19 Cheap universities in Canada for international students

Canadian universities are prominent worldwide due to their academic excellence and affordability. The tuition fees in these universities vary from program to program and from degree level of education. In general,  tuition fees for graduate programs are a little less than undergraduate programs. 

The tuition fees for graduate studies depend on the course-type. There are three types of graduate programs: course-based, thesis-based and professional programs. Thesis-based programs have the lowest, and professional-based programs tend to have the highest tuition fees. Learn more about the types of master's degrees.

As of 2021, there are 97 Canadian government accredited institutions. They are also known as Designated Learning Institutions (DLI). Please note that graduating from a program doesn't necessarily qualify you for a PGWP. Some universities may be on the DLI list, but not all of their programs may be eligible for a PGWP. The universities covered here are all DLIs and are considered as cheap universities in Canada for international students.

The tuition and fees for any university or program can vary from $5,000 to $60,000 per year. We will cover the 15 cheapest universities in Canada, for international students.

Why didn't you add the range of tuition fees below?

Well, adding a sample tuition fee range doesn't help much. Tuition fees range from program to program. 

List of cheap universities in Canada for International Students.

These universities tend to have lower tuition fees for international students. Generally, the tuition fees for international students are 3x higher than for domestic students. 

1. Simon Fraser University

Established in 1965, the Simon Fraser University or SFU is famous for its affordable and low tuition fees. It is also known to offer the cheapest programs at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. Located in British Columbia, Canada, it is a public research university. 

Undergraduate Application Fees: $80

Graduate Application Fees: $90 for students with Canadian transcripts only and $125 for students with one or more international transcripts.

Undergraduate and Graduate English Language Proficiency Tests:

• IELTS (academic):  Overall band score of 7.0 of the academic test with a minimum of 6.5 in each section.

• TOEFL (iBT): Overall 93 with a minimum of 20 in each category. A score of a single test is accepted. TOEFL - MyBest result is not accepted. 

2. University of Saskatchewan 

Located in Saskatchewan, Canada, the University of Saskatchewan is a public research university. It is regarded as one of the cheapest universities in Canada for international students. It was established in 1907. 

Undergraduate Application Fees: Not found

Graduate Application Fees: $90 

Undergraduate and Graduate English language requirements: 

• IELTS – 6.5 with a minimum score of 6 in each band

• TOEFL – 86 with a minimum score of 19 in each band

3. University of Prince Edward Island 

Located in Prince Edward Island, one of the Atlantic provinces in Canada, this university provides affordable tuition fees in Canada for international students. It is one of the cheap universities in Canada for international students. It was established in 1969. 

Undergraduate Application Fee: Not found 

Graduate Application Fee: $156

Undergraduate English Language Proficiency: 

Arts, Science, Business and Baccalaureate en éducation, Français Langue Seconde programs: 

• IELTS: An overall score of 6.5 (at least 6.5 in Writing and no other band below 6 in other bands) 

• TOEFL (iBT): A score of 80 (a minimum of 20 in each category)

Nursing, Radiography, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine & Education programs: 

• IELTS: An overall score of 7 (at least 7 in Writing and speaking and 6.5 in reading and listening)

• TOEFL (iBT): A score of 100 (a minimum of 25 in Speaking and Writing, 22 in reading and listening) 

Graduate English Language Proficiency:

All programs except Nursing and Education: 

• IELTS: An overall score of 7 (at least 7 in Writing and no band lower than 6.5

• TOEFL (iBT): A score of 100 (a minimum of 25 in Speaking and Writing, 22 in reading and listening) 

Nursing and Education Programs: 

• IELTS: An overall score of 7 (at least 7 in Writing and speaking and 6.5 in reading and listening)

• TOEFL (iBT): A score of 100 (a minimum of 25 on each band)

4. Carleton University

Located alongside the famous Rideau Canal in Ottawa, the capital of Canada, Carleton University is one of the cheapest universities in Canada. This university is famous for its social sciences, physical sciences and computer science programs. It was founded in 1942.

Graduate Application Fee – $100

Undergraduate and Graduate English language requirements:

• IELTS:  An overall score of 6.5 (at least a minimum score of 6 in each band)

• TOEFL (iBT): A score of 86 (L, R: 20, W, S: 22)

5. Dalhousie University

Considered one of the top universities in the world, Dalhousie is famous for its top-notch and cheapest tuition rates. It is located in Nova Scotia, Canada, one of the Atlantic provinces in Canada. Founded in 1818, this university is one of the oldest universities in Canada. 

Undergraduate application Fees: $70

Graduate Application Fees: $100

Undergraduate English Language Requirements:

• IELTS - 6.5 overall and no lower than 6.0 in each band

• TOEFL - 237 (computer-based) or 90 (iBT) and no lower than 20 in each band

Graduate English language requirements: 

• Overall IELTS 7 with a minimum score of 6 in each band

• TOEFL – 92 with a minimum score of 20 in each band

Some departments may have higher English language proficiency (ELP) requirements. 

6. Memorial University of Newfoundland

The Memorial University of Newfoundland is located in Newfoundland and Labrador, one of the Atlantic provinces in Canada. This university, established in 1925, has one of the lowest undergraduate and graduate tuition fees in Canada. Many international students choose this university because it is one of the cheapest universities in Canada.

Undergraduate & Graduate Application Fees: The application fee for Canadian applicants is $60 and $120 for international applicants.

Undergraduate English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS:  A minimum score of 6.5 (at least a band 6 in reading and Writing). 

• TOEFL (iBT): A minimum score of 79 (a minimum of 20 in reading and Writing and 17 in listening and speaking).

Graduate English Language Proficiency:

• TOEFL (iBT): An overall score of 80.

• IELTS: An overall score of 6.5 

7. University of Manitoba

The University of Manitoba or UM is a public research university founded in 1877 in Manitoba, Canada. The university offers 100+ programs that lead to masters or doctoral degrees. 

Undergraduate Application Fees: $110 

Graduate Application Fees: $100 

Undergraduate English Language Proficiency: 

• IELTS: 6.5 overall
• TOEFL (iBT): Overall score of 86 (20 in Writing, 20 in reading, 20 in Listening, and 20 in speaking)

Graduate English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: 6.5 overall
• TOEFL (iBT): Overall score of 86 (20 in Writing, 20 in reading, 20 in Listening, and 20 in speaking)

8. Vancouver Island University 

Vancouver Island University, located in one of the most beautiful locations, British Columbia, offers the cheapest tuition fee option for international students. It started as Malaspina College in 1969 and played an essential role in education, culture and economy in the region.

Undergraduate Application Fee: $150

Graduate Application Fee: $150

Undergraduate English Language Proficiency:

• TOEFL (iBT): Overall score of 88 (no section below 20)

• IELTS: 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0)

Graduate English Language Proficiency:

• TOEFL (iBT) : Overall score of 93 (no band below 20)

• IELTS: 7.0 (no band below 6.5)

9. University of New Brunswick

Located in one of the Atlantic Provinces, New Brunswick, The University of New Brunswick is a public university with two campuses. The two campuses are in Fredericton and Saint John, New Brunswick. Known as one of the oldest universities in Canada, it offers cheap tuition fees for international students. 

Undergraduate Application Fee: $125

Graduate Application Fee: $65 for domestic students and $125 for international students.

Undergraduate English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Minimum score of band 6.5

• TOEFL (iBT): Minimum score of 85

Graduate English Language Proficiency: 

• IELTS: Minimum score of band 7

• TOEFL (iBT): Minimum score of 80 (minimum score of 25)

10. Cape Breton University 

Established in 1951, the Cape Breton University (CBU) is a public university specializing in undergraduate degrees. There are only three graduate programs. It offers affordable tuition fee opportunities for international students. The location of this university offers excellent opportunities for students to enjoy life and learning. 

Undergraduate Application Fee: $130

Graduate Application Fee: $130 

Graduate & Undergraduate English Language Proficiency: 

• IELTS: A minimum score of 6.5 (with no band below 6.0)

• TOEFL (iBT): 80

11. Mount Saint Vincent University

Located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the Mount Saint Vincent University provides excellent educational value and low tuition fees to international students. It was established in 1873. Currently, it offers 13 graduate degrees and ten undergraduate degrees. 

Undergraduate Application Fee: $40 

Graduate Application Fee: $50

Undergraduate English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: 6.5 (no score below 6.0)   

• TOEFL (iBT): 86 – 92 (no score below 21)  

Graduate English Language Proficiency: 

• IELTS: 7.0 or above (no score below 6.5)

• TOEFL (iBT): 93 or above (no score below 23) 

12. Brandon University 

Located in Brandon, Manitoba, the Brandon University started its journey as a Baptist College in 1899. Currently, it is a leading undergraduate liberal art and science institution in Canada. 

Undergraduate Application Fee: $100 -$120

Graduate Application Fee: $100 -$120

Undergraduate English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: 6.5 overall

• TOEFL (iBT): 80 (Internet-based test) with a minimum score of 20 in each testing section.  

Graduate English Language Proficiency: 

• IELTS: 6.5 overall

• TOEFL (iBT): 86 (Internet-based)

13. Concordia University of Edmonton

Concordia University of Edmonton, previously known as the Concordia University of Alberta, is a private institution that gets a little public funding, in Edmonton, Alberta. It was founded in 1921 and had a long history of affiliation with the Lutheran Church before its secularization in 2016.  This university is famous among international students due to the cheap tuition fees for international students in Canada.

Undergraduate Application Fee: $50 for Canadian citizens or Permanent residents and $100 for international students.

Graduate Application Fee: Not found

Undergraduate English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: An overall score of 6.0 with no band below 5.5.

• TOEFL (iBT): A minimum score of 80.

Graduate English Language Proficiency: 

• IELTS: An overall score of 6.0 with no band below 6.0.

• TOEFL (iBT): 80 (iBT). We do not accept MyBest scores for admission purposes.

14. Saint Paul University

Located in Ottawa's Capital city, Saint Paul University offers students excellent educational value at the cheapest rate for international students. It was established in 1848. This university offer courses in both languages: English and French. So, it is mandatory to have a good grasp of one of those languages to study here. 

Undergraduate Application Fee: $125 (Maximum of 3 choices of study programs)

Graduate Application Fee: $100 (For additional study program choice, you pay an extra $50.)

Undergraduate English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall 6.5

• TOEFL (iBT): 86+

Graduate English Language Proficiency: 

• IELTS: An overall score of 6.5 (at least 6.0 in Writing) 

• TOEFL (iBT): 92-93 

15. University of Lethbridge 

The University of Lethbridge, also known as Uleth or U of L, is a public research university founded in liberal arts education. It is located in Lethbridge, Alberta, and has a second campus in Calgary, Alberta. It was established in 1967.

Undergraduate Application Fee: $140

Graduate Application Fee: $125 (who have attended educational institutions in Canada only) or $140 (who attended one or more educational institutions outside of Canada)

Undergraduate English Language Proficiency: 

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 and a minimum of 6.0 in each band.

• TOEFL (iBT): A minimum total score of 80 (Minimum scores of 16 in Listening, Reading, and Speaking, and a minimum score of 18 in Writing.)

Graduate English Language Proficiency: 

• IELTS: Overall score of 6.5, and a minimum score of 6.0 in each band.

• TOEFL (iBT): A minimum overall score of 86.

16. Booth University College 

Booth University College is located in Winnipeg, Manitoba and is affiliated with the Salvation Army; a Christian organization that operates in more than 130 countries. This university is famous among international students for its cheap tuition fees. 

Undergraduate Application Fee: $150

Graduate Application Fee: $150

Undergraduate English Language Proficiency: 

• IELTS: A minimum of 6.5 

• TOEFL (iBT): A minimum score of 79 

Graduate English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum of 6.5 

• TOEFL (iBT): A minimum score of 79 

17. Canadian Mennonite University 

Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) was founded in 2000. Located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, this university is famous for its comprehensive liberal arts education. It offers cheap undergraduate and graduate programs very popular among international students. 

Undergraduate Application Fee: $80 for Canadian citizens and $150 for international students

Graduate Application Fee: Not found

Undergraduate English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Minimum band score of 6.5, with no less than 6.0 in each component.

• TOEFL (iBT): A minimum score of 80 (Internet-based) with no less than 19 in each component

Graduate English Language Proficiency: 

• IELTS: An overall band score of 6.5, with no less than 6.0 in each component.

• TOEFL (iBT): A minimum score of 80 (Internet-based) with no less than 19 in each component

18. University of Guelph 

The University of Guelph is a public research university in Guelph, Ontario. It was established in 1964. Currently, it offers 94 undergraduate degrees, 48 graduate programs, and six associate degrees in many different disciplines.

This university has 29,507 Undergraduate and Graduate Students, where 1,700 students come from 130+ countries.

Undergraduate Application Fee: Not found

Graduate Application Fee: $110 for MBA or MA in Leadership or $150 for all other graduate programs.  

Undergraduate English Language Proficiency: 

• IELTS: Minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6

• TOEFL (iBT): Minimum total score of 89 with no individual scaled score less than 21.

Graduate English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: 6.5

• TOEFL (iBT): A minimum score of 89 (At least 21 scores in each of the four categories)

19. King's University College 

Established in 1979, the King's University is a private Canadian Christian University that offers bachelor's degrees in the art, humanities, music, social sciences, natural sciences, business, and education. It currently serves more than 900 students from across Canada and abroad, representing more than 16 nations.

Undergraduate Application Fee: 

• $70 Application Fee for applicants residing in Canada or the USA

• $140 International Application Fee (non-refundable): applicants residing internationally

Undergraduate English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: An overall score of 6.5, a minimum of 5.5 on each band.

• TOEFL (iBT): An overall score of 88, a minimum score of 21 on each section

You can also submit your ELP using SATs written after March 2016 with a 610 on the reading and writing section (if written before 2016, 550 is needed on the reading and writing section).

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