10 Cheap Universities in Canada for International Students

The cheapest universities in Canada are Simon Fraser University, University of Guelph, Concordia University, University of Calgary, and University of Saskatchewan. These universities offer a wide range of diploma and degree programs at affordable tuition fees ranging from 12,000 CAD to 30,000 CAD per annum. These affordable universities in Canada offer a wide range of academic opportunities in various fields of study and provide scholarships, fee waivers, and grants to international students. Many of these inexpensive institutions are accredited by the Canadian government and are designated learning institutions (DLIs).

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, approximately 427,000 Indian students are studying at Canadian universities and colleges. Canada has become a second popular destination for Indian students seeking quality and affordable education. The education system in Canada is well-regarded compared to other popular study destinations like the US and the UK. For those seeking cost-effective options, this article presents a list of some of the cheap universities in Canada. Also, find the cheapest universities in Canada in popular locations like Toronto, Ontario, Quebec, etc.

Top 10 Cheapest Universities in Canada

International students' tuition fees are higher than those for domestic students, often being three times more expensive. If you're looking for the most affordable options in Canada for higher education, the below list will help you to make the right choice. These institutions provide various bachelor's and master's degree programs at a lower cost compared to other options. Check the top 10 cheapest universities in Canada for international students, along with their average tuition fees below.

1. Simon Fraser University

Simon Fraser University (SFU) is a public research university founded in 1965, located in British Columbia, Canada. SFU houses around 30,000 students from over 150 countries across its three campuses in Burnaby, Surrey, and Vancouver. With relatively low tuition fees, SFU offers an excellent quality of education which makes it one of the most affordable universities in Canada. International students applying to SFU must meet English language proficiency requirements. Acceptable scores include an overall band score of 7.0 on the IELTS academic test, with a minimum of 6.5 in each section, or an overall score of 93 on the TOEFL iBT, with a minimum of 20 in each category. 

QS World University Ranking 2025	319
Average Tuition Fee	5,842 CAD - 57,000 CAD/3,57,000 INR - 34,79,000 INR per annum
Popular Programs	BA in Health Sciences, BBA, Certificate in Innovation and Entrepreneurship M.Sc in Applied Mathematics MA in Psychology MA in Sociology MSc Health Sciences
Location	British Columbia
Scholarship	Schulich Leader Scholarships The Bennett Family Entrance Scholarship Uggla Family Entrance Scholarship Tadeusz Specht Memorial Entrance Scholarship USES Program Scholarships - International Applicants Lloyd Carr-Harris Scholarship International Excellence Entrance Scholarship

2. University of Guelph

The University of Guelph, located in Guelph, Ontario, is a public research university established in 1964. With seven main faculties, the University of Guelph attracts around 30,000 students, from over 130 countries. It is among the best low-tuition and cheap universities in Canada, offering a wide range of programs at the undergraduate, graduate, certificate, and diploma levels. For international students seeking admission, the university requires English language proficiency. Undergraduate applicants need a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5 with no band less than 6, or a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 89 with no score less than 21. Graduate applicants must have an IELTS score of 6.5 or a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 89, with at least 21 scores in each of the four categories.

QS World University Rankings 2025	456
Average Tuition Fee	3,979 CAD - 14,829 CAD/24,315 INR - 9,06,150 INR per annum
Popular Programs	BA in Art History Meng. in Biomedical MBA B.Sc in Computer Science Graduate Certificate Business M.Sc in Clinical Studies Bachelor of Arts & Sciences Bachelor of Applied Science Bachelor of Engineering Bachelor of Computing BEng in Computer Engineering BSc in Psychology: Brain and Cognition MSc Computer Science Graduate Diploma in Tourism Research Ph.D. Social Practice and Transformational Change
Location	Guelph
Scholarship	The Dr. Franco J. Vaccarino President’s Scholarship Academic Leadership Entrance Scholarships International Entrance Scholarships Quinn Memorial Scholarships Hardy International Student Scholarship

3. Concordia University

Concordia University is a public university in Canada established in the year 1974. It is in Montreal, Quebec, with two campuses covering more than 39 acres and attracting students from 150 countries. With over 51,000 students, it offers various programs in fields such as engineering, economics, computer science, and marketing. The University's John Molson School of Business is ranked among the top 10 business schools in Canada. The university is well-known among international students for its affordable tuition fees in Canada. International students must meet specific English language proficiency requirements for undergraduate and graduate admissions at Concordia University. Undergraduate applicants need an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with no band below 5.5 or a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 80. Graduate applicants must have an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with no band below 6.0 or a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 80.

QS World University Rankings 2025	415
Average Tuition Fee	665 CAD - 1,030 CAD/40,635 INR - 63,000 INR per credit
Popular Programs	B.Com B.Eng in Aerospace Master of Supply Chain Management Master of Applied Computer Science
Location	Montreal
Scholarship	Canada-ASEAN Scholarship - $15,900 CAD to $10,200 CAD Study in Canada Scholarship - $12,700 CAD to $10,200 CAD

4. University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is a public research university located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It stands among Canada's top research universities and is known for offering excellent graduate programs to both international and domestic students. With over 33,000 students, the university has 14 faculties and 85 research institutes and centers. It has been ranked 6th in Canada by Research Infosource, and its graduate employment rate is an impressive 94.1%. The University of Calgary offers courses in various fields such as accounting and finance, business and economics, engineering and technology, and computer sciences.  It is highly regarded as a cheap university in Canada for international students in 2025 compared to top universities like the University of Toronto and the University of British Columbia. The application fee is CAD 145 (approximately ₹8,301).

QS World University Rankings 2025	198
Average Tuition Fee	14,450 CAD - 42,600 CAD/8,82,990 INR - 26,03,150 INR per annum
Popular Programs	BA in Anthropology B.Sc in Geography M.Sc in Accounting M.Sc in Software Engineering MBA BBA MEng (Master’s in English) MArch (Masters in Architecture)
Location	Calgary
Scholarship	University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship CIBC International Entrance Scholarship The University of Calgary Award for International Student Athletes

5. University of Saskatchewan

The University of Saskatchewan was established in 1907 and is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. It is one of the oldest and top 10 cheapest universities in Canada for international students, having a membership of the U15 Group of Canadian Research universities. The university offers numerous scholarships and bursaries to support international students seeking an affordable education in Canada. The University of Saskatchewan offers a range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs, including arts, engineering, science, health sciences, business administration, education, pharmacy, and more. The university requires an IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum score of 6 in each band or a TOEFL score of 86 with a minimum score of 19 in each band.

QS World University Rankings 2025	340
Average Tuition Fee	19,130 CAD - 118,056 CAD/11,78,900 INR - 72,14,000 INR per annum
Popular Programs	B.Sc in Biomedical Neuroscience B.Sc in Computer Engineering M.Com M.Sc in Computer Science Master of Science - Finance Master of Science - Marketing Master of Public Health (thesis-based) Master of Arts in Economics Co-op Masters and Ph.D. - Environment and Sustainability
Location	Saskatchewan
Scholarship	University of Saskatchewan International Excellence Awards - $10,000 International Baccalaureate (IB) Excellence Awards - $20,000 Canadian Curriculum Schools Awards - $15,000 Council of International School Awards - $15,000 Maple Leaf International School Awards - $10,000

6. University of Alberta

The University of Alberta is a research-intensive public university in Canada, renowned worldwide for its academic excellence. Alongside its affordable tuition fees, the University of Alberta stands out for its research offerings and excellent placement and career opportunities. It has more than 9,000 international students, having an employment rate of over 90%. The university offers courses in various fields, including science, arts, and commerce. The undergraduate tuition fee of the University of Alberta is $5,284.08 for 12 credits which is cheaper than other universities in Canada.

QS World University Rankings 2025	96
Average Tuition Fee	1,331.40 CAD-4,945.20 CAD/81,358 INR - 3,02,185 INR per 3-credit of course
Popular Programs	B.Sc in Civil Engineering M.Sc in Dental Hygiene B.Com (Hons.) M.Eng in Mechanical engineering
Location	Edmonton
Scholarship	International admission scholarship Regional excellence scholarship President's International Distinction Scholarship International Leader Scholarship May Quon Undergraduate Scholarship

7. University of Northern British Columbia

The University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) is a public university located in Prince George, British Columbia. It has consistently been regarded as one of the best small Canadian universities by Maclean Magazine Rankings and is also in the list of cheap universities in Canada for international students in 2025. UNBC offers more than 50 programs including arts, science, and professional studies at both undergraduate and graduate levels. With its strong focus on research and a variety of disciplines, UNBC provides an excellent educational experience for students seeking affordable higher education in Canada.

Average Tuition Fee	10,994 CAD - 25,813 CAD/6,71,800 INR -15,77,345 INR
Popular Programs	Bachelor of Applied Science B.Com MBA M.Sc in Health Science Master of Engineering in Integrated Wood Design Master of Education
Location	Prince George
Scholarship	UNBC Scholars Early Entrance Awards Entrance Awards In-Course Undergraduate Awards General Awards Graduate Awards Dean/Graduate Program's Awards Nordic Sports Leadership Awards

8. University of Winnipeg

Established in 1967, the University of Winnipeg is a renowned public research university located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The university is home to over 1,400 international students from approximately 80 countries, making up nearly 16% of the total student population. It has earned a strong reputation for teaching excellence, diversity, research, and innovation, offering an affordable educational experience for international students. The acceptance rate at the University of Winnipeg is 75%, a relatively less competitive admission process. To prove your English language proficiency, an IELTS score of 6.5 is required. Graduate-level applicants are expected to have a minimum GPA of 3.0 (83-86%), while undergraduate applicants need a minimum high school aggregate of 72-75% to be eligible for admission.

Average Tuition Fee	10,244.34 CAD - 26,847.66 CAD/6,25,997 INR - 16,40,570 INR per year
Popular Programs	BBA MBA B.Sc in Chemistry M.Sc in Applied Computer Science
Location	Winnipeg
Scholarship	International Special Entrance Scholarship Program Advanced Placement (AP) & International Baccalaureate (IB) Entrance Scholarships President’s Scholarship for World Leaders In-Course Awards

9. University of Ottawa

Renowned for its global reach, the University of Ottawa attracts over 40,000 students from various countries. The university offers an extensive range of undergraduate, graduate, and Ph.D. study programs in both English and French, making it one of the world's largest bilingual institutions. University of Ottawa stands out as one of the most affordable universities in Canada. The university offers courses in fields such as arts, business administration, law, medicine, education, and engineering.

QS World University Rankings 2025	189
Average Tuition Fee	24,972 CAD - 77,520 CAD/15,26,000 INR-47,37,000 INR per annum
Popular Programs	M.Sc in Innovation and Entrepreneurship B.Sc in Biochemistry BBA
Location	Ottawa
Scholarship	University of Ottawa Admission Scholarship - $1,000 to $3,000 Professional Training Scholarship - $1,000 minimum Schulich Leader Scholarship - $100,000 to $120,000 Indigenous Leadership Scholarship - $26,000 ($6,500 per year) or $19,500 ($6,500 per year)

10. Memorial University of Newfoundland

Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) is a public university, founded in 1925 having the main campus in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. MUN offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including humanities, sciences, engineering, and medicine. MUN offers affordable tuition fees per semester for both undergraduate and graduate programs. It also provides opportunities for research and study in areas related to ocean sciences, marine engineering, aquaculture, naval engineering, and cold-ocean environments. It has numerous research institutes dedicated to these fields. MUN attracts over 19,000 students from 115 countries. The university offers more than 100 undergraduate programs both in Newfoundland and Labrador and through online platforms. The application process requires a non-refundable fee, and international applicants must meet specific English language proficiency requirements, such as a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL (iBT) score of 79 for undergraduate studies.

QS World University Ranking 2025	661-670
Average Tuition Fee	5,580.75 CAD-5,731 CAD/3,41,020 INR-3,50,200 INR for 9 credit hours
Popular Programs	BA in Music B.Sc in Chemistry M.Sc in Business and Accounting Master of Science in Medicine (Applied Health Services Research) Bachelor of Nursing Certificate of Public Policy Graduate Diploma Philosophy MSc Computer Science MEng Mechanical Engineering Master of Technology Management Master of Education
Location	Manitoba
Scholarship	Memorial University of Newfoundland International Entrance Scholarship IUGS Entrance Scholarship for Undergraduate Students Fortis Inc. – H. Stanley Marshall Scholarship Killam American Undergraduate Scholarship Don and Mona Dooley (OLOF) Thailand Scholarship Shona Perry-Maidment Entrance Award

Province-wise Cheap Universities in Canada

Canada is a popular study destination, offering plenty of options in terms of territories, provinces, and cities for international students. Some of the famous locations known for its low-tuition universities in Canada include Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Ottawa, and British Columbia. Each of these locations presents unique opportunities and experiences for students. Find out the cheap universities in Canada based on location below

1. Toronto

Toronto, the largest city in Canada, stands out as an excellent study destination for international students looking to pursue their education in the country. It was ranked 13th among the best student destinations globally in the QS Best Student City Rankings. This vibrant city not only offers engaging social experiences but also has some of the cheap universities in Toronto that offer affordable education. Some of the universities are:

University	Average Tuition Fee	Popular Programs
OCAD University	29,94,225 INR/49,000 CAD-4,21,63,600 INR/ 69,000 CAD	BA (Hons.) Design MA in Business Management Bachelor in Graphic Design
Toronto Metropolitan	18,29,838 INR/29,945 CAD-23,49,977 INR/38,457 CAD per annum	M.Sc in Data Science and Analytics MBA B.Sc in Computer Science
York University	23,22,050 INR/38,000 CAD-61,41,215 INR/100,500 CAD per annum	B.Sc (Hons.) in Computer Science MA in Design M.Sc in Data Science

2. Vancouver

Vancouver, as one of the most preferred cities by international students, stands out for its placement and career prospects. The city is renowned for its top-notch universities that offer exceptional facilities and provide high-quality education and research opportunities. With over 10,000 foreign students from more than 80 countries, Vancouver has earned its reputation as one of the best student cities in the world. Find the cheap universities in Vancouver below.

University	Average Tuition Fee	Popular Programs
University Canada West	4,73,500 INR/7,750 CAD-47,00,000 INR/76,800 CAD per annum	BA in Business Communications MA in Business Management Bachelor of Commerce
University of British Columbia	17,16,179 INR/28,085 CAD-46,70,000 INR/76,423.08 CAD per annum	BA in Economics Bachelor in Civil Engineering BA in Mathematics MBA
Simon Fraser University	3,57,000 INR/5,842 CAD-34,79,000 INR/57,000 CAD per annum	BA in Health Sciences, BBA, Certificate in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, M.Sc in Applied Mathematics

3. Montreal

Montreal, often referred to as Canada's cultural capital, attracts international students from all corners of the world. The city has been recognized as one of the most student-friendly cities globally in the QS Rankings. For international students seeking pocket-friendly options, there are several cheap universities in Montreal to choose from.

University	Average Tuition Fee	Popular Programs
Concordia University	22,91,500 INR/37,500 CAD per annum	BBA Executive MBA B.Sc in Chemistry
University of Quebec at Montreal	15,27,600 INR/25,000 CAD per annum	BBA Master in Data Processing M.Sc in Electrical Engineering
McGill University	1,28,32,000 INR/21,000 CAD per annum	Bachelor in Accounting Bachelor of Civil Engineering Master in Architecture

4. Ottawa

Ottawa, the capital of Canada, offers international students an affordable education that is recognized worldwide. As the fourth-largest city in the country, it has a population of approximately 1.4 million, with a majority residing in Ottawa and others in neighboring municipalities like Gatineau. The city's unique aspect lies in its bilingualism, with both English and French widely spoken. If you want to study in Ottawa, here are some of the cheap universities in Ottawa, providing excellent opportunities for international students.

University	Average Tuition Fee	Popular Programs
University of Ottawa	20,16,518 INR/33,000 CAD per annum	M.Sc in Innovation and Entrepreneurship B.Sc in Biochemistry BBA in Accounting
Carleton University	1,77,200 INR/29,000 CAD per annum	BBA Bachelor in Accounting MA in Computer Science

5. British Columbia

British Columbia has emerged as a preferable study abroad destination among international students over the past five years, attracting a significant number. The province is renowned for its low-tuition cost universities in Canada, making education affordable for students. With key cities like Vancouver, Victoria, Surrey, and other educational hubs, British Columbia offers outstanding academic opportunities. All universities hold international recognition and rankings, known for providing students with top-notch education at a global level. Some of the cheap universities in British Columbia are given below.

University	Average Tuition Fee	Popular Programs
Kwantlen Polytechnic University	9,16,50,00 INR/15,000 CAD	Diploma in Accounting Diploma in Marketing Management B.Sc in Biology
University of Northern British Columbia	2,13,80,00 INR/35,000 CAD to 48,000 CAD	Bachelor of Applied Science B.Com M.Sc in Health Science
University of Victoria	29,33,118 INR/39,000 CAD	B.Sc in Computer Science MBA MA in Design

6. Quebec

Quebec is highly preferred among international students in Canada due to its cultural diversity and the excellent value it offers for education. Some of the cheapest universities in Quebec for international students are.

University	Average Tuition Fee	Popular Programs
TELUQ University	10,38,812 INR/17,000 CAD	BA Bachelor in Computer Science
University of Montreal	14,22,130 INR/21,000 CAD	MBA M.Eng in Computer Engineering
Laval University	12,22,130 INR/20,000 CAD	MBA B.Eng in Computer Engineering

7. Ontario

Ontario is a highly sought-after province for international students in Canada, primarily due to its world-renowned universities and job opportunities. With Canada's capital city, Ottawa, and financial hub, Toronto, located in Ontario, the province offers a competitive edge to students and degrees that hold significant value and global recognition. Universities in Ontario provide an exceptional and highly esteemed education, with excellent placement and job opportunities. Find the cheapest universities in Ontario from the table below.

University	Average Tuition Fee	Popular Programs
University of Windsor	13,74,898 INR/22,500 CAD	Master of Management LLM
Algoma University	6,11.066 INR/10,000 CAD	Bachelor in Computer Science BBA

Also Check: Cheapest universities in the world

Conclusion

Canada is a popular choice for international students seeking affordable universities with great academic programs. Compared to the USA, Canada offers significantly low tuition costs, making it a prime destination for studying abroad across various disciplines. Many of the cheap universities in Canada have high placement rates and provide a number of job opportunities. With over 621,000 international student enrollments, Canada is a great place offering quality education and giving value for money. In this article, you’ll find the list of the top 13 cheapest colleges in Canada, along with tuition fees, and scholarships.

Related Resources

• Cost of studying in Canada
• Scholarship in Canada
• MBA colleges in Canada
• Education system in Canada
• Study in Canada without IELTS
• Student life in Canada

FAQ

1. Which are the cheap universities in Canada?

The cheap universities in Canada are:

• University of Alberta
• University of Calgary
• University of Ottawa
• University of Saskatchewan
• Concordia University
• University of Guelph
• Memorial University of Newfoundland
• University of Northern British Columbia
• Simon Fraser University
• University of Winnipeg

2. Which university has no tuition fee in Canada?

Saint Mary's University is considered a tuition-free university for international students due to the availability of numerous scholarship awards that cover their tuition fees.

3. Is Canada cheap to study for Indian students?

Yes, Canada is the cheapest study-abroad destination for Indian students. The average cost of studying in Canada's top colleges can amount to 18,84,000 INR (tuition fees). For international students, the annual cost to cover tuition can range from 7.63 lakhs to 20.55 lakhs INR. The tuition fees for universities vary based on the degree program and the chosen institution. 

4. Which city is the cheapest for international students in Canada?

The top 6 cheapest cities in Canada for international students are

1. Calgary, Alberta
2. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
3. Kitchener-Cambridge-Waterloo, Ontario
4. Montréal, Quebec
5. Moncton, New Brunswick
6. Winnipeg, Manitoba.

5. Can I Study for Free in Canada?

Students looking to study for free in Canada need to understand that there are no tuition-free universities in the country. All universities in Canada charge tuition fees for their programs. However, students may have the opportunity to pursue higher education without paying tuition fees if they are awarded a fully-funded scholarship. 

6. How much is the university fee in Canada?

According to Statistics Canada's data, in Canada, the average annual university tuition costs are $36,100 for international undergraduate students and $21,100 for international graduate students.