Affordable Universities in Canada for International Students

Not every dream of studying abroad has to come with a big price tag. Several affordable universities in Canada provide high-quality education. In this article, we will learn about some of these universities. 

Canada is one of the best countries to study in for international students. You get world-class education, advanced amenities, and a vibrant student community at an affordable rate. There is also a unique credit system followed by universities in Canada that charges tuition per credit you take. This ensures that you only pay for the classes you choose, making room for more specializations and greater growth opportunities. A student has to complete a certain number of credits in order to graduate from the degree (Master's, Undergraduate, PhD, etc)  they choose to pursue. 

Canadian universities also have charges in their fee structures in addition to tuition. These charges vary depending on your nationality, the course you choose, and the facilities you opt for (including but not limited to insurance). In the curated list below, you can find some of the most affordable universities in Canada. Check out all the details regarding the university, approximate tuition fees, and information on living expenses, and make the right choice.

Summary Table

Top Affordable Universities in Canada​

1. Canadian Mennonite University

Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) is a private Christian university in Winnipeg established in 2000. CMU is at the top of our list of the most affordable universities in Canada because of its per-credit pricing. Credits are grouped in 3-course units at CMU that are priced at CAD $ 1,175 (for international students) collectively. For eg: in a bachelor's degree, a student has to complete 30 credits in the first year. The approximate total cost for this would be: 1,175 x 10 group units, that is CAD $ 11,750 (~ 8.03 Lakh INR) (per year). Postgraduate tuition fees vary by program and are generally higher than undergraduate fees.

Tuition fees- 

To learn more about the fee structure, you can check out the official page of CMU

 Living expenditure: Relatively affordable compared to major Canadian cities. The estimated monthly costs for a single person can be around CAD $ 1,413, excluding rent.

2. Memorial University of Newfoundland

Location: St. John’s, Canada.

The Memorial University of Newfoundland is a public university established in the year 1925 and is among the cheapest universities in Canada for international students. It offers 300+ courses such as Business, Engineering, Science, Humanities, and Social Sciences. Students can study at multiple campuses such as St. John’s, Grenfell, Labrador, and others. With nearly 18,000 students from 120 countries, Memorial University offers a diverse community of students. 

Memorial University has 6 campuses, and the largest is situated in St. John’s. For international students, tuition fees for two semesters (10 courses) at the St. John’s campus cost CAD $ 22,500 before additional fees. The exact course pricing depends on campuses, subjects, and duration. Let's understand the different program costs at Memorial University.

Tuition fees-

To learn more about the tuition fees, you can visit the official university page. 

Living expenditure: St. John’s generally has lower living costs than larger Canadian cities such as Toronto and Calgary, particularly for accommodation. The estimated monthly costs for a single person are CAD $ 1,541 excluding rent.

3. Brandon University

Location: Brandon, Canada.

Brandon University is located in Brandon, Manitoba, a smaller city known for having a lower cost of living. The university is known for maintaining a smaller class size and has students from 30+ countries, offering a valuable network of opportunities for students.

At BU, undergraduate tuition for international students ranges from CAD $ 17,343 to $19,030 per year, and graduate programs range from CAD $ 10,274 to $12,943 per year. Students must also pay a non-refundable application fee of CAD $ 140 and an upfront tuition deposit of CAD $ 5,000 for undergraduate studies or CAD $2,500 for graduate studies. To know more about the tuition fees, you can visit the official university page. 

Living expenditure: The average cost of living in Brandon is around CAD $ 1403, making it one of the most affordable cities in Canada for international students.

4. University of Manitoba 

Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

University of Manitoba is known for its research-oriented programs. UM is a member of Canada’s U15 group of research universities, making it a great choice for students who are looking for the best affordable universities in Canada and are​ interested in pursuing research. With students from more than 120 countries, UM offers a diverse community of international students. The university is located in Winnipeg, which has a relatively lower cost of living, making UM a standout in the list of cheapest universities in Canada.  

Tuition fee: Approximately CAD $ 20,400–29,700 per annum, depending on the program. To learn more about tuition fees, you can visit the university's official page. 

Living expenditure: Relatively affordable compared to cities such as Toronto and Vancouver. The estimated monthly costs for a single person can be around CAD $ 1,413 excluding rent.

5. University of British Columbia

Location: Vancouver, Canada

University of British Columbia is known for its research-oriented programs. The university offers a broad selection of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across multiple faculties. With a nearly 435,000+ alumni network across 145 countries, UBC attracts a crowd from around the world. UBC is not the most affordable university in Canada but is widely known to offer quality education at a relatively lower price than most top universities. 

Tuition fee: 

To learn more about tuition fees, you can visit the university's official page. 

Living Expenditure: This city is slightly more expensive than Winnipeg and St. John’s. Vancouver is one of the most popular cities, with estimated monthly costs for a single person being around CAD $ 1,513, excluding rent. 

Note: The amount mentioned above is just the tuition, excluding the special charges levied by the university. Always check out the official university page to confirm the total cost of education. 

Conclusion

Affordability is not just about lower tuition fees. It is about the city you live in, the additional charges you bear while making sure your degree has long-term value. 

All the above universities have international recognition and fit both your academic and budgetary requirements. Many students go for a blend of scholarships, personal funds, and education loans to pursue their education in Canada. For more information about education loans, please request a callback.