Are you thinking about pursuing your education abroad but worried about the costs? Canada might just be the perfect destination for you! Renowned for its exceptional yet affordable education system, Canada offers numerous universities for international students. However, affordability doesn’t mean compromising quality, as Canadian universities consistently rank high globally, ensuring you receive a top-notch education.
Many institutions offer scholarships, fee waivers, and grants to ease your financial burden. Whether you’re interested in pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. degree, Canada has something for everyone. So, suppose you’re dreaming of studying abroad without breaking the bank. In that case, this article will unveil the 10 cheapest universities in Canada for international students in 2024, and your academic dreams can finally become a reality!
10 Cheapest Universities In Canada For International Students 2024
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Simon Fraser University
QS World University Ranking 2024: 318
Tuition Fees: $5,300 – $26,822
Location: British Columbia
Simon Fraser University (SFU) is a British Columbia, Canada public research university. Established in 1965 and named after Simon Fraser, a fur trader and explorer, SFU has three campuses: Burnaby Mountain, Surrey, and Vancouver. Offering various undergraduate and graduate programs spanning arts, sciences, business, engineering, and health sciences, SFU is renowned for its unique educational system, emphasizing interdisciplinary studies, experiential learning, and community engagement. The university is recognized for its robust research programs and contributions to various fields. Rated as Canada’s top comprehensive university by Maclean’s magazine for twelve out of the last thirteen years, SFU has over 30,000 undergraduate students, 5,700 graduate students and post-doctoral fellows, and a network of over 160,000 alumni and 1,000 tenure-track faculty. SFU’s strategic vision positions it as an “engaged university defined by its dynamic integration of innovative education, cutting-edge research, and far-reaching community engagement.” With many international students and global research and program linkages, SFU is known as “Canada’s engaged university.”
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University of Saskatchewan
QS World University Ranking 2024: 345
Tuition Fees: $6,710 – $20,131
Location: Saskatchewan
The University of Saskatchewan, situated in Saskatoon, Canada, is a research-driven institution with a rich history dating back to its founding in 1907. Renowned for its contributions to medical research, the university boasts impressive scientific facilities, including the Canadian Light Source—a research center specializing in health, agriculture, and the environment.
Offering over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs, the university is notably recognized in fields such as agriculture, engineering, the environment, and veterinary medicine. The university has a population of over 19,000 and prioritizes providing support and interpersonal training to students and staff. The University of Saskatchewan aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for success while fostering a culture of innovation, diversity, and community engagement.
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The University of Manitoba
QS World University Ranking 2024: 351-400
Tuition Fees: $18,100 – $28,965
Location: Manitoba
The University of Manitoba (UM) is the oldest in Western Canada, dating back to 1877. It’s located in Saskatoon and is the top educational institution in Manitoba, ranking as the 17th largest in Canada. UM’s main campus is in southern Winnipeg’s Fort Garry neighborhood. UM stands out for its strong research efforts, doing more research than any other regional university. With over 19,000 students, UM focuses on providing support and training to its diverse community. It offers free services like tutoring and creates a supportive atmosphere in its residential communities.
UM offers undergraduate nursing, sciences, engineering, and health studies programs. Its University 1 program helps students prepare for their chosen degree without adding extra time or costs. UM also shines in graduate education, offering engineering, education, arts, agriculture and food sciences, medicine, and architecture programs. These programs attract many students and show UM’s dedication to academic excellence and knowledge advancement.
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The University of Guelph
QS World University Ranking 2024: 486
Tuition Fees: $3,979 – $14,829
Location: Ontario
The University of Guelph, situated in Guelph, Ontario, Canada, is a prestigious institution offering various academic programs. Since its inception in 1964, it has emerged as one of Canada’s leading universities, renowned for its commitment to research, innovation, and community engagement.
Located amidst the scenic beauty of Guelph, the university’s main campus provides a serene and supportive atmosphere conducive to learning and personal development. It has fostered a strong research culture, with numerous research centers and institutes dedicated to exploring various fields of study. The University of Guelph offers undergraduate and graduate programs across disciplines such as agriculture, arts, business, engineering, health sciences, and veterinary medicine. Students benefit from hands-on learning experiences, state-of-the-art facilities, and other opportunities.
The university requires English language proficiency for international students seeking admission. Undergraduate applicants need a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5 with no band less than 6 or a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 89 with no score less than 21. Graduate applicants must have an IELTS score of 6.5 or a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 89, with at least 21 scores in each of the four categories.
The University of Guelph is a leading institution dedicated to excellence in education, research, and service, preparing students to become informed and engaged global citizens.
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University of Calgary
QS World University Ranking 2024: 182
Tuition Fees: $14,450 – $42,600
Location: Alberta
The University of Calgary, located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, is a reputable institution offering various academic programs. Since its establishment in 1966, it has evolved into one of Canada’s leading research universities, known for its commitment to innovation, excellence, and community engagement. Located in Calgary, the university’s main campus provides an excellent and supportive environment for learning and discovery. The University of Calgary offers undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including arts, sciences, business, engineering, health sciences, and law. Students benefit from hands-on learning experiences, interdisciplinary studies, and opportunities for real-world application of knowledge.
For international students seeking admission, the university requires English language proficiency. Undergraduate applicants need a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5 with no band less than 6 or a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 86 with no score less than 21. Graduate applicants must have an IELTS score of 7.0 or a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 92, with at least 22 scores in each of the four categories. Overall, the University of Calgary is a leading institution committed to providing an exceptional educational experience, conducting groundbreaking research, and positively impacting society.
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University of Winnipeg
QS World University Ranking 2024: 118
Tuition Fees: $10,244 – $26,847
Location: Manitoba
Established in 1967, the University of Winnipeg is a distinguished public research institution in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. With a commitment to excellence in teaching, diversity, and innovation, the university has been recognized for its academic excellence and vibrant student community. The University of Winnipeg attracts a diverse student body, with over 1,400 international students from approximately 80 countries. These international students contribute to the university’s campus life, representing nearly 16% of the student population.
Recognized for its affordability and high-quality education, the University of Winnipeg offers an enriching academic experience for international students by prioritizing teaching excellence. This ensures that students receive a comprehensive and impactful education.
The University of Winnipeg maintains a relatively accessible admission process, with an acceptance rate of 75%. Applicants must attain an IELTS score of 6.5 to prove English language proficiency. Additionally, graduate-level applicants are expected to hold a minimum GPA of 3.0 (equivalent to 83-86%), while undergraduate applicants must meet a minimum high school aggregate of 72-75% to be considered for admission.
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Brandon University
QS World University Ranking 2024: –
Tuition Fees: $10,244 – $26,847
Location: Manitoba
Founded in 1899, Brandon University provides various scholarships and incentives to support students in reaching their post-secondary aspirations. These scholarships are for domestic and international students, offering financial aid to those in need. They also cover undergraduate and graduate education, spanning various faculties, including the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business, and the Faculty of Education. These scholarships aim to reduce the financial burden of education and enable students to focus on their academic pursuits.
In addition to financial assistance, Brandon University offers a supportive learning environment, personalized academic support, and a range of extracurricular activities to enhance the student experience. The university is committed to fostering academic excellence and providing students with the resources they need to succeed in their educational journey. Brandon University provides students the necessary support and resources to achieve their academic and personal goals.
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Memorial University of Newfoundland
QS World University Ranking 2024: 641-650
Tuition Fees: $5,580 – $5,731 for 9 credit hours
Location: Newfoundland and Labrador
Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN), a public institution established in 1925, proudly calls St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, its home. MUN provides various undergraduate and graduate programs spanning multiple fields, including humanities, sciences, engineering, and medicine. MUN stands out for its affordable tuition fees, making quality education accessible to all students.
Beyond affordability, MUN offers opportunities for research and study in specialized areas such as ocean sciences, marine engineering, aquaculture, naval engineering, and cold-ocean environments. The university hosts numerous research institutes dedicated to advancing knowledge in these fields, attracting scholars and researchers from around the globe.
MUN has a thriving international community that welcomes over 19,000 students from 115 countries. It offers more than 100 undergraduate programs, both on-campus in Newfoundland and Labrador and through online platforms, ensuring flexibility and accessibility for students worldwide.
Prospective students are required to complete the application process, which includes a non-refundable fee. International applicants must also meet specific English language proficiency requirements, such as achieving a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL (iBT) score of 79 for undergraduate studies.
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The University of Northern British Columbia
QS World University Ranking 2024: 781-790
Tuition Fees: $10,994 – $25,813
Location: British Columbia
Established in 1965, the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) is a prominent public institution in Canada. It provides diverse undergraduate, graduate, and Ph.D. programs and is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and research innovation.
Among the various scholarships available at UNBC, the NSERC Undergraduate Scholarship is one notable opportunity for students. This $1,000 scholarship is designed explicitly for Canadian citizens or permanent residents who enroll in UNBC’s undergraduate program. This highlights UNBC’s dedication to supporting its students’ academic pursuits and promoting their success.
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Concordia University
QS World University Ranking 2024: 387
Tuition Fees: From $24,000 per year
Location: Quebec
Established in 1974, Concordia University is a reputable public institution in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Boasting two campuses covering over 39 acres, the university attracts students from 150 countries, totaling over 51,000 enrollees. Concordia University offers programs across various fields, including engineering, economics, computer science, and marketing. Notably, its John Molson School of Business is recognized as one of Canada’s top 10 business schools, adding to Concordia’s academic prestige.
One of Concordia University’s distinguishing features is its affordability, particularly for international students seeking quality education in Canada. To gain admission to Concordia University, international students must meet specific English language proficiency requirements. Undergraduate applicants must achieve an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with no band below 5.5 or a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 80. Graduate applicants, on the other hand, must attain an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with no band below 6.0 or a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 80. These standards ensure that students possess the necessary language skills to thrive in their academic endeavors at Concordia University.
Conclusion
Canada’s education system is known for welcoming people from all around the world. This is one of the reasons international students are particularly drawn to the country. Canadian universities are affordable, making education available to everyone without compromising on the quality of such education. Compared to countries like Australia, the UK, and the US, tuition fees in Canada are more reasonable, making education more accessible.