Affordable Universities in Canada for International Students

Do you want to study in Canada but are confused about the cost? The cost of studying in Canada can be huge for many international students. However, there are many affordable universities in Canada for international students also students can get scholarships in Canada and this is the only way for many students to fulfil their study abroad dreams. 

If you are looking for affordable universities in Canada you’ll find the University of Saskatchewan, Simon Fraser University, Memorial University of Newfoundland, University of Calgary, University of Winnipeg, Brandon University, etc. In this blog, we will discuss the cheapest universities in Canada, living expenses in Canada, affordable cities in Canada for international students and the available scholarships in Canada, So, if you want to study in Canada for the May or September 2025 intake, this article will help you a lot. 

Cost of Studying in Canada

Most of the universities in Canada usually offer diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate programs with affordable tuition fees. The average tuition fees in Canada range between 12,000 CAD to 30,000 CAD per annum. The living expenses in Canada are slightly high. According to Canada.ca, most Canadians spend 30%- 50% of their income on housing and utilities. As an international student, you will likely pay at least $350 a month to rent a room. You have to pay at least $2,000 a month to rent a larger apartment or a large house.

Affordable Universities in Canada for International Students

Canada offers many affordable universities that provide high-quality education for international students. These universities offer a variety of programs to match students’ interests and career goals. Here is a list of the top 10 affordable universities in Canada for international students:

• Simon Fraser University
• Brandon University
• Dalhousie University
• Cape Breton University
• Canadian Mennonite University
• University of Guelph
• Concordia University
• University of Prince Edward Island
• University of Winnipeg
• University of Northern British Columbia

Simon Fraser University

Simon Fraser University welcomes students from over 150 countries and is known as one of Canada’s most affordable and well-respected universities. It is recognized in Canada and worldwide for its leading work in research and innovation. The average tuition fees at Simon Fraser University range between CAD 5,842 – CAD 57,000 per year. Having campuses in Surrey, Burnaby, and Vancouver, Simon Fraser is a low-cost university in Canada. 

Brandon University

Brandon University, located in Manitoba, is one of the most affordable universities in Canada for international students. Although it’s a smaller university, it offers a wide range of study options, including undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as certificate and diploma courses. The average tuition fees at Brandon University is CAD 7,203- CAD 60,000 per year. 

Dalhousie University

Dalhousie University, often called “Dal,” is a public research university in Nova Scotia, Canada. It ranks 275th in the QS World University Rankings for its high-quality teaching and excellent facilities. Despite its world-class standards, it is one of the more affordable universities in Canada. Tuition fees at Dalhousie University starts from CAD 20,700  per year.

Cape Breton University

Cape Breton University, formerly known as the University of Cape Breton, is located in Nova Scotia, Canada. It is one of the affordable universities in Canada and offers a variety of undergraduate, certificate, diploma, and graduate programs. Cape Breton is a cheap university in Canada with the tuition fees starting from CAD 17,200 per year.

Canadian Mennonite University

This Christian university in Winnipeg, Manitoba, is well-known for its affordable tuition fees. It’s recognized as a top choice for undergraduate programs and also offers graduate programs. With the tuition fees starting from CAD 19,000 Canadian Mennonite is a cheap university in Canada for international students. 

University of Guelph

The University of Guelph is a public research university in Guelph, Ontario. It is highly ranked for its strong research programs, especially in life sciences, veterinary medicine, and hospitality and tourism management. The tuition fees of the University of Guelph starts from CAD 12,600 which is one of the most affordable universities in Canada for international students. 

Concordia University

Concordia University is a public university in Montreal, Quebec. It was ranked 7th among Canadian universities and 229th worldwide in the International Professional Classification of Higher Education Institutions.Tuition fees at this university starts from CAD 13,491 per year.

University of Prince Edward Island

This is the only public university in Prince Edward Island, Canada. It is ranked as the top research university in the province and is also one of the more affordable universities in Canada. The university offers scholarships to both international and domestic students studying there. The tuition fees of the University of Prince Edward Island range between CAD 16,236 – CAD 35,000 per year.

University of Winnipeg

This public university, located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, is well-known for its affordable graduate and undergraduate programs in areas like arts, business, economics, education, science, and kinesiology and applied health. It’s considered one of the cheapest universities in Canada for these programs. The tuition fees at the University of Winnipeg starts from CAD 12,900 per year.

University of Northern British Columbia

This small university in Prince George, British Columbia, is known for its research-focused courses. The campus is famous for its innovative design, which helps create a warm environment by using renewable wood pellets for heating. This university offers low tuition fees in Canada ranging from CAD 7,645 per year.

Cost of Living in Canada

According to the Numbeo, the cost of living in Canada for a single person is CAD 1445.90 without rent. Living in Canada will be different from your home country. You might need to start with a lower-paying job while you improve your skills or gain work experience. This could affect your finances.

Even if you earn more money in Canada than you did at home, the cost of living may be higher than what you’re used to. In Canada, household expenses can take up to half of your take-home pay. These include costs for:

• your home
• heating and utilities
• food
• clothing
• health insurance
• transportation

Affordable Cities in Canada for International Students

Canada provides high-quality education at affordable tuition fees, with degrees recognized around the world. The country has many top universities and a wide range of courses, making it home to a large number of international students. When planning to study in Canada, it’s important to consider the cost of living. By knowing the most affordable cities in Canada, you can better plan your expenses.

• Montreal
• Moncton
• Calgary
• Saskatoon
• Winnipeg
• Regina
• Halifax Regional Municipality
• Abbotsford
• Victoria

Available Scholarships for International Students in Canada

Are you an international student wanting to study in Canada, or a Canadian student looking for funding to study or research abroad? You’ve come to the right place!

Global Affairs Canada handles Canada’s involvement in important international scholarship programs. We offer information about scholarships provided by the Canadian government, other countries’ governments, non-governmental organizations, and international groups. Let’s explore some available scholarships for international students in Canada. 

• Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED)
• Canada-China Scholars’ Exchange Program
• Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program
• Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
• The Canadian International Development Scholarships, etc.

Final Words

While many think tuition fees in Canada are high, there are actually several universities offering programs for under 3,600 Canadian dollars per year. Universities like the University of British Columbia, University of Calgary, and Memorial University of Newfoundland are the most affordable universities in Canada.

By choosing these universities, you can reach your academic goals and boost your career while experiencing Canada’s diverse culture and lively student life. Be sure to look into scholarships and financial aid options to help lower your costs. However, Contact AIMS Education today and start your journey today and open the doors to a bright future with an affordable education in Canada.

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