Founded in 1972 as Grant MacEwan Community College and became Alberta’s sixth university in 2009.
MacEwan University is among the cheapest universities in Canada. Each year, MacEwan University distributes about $5m in scholarships, awards, and bursaries.
MacEwan University offers degrees, diplomas, certificates, and continuing education programs.
Academic programs are available in these areas:
- Arts
- Fine Arts
- Science
- Health and Community Studies
- Nursing
- Business.
8. University of Calgary
- Undergraduate Tuition: $3,391.35 per term for domestic students and $12,204 per term for international students
- Graduate Tuition: $3,533.28 per term for domestic students and $8,242.68 per term for international students
The University of Calgary is a public university located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It was founded in 1944 as the Calgary branch of the University of Alberta.
University of Calgary is one of Canada’s leading research universities and claims to be Canada’s most entrepreneurial university.
UCalgary offers programs at affordable rates and there are a variety of financial awards. Each year, University of Calgary devotes $17 million in scholarships, bursaries, and awards.
The University of Calgary offers undergraduate, graduate, professional, and continuing education programs.
Academic programs are available in these study areas:
- Arts
- Medicine
- Architecture
- Business
- Law
- Nursing
- Engineering
- Education
- Science
- Veterinary medicine
- Social Work etc.
9. University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI)
- Tuition: $6,750 per year for domestic students and $14,484 per year for international students
University of Prince Edward Island is a public university located in Charlottetown, the capital city of Prince Edward Island. It was founded in 1969.
University of Prince Edward Island has affordable rates and offers financial support to its students. In 2020-2021, UPEI devotes about $10 million to scholarships and awards.
UPEI offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in these study areas:
- Arts
- Business Administration
- Education
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Science
- Engineering
- Veterinary Medicine.
10. University of Saskatchewan
- Undergraduate Tuition: $7,209 CAD per year for domestic students and $25,952 CAD per year for international students
- Graduate Tuition: $4,698 CAD per year for domestic students and $9,939 CAD per year for international students
The University of Saskatchewan is a top research public university located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Students at the University of Saskatchewan pay for tuition at an affordable rate and are eligible for several scholarships.
University of Saskatchewan offers undergraduate and graduate programs in over 150 fields of study, some of which include:
- Arts
- Agriculture
- Dentistry
- Education
- Business
- Engineering
- Pharmacy
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Veterinary Medicine
- Public Health etc.
11. Simon Fraser University (SFU)
- Undergraduate Tuition: $7,064 CDN per year for domestic students and $32,724 CDN per year for international students.
Simon Fraser University is a public university located in British Columbia, Canada. It was established in 1965.
SFU is consistently ranked among the top research universities in Canada and also among the top universities in the World. It is also the only Canadian member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
Simon Fraser University has affordable tuition rates and offers financial support such as scholarships, bursaries, loans, etc.
SFU offers undergraduate and graduate programs in these study areas:
- Business
- Applied Sciences
- Arts and Social Sciences
- Communication
- Education
- Environment
- Health Sciences
- Science.
12. Dominican University College (DUC)
- Undergraduate Tuition: $2,182 per term for domestic students and $7,220 per term for international students
- Graduate Tuition: $2,344 per term for domestic students and $7,220 per term for international students.
Dominican University College is a public bilingual university located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Established in 1900, it is one of the oldest university colleges in Canada.
Dominican University College has been affiliated with Carleton University since 2012. All degrees granted are conjoint with Carleton University and students have an opportunity to enroll in classes on both campuses.
Dominican University College claims to have the lowest tuition fees in Ontario. It also provides scholarship opportunities to its students.
Dominican University College offers undergraduate and graduate programs through two faculties:
- Philosophy and
- Theology.
13. Thompson Rivers University
- Undergraduate Tuition: $4,487 per year for domestic students and $18,355 per year for international students
Thompson Rivers University is a public university located in Kamloops, British Columbia. It is Canada’s first platinum-ranked sustainable university.
Thompson Rivers University has affordable tuition rates and offers several scholarships. Each year, TRU offers hundreds of scholarships, bursaries, and awards worth over $2.5 million.
Thompson Rivers University offers over 140 programs on campus and over 60 programs online.
Undergraduate and graduate programs are available in these study areas:
- Arts
- Culinary Arts and Tourism
- Business
- Education
- Social Work
- Law
- Nursing
- Science
- Technology.
14. Université Saint Paul
- Undergraduate Tuition: $2,375.35 per term for domestic students and $8,377.03 per term for international students
- Graduate Tuition: $2,532.50 per term for domestic students and $8,302.32 per term for international students.
Université Saint Paul also known as Saint Paul University, is a public bilingual Catholic university located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Saint Paul University is fully bilingual: it offers instruction in French and English. All courses offered at Saint Paul University have an online component.
Saint Paul University has affordable tuition rates and offers financial assistance to its students, especially full-time students. Each year, the university devotes more than $750,000 to scholarships.
Saint Paul University offers undergraduate and graduate programs in these study areas:
- Canon Law
- Human Sciences
- Philosophy
- Theology.
15. University of Victoria (UVic)
- Tuition: $3,022 CAD per term for domestic students and $13,918 per term for international students
University of Victoria is a public university located in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. It was established in 1903 as Victoria College and received degree-granting status in 1963.
The University of Victoria has affordable tuition rates. Each year, UVic awards more than $8 million in scholarships and $4 million in bursaries.
University of Victoria offers more than 280 undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as a wide variety of professional degrees and diplomas.
At the University of Victoria, academic programs are available in these study areas:
- Business
- Education
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Fine Arts
- Humanities
- Law
- Science
- Medical Sciences
- Social Sciences etc.
16. Concordia University
- Tuition: $8,675.31 per term for domestic students and $19,802.10 per term for international students
Concordia University is a public research university located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It is one of the few English-language universities in Quebec.
Concordia University was officially founded in 1974, following the merger of Loyola College and Sir George Williams University.
Concordia University has affordable tuition rates and offers many financial aid programs. It is among the Canadian universities that offer fully-funded scholarships.
Concordia University offers undergraduate, graduate, continuing education, and executive education programs.
Academic programs are available in these study areas:
- Arts
- Business
- Education
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Health Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Math and Sciences etc.
17. Mount Allison University
- Tuition: $9,725 for domestic students and $19,620 for international students
Mount Allison University is a public liberal arts university located in Sackville, New Brunswick, Canada. It was established in 1839.
Mount Allison University is an undergraduate liberal arts and sciences university. It is recognized as one of the top undergraduate universities in Canada.
Mount Allison University is among the cheapest universities in Canada and offers students financial support. Maclean ranks Mount Allison first in scholarships and bursaries.
Mount Allison University offers degree, certificate, and pathway programs through 3 faculties:
- Art
- Science
- Social Sciences.
18. Booth University College (BUC)
- Tuition: $8,610 CAD per year for domestic students and $12,360 CAD per year for international students
Booth University College is a private Christian liberal arts university college located in downtown Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. It was founded in 1982 as a Bible College and received ‘university college’ status in 2010.
Booth University College is one of the most affordable Christian higher education institutions in Canada. BUC also offers financial aid programs.
Booth University College offers rigorous certificate, degree, and continuing studies programs.
Academic programs are available in these areas:
- Business
- Social Work
- Humanities
- Social Sciences.
19. The King’s University
- Tuition: $6,851 per term for domestic students and $9,851 per term for international students
King’s University is a private Christian university located in Edmonton, Canada. It was established in September 1979 as The King’s College.
King’s University has affordable tuition rates and claims that its students receive more financial aid than students at other Alberta universities.
The university offers bachelor, certificate, and diploma programs in these study areas:
- Business
- Education
- Music
- Social Sciences
- Computing Science
- Biology.
20. University of Regina
- Undergraduate Tuition: $241 CAD per credit hour for domestic students and $723 CAD per credit hour for international students
- Graduate Tuition: $315 CAD per credit hour
University of Regina is a public university located in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. It was founded in 1911 as a private denominational high school of the Methodist Church of Canada.
The University of Regina has affordable tuition rates and offers several scholarships, bursaries, and awards. Students may be automatically considered for a number of scholarships.
University of Regina offers more than 120 undergraduate programs and 80 graduate programs.
Academic programs are available in these study areas:
- Business
- Science
- Social Work
- Nursing
- Arts
- Health Studies
- Public Policy
- Education
- Engineering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most, if not all, of the top 20 cheapest universities in Canada have financial aid programs.
Canadian universities are not tuition-free for both domestic and international students. Instead, there are universities with fully-funded Scholarships.
Comparing tuition fees and cost of living, Canada is much cheaper than the UK and US. Studying in Canada is much more affordable than in many other popular study countries.
Although Canada is a bilingual country, most universities in Canada teach in English.
Most English-language Canadian universities require proficiency tests from students who are not native English speakers. Do the cheapest universities in Canada offer scholarships?
Can I study in Canada for free?
Is studying in Canada cheap?
Can you study in Canada in English?
Do I need English language proficiency tests to study in Canada?
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- List of the 20 Best Government Colleges in Canada
- 15 Universities with Cheap Masters Degree in Canada
- Requirements for Master’s Degree in Canada for International Students.
Conclusion
Students enrolled in Canadian universities enjoy a lot of benefits, such as high quality of education, studying in a safe environment, high quality of life, affordable tuition rates, etc.
So, if you have decided to study in Canada, you have made the right choice.
Check our article on Study in Canada to learn more about Canadian institutions’ admission requirements.
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