Last Updated: May 19, 2024
Affordable Canadian Universities
Consistently ranked in the top ten of the UN's Human Development Index, Canada has one of the highest living standards in the world. The nation realizes the importance of good higher education, which is why, Canada's public education is sponsored by provincial, federal as well as local governments. Thus, it also witnesses one of the topmost enrollment rates in post-secondary to Master's Degrees.
There are a plethora of options for students seeking any degree in Canada. The general requirement involves having a bachelor's degree from an accredited university, a written application, reference letters, and an acclaimed standardized examination like GRE, TOEFL/IELTS/MELAB, or GMAT.
Education in Canada is not cheap by any means - especially for international students. The fees for home students or the nationals of Canada are relatively low, ranging between $10,000 to $20,000 per year. This amount is still affordable by many in Canada, thanks to the ever-growing economy and stability of jobs. Although, when it comes to international students, the tuition fee is hiked two-fold. Depending on the course, the tuition fee can range anywhere between $20,000 to $50,000. Medical courses are no exception. In fact, the cost for a medical course is the highest in Canada, reaching up to $99,000 for international students, looking into attending a medical course in top universities.
Despite the sky-high tuition fees, Canada undoubtedly stands as one of the top destinations for studying, as chosen by the students. The biggest reason for that is because, in comparison to the tuition fee provided in the UK or Europe, Canada seems much more affordable. There are plenty of other reasons, some of them are as follows:
- Easily available scholarships for international students: Since the tuition fee is so high for international students, the Canadian government and universities have an exhaustive list of scholarships that are attainable and available to students of almost every country. This comes as a big sigh of relief to international students, as it helps them get a chance to cover their tuition costs fully or partially, and sometimes even take care of the living costs.
- Accommodation facilities: As mentioned above, Canada has ranked as one of the best places to live in, and with good reason. Canada offers the most affordable on-campus and off-campus accommodation. The accommodation provided by the universities has an all-inclusive price and is designed in a way that can be affordable to all while keeping in mind the comfort level of students. It goes without saying that living costs increase when living off-campus since most things have to be paid for separately from the accommodation fees.
Students can find more about life and living in Canada here
- Placement assistance: Unlike other countries, where getting a job or a permanent residency is quite difficult, Canada provides more than plenty of options for working while or after studies, and even permanent residency.
Best Affordable Universities in Canada
There are several Canadian universities that offer affordable tuition fees, making higher education more accessible to a wider range of students. These institutions prioritize affordability while still providing quality education and a diverse range of programs. Here are some examples:
1
Memorial University
Despite its exceptional academic offerings, Memorial University remains committed to keeping education accessible and affordable for all students. The university's tuition fees are significantly lower compared to many other institutions, making it an attractive choice for students seeking a high-quality education without the burden of excessive financial strain.
In addition to affordable tuition fees, Memorial University also offers a range of scholarships, grants, and financial aid options to support students in their academic journey. These opportunities help alleviate the financial burden and ensure that deserving students have the opportunity to pursue their educational goals. The university provides some unique programs including the Arctic and Subarctic Futures Graduate Program, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Commerce, Diploma of Technology in Marine Engineering, and Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre).
University Tuition Fees
| Program | Domestic Students | International Students |
| Undergraduate Programs | CAD 6,200 annually | CAD 21,000 annually |
| Graduate Programs | CAD 3,700 to CAD 14,000 annually | CAD 6,300 to CAD 18,000 annually |
2
University of Manitoba
The University of Manitoba is renowned for its commitment to providing high-quality education at reasonable prices. With a strong emphasis on academic excellence, the university ensures that students receive a comprehensive and well-rounded education that prepares them for success in their chosen fields. The university understands the financial constraints that many students face and strives to keep tuition fees as low as possible. This commitment to affordability allows students from diverse backgrounds to access a world-class education without the burden of excessive financial debt.
The University of Manitoba provides a wide range of academic programs, exceeding 100 in total. These include various extended education options like Public Sector Management, Municipal Administration, Applied Management, Business Analysis, Management and Administration, Quality Management, Advanced Manufacturing, and Applied Counselling.
University Tuition Fees
| Program | Domestic Students | International Students |
| Undergraduate Programs | CAD 6,000 annually | CAD 20,000 annually |
| Graduate Programs | CAD 3,000 to CAD 14,000 per term | CAD 6,500 to CAD 18,000 annually |
3
McGill University
With a strong reputation for academic excellence and a commitment to innovation and research, McGill University attracts students from around the world who are seeking a world-class education. McGill University's commitment to affordability is evident through its competitive tuition rates and generous financial aid packages, making it accessible to students from all backgrounds. The university also offers a wide range of scholarships and bursaries to help students offset the cost of their education. McGill's student body comprises international students from over 150 countries, accounting for almost 30% of the total student population, which is the largest percentage among Canadian research universities. Quebec students are eligible for up to $20,000 in scholarships
The university provides a wide range of programs in various fields such as Business and Economics, Education, Engineering, Environment, Health Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences, Languages, Mathematics, Computing and Technology, Music, Politics and Law, and Pure and Applied Science.
University Tuition Fees
| Program | Domestic Students | International Students |
| Undergraduate Programs | CAD 3,000 annually | CAD 44,000 to CAD 61,000 annually |
| Graduate Programs | CAD 1,500 per term | CAD 10,000 to CAD 15,000 annually |
4
University of British Columbia
The University of British Columbia is one of the top-ranked universities in Canada. But contradictory to normal notions, the University of British Columbia is very forgiving when it comes to its tuition fees, despite being a university that ranks on top.
The university provides a variety of programs in Applied Science, Architecture and Landscape Architecture, Arts, Audiology and Speech Sciences, Business, Community and Regional Planning, Dentistry, Education, Extended Learning, Forestry, Journalism, Writing, and Media, Kinesiology, Land and Food Systems, Information, Medicine, Music, Nursing, Population and Public Health, Public Policy and Global Affairs, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Science and Social Work.
University Tuition Fees
| Program | Domestic Students | International Students |
| Undergraduate Programs | CAD 200 to CAD 400 per credit hour | CAD 44,000 to CAD 61,000 annually |
| Graduate Programs | CAD 1,800 to CAD 16,000 per installment | CAD 2000 to CAD 28,000 annually |
5
University of Montreal
The University of Montreal offers affordable tuition fees for both domestic and international students. The university is committed to providing high-quality education at a reasonable cost, making it accessible to a diverse range of students. In addition to affordable tuition fees, the University of Montreal also offers a variety of scholarships, bursaries, and financial aid options to help students cover the cost of their education. This commitment to affordability and accessibility has helped the University of Montreal attract top talent from around the world and maintain its reputation as a leading institution of higher learning.
The university offers a diverse range of programs in fields including Administration and Management Sciences, Arts and Music, Communication, Economics and Politics, Environmental Planning and Design, Environment and Sustainable Development, Fundamental and Applied Sciences, Health Sciences, Humanities, Information and Communication Technologies, Law, Life Sciences, Literature and Languages, Social Sciences and Social Action, Teaching and Education Sciences, Theology and Religious Sciences.
University Tuition Fees
| Program | Domestic Students | International Students |
| Undergraduate Programs | CAD 100 to CAD 300 per credit hour | CAD 900 per credit hour |
| Graduate Programs | CAD 100 to CAD 300 per credit hour | CAD 700 per credit hour |
6
University of Calgary
The University of Calgary has earned a well-deserved reputation for its excellence in education, making it a highly sought-after institution for students from around the world. Despite its prestigious status, the University of Calgary stands out for its relatively affordable tuition fees. This affordability factor has made it an attractive choice for students who are looking for a high-quality education without the burden of exorbitant costs.
The university provides a wide range of academic programs, totaling over 250, across 14 faculties. These faculties encompass various fields such as Arts, Medicine, Architecture, Planning and Landscape, Business, Kinesiology, Law, Nursing, Engineering, Science, Social Work, Veterinary Medicine, Education, and Public Policy.
University Tuition Fees
| Program | Domestic Students | International Students |
| Undergraduate Programs | CAD 700 to CAD 6,000 per 3 credit course | CAD 2,000 to CAD 6,000 per 3 credit course |
| Graduate Programs | CAD 1,600 to CAD 11,000 per 3 credit course | CAD 2,000 to CAD 11,000 per credit course |
7
Simon Fraser University
Simon Fraser University is known for its innovative and interdisciplinary approach to education, and also for its diverse and inclusive community. The university offers competitive tuition rates for both domestic and international students, making it an attractive option for those looking to pursue higher education without breaking the bank. Additionally, SFU offers a range of scholarships, bursaries, and financial aid options to help students offset the cost of their education.
The University offers more than 500 programs spread across 8 faculties, such as Applied Science, Arts and Social Sciences, Education, Business, Communication, Arts Technology, Environment, Health Sciences, and Science.
University Tuition Fees
| Program | Domestic Students | International Students |
| Undergraduate Programs | CAD 200 per unit | CAD 1,100 to 1,300 per unit |
| Graduate Programs | CAD 6,500 to CAD 10,000 per term | CAD 12,000 to CAD 14,000 per term |
8
University of Saskatchewan
The University of Saskatchewan is known for its high academic standards and world-class faculty. Students at the university have access to cutting-edge research opportunities, state-of-the-art facilities, and a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines. This reputation for affordability has made the University of Saskatchewan an attractive option for students seeking a high-quality education without the burden of exorbitant tuition costs. The university's commitment to providing accessible education has helped to make higher education more attainable for a diverse range of students, including those from low-income backgrounds.
The university provides a wide range of academic programs, with 80 unique offerings across more than 130 areas of study. These include Agriculture and Bioresources, Arts and Science, Dentistry, Education, Business, Engineering, Public Policy, Kinesiology, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy and Nutrition, Environment and Safety, Public Health, Languages, and Veterinary Medicine.
University Tuition Fees
| Program | Domestic Students | International Students |
| Undergraduate Programs | CAD 200 per credit hour | CAD 1,000 per credit hour |
| Graduate Programs | CAD 300 per credit hour | CAD 600 per credit hour |
9
McMaster University
McMaster University has established itself as a leading institution in Canada, consistently ranking among the top universities in the country. Despite its prestigious reputation and high academic standards, one of the most remarkable aspects of McMaster is its commitment to providing an affordable education to its students. Recognizing the financial burden that higher education can impose on students and their families, McMaster University has implemented various initiatives to ensure that education remains accessible and affordable.
McMaster University provides a diverse selection of programs across different areas of study such as Arts & Science, Technology, Business, Chemical & Physical Sciences, Computer Science, Economics, Engineering, Environmental & Earth Sciences, Health and Society, Health Sciences, Integrated Science, Kinesiology, Humanities, iArts (Integrated Arts), Integrated Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences, Integrated Business & Humanities, Life Sciences, Mathematics & Statistics, Medical Radiation Sciences, Medicine, Midwifery, Music, Nursing, Physician Assistant, and Social Sciences.
University Tuition Fees
| Program | Domestic Students | International Students |
| Undergraduate Programs | CAD 200 per credit hour | CAD 1,500 to CAD 1,900 per credit hour |
| Graduate Programs | Varies | Varies |
10
University of Northern British Columbia
The University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) is renowned for its exceptional combination of affordability and high-quality education. With its commitment to providing accessible education, UNBC ensures that students from all backgrounds can pursue their academic goals without the burden of exorbitant tuition fees. Despite its affordability, UNBC maintains a strong reputation for delivering a high-quality education.
The University of Northern British Columbia provides a wide range of programs across different faculties, including the Faculty of Human and Health Sciences, Faculty of Indigenous Studies, Social Sciences and Humanities, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Faculty of Environment, Faculty of Business and Economics, and Division of Medical Sciences.
University Tuition Fees
| Program | Domestic Students | International Students |
| Undergraduate Programs | CAD 200 per credit hour | CAD 800 per credit hour |
| Graduate Programs | CAD 1,800 to CAD 7,400 per term | CAD 2,500 to CAD 9,000 per term |
