6 Cheapest Universities in Canada for International Students 2024: Canada is a popular destination for international students who want to pursue higher education in a diverse and multicultural country. Canada offers world-class universities, a high quality of life, and a welcoming attitude towards foreigners. However, studying in Canada can also be expensive, especially for international students who have to pay higher tuition fees than domestic students.
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Fortunately, there are some universities in Canada that offer affordable tuition fees for international students, without compromising on the academic excellence and reputation of their programs. In this article, we will list six of the cheapest universities in Canada for international students, based on the average tuition fees for undergraduate programs in the 2023-2024 academic year. Note that the tuition fees may vary depending on the program, the number of courses, and the exchange rate.
1. Université de Saint-Boniface
Located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Université de Saint-Boniface is the only French-language university in Western Canada. It offers programs in arts, science, education, social work, nursing, and translation, as well as professional development and continuing education courses. The university has a small and friendly campus, with about 1,500 students, of which 15% are international.
The average tuition fee for international students at Université de Saint-Boniface is $8,000 per year, which is one of the lowest in Canada. The university also offers scholarships and bursaries for international students, ranging from $500 to $5,000 per year. To study at Université de Saint-Boniface, international students must have a good level of French proficiency, as all the courses are taught in French.
2. Cape Breton University
Cape Breton University is located in Sydney, Nova Scotia, on the scenic island of Cape Breton. It offers programs in arts, science, business, engineering, health, and education, as well as online and distance education options. The university has a diverse and vibrant student body, with over 5,000 students, of which 51% are international.
The average tuition fee for international students at Cape Breton University is $9,000 per year, which is significantly lower than the national average of $29,000 per year. The university also offers scholarships and awards for international students, based on academic merit, financial need, and community involvement. To study at Cape Breton University, international students must meet the English language proficiency requirements, which can be satisfied by taking an English test or completing an English language program.
3. Brandon University
Brandon University is located in Brandon, Manitoba, the second-largest city in the province. It offers programs in arts, science, education, music, and health studies, as well as graduate and pre-professional programs. The university has a small and intimate campus, with about 3,000 students, of which 11% are international.
The average tuition fee for international students at Brandon University is $9,500 per year, which is also much lower than the national average. The university also offers scholarships and bursaries for international students, based on academic achievement, leadership, and community service. To study at Brandon University, international students must meet the English language proficiency requirements, which can be satisfied by taking an English test or completing an English language program.
4. Memorial University of Newfoundland
Memorial University of Newfoundland is located in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, the easternmost province of Canada. It offers programs in arts, science, business, engineering, medicine, nursing, education, and fine arts, as well as online and distance education options. The university has a large and diverse campus, with over 18,000 students, of which 13% are international.
The average tuition fee for international students at Memorial University of Newfoundland is $12,000 per year, which is still lower than the national average. The university also offers scholarships and awards for international students, based on academic excellence, research potential, and extracurricular activities. To study at Memorial University of Newfoundland, international students must meet the English language proficiency requirements, which can be satisfied by taking an English test or completing an English language program.
5. University of Saskatchewan
The University of Saskatchewan is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, the largest city in the province. It offers programs in arts, science, agriculture, engineering, medicine, veterinary medicine, law, education, and business, as well as interdisciplinary and cross-cultural programs. The university has a beautiful and historic campus, with over 25,000 students, of which 10% are international.
The average tuition fee for international students at the University of Saskatchewan is $18,000 per year, which is slightly lower than the national average. The university also offers scholarships and awards for international students, based on academic performance, research excellence, and leadership skills. To study at the University of Saskatchewan, international students must meet the English language proficiency requirements, which can be satisfied by taking an English test or completing an English language program.
6. University of Calgary
The University of Calgary is located in Calgary, Alberta, the third-largest city in Canada. It offers programs in arts, science, engineering, business, law, medicine, nursing, education, and social work, as well as online and blended learning options. The university has a modern and dynamic campus, with over 33,000 students, of which 12% are international.
The average tuition fee for international students at the University of Calgary is $19,000 per year, which is close to the national average. The university also offers scholarships and awards for international students, based on academic merit, financial need, and community involvement. To study at the University of Calgary, international students must meet the English language proficiency requirements, which can be satisfied by taking an English test or completing an English language program.
1. University of Saskatchewan
The University of Saskatchewan (USask) is a public research university located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. It offers over 80 programs in more than 130 fields of study, with a focus on interdisciplinary and collaborative research. Some of its signature research areas include water security, health and wellness, and communities and sustainability.
The tuition fees for international students at USask vary depending on the program, but the average cost is around $20,000 per year. This is relatively low compared to other Canadian universities, especially considering the quality of education and the reputation of USask. Additionally, USask offers various scholarships and bursaries for international students, such as the International Excellence Awards, the International Baccalaureate Excellence Awards, and the International Student Entrance Scholarship.
2. University of Alberta
The University of Alberta (UAlberta) is a public research university located in Edmonton, Alberta. It is one of the top five universities in Canada and ranks among the top 100 in the world. It has four campuses in Edmonton and one in Camrose, with 18 faculties and over 200 undergraduate and 500 graduate programs. Some of its notable programs include nursing, petroleum engineering, environmental science and engineering, and chemical engineering.
The tuition fees for international students at UAlberta range from $29,192.40 to $51,156.18 per year, depending on the program. While this may seem high, it is still lower than many other Canadian universities that offer similar programs. Moreover, UAlberta provides various financial aid options for international students, such as the International Student Scholarship, the International Country Scholarship, and the International Student Emergency Fund.
3. University College of the North
The University College of the North (UCN) is a public post-secondary institution located in northern Manitoba. It has two main campuses in The Pas and Thompson, and 12 regional centres across the region. It offers a range of programs in arts, business, education, health, trades, and technology, with a focus on serving the needs and aspirations of northern communities. Some of its unique programs include Cree language, northern nursing, and natural resources management.
The tuition fees for international students at UCN are $9,000 per year for most programs, which is one of the lowest in Canada. Additionally, UCN offers a number of scholarships and bursaries for international students, such as the UCN Entrance Scholarship, the UCN International Student Scholarship, and the UCN International Student Bursary.
4. Mount Royal University
Mount Royal University (MRU) is a public undergraduate university located in Calgary, Alberta. It offers over 60 degree, diploma, and certificate programs in arts, business, communication, education, health, science, and social work. Some of its popular programs include aviation, criminal justice, interior design, and journalism.
The tuition fees for international students at MRU are $12,000 per year for most programs, which is significantly lower than the average tuition fees in Canada. Furthermore, MRU offers several scholarships and awards for international students, such as the MRU International Entrance Scholarship, the MRU International Student Bursary, and the MRU International Student Leadership Award.
5. University of Calgary
The University of Calgary (UCalgary) is a public research university located in Calgary, Alberta. It is one of the top 10 universities in Canada and ranks among the top 200 in the world. It has 14 faculties and over 250 academic programs, with a focus on innovation and entrepreneurship. Some of its renowned programs include architecture, engineering, kinesiology, and veterinary medicine.
The tuition fees for international students at UCalgary range from $18,338.04 to $45,998.04 per year, depending on the program. While this may seem high, it is still competitive compared to other Canadian universities that offer similar programs. Moreover, UCalgary offers a variety of scholarships and awards for international students, such as the UCalgary International Entrance Scholarship, the UCalgary International Bursary, and the UCalgary International Student Scholarship.
6. Bow Valley College
Bow Valley College (BVC) is a public college located in Calgary, Alberta. It offers over 40 career programs in business, health, justice, creative technologies, and community studies. Some of its in-demand programs include dental assisting, early childhood education, pharmacy technician, and software development.
The tuition fees for international students at BVC are $16,610 per year for most programs, which is very affordable compared to other Canadian colleges. Additionally, BVC offers several scholarships and bursaries for international students, such as the BVC International Student Scholarship, the BVC International Student Bursary, and the BVC International Student Leadership Award.
Conclusion
Studying in Canada can be a rewarding and enriching experience for international students, as they can benefit from the high-quality education, the multicultural environment, and the friendly attitude of Canadians. However, studying in Canada can also be costly, especially for international students who have to pay higher tuition fees than domestic students.
Therefore, it is important to research and compare the different universities in Canada that offer affordable tuition fees for international students, without compromising on the academic standards and reputation of their programs. In this article, we have listed six of the cheapest universities in Canada for international students, based on the average tuition fees for undergraduate programs in the 2023-2024 academic year. These universities are:
- Université de Saint-Boniface
- Cape Breton University
- Brandon University
- Memorial University of Newfoundland
- University of Saskatchewan
- University of Calgary
We hope that this article has helped you find the best and cheapest university in Canada for international students that suits your needs and preferences. We wish you all the best in your academic journey and your future career.