Canada, as an inclusive country with developed education, is a fairly good choice for international students longing for quality university degree. However, for many of them, the dream of studying in North America can always be beaten by a cruel reality including high tuition fees and accommodation expenditures. However, a limited budget does not mean you have to give up on your goals. It is definitely possible that you find cheap colleges in Canada (the cheapest tuition fee can be as low as $14,500 per year). Beyond the expensive hubs of Toronto and Vancouver, there are a lot of institutions offering world-class education at a fraction of the price. This article will guide you to learn about the most affordable universities in Canada, helping you secure a prestigious degree without the burden of overwhelming debt
Why Study in Canada?
Studying abroad offers students new experience of both acquiring knowledge and daily lives, but it also means a significant financial commitment. In this case, choosing Canada means you can gain a balance of quality and affordability. For many students, finding cheap colleges in Canada is the first step toward a successful global career without the burden of overwhelming debt.
World-Class Education at Lower Fees
There is a misconception, low tuition is equivalent to low quality. Actually, even the cheapest university in Canada for international students offers globally recognized degrees. Canada, public education is highly regulated and funded by the government. With the steady support of the government, these affordable universities have sufficient resources to improve their quality of teaching. Generally speaking, studying abroad can significantly examine a students’ financial background, but choosing Canada offers a unique balance of quality and affordability. For many students, attending cheap colleges in Canada can pave the road to their personal success while not being compelled to pay high student loan.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Opportunities
Another reason to study in Canada is the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). For international students, this program offers a unique advantage: it is a work permit meaning you do not need a specific job offer or sponsor to stay.
Given the low tuition fee, PGWP also enables you to live and work in Canada for up to three years after graduation. This means you will have great opportunity to earn back your investment in education, making the choice of cheap colleges in Canada an even more sophisticated financial decision.
Furthermore, the Canadian work experience gained through the PGWP is often a critical step toward securing Permanent Residence (PR). By combining affordable tuition with the earnings, you can maximize your return of the investment on education, in other words a prosperous future in Canada.
10 Cheapest Universities in Canada for International Students
In Canada, there are many affordable universities and colleges offering high-quality undergraduate and graduate education. These schools are also globally renowned for their academic excellence. If you are looking for cost-effective choices, do not overlook them.
Below is the updated list of the cheapest university in Canada for international students and other top contenders for the 2025/2026 academic year.
Quick Comparison: Estimated International Tuition (Undergraduate)
| University Name | Province | Tuition (Per Year) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brandon University | Manitoba | $16,700 – $18,600 | Lowest tuition, personalized focus |
| University of Winnipeg | Manitoba | $16,690 – $21,165 | Urban campus, diverse programs |
| University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) | PEI | $14,500 – $16,000 | Island lifestyle, lower living costs |
| Cape Breton University | Nova Scotia | $17,200 – $18,000 | Hospitality, business programs |
| University of Manitoba | Manitoba | $18,000 – $22,000 | U15 Research University, big city |
| University of Saskatchewan | Saskatchewan | $20,000 – $25,000 | Engineering, agriculture, research |
| Memorial University (MUN) | Newfoundland | approx. $22,500 | Ocean sciences, unique culture |
| Concordia University of Edmonton | Alberta | $17,000 – $18,000 | Small classes, community feel |
| University of Northern BC (UNBC) | British Columbia | $24,000 – $25,000 | Nature lovers, environmental studies |
| University of Regina | Saskatchewan | $20,000 – $22,000 | Co-op programs, practical learning |
Brandon University (Manitoba)
Estimated Tuition: $16,700 – $18,600 CAD/year
Location: Brandon, Manitoba
Brandon University is consistently cited as the cheapest university in Canada for international students. But low cost doesn’t mean “diploma mill.” The university prides itself on a student-to-faculty ratio that rivals expensive private colleges. You aren’t paying for massive stadiums or flashy marketing; you are paying for direct access to professors. For students in Music and Education, the program quality is top-tier nationally, meaning you get an elite education at a budget price point.
Best for: Students looking for cheap schools in Canada with a strong focus on Music, Education, and Arts.
University of Winnipeg (Manitoba)
Estimated Tuition: $16,690 – $21,165 CAD/year
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Finding cheap schools in Canada that offer a true “big city” experience is rare, but University of Winnipeg delivers exactly that. Located in downtown Winnipeg, it allows you to live a dynamic urban life without the “Toronto price tag.” You get access to the same internship networks, corporate headquarters, and research grants as students in Toronto or Vancouver, but your tuition bill is practically half of theirs. It is the perfect launchpad for students who want a city degree on a tight budget.
Best for: Students who want an urban experience while attending one of the affordable universities in Canada.
University of Manitoba (Manitoba)
Estimated Tuition: $18,000 – $22,000 CAD/year
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba
As a U15 institution (Canada’s version of the Ivy League for research), the U of M offers global prestige. Usually, this level of research facility, library access, and alumni network costs upwards of $40,000 a year. Here, you get that same heavyweight degree for significantly less. It is the smartest way to put a prestigious name on your resume while sticking to your plan of finding cheap schools in Canada.
Best for: Engineering, Science, and Business students seeking high-ranking degrees on a budget.
University of Saskatchewan (Saskatchewan)
Estimated Tuition: $20,000 – $25,000 CAD/year
Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
USask excels in medical and agricultural research. While the tuition is already reasonable, the province offers up to $20,000 in tax rebates to graduates who stay and work. Effectively, the government pays you back a huge chunk of your tuition after you graduate. When you factor in this rebate, USask becomes one of the most affordable universities in Canada in the long run.
Best for: Agriculture, Engineering, and Life Sciences.
Memorial University of Newfoundland (Newfoundland & Labrador)
Estimated Tuition: Approx. $22,500 CAD/year
Location: St. John’s, Newfoundland
Although the pricing structure was recently been adjusted, the university remains heavily subsidized by the provincial government. This funding ensures that facilities, especially in Ocean Sciences and Engineering, are world-class. You are getting access to specialized labs and equipment that would cost double at other institutions. For specific majors, the “price-to-quality” ratio here is unmatched by any other cheap university in Canada for international students.
Best for: Marine Biology, Ocean Sciences, and Engineering.
University of Prince Edward Island (PEI)
Estimated Tuition: $14,500 – $16,000 CAD/year
Location: Charlottetown, PEI
UPEI is one of the few public universities where tuition for Arts and Science programs consistently stays under the $16k mark. The university has a mandate to be accessible, offering generous entrance scholarships specifically for international students. It allows you to study in a focused, distraction-free environment where the tuition fees are transparent and stable, helping you avoid sudden budget shocks during your degree.
Best for: Veterinary Medicine (highly competitive), Arts, and Science.
Cape Breton University (Nova Scotia)
Estimated Tuition: $17,200 – $18,000 CAD/year
Location: Sydney, Nova Scotia
CBU have aggressively tailored their programs—like the Post-Baccalaureate Diplomas—to be efficient and job-focused. The goal of CBU isn’t to keep you in school forever paying tuition; it’s to get you trained and into the workforce. In other words, its education aims at word scenario. For students considering universities in Canada for return on investment, CBU’s focus on practical, in-demand skills (like Supply Chain and Analytics) makes the tuition money well spent.
Best for: Hospitality, Supply Chain Management, and Business Analytics.
University of Regina (Saskatchewan)
Estimated Tuition: $20,000 – $22,000 CAD/year
Location: Regina, Saskatchewan
The sticker price doesn’t tell the whole story because of the Co-op Work Program. The University of Regina, by alternating study semesters with paid work semesters, you can earn $12,000 – $15,000 CAD per work term. This income directly offsets your tuition costs. Essentially, you are subsidizing your own education while building a resume, making it one of the smartest financial moves for students seeking cheap colleges in Canada.
Best for: Students who want paid work experience (Co-op) built into their degree
Concordia University of Edmonton (Alberta)
Estimated Tuition: $17,000 – $18,000 CAD/year
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
This school offers a “Private School Experience at a Public School Price.” Usually, small class sizes and personalized attention come with a massive premium. Here, you get that boutique educational experience for less than most massive public universities. Additionally, because it is in Alberta, you save money on textbooks, laptops, and supplies due to the lack of Provincial Sales Tax (PST).
Best for: Management, IT, and Psychology.
University of Northern British Columbia (British Columbia)
Estimated Tuition: $24,000 – $25,000 CAD/year
Location: Prince George, BC
In British Columbia, tuition can easily go beyond $40,000. UNBC is the outlier. It consistently ranks as one of Canada’s best small universities by Maclean’s magazine, yet it keeps tuition reasonable. For Environmental and Nursing students, the quality of education per dollar spent is exceptionally high.
Best for: Environmental Studies, Forestry, and Nursing.
What is the Cost of Living in Canada?
The average monthly cost of living in Canada varies according to different cities, lifestyles, and personal habits. For international students, Canada can give you a brilliant cultural and academic experience, but you are required to prepare for the costs associated with studying abroad. The monthly expenses in Canada for students are $2,500 to $3,000 on average, including house renting, food, transportation and other essentials. The following table can help you get an insight into the cost of living in Canada.
| Cost of Living in Canada (Monthly) | |
|---|---|
| Category | Cost (USD) |
| Accommodation | $1,179–$1,345 |
| Food and Meals | $657–$1,095 |
| Transportation | $76–$114 |
| Entertainment | $219 |
| Utilities | $260 |
| Health Care | $36-$146 |
Cost of Accommodation in Canada
Accommodation is invariably the largest expense for most students and newcomers, though rent varies significantly based on the city and housing type. However, living in Canada doesn’t mean you need to pay high rent. If you can make correct decisions in terms of student housing in Canada, you can save a lot. In major hubs like Toronto and Vancouver, a one-bedroom apartment typically costs between $880 and $1,480 per month. In contrast, affordable cities such as Winnipeg, Halifax or Prince George offer shared housing options for just $370 to $590. Keep in mind that basic utilities and internet are rarely included in rentals, which adds an extra $75 to $150 to your monthly budget. To keep costs down, many students choose shared apartments or on-campus housing.
How to Apply for a University in Canada
Applying to Canadian universities is not difficult, but it requires careful timing and organization. You must seize the opportunities of applying and hand in appropriate materials to prove your qualification.
Check Deadlines
Most Canadian institutions have two main periods of intake, fall intake and winter intake. Please note that this is different from some countries where the enrollment time is in either spring or fall:
- Fall Intake (September): Most program options and scholarship are available in fall intake. Deadlines usually fall between January and April.
- Winter Intake (January): A good option for backup, though fewer programs are available. Deadlines are typically in September of the previous year.
Prepare Essential Documents (Language & Academics)
To prove you are eligible, generally you will need:
- Academic Transcripts: Scanned copies of your high school or university grades.
- Proof of Language Proficiency: Across these ten affordable universities, the standard requirement is an overall IELTS score of 6.5 (minimum 6.0), with the notable exception of Concordia University of Edmonton, which accepts a more accessible score of 6.0. For TOEFL iBT, admission scores generally range from 80 to 90, with schools like UPEI, CBU, and Concordia accepting 80, while UNBC sets the highest bar at 90. Some schools may accept Duolingo English Test (DET), which is a cheaper and faster alternative. Most of these universities accept the Duolingo English Test as a budget-friendly alternative, with required scores generally ranging from 110 to 120 (e.g., Concordia Edmonton and UPEI often accept 110, while UWinnipeg and Regina typically require 120).
- Statement of Purpose (SOP): A letter explaining why you want to study at this specific school.
Understanding Application Fees and Portals
Canadian universities typically charge a non-refundable application fee ranging from $100 to $150 CAD. Most universities require you to apply directly through their website, you can hardly avoid this expenditure.
- Provincial Portals: In provinces like Ontario, you might use the OUAC system to apply to multiple universities at once, though fees still apply.
- Budget Tip: Do not apply for too many schools. Research thoroughly and only apply to 2-3 affordable universities in Canada that fit your budget and profile to save on application costs.
Final Step: Study Permit and Visa
Once you receive your Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), you must apply for a Study Permit immediately. You will need to prove you have enough funds to cover your first year of tuition and living expenses (Cost of Living).
Conclusion
Choosing cheap colleges in Canada for international students can be a cost-effective investment. You don’t have to compromise for high quality. By targeting provinces like Manitoba or Saskatchewan, you can have access to world-class education and the valuable PGWP at a lower cost compared to studying in big cities.
However, seats usually get full quickly. The smartest move is to calculate your total budget including both tuition fees and living costs. The you can choose the most suitable college reliable housing service platform, and apply as early as possible.
FAQS
The top 10 cheapest universities in Canada are:
- Brandon University
- University of Winnipeg
- University of Manitoba
- University of Saskatchewan
- Memorial University of Newfoundland
- University of Prince Edward Island
- Cape Breton University
- University of Regina
- Concordia University of Edmonton
- University of Northern British Columbia.
Yes, there are several other highly recommended affordable universities in Canada for international students, including:
- Canadian Mennonite University (Manitoba)
- Université de Saint-Boniface (Manitoba)
- University of Guelph (Ontario):
- University of Calgary (Alberta)
- Simon Fraser University (British Columbia)
Yes, absolutely, but you need to be realistic. Unlike the US, “full-ride” scholarships (covering 100% of costs) are extremely rare in Canada. However, almost all the affordable universities on this list offer Entrance Scholarships.
How it works: These are often automatic. If your high school grades are above a certain average (usually 80% or 85%+), you could automatically receive $1,000 to $5,000 CAD off your first year’s tuition.
Manitoba and Newfoundland and Labrador are considered the cheapest provinces in Canada for international students.
Manitoba: It hosts several of the most affordable institutions, such as Brandon University (~$16,700 CAD) and the University of Winnipeg.
Newfoundland: While tuition at Memorial University has adjusted, the province still offers a significantly lower cost of living compared to the rest of Canada.
Yes, Canada is generally considered affordable, especially when compared to other popular study destinations like the US and the UK.
Lower Tuition: Many Canadian institutions offer high-quality education at lower tuition rates than their international counterparts.
Manageable Living Costs: While rent in major cities is high, choosing affordable cities like Winnipeg or Halifax can reduce shared housing costs to as low as $370 to $590 per month.
Yes, most affordable colleges generally require an overall IELTS score of 6.0 to 6.5 or a TOEFL score of 80 to 90 for admission. To help students save on testing costs, many of these institutions now also accept the Duolingo English Test, which is a cheaper and faster alternative to traditional exams.
