Cheapest/Affordable Universities in Canada

More than 1 million international students from across the globe were studying in Canada in 2023. It is also the 3rd most popular study abroad destination for students.

Now, what’s more important to know here is that 41% of these 1 million students studying in Canada were from India.

The figures make it clear. Canada is a study-abroad hotspot for students. Why? Simply because of the high quality of education and exceptional career opportunities available. That too at an affordable cost.

Yes, unlike other study abroad destinations, the cost of education in Canada won’t force you to take massive debt or drain your savings.

That’s because Canada has many universities that deliver excellent education without a hefty price tag.

And whether you’re planning to pursue an undergraduate or master’s degree, you can find low tuition fee universities in Canada.

By the end of this, you will be able to make an informed decision and find the best value for your education. Let’s get started.

Before getting started, let’s first understand why Canada is a preferred destination for students.

Why study in Canada? The appeal of affordable education

Canada has become one of the top destinations for international students. And there’s a good reason for that.

It offers world-class education, diverse cultural experiences, and a welcoming environment. But what makes Canada particularly attractive for students looking for affordable education? The key reasons are listed below:

High-Quality Education at Lower Costs

Canadian universities consistently rank among the best in the world. The education system is rigorous, with a focus on research, innovation, and practical learning. Compared to countries like the USA, the UK, or Australia, Canada offers high-quality programs at a more affordable price.

Post-Graduation Work Opportunities

Canada has a Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP). It allows international students to stay and work in Canada after their studies.

This means you can start earning right after graduation. This helps offset your education costs.

Scholarships and Financial Aid for International Students

Many Canadian universities offer scholarships, grants, and bursaries for international students. The available scholarships are offered based on:

• Academic merit
• Financial need
• Research potential
• Extracurricular involvement

This financial assistance can significantly reduce your overall expenses.

Affordable Cost of Living Compared to Other Countries

Cities like Toronto and Vancouver can no doubt be expensive. But there are plenty of affordable cities where students can live comfortably even on a budget. Provinces like Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Newfoundland have lower living costs. This makes them great choices for students looking to save money.

Safe and Welcoming Environment

Canada is known for being one of the safest and most multicultural countries in the world. Universities and communities are highly supportive of international students. They also offer resources to help them adjust and succeed academically and socially.

If affordability is a top priority for you, Canada is a great pick. It offers a mix of cost-effective education, financial support, and future career opportunities. Now let’s discuss the key factors to consider when choosing an affordable university in Canada.

Also Read: A guide to IELTS score for Canada

5 factors to consider when choosing affordable and top universities in Canada in 2025

When you explore affordable universities in Canada, you need to consider several factors. It is all these factors together, which can help you find the ideal university.

• Program Costs

Different universities might charge different fees for the same program. Also, the same university would charge different fees for different courses.

Some universities offer lower overall tuition, yet certain courses (like business or engineering!) are more expensive. So it is important that you consider the exact cost of the program that you are interested in.

Also, you should check if the fees are different for international and local students.

• Cost of Living in the University’s Location

The location of the university can significantly affect your expenses. Major cities like Toronto or Vancouver often have higher living costs. Smaller cities like Regina, Sherbrooke, or St. John’s offer a more affordable lifestyle. So you may be able to save more on living and transportation in these cities.

• Availability of Scholarships and Financial Aid

Some universities offer generous scholarships or work-study programs. These options can help reduce overall costs, despite a higher tuition fee. So check the university’s website for financial aid options available for international students.

• Work Opportunities During and After Studies

Consider the local job market when choosing your university. Some regions offer better part-time job prospects while you study and a strong local employment market. These factors can ease the transition to full-time work after graduation.

• Additional Fees and Hidden Costs

Beyond tuition, also consider other expenses. These include charges for student services, health insurance, textbooks, and lab fees. Some universities include these costs in their tuition, while others charge them separately. Always review the complete breakdown of fees before making your decision.

By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision about where to study on a budget. Now, let’s explore some of the most affordable universities in Canada for 2025.

5 top affordable universities in Canada for 2025

Several Canadian universities stand out for their affordability. Here are 5 of the most budget-friendly universities in Canada in 2025:

All these universities provide great opportunities for international students. To help you decide which one is better aligned with your needs, here are some insights:

• Choose the Memorial University of Newfoundland if you’re looking for the most affordable tuition fees. Especially for master’s programs and with a lower cost of living.
• The University of Manitoba is a great choice for balancing affordability with quality education. Plus, you get better PR opportunities through the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP).
• University of Saskatchewan is ideal for research-focused students. That’s because it has the lowest tuition fees for thesis-based master’s programs and good job opportunities in Saskatchewan.
• Brandon University is best for students who prefer small class sizes, personalized attention, and a close-knit student community at an affordable cost.
• Université de Saint-Boniface is perfect for French-speaking students who want an affordable education.

Now, let’s look at the tuition fees for master’s programs in more detail.

Also Read: How Much Gap Is Accepted for Study in Canada?

Tuition fees for Master’s programs in Canada

Tuition fees for master’s programs in Canada vary depending on the university, program, and province. However, compared to countries like the USA or the UK, Canada offers more affordable options, especially for research-based programs.  

• Average Tuition Fees for Master’s Programs in Canada (2025)

On average, MS in Canada cost for international students is between CAD 7,000 and CAD 30,000 per year for a master’s degree. However, research-intensive programs (such as MSc or MA with a thesis) often have significantly lower tuition fees than course-based programs (such as MBA or MEng).

• Tuition Fees at Affordable Canadian Universities (Master’s Programs)

Here’s a breakdown of Canada college fees for international students for some of the top universities offering master’s programs:

• Most Expensive Programs

Some courses tend to have much higher masters in Canada. These include professional degrees such as: 

• MBA (Master of Business Administration): CAD 30,000 – 60,000
• Engineering and IT Programs: CAD 20,000 – 40,000
• Medical and Health Sciences: CAD 15,000 – 40,000

Are there ways to reduce tuition costs?

Yes. Some strategies to reduce tuition expenses include:

• Choosing research-based programs, which often have lower fees and better funding opportunities
• Applying for teaching or research assistant positions
• Seeking provincial scholarships or financial aid for international students

Understanding tuition costs helps in budgeting effectively. But living expenses also play a crucial role in your total cost of studying in Canada. 

Cost of living and other expenses for international students

Tuition fees are only one part of the total study cost in Canada. As an international student, you’ll also need to budget for housing, food, transportation, and other expenses. The total cost of living depends on the city and province where you study.

Average monthly cost of living in Canada for international students (2025)

Below is a quick summary of the average living cost in Canada for international students.

Estimated Total Cost of Living per Year: CAD 14,000 – 35,000

Cost of Living by Province

The cost of living can vary widely depending on the city or province. Here’s a general idea of where it’s cheaper to live:

Affordable Housing Options for Students

Some of the most affordable housing options for international students in Canada include:

Health Insurance for International Students

Health insurance is mandatory for international students in Canada.

However, some provinces (like British Columbia and Saskatchewan) offer free public health insurance for international students.

In other provinces, students must purchase private health insurance. This can cost between CAD 600 – 1,200 per year.

But you don’t necessarily have to spend so much on international student health insurance. You can use GradRight to find affordable insurance options. This will ensure you get peace of mind and confirm with the visa/university requirements, without going over your budget. 

Now, managing your living expenses wisely can help you reduce your overall study costs. But what if you need extra financial support? That’s where scholarships come in. 

Scholarship opportunities for international students in Canada

Scholarships are one of the best ways to reduce the financial burden of studying in Canada. Many Canadian universities, government programs, and private organizations offer funding to international students.

The key types of scholarships available to international students include:

1. Government-Funded Scholarships – Provided by the Canadian government for outstanding students.
2. University-Specific Scholarships – Offered directly by universities to attract international talent.
3. External Scholarships – Sponsored by private organizations, foundations, or global institutions.

Top scholarships for international students in Canada (2025)

Below we mention the most popular Canadian scholarships for international students:

Also Read: Government and Private Scholarships offered to Indian Students in Ireland.

How to increase your chances of getting a scholarship

Scholarships are a great way to manage tuition fees in Canada. But the competition is also stiff. Some of the ways in which you can increase your chances of getting a scholarship include:

• Start early as scholarships have early deadlines are usually before your course starts
• Keep good grades as most scholarships are merit-based.
• Write a strong essay about your achievements and goals.
• Apply for multiple scholarships to boost your chances.

Also Read: Scholarships for studying in Canada

5 Tips for reducing study costs in Canada

Canada has a lot of universities that offer low-cost but high-quality education. However, the cost of studying abroad is more than just the tuition fee. So if you don’t want to break the bank with the overheads of studying in Canada, here are 5 tips to help you save more:

• Choose a More Affordable Location

If you choose a university in a small city or province in Canada, the cost of living immediately goes down. Provinces like Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Newfoundland are much more affordable as compared to major cities like Toronto or Vancouver. The quality of education, however, remains high.

• Apply for Scholarships and Financial Aid

Scholarships and financial aid don’t just help reduce the already low tuition fee. Many scholarships also cover other living costs.

Plus, you can look for graduate assistantships where you can work as a researcher or teaching assistant while studying. This helps you make money while still studying full-time. 

• Work Part-Time During Studies

As an international student, you are allowed to work up to 20 hours/week during semesters and for 40 hours/week during holidays.

Taking part time jobs, on or off-campus, is thus possible and can help cover living expenses.

You should also check if your university offers work-study programs. With such programs, you can work on campus in exchange for education.

• Save on Housing and Transportation

Housing and transportation take the biggest chunk off your budget. However, you can reduce this cost by:

• Sharing accommodations to split rent and utility costs with roommates.
• Live on-campus or close to your university to save on daily commuting costs.
• Use public transportation instead of taxis or rideshares. Some cities also offer student discounts on transit passes.

• Reduce Daily Expenses and Budget Wisely

To reduce your cost of living, you can try budgeting your daily expenses. Something as simple as cooking your own meals instead of eating out can make a huge change. That’s because groceries would still cost you less than the cheapest restaurant food.

Also, you can buy used textbooks or borrow from the library instead of purchasing new ones.

Pro Tip: Look for student discounts on entertainment, shopping, and services. Many stores and brands offer special rates for students, which can help you save a lot. 

By implementing these cost-saving strategies, you can significantly reduce your study expenses and make your time in Canada more financially manageable.

But saving money is just one part of the equation. Choosing the right university from the start can make an even bigger difference.

That’s where GradRight’s university-search platform helps. Instead of relying on rankings or guesswork, GradRight gives you data-backed university recommendations that align with your budget, career goals, and funding options.

Why use GradRight?

• Personalized university shortlisting using AI-powered analysis of 8 million data points across 40,000+ programs.
• Match scores that help you compare universities based on affordability, ROI, career outcomes, and more.
• Fundable shortlist to ensure your education loan eligibility.
• Exclusive perks like application fee waivers and scholarships.
• Smarter decision-making—no more guesswork, just the right university for you.

With GradRight, you’re not just choosing a university—you’re making a financially sound decision for your future.

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