Studying in Canada costs quite some money. Both domestic and international students spend a lot but the latter spends more. In addition to exploring scholarship opportunities, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to choose the cheapest universities in Canada. This ensures that you study in a school where you have a higher chance of footing the bills.
This article points you in the right direction; revealing the top universities for students with a tight budget.
Are There Cheap Universities in Canada?
By cheap universities, we mean affordable schools. With little or no funding, students should be able to afford to pay for their studies there.
Yes, there are quite a good number of universities in Canada that are cheap. Their tuition starts from $15,000 to $20,000 annually. Taking an undergraduate or graduate program at any of these schools guarantees you a place to study abroad within your means.
List of Cheap Universities in Canada
Let’s now dive into the main part of this article, where we introduce the leading universities in Canada with an idea of what tuition is like.
1. McGill University
On one look, one may be led to say that McGill University in Montreal, in the Quebec province of Canada is a high-end school. The reversal is the case, as it makes the list of cheap universities in Canada.
Tuition Fees
The tuition at McGill University starts at $41,000 for international students enrolled in Bachelor of Arts & Science (BA&Sc) undergraduate fees. For Quebec students, the fees are a bit lower; starting at $2,880.
For Quebec students enrolling in graduate studies, the Graduate Certificates/Diplomas, for instance, the university pegs the tuition at $1,440 per 15-credit hours. International students pay up to $14,181 for the same duration.
Note: at the time of writing, McGill University has effected a 3% increase in undergraduate tuition fees.
2. University of British Columbia
This school is located in Vancouver, in the province of British Columbia. Here, domestic and international students are allowed to undergo undergraduate and graduate studies without having to break an arm or a leg.
About the Tuition
Tuition fees at the University of British Columbia are paid annually and computed on a per-credit basis. Students taking on more credit hours should expect to pay.
Also, at the time of writing and as per the approval of the university’s Board of Governors, an increase of 2% has been effected for domestic students. Continuing international students also have up to a 5% increase in their tuition fees.
Tuition for Domestic Students
Domestic students in undergraduate programs pay between $5,843 and $9,349, depending on the course load and the type of program.
International students should expect to pay between $42,299 and $58,640 depending on the program and course load.
3. Simon Fraser University
This university is in Burnaby, in the British Columbia province. It also has one of the lowest tuition fees, allowing students to finance their education with ease.
Tuition Estimates
Applicants to graduate programs should expect to pay a tuition fee of $2,066 per term in a regular program.
For those in speciality programs, the fees vary depending on the faculty. For example, applicants to the Faculty of Communication, Art & Technology pay $12,078 (domestic students) and $20,074 for international students.
Furthermore, students can determine their tuition fees on a per unit basis, on the following conditions:
- Being enrolled in a program where there is a final capstone requirement. Examples are field exam, thesis and extended essay.
- Applicants need to follow the enrollment to the end by enrolling in subsequent terms until the degree requirements are complete.
4. Brandon University
This university has one of the most affordable tuitions in Canada. The calculation is based on certain factors, including where the students live or originate from, the number of courses being taken and the type of program the students are enrolled in.
Tuition Fees for Domestic Students
Canadian or domestic students pay the lowest at Brandon University. Tuition starts at $428 for a 3-credit hour undergraduate course and up to $4,740 for 30 hours. Domestic students enrolled in graduate studies pay a regular fee of $3,272 for 15 credit hours.
Tuition Fees for International Students
Foreign or non-Canadian students pay at least $1,585 for 3 credit hours and up to $17,538 for 3o credit hours. Those enrolled in graduate studies pay up to $6,829 for each regular session.
Note: All these depend on the number of credit hours and the type of program or course being taken.
5. University of Saskatchewan
This university comprises 17 colleges and schools and offers up to 80 programs across 130 fields of study. Applicants here pay yearly and depending on the course or program, the fees can be very low.
Tuition Fees at the USask
An estimate of the tuition fee is given based on the category of students (domestic or international), the program of study and the pathway (direct entry or non-direct entry colleges).
Domestic students from direct-entry colleges pay between CAD 7,497 and $30,000 yearly. For their international counterparts, fees range from CAD 30,480 and CAD 45,419.
The tuition fees are uniform for both domestic and international students in doctoral programs. These PhD students pay up to CAD 4,932 per academic year of three (3) terms.
6. University of Guelph
We would like you to check out the University of Guelph if you want to spend less while studying abroad. This school is reputed for the excellent way it batches tuition fees.
Important Facts About Tuition at the University of Guelph
At this university, the calculation for tuition fees is based on these factors:
- Campus: the fee payable at the Guelph-Humber campus may differ from that of the Ridgetown campus.
- Program: the tuition fees differ by whether the students are enrolled in diploma or degree programs at the university.
- Payment Schedule: the University of Guelph charges tuition fees on a semesterly basis. Students are advised to pay the allocated fees at the start of the semester.
Estimated Tuition Fees
For domestic Ontario undergraduates, the university charges up to $11,033 as tuition fees for a full-time (2.0 credits) per semester.
International students pay anywhere between $35,433 and $46,362 per semester depending on the program.
7. Memorial University of Newfoundland
Thanks to extensive funding from the provincial government, the Memorial University of Newfoundland can now provide students with the most affordable post-high school education.
It is worth mentioning that the course rates start at $265 for the Newfoundland and Labrador students, as well as others from Canada. For the international students, course rates start at $1,192.
In line with the economic realities, the university has also made changes towards an increase in the tuition fees in the coming academic years.
8. University of Winnipeg
Domestic and international students want to study at the University of Winnipeg for these reasons:
- The reputation as the university with the “third lowest tuition fees across the country.”
- It is one of the “most accessible universities in Canada.”
Tuition Fees at the University of Winnipeg
The tuition fees at the school start at $436 for domestic students and $1,624 for international students in an undergraduate program. This calculation is for a 3-credit hour course.
For students in a 30-credit course, the tuition fee starts at $4,369 (domestic) and $16,245 (international).
9. University of Prince Edward Island
This university is located in Charlottetown in the province of Prince Edward Island. Easily adjudged one of the best schools with affordable, the UPEI also has an array of programs for its students.
Tuition at the UPEI
Tuition fees start at $6,828 per year for Canadian students in a full-time undergraduate program. This estimate can also be higher or lower. For example, domestic students in a full-time Radiography program pay about $3,869 (for 17 credit hours) or $13,656 for a full-time Bachelor of Education program.
Graduate studies begin at $9,220 for a 2-year Master of Science program and $35,844 for a 4-year Doctoral Clinical Psychology program.
For international students in a full-time undergraduate program, the tuition fee starts at $14,838 per year.
10. University of Manitoba
Here’s your chance to spend less than $20,000 annually on university tuition. International students at the University of Manitoba pay an estimated U1 Tuition fee of $19,300. Canadian or domestic students pay less, estimated at $5,700 based on University 1 costs.
Moving forward, students can also get an idea of their tuition fees, by determining the applicable costs in a full course load in an undergraduate program during the Fall and Winter terms. Fees start at $5,600 for Education programs and up to $27,000 for Dentistry (domestic students). International students pay an approximate $17,800 for Arts and up to $29,900 for Law.
11. Concordia University
Keep your account in good standing as you look forward to a smooth and hassle-free education at Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec.
Undergraduate Tuition Fees
Concordia University charges its students on a per-credit basis for each of the academic credits assigned to a course.
Quebec residents pay between $93.24 per credit in Summer and up to $96.03 in Winter. For non-Quebec residents, the fees start at $291 in Summer and up to $299 in Winter. International students pay between $920 and $1110.
Graduate Tuition Fees
Quebec and non-Quebec residents pay the same tuition on a per-credit basis as they would on an undergraduate program. It starts from $93.24 to $96.03 (Quebec students) to $291 and $299 for non-Quebec residents.
International students in a graduate program at Concordia University pay between $657.60 per credit and $844.26 per credit for a Master’s thesis-based program. Those enrolling for PhD programs pay up to $590.28 per credit.
12. University of Northern British Columbia
This school is located in Prince George, in the British Columbia province of Canada. The University of Northern British Columbia charges tuition fees on a per-credit-hour basis for undergraduate studies.
For domestic or Canadian students, the basic undergraduate tuition is $195.72 per credit hour. International students pay at least $825.70 for each credit hour.
On a semesterly basis, domestic students pay at least $1,820 for a full-time program, while international students pay a minimum of $2,548 for a graduate program.
13. University of Calgary
Last on our list of cheap universities in Canada is the University of Canada. We choose it because of many factors, most especially, the excellent breakdown and partitioning of the fees.
Undergraduate Tuition Fees
Domestic and international undergraduate students at the university’s undergraduate program are given an estimate based on the unit basis. This is also based on the approved course fee rate group and may vary by faculty.
The tuition fee of most faculties (including the School of Architecture, Arts and Social Work) starts at $596 per unit course for domestic students. International students pay up to $2,684 per 3-unit course.
On a termly basis (Fall and Winter), domestic students’ tuition start at $4,680 while that of international students starts at $2,412 up to $44,069.
How to Determine a Cheap University in Canada
The primary precursors to deciding on an affordable university to attend in Canada are:
- Tuition Fee: how much is the average cost of tuition in the school? In addition, check for the program-specific estimates and other general fees that apply.
- Ancillary Fees: most universities in Canada charge ancillary fees, being payments made towards covering extra or additional services offered beyond your program of study. Examples are Transit Pass, Student Services Fee, Recreation-Athletics Fee, and Medical Insurance.
- Type of Program: some programs cost more to study, and this varies by the faculty.
- Course Load: the general rule is that the higher the number of credit units, the more tuition fees you pay.
Concluding Thoughts
Tuition fees and other related costs for studying in Canada can quickly add up. Domestic or Canadian students may find it a bit more affordable than international students. If you are a foreigner, it is best to go for programs of study that fit into your budget. Also, consider important costs like the general fees and program-specific costs before making your decision.
Exploring funding opportunities and financial aid from the universities you applied to, as well as applying for scholarships and grants will go a long way to ease the financial burden.