Cheap Universities in Canada for International Students

February 25, 2025by Maham Muneer

Have you ever dreamed of studying in Canada but worried about the high tuition fees? Canada has become a popular destination for those looking to study abroad and for an affordable education.

Cheap universities in Canada for international students provide excellent education at lower costs. Some cost-effective universities in Canada, like Simon Fraser University, University of Guelph, and Concordia University, offer low-cost degrees ranging from 12,000 CAD to 30,000 CAD per year.

If you’re looking for low-cost tuition universities, this article will be beneficial for you. Several institutions offer excellent education from Ontario to Quebec without breaking the bank. Let’s explore this article in detail.

Cheap universities in Canada for international students

Here is the list of universities in Canada that offer education at affordable cost.

University of Guelph

The University of Guelph is located in Guelph, Ontario. It is a public research university that has been providing education since 1964. The university welcomes almost 30,000 students from over 130 countries. As one of the best universities in Canada with low fees, it offers a variety of undergraduate, graduate, certificate, and diploma programs at affordable tuition rates.

The university has specific English requirements for international students. Undergraduate applicants need an IELTS score of at least 6.5, with no band lower than 6, or a TOEFL iBT score of 89, with no section below 21. Graduate students must meet the exact IELTS requirement or have a TOEFL iBT score of 89, with at least 21 in each section.

If the students are looking to study in Canada on a budget, the University of Guelph is a great option. It’s one of the most affordable universities in Canada that offers scholarships and financial aid.

Category Details
QS World University Rankings 2025      456
Average Tuition Fee 3,979 CAD – 14,829 CAD / 800,000 PKR – 3,000,000 PKR per annum
Location Guelph, Ontario, Canada
Popular Programs – BA in Art History
– MEng in Biomedical
– MBA
– B.Sc in Computer Science
– Graduate Certificate in Business
– M.Sc in Clinical Studies
– Bachelor of Arts & Sciences
– Bachelor of Applied Science
– Bachelor of Engineering
– Bachelor of Computing
– BEng in Computer Engineering
– BSc in Psychology: Brain and Cognition
– MSc Computer Science
– Graduate Diploma in Tourism Research
– Ph.D. in Social Practice and Transformational Change
Scholarships – The Dr. Franco J. Vaccarino President’s Scholarship
– Academic Leadership Entrance Scholarships
– International Entrance Scholarships
– Quinn Memorial Scholarships
– Hardy International Student Scholarship

Cheap universities in Canada for international students provide excellent education at lower costs.

Simon Fraser University

Simon Fraser University is a public research university located in British Columbia. It was established in 1965. The university has three campuses located in Burnaby, Surrey, and Vancouver, welcoming around 30,000 students from over 150 countries. SFU is one of the most cost-effective universities in Canada, offering high-quality education at an affordable cost.

The institution demands a TOEFL iBT score of 93, with at least 20 in each part, or an IELTS academic score of 7.0 overall, with no band lower than 6.5. SFU Canada University fees for international students vary depending on the program that students choose.

QS World University Ranking 2025 319
Average Tuition Fee 5,842 CAD – 57,000 CAD / 1,215,000 PKR – 11,840,000 PKR per annum
Popular Programs BA in Health Sciences,

BBA, Certificate in Innovation and Entrepreneurship

M.Sc in Applied Mathematics

MA in Psychology

MA in Sociology

MSc Health Sciences

Location British Columbia
Scholarships Schulich Leader Scholarships

The Bennett Family Entrance Scholarship

Uggla Family Entrance Scholarship

Tadeusz Specht Memorial Entrance Scholarship USES Program Scholarships

International Applicants

Lloyd Carr-Harris Scholarship

International Excellence Entrance Scholarship

Concordia University

Concordia University is one of the Low-cost universities in Manitoba and was founded in 1974. Each year, 51000 students are admitted to this university, which offers different programs like engineering, economics, computer science, and marketing.  Its John Molson School of Business ranks among Canada’s top 10 business schools.

The university is known for its affordable tuition fees and one of the cheap universities in Canada for international students. The average cost of university in Canada varies, but Concordia keeps education accessible with reasonable fees.

Students should meet English requirements before taking admission. To meet requirements, an  IELTS score of 6.0 with no band below 5.5 or a TOEFL iBT score of 80. Graduate applicants need an IELTS score of 6.0 with no band below 6.0 or a TOEFL iBT score of 80 to secure admission.

QS World University Rankings 2025 415
Average Tuition Fee 665 CAD – 1,030 CAD / 138,000 PKR – 214,000 PKR per credit
Popular Programs B.Com

B.Eng in Aerospace

Master of Supply Chain Management Master of Applied Computer Science

Location Montreal, Canada
Scholarships Canada-ASEAN Scholarship: $15,900 CAD – $10,200 CAD / 3,300,000 PKR – 2,120,000 PKR
Study in Canada Scholarship: $12,700 CAD – $10,200 CAD / 2,640,000 PKR – 2,120,000 PKR

University of Alberta

The University of Alberta is a research-intensive public university in Canada that is internationally recognized for its academic quality. Along with its low tuition fees, the University of Alberta is notable for its research offerings, sound placement, and job possibilities.

It has over 9,000 international students and an employment rate of over 90%. The institution provides courses in various disciplines, including science, arts, and commerce. The University of Alberta’s undergraduate tuition charge is $5,284.08 for 12 credits, which is less than at comparable Canadian universities.

QS World University Rankings  2025 96
Average Tuition Fee 1,331.40 CAD-4,945.20 CAD/81,358 INR – 3,02,185 INR per 3-credit of course
Popular Programs B.Sc in Civil Engineering
M.Sc in Dental Hygiene
B.Com (Hons.)
M.Eng in Mechanical engineering
Location Edmonton
Scholarship International admission scholarship
Regional excellence scholarship
President’s International Distinction   Scholarship
International Leader Scholarship
May Quon Undergraduate Scholarship

University of Winnipeg

The University of Winnipeg was founded in 1967. It is one of the Cheap universities in Canada for international students. It is a respected public research university located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. It welcomes 1500 students from nearly 80 countries.

The university is known for its excellent teaching, research, and innovation. English language proficiency is essential for international students. The university requires an IELTS score of 6.5 for admission. It is one of the top choices for those looking for low tuition fees in Canadian universities.

 

Average Tuition Fee 10,244.34 CAD – 26,847.66 CAD/6,25,997 INR – 16,40,570 INR per year
Popular Programs BBA
MBA
B.Sc in Chemistry
M.Sc in Applied Computer Science
Location Winnipeg
Scholarship  International Special Entrance Scholarship Program
Advanced Placement (AP) &
International Baccalaureate (IB) Entrance Scholarships
President’s Scholarship for World Leaders
In-Course Awards

Conclusion

Studying in Canada doesn’t have to be expensive. Many cheap universities in Canada for international students offer high-quality education at affordable rates. Whether you’re looking for low tuition fee universities in Canada or institutions with strong scholarship programs, there are various budget-friendly options.

From the University of Guelph and Simon Fraser University to Concordia University and the University of Winnipeg, each institution provides excellent academic opportunities while keeping costs manageable. Choosing the right university allows you to study in Canada on a budget without compromising education quality. Explore your options, compare tuition fees, and find the best fit for your academic and financial goals.

Maham Muneer is a passionate content writer with expertise in writing engaging blogs on education and study abroad topics. Her writing aims to guide readers in making informed decisions about their academic and international opportunities. Whether it’s exploring top universities, understanding visa processes, or finding scholarships, her goal is to provide valuable insights that inspire and empower students to achieve their dreams.