5 Most Affordable Universities in Canada for International Students

For international students looking for a quality education in Canada at a lower cost, there are several universities that offer affordable tuition fees. While prestigious institutions like McGill University and the University of Toronto have expensive tuition rates, other universities provide cost-effective alternatives without compromising academic quality.

At McGill University, tuition fees for undergraduate studies range from 27,447 to 67,572 CAD per year. When additional expenses such as administrative charges, student services, and health insurance are factored in, the total cost can reach between 30,735 and 70,976 CAD annually. Furthermore, accommodation, food, and transportation add to the overall expenses.

Some universities that may not be as widely recognized offer lower tuition fees while maintaining strong academic programs. These institutions also provide various support services to help international students adapt to their new environment. Scholarships and financial assistance are available to enhance affordability.

Canada also attracts students due to its postgraduate work opportunities, allowing them to gain practical experience after completing their studies. The blend of lower tuition fees and work prospects makes Canada a popular destination for international students.

According to Scholarship International, here are five of the most budget-friendly universities for the 2024/25 academic year:

Brandon University

Brandon University, a publicly funded institution in Manitoba, offers a small and engaging learning community. It consists of six faculties and schools, namely, the Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Graduate Studies, Faculty of Science, Faculty of Health Studies, and the School of Music, which has been part of the university for over a hundred years.

International students at Brandon University are charged tuition fees based on the number of credit hours. The cost of a three-credit course varies between 2,170 and 2,339 CAD (US$1,593 to US$1,717). A full academic year with 30 credit hours costs between 18,399 and 20,086 CAD (US$13,513 to US$14,752).

Université de Saint-Boniface

As the oldest post-secondary institution in Western Canada, Université de Saint-Boniface (USB) is based in Winnipeg and is the only French-language university in Manitoba. The university emphasizes diversity and inclusivity among its students.

All academic programmes at USB are delivered in French, requiring students to take a language placement test before enrolling. Tuition fees for bachelor’s degree programmes range from 11,825 to 13,530 CAD (US$8,685 to US$9,937) per year.

Canadian Mennonite University

Canadian Mennonite University (CMU), located in Winnipeg, is a private liberal arts institution that prioritizes small class sizes to ensure students receive personalized attention from professors and career support services. Although the university is affiliated with Mennonite organizations, it welcomes students from all religious backgrounds.

A full-time international undergraduate student at CMU, including the cost of dormitory accommodation, a full meal plan, and mandatory health insurance, should expect to pay around 21,000 CAD (US$15,424) per academic year.

Carleton University

Situated in Ottawa, Carleton University offers access to research centers, industries, and major international corporations. The university is structured into five faculties: the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Engineering and Design, Faculty of Public and Global Affairs, Faculty of Science, and the Sprott School of Business.

For the 2024/25 academic year, international undergraduate tuition fees at Carleton University range between 34,322 and 53,612 CAD (US$25,208 to US$39,376). The university has a comprehensive scholarship and bursary program, having awarded more than 13,500 scholarships totaling 27.7 million CAD (US$23.3 million) in 2023.

Brock University

Located in Ontario’s Niagara region, Brock University is well-known for its extensive student support services. The institution offers over 120 undergraduate and graduate programs across seven faculties and has received recognition for its high-quality teaching.

International undergraduate students at Brock University pay tuition fees ranging from 37,723 to 38,560 CAD (US$27,706 to US$28,321) annually. The university provides scholarships to students who achieve an average of 80% or higher.