Every year, Canada welcomes thousands of international students eager to get one of the best education in the world, with Canadian authorities expecting student permits for foreign nationals to hit one million by the end of 2023.
If you are from abroad and interested in enrolling here, this article will provide you with information on the cheapest university in Canada for international students in 2023 and tuition costs.
Key Takeaways
- Having a list of tuition free universities in Canada for international students can help you find the most affordable education.
- The University of Calgary and Dalhousie University offer some of the cheapest courses in Canada for international students.
- There are other options if you want to study at the cheapest university in Canada for international students in 2023, including Université de Saint-Boniface and Cape Breton University.
Cheapest Universities in Canada for International Students
While Canada offers one of the world’s best education, it does not make it unreachable for students. It is also an excellent alternative for anyone looking for affordable education.
If you want to study in the cheapest university in Canada for international students in 2023, there are 20 options to consider.
Amounts are in Canadian dollars.
1. University of Alberta
The University of Alberta, established in 1908, is a top 5 university in Edmonton, AB. It has 4 campuses in Edmonton and one in Camrose, with 41,000 students at 18 faculties. It offers over 200 undergraduate programs, 500 graduate programs, 250 specializations, and 300 research stations across the province.
Tuition rates for undergraduates at the university are from $29,192.40 (BEd Adult Education) to $51,156.18 (Law, Juris Doctor), depending on your chosen program. Non-tuition costs $3,100 to $3,600, depending on the program. To get an estimate of your tuition costs, use the Undergraduate Cost Calculator.
The university’s most popular programs include Nursing, Petroleum Engineering, Environmental Science & Engineering, Instruments Science & Technology, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Food Science & Technology, and Agriculture Science.
Related: Alberta Student Loans
2. University of Saskatchewan
Founded in 1907, the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon is one of Canada’s top research universities, having more than 26,000 students from 130 countries.
Tuition fees per year for undergraduate programs range from $19,895 (Pharmacy) to $122,778 (Dentistry – DMD). Student fees for full-time students are $1,088.72, while textbooks and supplies are between $1,500-$2,500 per year.
USask offers 80 programs in over 130 fields of study. Its signature research areas include water security, health and wellness, and communities and sustainability. Some popular programs are agriculture, engineering, the environment, and veterinary medicine.
3. University of Calgary
The University of Calgary in Calgary, AB, is a top public research university established in 1966. With 250+ programs in 14 facilities, UCalgary educates over 26,000 undergraduate students and 6,000 graduate students.
The cost of Undergraduate programs varies, from $10,672.31 for Veterinary Medicine to $46,253.74 for Law. For most programs, the total cost is $30,856.74. The costs include tuition, fees, books and supplies, and personal expenses. Use the Undergraduate Cost Estimator tool to get estimates.
For its international Graduate programs, the tuition and fees depend on the program. Master of Arts in Political Science costs $170.00 per term, while Master of Pathologists’ Assistant) per term is $11,539.77.
UCalgary’s top programs include Nursing, Life Sciences and Medicine, Engineering and Technology, Accounting and Finance, and Computer Science and Information Systems.
4. University of Ottawa
The University of Ottawa, also referred to as uOttawa or U of O, is a bilingual (English-French) public research university in Ottawa, ON, that accepts international students from more than 145 countries.
For international students, the tuition fee cost (full-time, flat rate) per term for an undergraduate program depends on the program and the number of units you enroll in.
The tuition per term for Education is $21,262.54, while the tuition for a Civil Engineering undergraduate is around $31,582.15 per term.
A Graduate program for the Faculty of Education (2 or fewer terms) can cost $11,419.68. For estimates on tuition costs, use the tuition fee table.
uOttawa offers the following programs: Arts, Civil Law Section (Faculty of Law), Engineering, Health Sciences, Science, Social Sciences or the Telfer School of Management, Education, Common Law, and Medicine.
5. University of Winnipeg
The University of Winnipeg in Winnipeg, MN, is a renowned research university with a history of 145+ years. Known for its superior learning opportunities and small class sizes, it is home to over 1,000 international students from over 75 countries.
The estimated tuition and fees for undergraduate international students for the academic year 2023/24 are $16,245 (Arts-Low) to $20,599.50 (Business) for a full course load (30 credit hours in any faculty). Including fees, books, supplies, health insurance, and application fee, the total cost ranges from $20,255 to $24,810.
UWinnipeg offers five faculties: Arts, Business and Economics, Education, Kinesiology and Applied Health, and Science. The university is known for its small class sizes, with a 22:1 student-professor ratio.
6. Brandon University
Brandon University, a regional university in Brandon, MB, offers undergraduate, graduate, pre-professional, and certificate programs to students from five continents and 30+ countries.
The education cost at Brandon University for the first year of study is approximately $35,000. This is based on a full course load and includes tuition, books, on-campus residence with meal plan, and health insurance. For the exact tuition costs and fees, download the Tuition Tables.
Brandon University offers its broad array of programs through the faculties of Arts, Education, Health Studies, and Science and the School of Music.
7. University of Guelph
The University of Guelph in Guelph, ON, is one of the country’s top comprehensive universities. Through its three campuses, the university offers 80 undergrad programs, over 100 graduate and post-doctoral study programs, and diploma programs, among others.
For Undergraduate international students, the estimated expenses per year range from $50,214 to $72,703, depending on the program. The cost includes tuition fees, compulsory fees, textbooks, health insurance, a residence room, a full meal plan, and personal budget.
Graduate tuition and fees for international students range from $6,050 (MCL) to $14,829 (MCTI) per semester, depending on factors like program and lifestyle.
The university’s most popular courses are Arts and Humanities, Business & Management, Engineering and Technology, Life Sciences and Medicine, and Natural Sciences. It also offers Associate Diplomas and OpenEd Learning.
8. University of Regina
Established in 1974, the University of Regina is a top mid-sized public research university in Regina, SK, offering 120 undergraduate programs and 78 graduate programs.
For the Fall 2023 Undergraduate schedule, the total costs for five standard classes (15 credit hours) range from $11,845.20 (Arts) to $13,888.95 (Business Administration).
For the Spring and Summer 2023 schedule, the total cost ranges from $11,090.55 (Arts) to $13,036.80 (Business Administration). The costs are also for five standard classes (15 credit hours) and include tuition and fees.
The top courses at the university include Nursing and Midwifery, Environmental Engineering, Performing Arts and Music, Human Resource Management, Fine Arts, and Psychology.
9. Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN)
The Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN), Newfoundland and Labrador’s only university, is one of the largest universities in Atlantic Canada. It offers more than 300 programs to academic and professional support programs to domestic and international students from over 90 countries.
At St. John’s Campus, the tuition and fees for two semesters (10 courses) of a bachelor’s degree program for new international students as of Fall 2023 total $20,790. Other required fees can be viewed here.
Through its five campuses, MUN offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs to 19,400+ students from more than 115 countries. Programs include business, arts, education, medicine, nursing, and social work.
10. Carleton University
Carleton University in Ottawa, ON, is a research and teaching institution founded in 1942, with more than 31,000 full-time and part-time students and international students from over 150 countries.
Estimated tuition and living costs of a year at Carleton range from $48,081 to $65,950 if you live on campus and $45,296 to $68,965 if you live off campus. These estimates include tuition and student fees, housing, books and supplies, insurance, and personal expenses.
Carleton offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various areas, including business, engineering, math and science, public affairs, architecture, industrial design and journalism.
11. Simon Fraser University
Simon Fraser University is a public research university in Greater Vancouver, BC, founded in 1965 and ranked among Canada’s top research-intensive institutions. It has three campuses, over 37,000 students, with more than 8,600 international students from 132 countries.
At SFU, the estimated total costs for Undergraduate and Graduate international students are $24,801 and $11,452, respectively. The costs include tuition and fees, textbooks and supplies, residence with meal plan, and insurance.
Programs at SFU include Physical Sciences, Education, Arts & Humanities, Psychology, Life Sciences, Social Sciences, Engineering & Technology, Clinical, Pre-clinical & Health, Law, Computer Science, and Business & Economics.
12. Concordia University
Concordia University in Montreal, QC, is one of Canada’s most diverse and innovative top-ranked universities. Established in 1974, it has two campuses and educates over 51,000 students, with 9,600+ international students.
The estimated costs (tuition and compulsory fees only) for one year of full-time studies (30 credits) for an undergraduate international student range from $22,899 to $32,120, depending on the chosen degree.
The university is popular for its Communication Studies programs as well as Education, English language and literature, Accounting and Finance, Linguistics, Psychology, and Sociology.
13. University of Northern British Columbia
The University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) is one of Canada’s best small and top research-intensive universities. It has five campuses and over 4,200 students enrolled, A total of 466 are international students from over 40 countries.
Tuition and fees for an Undergraduate international student (full-time based on 30 credits per/year) are $25,812.42, while the basic full-time tuition per/year (3 terms) for Graduate students is $10,993.48. The costs include tuition, fees, and books.
Programs include Arts, Commerce, Education, Health Sciences, Science, Applied Science, Nursing, Planning, and Social Work. Popular courses at the UNBC include Business, Sport Science, Biomedical Engineering, and Agriculture Sciences.
14. Canadian Mennonite University
Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) is a private Mennonite university founded in 2000 and located in Winnipeg, MB. Twelve percent of its student population are international students.
Tuition fees for Undergraduate and Graduate international students enrolled in a 3-credit-hour course (including health insurance fee) at CMU are $2,745 and $2,810.63, respectively.
CMU offers comprehensive, liberal arts university programming with accredited 3- and 4-year bachelor and graduate degrees. It offers academic programs in business, sciences, the arts, and music.
15. University of Prince Edward Island
The University of Prince Edward Island in Charlottetown, PEI, is a public university established in 1969 and is the only university in the province. With three campuses, it has over 5,500 students and welcomes 1,700+ international students from over 90 countries each year.
Depending on the selected faculty and courses, the tuition costs for a full-time Undergraduate international student can range from $14,838 to $74,804.
The costs only include tuition and international fees and do not include other fees, student union, and program fees. Use the Tuition and Fees Selector to get an estimated cost for your program of interest.
UPEI offers Undergraduate, Professional, and Graduate learning options and provides an array of programs, including Medicine & HealthCare, MBA, Engineering, Science, Arts, Information Technology, and Management.
16. Dalhousie University
Dalhousie University in Halifax, NS, is a research-intensive university founded in 1818 and has four campuses and satellite locations in various areas. Students total over 20,000, with 24% being international students from more than 115 countries.
Estimated costs for Undergraduate programs range from $16,503.83 (Veterinary Technology) to $49,998.43 (Nursing) for one year. The cost of Graduate programs range from $12,382.42 (Computer Science – Doctorate) to $34,964.41 (Engineering – Master).
The costs depend on the chosen program and include tuition, international fees, incidental fees, and books and supplies. Use the Fee Calculator to get estimates.
Over 200 programs in 13 various academic faculties are offered at Dalhousie, including Architecture, Costume Studies, Community Design, International Food Business, Landscape Architecture and Environment, Sustainability, and Society.
17. Cape Breton University
Cape Breton University (CBU) is a public, co-ed undergraduate university founded in 1951 in Sydney, NS. It is home to nearly 7,000 students from more than 70 different countries.
The education costs for an international student at CBU taking ten undergraduate-level courses per academic year (30 credits) range from $19,474.30 to $20,137.30. The costs include tuition, international differential fees, an international medical plan, and other fees.
CBU offers comprehensive programs in diverse fields of study, including Arts & Social Sciences, Education & Health, Nursing, Business, and Science & Technology.
18. Dominican University College
Dominican University College (DUC) is a private, first-class bilingual research university located in Ottawa, ON, founded in 1901 and specializes in philosophy and theology.
Tuition fees for international students for the academic year 2022-2023 are $14,440 per year for a full-time Undergraduate, and $21,660 per year for a full-time Graduate. As of January 3, 2023, the DUC board has suspended new admissions to all its programs.
DUC offers civil and pontifical bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs in Theology and Philosophy, with courses including Ancient Greek Philosophy, Aristotle’s Metaphysics, Epistemology, Ethics I, Introduction to Philosophy, Medieval Philosophy, and Political Philosophy.
19. Université de Saint-Boniface
Université de Saint-Boniface (USB) is a French-language public university founded in 1818 in Winnipeg, MB. With a total enrollment of 1,368 students, USB offers university degrees and technical and professional programs.
For international applicants outside Canada, the estimated cost of full-time studies per year at the Université de Saint-Boniface ranges from $10,570 to $16,850. This includes books and materials and medical insurance.
USB offers Bachelor, Master, and Doctoral programs, and a range of faculties that include Arts, Business Administration, Education, Sciences, Social Services, Technical and Professional, and Translation.
20. Vancouver Island University
Vancouver Island University (VIU) in Nanaimo, BC, is a public university with four campuses and 18,000 full-and part-time learners, including 2,000 international students from more than 40 countries,
International tuition and fees depend on the specific program and choice of accommodation. Using the VIU cost calculator, the estimated cost for Business Administration (Bachelor) is $24,372 for the first year. This includes tuition, student fees, and books.
VIU offers more than 120 programs for undergraduate and graduate degrees, vocational and trades certificates, and diplomas. Areas of study include Business & Management, Education, Health Sciences, Trades & Applied Technology, and Science, Engineering & Technology.
What Are the Cheapest Courses in Canada for International Students?
Even though Canada may have one of the most expensive education systems in the world, it also offers affordable options. Below are some of the cheapest courses in Canada for international students and their corresponding tuition fees:
| University | Course / Program | Estimated Costs |
| University of Calgary | Faculty of Veterinary Medicine | $10,672.31 |
| Université de Saint-Boniface | Bachelor’s Degree Program | $13,530.00 |
| Dalhousie University | Veterinary Technology | $16,503.83 |
| Cape Breton University | Undergraduate course | $19,474.30 |
| Memorial University of Newfoundland | Bachelor’s Degree Program | $20,790.00 |
| University of Ottawa | Education | $21,262.54 |
| Dominican University College | Undergraduate course | $21,660.00 |
| Concordia University | Any Undergraduate course | $22,899.00 |
| University of Regina | Arts | $22,935.75 |
| University of Winnipeg | Full course load | $23,750.00 |
| Vancouver Island University | Business Administration, Bachelor | $24,372.00 |
| Simon Fraser University | Any Undergraduate course | $24,801.00 |
| University of Northern British Columbia | Any Undergraduate course | $25,812.42 |
| University of Saskatchewan | Nursing | $29,192.40 |
| University of Guelph | Bachelor of Applied Science | $33,046.00 |
List of Tuition-Free Universities in Canada for International Students
Many Canadian universities offer tuition-free programs for students. Here is a list of tuition-free universities in Canada for international students:
University of Calgary
The University of Calgary offers scholarships, awards, and bursaries to international students, including the following:
- University of Calgary Award for International Student Athletes – Award value of up to $10,000
- UCalgary Chinese Students & Scholars Association (UCCSSA) Award – Award value of $2,500
- Romeo and Eva De Guia Scholarship – Award Value of up to $2,000
University of Guelph
Scholarships for international students are also offered at the University of Guelph, such as the following:
- International Entrance Scholarships – $17,500 – $20,500
- Quinn Memorial Scholarship – $2,000
- Hardy International Student Scholarship – $2,000
University of Manitoba
Students at the University of Manitoba who have shown academic achievements receive international student awards, such as the following:
- International Undergraduate Student Entrance Scholarships – Award values are based on high school averages and range from $1,000 to $3,000
- International Undergraduate Student Scholarships – Eligible students will be offered scholarships until all available funds are used up or the grade point standard is achieved.
- International Student Bursaries – Average value of bursaries ranges in amounts from $400 to $1,000.
University of Saskatchewan
International students at the University of Saskatchewan eligible for scholarships have the following options:
- University of Saskatchewan International Excellence Awards – A value of $10,000
- International Baccalaureate (IB) Excellence Awards – A value of $20,000
- USask Bridging Scholarship Awards Value – A value of $1,500
- Canadian Curriculum Schools Awards – A value of $15,000
- Council of International School Awards – A value of $15,000
FAQs
Studying in Canada can be affordable, with data from Statistics Canada showing that tuition costs around $21,100 per year for international graduate students and $36,100 per year for international undergraduate students. The cost depends on the program and school you choose as well as your lifestyle and accommodation
According to EduCanada estimates, international undergraduate students need around $51,100 to study in Canada, and $36,100 for international graduate students. The costs cover tuition fees, which depend on your chosen program and school, and average living costs per year for university students.
People who can sponsor you to study in Canada include your spouse, common-law partner, parents, relative or guardian, or your adult child or grandchild. Your sponsor will be required to provide proof that they have enough income to support you and be financially responsible for you.
As a student working in Canada, you can work up to 20 hours per week. Working more than the specified hours will cause you to violate your study permit conditions. You could lose your student status because of it and may not get approval for a study permit in the future.
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