Introduction
Choosing where to study abroad can be an extremely difficult decision with many factors to consider. While academic quality and program offerings are undoubtedly top priorities, the costs associated with the university also play a huge role in determining the best options. For international students especially, affordability is often the primary concern due to high international tuition fees and living expenses in a new country.
Methodology
To determine the most affordable universities, we analysed 2020/2021 tuition fee rates directly from institutional websites, focusing specifically on first-year undergraduate programs for international students. Additional compulsory fees such as health insurance, student association membership, and sports/recreation costs were also included in the assessment.
Cost-of-living estimates were obtained from official school reporting and third-party cost-of-living calculators to provide a holistic view of total study costs in each location. Variables like housing, groceries, transportation, and entertainment expenses formed the basis for our living cost analysis.
Finally, we considered important student support factors like scholarship opportunities, bursaries, work programs, and student housing availability that can further reduce the financial burden. Schools with robust funding packages and affordable on-campus housing received favourable rankings.
With all relevant cost data collected, we have identified the ten most affordable university options for international students below based on overall tuition and living expenses.
The Top 10 Cheapest Universities in Canada
10. Brandon University (Brandon, Manitoba)
Estimated Annual Cost: $21,500 CAD
Located in the small prairie city of Brandon, Brandon University offers one of the most affordable degrees in Canada for international undergraduates. Annual tuition for most programs is $13,500 CAD, though some science courses are slightly higher. Additional mandatory fees total roughly $900 CAD.
Brandon benefits from a very low cost of living compared to other university towns. Housing, food, transportation, and entertainment expenses average $7,100 CAD per year, according to student surveys. The school has over 700 beds of affordable on-campus housing available.
Brandon University boasts generous international student scholarships of $1,000 to $4,000 annually. Hundreds are awarded each year based on academic merit and financial need. Work programs are also abundant both on and off-campus to supplement income.
9. Lakehead University (Thunder Bay, Ontario)
Estimated Annual Cost: $22,000 CAD
Ranked as one of the most affordable universities in Ontario, Lake-head’s international tuition for most arts and science undergrad programs is $14,500 CAD per year. Mandatory fees are low at approximately $850 CAD.
While Thunder Bay is more expensive than Brandon, the cost of living remains very reasonable at an estimated $6,650 CAD annually. Lake-head has plenty of dorms charging $5,100 to $7,500 CAD per year for housing and meals.
Lake-head’s international Excellence Awards provide up to $3,000 in tuition assistance each year. The school also participates in federal scholarship competitions like the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships that fund entire graduate degrees. Internships are easily accessible in Thunder Bay.
8. University of Ontario Institute of Technology (Oshawa, Ontario)
Estimated Annual Cost: $22,300 CAD
With international tuition rates of $14,700 CAD per year, UOIT offers one the most budget-friendly options in the Greater Toronto Area for students seeking an affordable yet high-quality degree. Additional fees are around $900 CAD.
With a student population of over 11,000, UOIT has created a vibrant campus life in Oshawa amidst a very reasonable cost of living. Estimates put housing, food, transport, and entertainment at $7,600 CAD annually – much less than living expenses in Toronto itself. On-campus housing is generally affordable.
Merit-based scholarships of up to $4,000 are generously awarded by UOIT each year. The CO-OP program also makes it possible to gain work experience and offset education costs through paid internships.
7. University of Winnipeg (Winnipeg, Manitoba)
Estimated Annual Cost: $22,500 CAD
The University of Winnipeg caps international undergraduate tuition at a very competitive $15,000 CAD per year regardless of program. With additional fees totalling roughly $900 CAD, attendance will cost approximately $22,500 CAD annually before living expenses.
As the capital city of Manitoba, Winnipeg provides a low cost of living that allows international students to thrive. Housing, food, transportation and leisure activities average around $7,500 CAD per year according to cost calculators. On-campus housing prices are affordable.
U-Win offers several renewable scholarship programs awarding up to $3,000 CAD per year based on academic achievement. Numerous work opportunities also exist both on campus and around the city.
6. Mount Allison University (Sackville, New Brunswick)
Estimated Annual Cost: $23,000 CAD
Situated in the quaint town of Sackville, Mount Allison is renowned for academic excellence across arts, sciences, and fine arts domains. However, it remains one of the most budget-friendly options in Eastern Canada at $16,000 CAD in annual international tuition fees. Additional charges are approximately $900 CAD.
As a rural community 30 minutes from Moncton, Sackville has an extremely reasonable cost of living. Estimates put housing, transportation, food, and entertainment needs at $6,100 CAD per year – very manageable even for students on a tight budget. On-campus housing is plentiful and particularly affordable.
Merit-based scholarships of up to $5,000 CAD are awarded to around 200 international students each term based on academic performance. Work opportunities also exist across the university and surrounding areas.
5. University of Lethbridge (Lethbridge, Alberta)
Estimated Annual Cost: $23,500 CAD
Known as a top public research university in Western Canada, the University of Lethbridge maintains competitive international tuition fees of $16,500 CAD per academic year. Additional student costs are approximately $1,000 CAD annually.
Lethbridge’s student-centered campus is nestled in a beautiful scenic valley in southern Alberta. Housing, food, transportation and leisure activities estimate to $6,000 CAD per year here – very reasonable compared to other major cities. On-campus housing is highly recommended for its low prices.
Over 150 international student awards between $1,000-$5,000 CAD are given out each year based on academic merit, financial need or special talents. Excellent work opportunities also exist across campus and the surrounding region.
4. Nipissing University (North Bay, Ontario)
Estimated Annual Cost: $23,600 CAD
Nipissing University in North Bay prides itself on personalised academics with small class sizes. For international undergrads, annual tuition is set at an affordable $16,600 CAD. Additional student levies add approximately $1,000 CAD.
Located three hours north of Toronto, North Bay maintains a low cost of living that international students appreciate. Housing, transport, food, and entertainment are estimated at $6,000 CAD per year – highly manageable even on a tight budget. On-campus housing is readily available.
Merit-based scholarships up to $5,000 CAD are awarded to over 100 international undergrads each year. Hands-on work opportunities are plentiful through practical-based programs like teacher’s college and nursing.
3. Memorial University of Newfoundland (St. John’s, Newfoundland)
Estimated Annual Cost: $23,800 CAD
As the largest post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada, Memorial University offers international students world-class academics at a very competitive price tag. Annual undergraduate tuition is set at a reasonable $16,800 CAD for international cohorts. Additional fees are approximately $1,000 CAD.
Students appreciate the low living expenses in St. John’s, which is consistently rated as one of the most affordable cities for young people in Canada. Estimates put housing, food, transportation, and entertainment at $7,000 CAD per year on average. Affordable on-campus housing is abundant.
Each term, over $3 million CAD is awarded in scholarships, with $1,000-$8,000 CAD available for outstanding international applicants. Hands-on research and professional experience are core aspects of Memorial’s innovative educational experience.
2. Cape Breton University (Sydney, Nova Scotia)
Estimated Annual Cost: $23,900 CAD
Perched on the shores of Sydney Harbour, Cape Breton University is dedicated to community engagement and experiential learning. Annual international tuition for undergrads is capped at an affordable $17,000 CAD flat rate regardless of program. Additional fees are approximately $900 CAD.
As the largest urban center on Cape Breton Island, Sydney provides a scenic waterfront lifestyle with a notably low cost of living. Housing, transportation, food and entertainment total approximately $6,900 CAD per year according to student budgeting tools. On-campus housing conveniently located near academic buildings is very affordable.
CBU administers millions of scholarships annually through academic awards, entrance bursaries, and talent bursaries for fine arts or athletics. Awards range from $500 to $5,000 CAD per year and do not need repayment. Work opportunities also exist through co-op programs integrated with degree coursework.
1. University of Prince Edward Island (Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island)
Estimated Annual Cost: $22,000 CAD
Ranked the most affordable university in Canada, UPEI offers international undergrads a premier education at the lowest price tag. Annual tuition is set at $15,000 CAD flat regardless of program – one of the cheapest international student rates in the country. Additional fees are approximately $1,000 CAD.
As the small capital city of PEI, charming Charlottetown has an exceptionally low cost of living that allows students to thrive on a tight budget. Housing, groceries, transportation, and leisure total an estimated $6,000 CAD annually. UPEI’s modern on-campus housing is among the most affordable in the country.
Over $2 million annually is distributed in non-repayable scholarships, with entrance bursaries of up to $4,000 CAD and renewable scholarship awards of up to $8,000 CAD based on academic excellence. UPEI also offers hands-on industry training through highly-regarded co-op programs.
