What are some of the cheapest Universities in Canada for International Students? Good question – this blog article will do justice to that.
It is a known fact that Canada is a top destination for international students seeking quality education. However, studying in Canada can be expensive, making affordability a major factor in choosing the right university.
In this guide, we will explore some of the cheapest universities in Canada for international students, their tuition fees, programs, and additional financial aid options.
Why Study in Canada?
Canada offers numerous advantages for international students, including globally recognized degrees, post-graduate work permits, and a high standard of living. The country’s education system emphasizes research and innovation, and students benefit from a diverse and inclusive society.
Benefits of Studying in Canada
- Affordable Tuition Fees: Compared to the USA, UK, and Australia, Canada offers relatively lower tuition fees.
- Work While Studying: International students can work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during breaks.
- Post-Graduation Opportunities: Graduates can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) to gain Canadian work experience.
- High Quality of Education: Canadian universities rank among the best in the world.
Top 10 Cheapest Universities in Canada for International Students
Here are some of the most affordable universities in Canada for international students in 2025. But before you get into details, let’s get a summary of the necessary details you need to know about these cheap Canadian universities.
Here’s a tabular summary of the cheapest universities in Canada based on tuition fees and popular programs:
| University | Average Tuition Fees (CAD/year) | Popular Programs | Location | Why Choose? |
| Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) | $9,000 – $11,000 | Engineering, Business, Medicine, Humanities | St. John’s, Newfoundland | Low tuition, scholarships, and co-op opportunities. |
| University of Manitoba | $14,000 – $16,000 | Law, Health Sciences, Engineering | Winnipeg, Manitoba | Affordable tuition and multiple scholarships. |
| University of Saskatchewan | $12,000 – $15,000 | Agriculture, Business, Environmental Science | Saskatoon, Saskatchewan | Affordable tuition and strong research programs. |
| Brandon University | $8,000 – $9,000 | Arts, Science, Music | Brandon, Manitoba | Lowest tuition fees, small class sizes. |
| University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) | $12,000 – $13,500 | Veterinary Medicine, Business, Nursing | Charlottetown, PEI | Small class sizes, affordable tuition. |
| Université de Saint-Boniface | $7,500 – $9,000 | French Studies, Business, Health Sciences | Winnipeg, Manitoba | Great for French-speaking students, low tuition. |
| Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) | $9,000 – $10,000 | Theology, Music, Business | Winnipeg, Manitoba | Welcoming community, small class sizes. |
| Algoma University | $10,000 – $12,000 | Business, Computer Science, Psychology | Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario | Affordable tuition, student success focus. |
| Cape Breton University (CBU) | $10,000 – $13,000 | Tourism, Business, Engineering | Sydney, Nova Scotia | Low tuition and great career prospects. |
| Athabasca University | $9,000 – $12,000 | Online Education, Business, Arts | Alberta (Online) | Flexible online learning, low costs. |
This table provides a quick comparison of tuition fees, academic strengths, and key advantages of each university.
Let’s get to the details.
1. Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN)
Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) is one of the most affordable universities in Canada, offering low tuition fees for both domestic and international students. It provides scholarships, financial aid, and research funding while maintaining strong academic programs in fields like engineering, business, and ocean studies.
With a low cost of living in St. John’s and valuable co-op opportunities, MUN is an excellent choice for quality education at a budget-friendly price.
Below is a summary of what MUN has to offer:
- Average Tuition Fees: $9,000 – $11,000 CAD per year
- Popular Programs: Engineering, Business, Medicine, Humanities
- Location: St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
- Why Choose MUN? One of the most affordable universities in Canada, MUN offers various scholarships for international students.
2. University of Manitoba
Another cheap university in Canada for international students is the University of Manitoba. This university offers relatively low tuition fees compared to many other Canadian institutions.
The University of Manitoba provides various scholarships and financial aid opportunities to help international students manage their expenses while offering strong academic programs. The areas of discipline considered include fields like engineering, business, and health sciences.
In addition, Winnipeg has a lower cost of living than major Canadian cities. This makes the University of Manitoba an affordable yet high-quality option for international students.
Here’s a quick summary of what you expect to get at the University of Manitoba:
- Average Tuition Fees: $14,000 – $16,000 CAD per year
- Popular Programs: Law, Health Sciences, Engineering
- Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba
- Why Choose the University of Manitoba? It offers reasonable tuition fees and multiple scholarship opportunities.
3. University of Saskatchewan
Third on the list of cheapest universities in Canada for international students is the University of Saskatchewan. This university offers lower tuition compared to other institutions in Canada.
The University of Saskatchewan offers scholarships, bursaries, and financial aid for support. Located in Saskatoon, with a lower cost of living, it provides quality education in agriculture, engineering, and health sciences.
Here’s an overview of what the institution offers:
- Average Tuition Fees: $12,000 – $15,000 CAD per year
- Popular Programs: Agriculture, Business, Environmental Science
- Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
- Why Choose USask? The university is known for its affordable tuition and high-quality research programs.
4. Brandon University
Another cheap Canadian university for international students is Brandon University, offering some of the lowest tuition fees in Canada. It provides scholarships, bursaries, and financial aid to support international students.
Located in Brandon, Manitoba, with a low cost of living, it offers quality education in arts, sciences, and business. Here’s a quick glance of what you are to expect:
- Average Tuition Fees: $8,000 – $9,000 CAD per year
- Popular Programs: Arts, Science, Music
- Location: Brandon, Manitoba
- Why Choose Brandon University? It is one of the cheapest options for international students with small class sizes and personalized attention.
5. University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI)
The University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI)is an affordable option for international students in Canada. It offers low tuition fees, along with scholarships and financial aid. It is located in Charlottetown, where living costs are low.
UPEI provides strong programs in business, health sciences, and engineering.
- Average Tuition Fees: $12,000 – $13,500 CAD per year
- Popular Programs: Veterinary Medicine, Business, Nursing
- Location: Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
- Why Choose UPEI? Offers a beautiful campus, small class sizes, and low tuition fees.
6. Université de Saint-Boniface
The Université de Saint-Boniface is one of the most affordable options for international students in Canada. As a French-language institution in Manitoba, it offers lower tuition fees compared to many universities.
With scholarships and financial aid available, plus Winnipeg’s low cost of living, it provides quality education in arts, business, and health sciences.
Here’s a concise summary of how this cheap Canadian university can be:
- Average Tuition Fees: $7,500 – $9,000 CAD per year
- Popular Programs: French Studies, Business, Health Sciences
- Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba
- Why Choose USB? A great choice for French-speaking students looking for affordable education.
7. Canadian Mennonite University (CMU)
The Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) is an affordable choice for international students in Canada. Located in Winnipeg, it offers lower tuition fees and financial aid options. With strong programs in arts, business, and theology, CMU provides quality education in a budget-friendly environment.
Below is a summary of the scholarship offered by CMU:
- Average Tuition Fees: $9,000 – $10,000 CAD per year
- Popular Programs: Theology, Music, Business
- Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba
- Why Choose CMU? Small class sizes and a welcoming community for international students.
8. Algoma University
Algoma University is a budget-friendly option for international students in Canada. It offers low tuition fees, scholarships, and financial aid.
Located in Sault Ste. Marie, where living costs are affordable, Algoma provides quality programs in business, computer science, and social sciences.
- Average Tuition Fees: $10,000 – $12,000 CAD per year
- Popular Programs: Business, Computer Science, Psychology
- Location: Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
- Why Choose Algoma University? Affordable tuition and a focus on student success.
9. Cape Breton University (CBU)
Cape Breton University (CBU) is a budget-friendly option for international students, offering low tuition fees and various scholarships. Located in Sydney, Nova Scotia, it provides affordable living costs.
CBU offers strong programs in business, engineering, and health sciences, making it a great choice for cost-conscious students.
If you want to study in CBU, here’s a summary of what you need to know:
- Average Tuition Fees: $10,000 – $13,000 CAD per year
- Popular Programs: Tourism, Business, Engineering
- Location: Sydney, Nova Scotia
- Why Choose CBU? Low tuition fees and excellent career prospects for graduates.
10. Athabasca University
Last but not least is Athabasca University. This university is an affordable option for international students who want to study in Canada.
Athabasca University offers low tuition fees and financial aid. As a fully online university, it eliminates relocation and living costs, making education more accessible.
The programs of focus include business, arts, and technology; it’s a great choice for budget-conscious students worldwide.
Here’s a summary of what the university has to offer:
- Average Tuition Fees: $9,000 – $12,000 CAD per year
- Popular Programs: Online Education, Business, Arts
- Location: Alberta (Online)
- Why Choose Athabasca University? A great option for students who prefer online learning and flexible schedules.
Factors Affecting Tuition Fees in Canada
Several factors influence tuition fees for international students, including:
- Program of Study: Science, engineering, and medical courses tend to have higher tuition fees.
- University Location: Universities in major cities like Toronto and Vancouver have higher costs compared to those in smaller provinces.
- Scholarships and Financial Aid: Many universities offer scholarships, grants, and bursaries to reduce tuition costs.
How to Apply for Scholarships in Canada
Many Canadian universities provide scholarships to international students based on merit, financial need, and leadership skills.
Here’s how you can apply:
- Research Available Scholarships: Check university websites and government scholarships like the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships.
- Prepare Necessary Documents: Academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and personal statements are usually required.
- Apply Early: Deadlines for scholarships vary, so apply as early as possible to increase your chances.
Conclusion
As an international student intending to study in Canada, this guide provided you with the list of budget-friendly universities you can pick from. The important factors you need to consider include location, available scholarships and work opportunities.
With the list provided, students can make informed decisions about their education in Canada. If affordability is a priority, institutions like Memorial University of Newfoundland, Brandon University, and Université de Saint-Boniface offer some of the lowest tuition fees in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I study in Canada for free?
No, but scholarships and financial aid can significantly reduce tuition costs.
2. What is the cheapest university in Canada for international students?
Memorial University of Newfoundland and Brandon University are among the most affordable.
3. Can international students work while studying in Canada?
Yes, international students can work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during breaks.
4. What are the living costs for international students in Canada?
Living expenses range from $10,000 – $15,000 CAD per year, depending on the city and lifestyle.
5. Is studying in Canada worth it?
Yes, due to high-quality education, work opportunities, and pathways to permanent residency.