affordable colleges in Canada
A Canadian education does not need to break the bank. Source: Nicholas Kamm/AFP

Affordable colleges in Canada prove that higher education doesn’t need to be expensive. Lauded for the rising quality of its institutions and teaching, Canada is home to 30 of the best universities in the world according to the Times Higher Education World Rankings 2021. It’s no surprise, then, that the country has witnessed a 135% increase in international students in the past decade.

International students who don’t receive a scholarship seek affordable colleges in Canada so they may obtain a respectable qualification without finally constraining themselves. If you are in this category, here are some institutions to consider, compiled by CanadianVisa.org.

College Fees estimate (Canadian dollars)
Algonquin College 9,054
Bow Valley College 6,000 to 11,234
Camosun College 7,000
Niagara College 420 per credit hour
Lambton College 7,000
Sheridan College 7,200 per term
Confederation College 7,200 per term
Lethbridge College 6,000 to 22,000
Georgian College 13,845 to 32,431
Loyalist College 13,000
affordable colleges in Canada

Nursing is one of the in-demand jobs in Canada, and you can earn your qualifications at several affordable institutions. Source: Loic Venance/AFP

Affordable colleges in Canada for career-based programmes

Since Canada’s higher education system equips its future workforce, you will find college and university courses that focus on career readiness. Information technology (IT) courses are top of the list because of the industry’s growing demand for developers, analysts, and data scientists. Affordable colleges in Canada for IT courses include Loyalist College, Centennial College, Conestoga College, and Canadore College.

Agriculture is another focus area since Canada’s farming industries in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba are booming. The University of Saskatchewan, University of Fraser Valley, Fanshawe College, and Lakeland College all offer agriculture and agribusiness undergraduate courses. Besides that, the healthcare sector is also expanding and in need of professionals, especially nurses. Affordable colleges in Canada for this discipline include College of the Rockies, Gateway College and Northern College at Pures.

Now that you know where to look, it’s time to research and shortlist your institution options. Undergraduates may get into Canada with a study permit, which is valid for the length of the programme plus an extra 90 days — after which you can apply for a Post-Graduate Work Permit. According to the Canadian Bureau for International Education, 60% of international students plan to apply for permanent residence in Canada.