10 Cheapest Universities in Canada for Undergraduate and Postgraduate Programs

Here is a current list of the cheapest universities in Canada for domestic and international students who want to undertake either an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree program in Canada.

Over the years, Canada has become one of the top hubs for most international students to study, and we could say this is because of their quality of education, of which 4 of their Universities are among the top 100 higher institutions in the world. However, most of these schools have been regarded to be expensive, especially for international students, where international students will be expected to pay an average of $36,100 for bachelor’s and $21,100 for graduate programs.

That’s where these very affordable Universities come into play, you can also take advantage of some of the cheapest colleges in British Columbia or even some of the very affordable Ph.D. programs in the UK for Int’l Students.

One of the interesting things about enrolling in any of these programs is that they don’t sacrifice quality for affordability, they still provide the excellent education you deserve.

About Low Tuition Universities in Canada

One thing you should note about this list that I am about to release now is that some of the schools on this list are not among the very common and well-known universities in Canada but they are actually the universities charging the cheapest tuition fees in Canada.

School fee abroad is always an issue facing students who want to study outside their home country, especially when they are heading to countries like Canada, Australia, China, the US, or some other popular study-abroad destinations.

Here I decided to list some cheap universities in Canada based on personal research to help international students who want to cut costs in fees. And if you want to enroll in an affordable online Ph.D. program, one of these programs might be perfect for you.

Cheapest Universities in Canada (Low Tuition Universities in Canada)

1. Brandon University

Canadian Citizens and Permanent ResidentsUndergraduate: $4,284 per year
Graduate: $3,272 per year
International StudentsUndergraduate: $15,850 per year
Graduate: $6,544 per year

Brandon University is one of the cheapest universities in Canada for undergraduate and graduate programs that go further to provide scholarships to both domestic and international students. In fact, the school awards over $3.8 million in scholarships & bursaries annually.

2. Université de Saint-Boniface, Canada

Canadians, permanent residents, and students from MinnesotaUndergraduate: between $4,600 to $5,600 per year

This is one of the known cheap universities in Canada that teaches mostly in the French language.

With about 14 different undergraduate programs at this university including Nursing, Information Technology, Business Administration and lots more makes this university a desirable place for different programs.

3. Canadian Mennonite University

Canadian Citizens and Permanent ResidentsUndergraduate: $6,216 per year
International StudentsUndergraduate: $12,030 per year

Besides the fact that CMU provides very affordable tuition fees, they still provide several scholarships and financial aid to students and almost 50% of its students are awarded at least one financial aid or scholarship every year.

CMU has several housing options at different prices all on-campus though students are not mandated to live on-campus it is advisable that students live on campus and the university tries its best to encourage this culture.

4. Memorial University of Newfoundland

Newfoundland and Labrador StudentsUndergraduate: $6,240 per year
Graduate: $5,718 per year
Canadian Citizens and Permanent ResidentsUndergraduate: $6,240 per year
Graduate: $7,434 per year
International StudentsUndergraduate: $20,790 per year
Graduate: $9,666 per year

Memorial University of Newfoundland is one of the cheapest universities in Canada that welcomes several international students, from more than 115 different countries. It’s also worth noting that this is the only University in Newfoundland and Labrador and it was established in memory of Newfoundlanders who lost their lives on active service during the First World War and subsequent conflicts.

The tuition fees for international students here are a bit high when compared to other universities on this list but on a general note, this fee is very affordable and very cheap compared to some other Canadian universities not featured on this list.

5. University of Regina

Canadian Citizens and Permanent ResidentsUndergraduate: $7,230 – $7,665 per year
Graduate: $4,725 per year
International StudentsUndergraduate: $21,690 – $22,995 per year
Graduate: $8,574 per year

If you’re looking for a school that is not just affordable but also welcomes students from different backgrounds, cultures, nationality, and above all excellent in education then the University of Regina should be on your list. They provide several academic programs that lead to a 4 to 5-year bachelor’s degree, or a 1 to 2-year master’s degree.

6. Athabasca University

Permanent Residents of AlbertaUndergraduate: $8,412 per year
Canadian Residents Outside of AlbertaUndergraduate: $10,162 per year
Graduate: $1,881
International StudentsUndergraduate: $14,502 per year
Graduate: $2,114

Athabasca University is not just an affordable Institution, but it’s also an Open University, which means 100% of their education is totally online. This strategy even saves students from more expenses like accommodation, parking/transportation, feeding, etc.

Moreover, they also recognize past credits, so you can transfer any eligible credit which will reduce the school load and also reduce your fee. Their courses are applicable to international students, so you can be in any country and start your program.

Cheapest Universities in Canada for Graduate

7. University of Northern British Columbia

Canadian Citizens and Permanent ResidentsGraduate: $5,521 per year
International StudentsGraduate: $7,494 per year

With a master’s degree tuition fee between $5,521 to $7,494 at the University of Northern British Columbia, the university comfortably ranks among the best cheap universities in Canada admitting both Canadian and foreign students.

Though tuition fees are reviewed and sometimes updated yearly in this school, you can always find out what’s changed or not from the official postgraduate program page on their school website.

The university offers postgraduate degrees and certificate programs including MBA, MSc, MEd, MEng, MScN, MSW, Graduate Certificates, and Doctorate programs all at very affordable fees.

8. University of Calgary

Canadian Citizens and Permanent ResidentsGraduate: $3,464 per year
International StudentsGraduate: $8,081 per year

With a very low tuition fee starting fairly above $3,464 for graduate degree programs and a variety of master’s degree programs, the University of Calgary is proudly one of the cheapest universities in Canada for postgraduate degrees. 

The school offers course-based and research-based Master’s and Doctorate degrees in a variety of subjects cutting across several sensitive fields of study.

9. Simon Fraser University

Canadian Citizens and Permanent ResidentsGraduate: $2,067 per term
International StudentsGraduate: $2,067 per term

Though one of the well-known universities in Canada, Simon Fraser University still ranks as one of the most affordable universities in Canada for the master’s program. The university charges a considerably low tuition fee that is quite accommodating for the pockets of international students too.

The Master’s program at Simon Fraser University starts at a tuition fee as low as $2,067 but varies slightly across programs. The university has a variety of graduate programs cutting across the fields of Applied Sciences, Arts and Social Sciences, Business, Communication, Art & Technology, Education, Environment, Health Sciences, and Science.

10. University of Saskatchewan

Canadian Citizens and Permanent ResidentsGraduate: $4,932 per year
Doctoral: $4,932 per year
International StudentsGraduate: $11,097 per term
Doctoral: $4,932 per year

A master’s degree tuition fee starting from as low as $4,932, makes the University of Saskatchewan one of the most affordable universities in Canada for postgraduate programs.

The university has as many as 80 Master’s and Doctorate degrees. Specializing in research and medical fields.

Key Takeaway

One of the things we won’t stop saying is the fact that these cheapest universities in Canada did sacrifice competence for affordability. It doesn’t make sense that you got a cheap degree and it’s worth nothing.

So feel free to apply and always check their Tuition page to confirm their current fee because they are subject to change.

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17 comments

  1. Hi am Thelma I want work and study in canabade on cholarships either masters in advertising and marketing communication or associate degree baking and pastery pls how can you be of help thanks

  2. Can foreigners get Canada visa now, under covid-19, for less than 6 month study permit (actually 3 month)?
    If so, could you give me a detail?

    1. If you apply for a study which is less than 6 months of duration. You will not get the study visa it will be counted towards the visitor visa on which you can study over there.

  3. I am from Portugal and Angola and would love to get full scolarship for Computer science i have completed grade 11 at high school and got more than 15 IT certificates.

    1. Always look out for and apply for scholarship opportunities that you meet the eligibility requirement

  4. Hello
    This is kudrat e khuda and I am from Bangladesh. I had one Bechelor degree, 2 masters degree in English Literature and TESOL and one masters degree in education. Now I am a practising teacher of English of a college. Right now I want to have another masters degree related to my fields like English language or education from Canada. Would you please suggest me what I should do to earn my next masters degree?
    Waiting for your reply.
    Kudrat E khuda

  5. I am also interested in to study in canda ….some one can help me …and someone guide me plzzzz …
    My WhatsApp number 03329141370…plz help …I’m from Pakistan…

  6. hii,i am an indian student and i want to become a pharmacist in canada.Can u suggest me cheapest universities for this.

  7. Hi I am very much interested to study abroad with the lowest school fees and with that particular school. Simon fraser university how do I go about it and can I be working and be schooling at the same time please I need a reply thank you.

    1. I am a international student, i would like to find a full scolarship to study at Canada or USA.

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