4 best cheap universities in Canada for international students

Canada is a popular higher education destination for international students, and for good reason. From its friendly and warm community to its list of inviting post-graduate work opportunities, the country is creating many avenues for international students to find their futures. 

For international students on a budget, however, finding cheap universities in Canada can be a challenge. The country’s top-ranked universities often charge high fees; tuition fees for undergraduate courses at McGill University, for example, can range from 31,000 to 63,000 Canadian dollars per year. That’s not considering the amount students would have to spend on accommodation, food and travel, as well. 

Fortunately, there are cheap universities in Canada that you can consider if you are looking for a more affordable option. These may not be as well-known as established universities like McGill and the University of Toronto, but remain unwavering in quality. This means that international students are guaranteed a high calibre in the delivery of education at smaller universities, without having to fork out a fortune to afford the fees. 

Here are the best cheap universities in Canada for international students: 

Cheap universities in Canada for international students

Cheaper universities in Canada may be less well-known but are uncompromising in quality. Source: Brandon Bell/AFP

Brandon University

Brandon University is a co-educational, non-denominational and government-supported institution. It’s situated in Brandon, a small city in the province of Manitoba, providing for the perfect quaint and intimate student experience. 

The university is home to six faculties and schools, including the Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Graduate Studies, Faculty of Science, Faculty of Health Studies and the School of Music. It is relatively well-known as one of the best universities to pursue music in Canada. 

Fees for international students at Brandon University are dependent on the number of credits taken. For the 2022/23 year, three credit hours cost $2,117.93 while programmes with 30 credit hours cost $17,921.10. 

Université de Saint-Boniface

The Université de Saint-Boniface (USB) is known as the oldest post-secondary educational institution in Western Canada. It is located in the heart of the city of Winnipeg, and the only French-language university in Manitoba. At its core, the university promotes diversity, inclusion and open-mindedness in its students. 

As programmes at USB are taught entirely in French, you must take the profil linguistique placement test before registration. This will guide you through an online grammar exercise which will then help determine the best first-year French course for you. 

Tuition fees at USB cost around $11,825 to $13,530 for bachelors programmes. 

Dominican University College

 

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When it comes to cheap universities in Canada, Dominican University College ranks among one of the best. One of the oldest university colleges in Canada, it specialises in philosophy and theology, and aims to nourish students in critical thinking, analysis, and teamwork. Degrees granted by the university are conjoint with Carleton University, meaning that international students will have the opportunity to enrol in classes on both campuses. 

The university is located in Ottawa, Ontario, giving international students a perfect avenue into discovering the best the capital city has to offer. These include music festivals, record-breaking ice-skating rink, international cuisine, and more. 

Dominican University College prides itself on offering the lowest tuition fees in Ontario. Generally, tuition fees for international students pursuing a bachelors degree are around $12,494.

Canadian Mennonite University

Located in Winnipeg, Canadian Mennonite University is a private institution that focuses on delivering a liberal arts-based education. It’s known for its small size, giving students one-on-one access to professors and rigorous, personalised careers service. This offers a realm of unique opportunities to international students when compared to larger, more well-known universities in Canada. 

Canadian Mennonite University is a Christian-led institution and is formally supported by Mennonite Church Canada and the Mennonite Brethren Church of Manitoba. Regardless of this, it actively welcomes students of all faiths and religious beliefs in line with its dedication to fostering a supportive learning community for all. 

Generally, you can expect to pay around $10,003 for an education at Canadian Mennonite University.