Studying in Canada offers international students a chance to experience high-quality education in a diverse and multicultural environment. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and world-class universities, Canada has become a top destination for students from around the globe. This article explores the 15 cheapest universities in Canada for international students in 2024, highlighting why you should consider studying in Canada and providing practical information for prospective students.
Why Should I Study in Canada?
Canada boasts a robust education system with a reputation for academic excellence. Here are some compelling reasons to study in Canada:
1. High-Quality Education
Canadian universities are known for their rigorous academic standards and excellent research facilities.
2. Affordable Tuition
Compared to other English-speaking countries, Canada offers relatively affordable tuition fees for international students.
3. Multicultural Environment
Canada is known for its cultural diversity and inclusive society. This makes it easier for international students to adapt to the environment.
4. Safe and Peaceful
Canada ranks high on global peace and safety indices, providing a secure environment for students.
5. Post-Graduation Opportunities
International students in Canada have opportunities to work during and after their studies and a chance to get their permanent residency.
15 Cheapest Universities in Canada for International Students in 2024
Here is a list of the top 15 cheapest universities in Canada for international students in 2024:
1. University of Northern British Columbia
Location: Prince George, Canada
Tuition Fees
Undergraduate: costs about CAD 891.76 per credit hour. This amount varies depending on the program.
Postgraduate: costs about CAD 8,832.64 per year and varies depending on the program.
Estimated Cost of Accommodation
Costs between CAD 1,100 to CAD 1,200 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
Costs between CAD 700 to CAD 800 per month for a zero-bedroom apartment.
Known for its small size and community feel, the University of Northern British Columbia consistently ranks among Canada's top universities for student satisfaction. It offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs with a strong emphasis on environmental and northern studies. UNBC is renowned for its research in climate change, sustainability, and rural health.
2. University of Prince Edward Island
Location: Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Tuition Fees
Undergraduate: costs about CAD 8,410 per year and may vary depending on the program.
Postgraduate: costs from CAD 13,540 to CAD 37,636 per year depending on the program.
Estimated Cost of Accommodation
about CAD 1,067 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
The University of Prince Edward Island offers a diverse range of programs in arts, sciences, business, education, and nursing. The university is known for its intimate class sizes and personalized approach to education. UPEI is home to the Atlantic Veterinary College, one of the leading veterinary schools in Canada.
3. Brandon University
Location: Brandon, Manitoba
Tuition Fees
Undergraduate: costs between CAD 6,545 to CAD 5,341.95 per year. This amount may be lower depending on your program and total credit hours.
Postgraduate: costs between CAD 15,850 to CAD 17,538 per year.
Estimated Cost of Accommodation
about CAD 1,367 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
Costs about CAD 900 per month for a one-bedroom in a shared apartment.
This small university is known for its close-knit community and strong focus on liberal arts, education, health studies, and music. Brandon University is recognised for its School of Music and offers several unique programs, including a Bachelor of Fine Arts.
4. Université de Saint-Boniface
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Tuition Fees
Undergraduate: costs between CAD 5,365 and CAD 6,475 per year. This amount may be lower depending on your program and total credit hours.
Postgraduate: costs between CAD 12,780 to CAD 14,095 per year.
Estimated Cost of Accommodation
Costs between CAD 1,400 to CAD 1,500 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
Costs about CAD 920 per month for a zero-bedroom apartment.
As the only French-language university in Western Canada, Université de Saint-Boniface provides a variety of programs in arts, science, social work, education, and business administration. It is renowned for promoting the French language and culture in a predominantly English-speaking region.
5. University of Calgary
Location: Calgary, Canada
Tuition Fees
Undergraduate: costs about CAD 2,017 per 3 units courses.
Postgraduate: starts from CAD 13,695 per year. This amount varies depending on your program.
Estimated Cost of Accommodation
Costs about CAD 1,700 to CAD 1,800 per month for a one bedroom apartment.
Costs about CAD 1,073 per month for a one-bedroom in a shared apartment.
The University of Calgary is a leading Canadian research university with strong programs in business, engineering, medicine, and the arts. It offers a vibrant campus life and numerous research opportunities. The university's proximity to the Rocky Mountains provides unique opportunities for research and recreation.
6. University of Winnipeg
Location: Winnipeg, Canada
Tuition Fees
Undergraduate: starts from CAD 16,692 per year.
Postgraduate: costs about CAD 17,951 per year.
Estimated Cost of Accommodation
Costs between CAD 1,400 to CAD 1,500 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
Costs about CAD 920 per month for a one-bedroom in a shared apartment.
The University of Winnipeg is known for its diverse student body and a strong emphasis on Indigenous studies, social justice, and environmental sustainability. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate programs and is committed to community engagement and accessibility.
7. Canadian Mennonite University
Location: Winnipeg, Canada
Tuition Fees
Undergraduate: costs about CAD 14,206 per year.
Postgraduate: costs about CAD 1,393 for a 3 Credit Hour Course. This amount is subject to change depending on the number of courses you take.
Estimated Cost of Accommodation
Costs between CAD 1,400 to CAD 1,500 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
Costs about CAD 920 per month for a one-bedroom in a shared apartment.
Canadian Mennonite University is a Christian university that offers programs in arts, sciences, music, theology, and business. It emphasizes leadership, peace, and justice. The university is known for its small class sizes and personalised education.
8. Crandall University
Location: Moncton, New Brunswick
Tuition Fees
Undergraduate: cost starts from CAD 17,900 per year
Postgraduate: cost starts from 24,950 per year
Estimated Cost of Accommodation
Costs between CAD 700 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. This price is the same for a one-bedroom in a shared apartment.
Crandall University, located in Moncton, is a Baptist Christian liberal arts university. This university emphasizes a faith-based approach to learning, integrating academic excellence with spiritual development. Crandall University offers undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines.
9. Cape Breton University
Location: Sydney, Nova Scotia
Tuition Fees
Undergraduate: costs start from CAD 2,130 for a 6-credit course or equivalent.
Postgraduate: costs start from CAD $1,065.00 for 3 credit courses or equivalent.
Estimated Cost of Accommodation
Costs about CAD 700 per month for a one-bedroom in a shared apartment.
Cape Breton University offers programs in arts, science, business, and health. It is known for its focus on community development and sustainability. The university has strong connections to the local community and emphasizes experiential learning.
10. Simon Fraser University
Location: Burnaby, British Columbia
Tuition Fees
Undergraduate: costs about CAD 1,167.61 per course taken each term. This amount varies depending on the program.
Postgraduate: costs about CAD 6,980 per term and varies depending on the program.
Estimated Cost of Accommodation
Costs about CAD 2,543 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
Costs about CAD 1,592 per month for a one-bedroom in a shared apartment.
Simon Fraser University is a comprehensive university with a strong focus on research and innovation. It offers a wide range of programs across eight faculties. SFU has a strong reputation in business, computing science, and environmental studies.
11. St. Francis Xavier University
Location: Antigonish, Nova Scotia
Tuition Fees
Undergraduate: cost starts from CAD 10,135 per year. This amount only reflects the tuition fee and doesn’t include other compulsory administrative fees.
Postgraduate: starts from CAD 6,556.94 per year and varies depending on the program. This amount only reflects the tuition fee and doesn’t include other compulsory administrative fees.
Estimated Cost of Accommodation
Costs about CAD 700 per month for a one-bedroom in a shared apartment.
St. Francis Xavier University, commonly known as StFX, is a public liberal arts university known for its strong academic programs and vibrant campus life. This university is particularly renowned for its commitment to social justice and community engagement, providing students with numerous opportunities to participate in service learning and volunteer activities.
12. Université Sainte-Anne
Location: Church Point, Nova Scotia
Tuition Fees
Undergraduate: cost starts from CAD 14,425 per year.
Postgraduate: cost starts from CAD 14,425 per year.
Estimated Cost of Accommodation
Costs about CAD 700 per month for a one-bedroom in a shared apartment.
Founded in 1890, Université Sainte-Anne is a prominent French-language university located in Church Point, Nova Scotia. It was established to serve the educational needs of the Acadian and Francophone communities in the Atlantic provinces. The university offers a unique bilingual learning environment, providing students with the opportunity to become proficient in both French and English.
13. University of Alberta
Location: Edmonton, Canada
Tuition Fees
Undergraduate: cost starts from $17,308 per year.
Postgraduate: costs start from CAD 4,000 per academic year.
Estimated Cost of Accommodation
Costs about CAD 1,400 to CAD 1,500 per month for a one bedroom apartment.
Costs about CAD 854 per month for a one-bedroom in a shared apartment.
The University of Alberta is one of Canada's top research universities, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across numerous disciplines. The university is known for its research in energy, environment, and health sciences.
14. Cape Breton University
Location: Sydney, Nova Scotia
Tuition Fees
Undergraduate: costs CAD 1,065.00 for 3 credit courses. This amount increases depending on the number of courses.
Postgraduate: costs CAD 1,065.00 for 3 credit courses. This amount increases depending on the number of courses.
Estimated Cost of Accommodation
Costs about CAD 700 per month for a one-bedroom in a shared apartment.
Cape Breton University (CBU) is known for its vibrant campus culture and strong sense of community. Offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, this university emphasizes experiential learning and research opportunities. The university has a strong focus on Indigenous education and sustainable development.
15. McMaster University
Location: Hamilton, Ontario
Tuition Fees
Undergraduate: costs start from CAD 1,584.51 per course unit.
Postgraduate: starts from CAD 3,749 per course.
Estimated Cost of Accommodation
Costs about CAD 1,700 to CAD 1,800 per month for a one bedroom apartment.
Costs about CAD 1,065 to CAD 1,200 per month for a one-bedroom in a shared apartment.
McMaster University is a leading research university with strong programs in health sciences, engineering, business, and humanities. It is known for its problem-based learning approach and its medical school, which is consistently ranked among the best in Canada.
FAQ
What are the Top Cheap Universities in Canada for International Students?
These universities offer a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs that provide excellent value for money.
University of Northern British Columbia
University of Prince Edward Island
Brandon University
Université de Saint-Boniface
University of Calgary
University of Winnipeg
Canadian Mennonite University
Crandall University
Cape Breton University
Simon Fraser University
St. Francis Xavier University
Université Sainte-Anne
University of Alberta
Cape Breton University
McMaster University
Is it Possible to Study in Canada for Free?
While it is challenging to study entirely for free in Canada, there are several ways to significantly reduce costs:
1. Scholarships and Grants
Many Canadian universities offer scholarships, grants, and bursaries to international students based on academic merit, financial need, or specific talents.
2. Work-Study Programs
International students in Canada can work part-time during their studies and full-time during breaks, which can help offset living expenses.
3. Government and Private Sector Scholarships
Various organizations offer scholarships to international students, such as the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships and the Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program.
4. Exchange Programs
Participating in exchange programs through your home university might allow you to study in Canada while paying your home institution's tuition fees.
What Difficulties Do International Students Experience in Canada?
International students in Canada may face several challenges. Some of these challenges include:
Cultural Adjustment: Adapting to a new culture, climate, and social norms can be difficult.
Homesickness: Being away from family and friends can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Financial Strain: Even with scholarships and work opportunities, managing finances can be challenging due to the high cost of living in some Canadian cities.
Language Barrier: While many programs are offered in English or French, non-native speakers might struggle with academic language proficiency.
Navigating Immigration Regulations: Understanding and complying with visa and work permit regulations can be complex.
Which is More Affordable to Study in, the UK or Canada?
Generally, Canada tends to be more affordable than the UK in terms of both tuition fees and the cost of living. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Tuition Fees
Canadian universities generally have lower tuition fees for international students compared to UK universities. For example, tuition fees in Canada can range from CAD 8,000 to CAD 30,000 per year, while in the UK, fees can range from GBP 12,000 to GBP 40,000 per year.
2. Cost of Living
The cost of living in Canada is often lower than in the UK. Cities like St. John's and Winnipeg are relatively affordable compared to major UK cities like London and Edinburgh.
3. Healthcare
Canada offers public healthcare, which is free or low-cost in many provinces for international students, whereas in the UK, international students have to pay an Immigration Health Surcharge.
When considering studying abroad, it's essential to weigh all costs, including tuition, accommodation, transportation, and other living expenses, to determine the most affordable option.
Which City is Cheap for International Students in Canada?
Cities like St. John's (Newfoundland and Labrador) and Winnipeg (Manitoba) are known for their affordable cost of living compared to larger cities like Toronto and Vancouver.
Conclusion
Choosing to study in Canada is a decision that promises quality education, cultural diversity, and post-graduation opportunities. With a range of affordable universities, international students can achieve their academic goals without incurring significant debt. By understanding the options and taking advantage of financial aid and scholarships, studying in Canada can be both an enriching and economically viable choice.