Top 5 Cheapest Universities in Canada for International Students

Top 5 Cheapest Universities in Canada for International Students

Canada has some of the best universities in the world! Universities like McGill and the University of Toronto have consistently ranked among the top post-secondary institutions across the globe. According to World University Rankings, more than 30 Canadian universities are among the top universities in the world.

Additionally, Canada has grown in popularity as a study-abroad destination for students from countries throughout the world. In fact, there were over 621,656 international students in Canada at the end of 2021. Canada has developed into a nation with high expectations and a high reputation thanks to its excellent colleges, vibrant student cities, and well-organized lifestyle. It’s no wonder so many want to study in Canada

Check out the top 5 ranking universities in Canada.

Memorial University of Newfoundland

Tuition fees: 2,150 – 11,460 CAD/year

More than 19,000 students from 115 countries attend Memorial University to learn. Memorial offers certificate, diploma, undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate programs ranging from the classics to cutting-edge technology across five campuses and online.

Memorial University’s capacity and reputation for leadership in research, teaching, and public engagement are strengthened by a global network of nearly 100,000 accomplished alumni worldwide.

Over 40% of Memorial’s research is ocean-related. If there’s research going on in the North Atlantic, Memorial University is almost certainly involved.

In fact, Memorial is a partner in the Ocean Frontier Institute, a $220 million collaborative research initiative aimed at unlocking the world’s vast potential. Memorial is also a member of Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, a private-sector-led collaboration that uses innovation and commercialization to boost long-term economic growth from our oceans.

University of Regina

Tuition fees: 1,715 – 20,050 CAD/year

Expect a warm and inclusive learning environment, exceptional academic programs, high-impact research, and world-class facilities. Everything you need to succeed is available at the University of Regina.

The University of Regina is friendly. It is inclusive and diverse, with international students accounting for 17.7% of total enrollment and 14.7 percent of students self-identifying as Indigenous. Their on-campus programs and resources are designed to help you succeed.

Royal Roads University

Tuition fees: 3,750 – 27,600 CAD/year

The main campus of Royal Roads University is located in Colwood, British Columbia. It can be found on Vancouver Island at Hatley Park National Historic Site.

Since 1995, Royal Roads University has been a publicly funded, applied research university focused on lifelong education. They celebrate the rich history and traditions of the land on which the campus is built, both as a Royal Roads Military College and as a public university.

Here you can investigate historical markers at specific locations, learn more about heritage projects that recognize and document them for future generations, and explore the Hatley Park grounds or immerse yourself in the historic records in their archives.

University of Saskatchewan

Tuition fees: 4,110 – 24,000 CAD/year

The University of Saskatchewan is a Canadian public research university located on the east side of the South Saskatchewan River in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. It was founded on March 19, 1907.

The University of Saskatchewan is one of Canada’s top research-intensive medical doctoral universities, with world-class research in areas of global importance such as diseases, food security, and water shortages. Their outstanding facilities facilitate research and discovery.

Athabasca University

Tuition fees: 1,625 – 17,250 CAD/year

The last entry for this list of Cheapest Universities for International Students in Canada is Athabasca University,  a public research university in Canada that primarily offers online distance education. It was the first Canadian university to specialize in distance education and was founded in 1970. It is found in Alberta and is one of the four universities that focus on comprehensive research.

Athabasca University, Canada’s Open University, is committed to removing barriers to entry and success in university-level study, as well as increasing educational opportunity equality for adult learners worldwide.

Tuition in Canada

While somewhat more than those in nations like the United Kingdom, the USA, or Australia, tuition costs at Canadian colleges are often lower. The cost to study in Canada changes every year, and variations may be seen depending on the city or degree program. For instance, Newfoundland institutions charge the least in tuition whereas Ontario is the most costly province.

Tuition fees fluctuate between universities and institutions. Some study programs are more expensive than others. Before you choose a university to study in, take all your options into consideration.

Because more expensive programs don’t always offer a greater quality of education, you are not required to select the most expensive ones. Find the ideal balance between your finances, tuition, and the outcomes you want from your study program. There are many Designated Learning Institutions to choose from (See the full list here).

Scholarships for International Students in Canada

Scholarships are non-repayable cash awards that international students can use to assist finance their studies in Canada. They are often given to students who have demonstrated exceptional academic accomplishment, however, some also honor volunteer and professional experience. Some scholarships require an application, while others are given out on their own. Here are some tips on finding a scholarship:

1. Look into scholarships and other funding options in their country of origin
2. Contact the financial aid department of the university you want to attend to learn more about international student scholarships and any requirements for applications.
3. Find information about the scholarships offered by not-for-profit institutions, private foundations, and the federal and provincial governments of Canada.

Student Living Costs

How much money you spend on living costs as a student will depend on where you live. Living costs in cities, like anywhere else in the world, are higher than in suburbs. Many students prefer on-campus housing, which is not always the most affordable option but is undeniably more convenient. With such a scarcity of affordable homes in Toronto, price levels are relatively high and continue to rise.

Because the cost of living varies by city and school location, the best estimated living expense will be determined by the university to which you are applying. As previously stated, each college provides an estimate of fees and living expenses in Canada. Some colleges offer reasonable and affordable on-campus boarding options, while others charge quite a bit.

Why Study in Canada?

There are many benefits to studying in Canada! For example:

Learning New Languages

Although English and French are both official languages in Canada and have equal status, you can easily survive in Canada by speaking and communicating in English. However, while in Canada, you can take advantage of the opportunity to learn or brush up on your French language skills.

Highest Quality of Education

Many of the world’s top universities are located in Canada. Canadian universities have a long history and reputation for academic excellence and high graduate employability rates. In fact, many Canadian higher education institutions compete for students with world-renowned universities in the United States and the United Kingdom.

A Welcoming and Multicultural Environment

With more than half of the population not speaking English as their first language, Canada is one of the world’s most ethnically and linguistically diverse countries. Each year, over 120,000 international students study in Canada. You will be surrounded by a large multicultural environment, both in classrooms and in society. This gives any foreigner a significant advantage, as it allows you to easily adapt and make friends.

Live in a Safe Environment

With a low crime rate, Canada is one of the safest countries in the world. According to Global News, Canada has the world’s second-highest quality of life in terms of social progress and development.

Getting a Study Permit

Here is a brief outline on how to get a study permit. Follow the link for more information on how to study in Canada

• Step 1: Check eligibility
• Step 2: Get a Letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning institution (DLI)
• Step 3: Gather important documents like passport, proof of finances, and letter of explanation
• Step 4: Pay the application fees and apply online

Make sure you prepare for your travels accordingly. However, when you’re ready to apply for a study permit to study at one of the Cheapest Universities for International Students in Canada, be sure to reach out to us and get into contact with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC). An RCIC is an expert in all kinds of visas for Canada. They’ll assist you in the process and make sure you can study in Canada by getting a valid study permit.

FAQs

Is University in Canada Expensive for Foreigners?

In comparison to other popular study destinations, studying in Canada is more affordable. To cover tuition, depending on the course and city, expect to pay more than Canadians. Aside from that, food, living, and other living expenses will cost around C$10,000. When compared to other popular study-abroad destinations, this is quite affordable.

Can I Work and Study in Canada?

One of the major benefits of studying in Canada is being able to apply for a work permit. If you are registered at a full-time institution, you may work 20 hours a week, that is, have a part-time job. This can help you pay for your extra expenses and living costs while living in Canada.

Can I Stay in Canada After I Graduate?

There are various ways you can stay in Canada after you graduate. The most common way is to apply for a Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP), which allows you to work for a particular amount of time, depending on how many years you studied in Canada. The longer your degree in Canada is, the longer you’ll be given a work permit for.