Thinking about studying in Canada but worried about the costs? Don’t stress. There are some great options if you’re looking for cheap universities in Canada that won’t drain your wallet.
Unlike some countries where higher education comes at no cost, college in Canada is not free. But the good news is it’s often way cheaper than what you’d find in the U.S. or other parts of the world. The trick is knowing where to look for affordable options that still offer great programs.
Let’s get into what it really costs to study in Canada and which cheap universities give you the most bang for your buck.
- Memorial University of Newfoundland
- University of Saskatchewan
- Brandon University
- University of Prince Edward Island
- Université de Saint-Boniface
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Takeaways
Memorial University of Newfoundland
Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) has nearly 18,000 students from over 120 countries, which makes it a diverse place to study. Plus, with a global network of almost 100,000 alumni, MUN has a solid reputation for leadership in research, teaching, and public engagement.
The campus community is welcoming, with about 20% of students coming from outside Canada. So, if you’re looking for quality education in a friendly and diverse environment, MUN is definitely worth considering as one of the cheap universities in Canada.
Tuition fees
MUN is known for having some of the lowest tuition fees around, which is a big win for students on a budget. If you’re an international student, you’re looking at around CAD 21,630 per year for two semesters (about 10 courses).
For Canadian students, the price is even better. Students from Newfoundland and Labrador pay about CAD 6,480 a year, while students from other provinces in Canada pay the same rate. Even with these low costs, MUN doesn’t skimp on quality. It’s well-respected across the country for its strong programs and academic excellence, which makes it a top pick among cheap universities in Canada.
Popular programs
MUN offers a wide selection of programs that cater to various interests and career goals:
- Engineering. MUN offers programs in civil, mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering. They provide you with hands-on projects and industry-relevant skills.
- Business Administration. The business programs prepare you for the global market with courses covering finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship.
- Marine Biology and Environmental Sciences. These programs leverage Newfoundland’s coastal location near the Atlantic Ocean, which allows you to engage in practical fieldwork and research.
- Humanities and Social Sciences. MUN offers comprehensive courses in history, sociology, and psychology, which encourage critical thinking and cultural understanding.
- Computer Science. The curriculum includes courses in artificial intelligence, data science, and software engineering, which equips you for modern tech careers.
Research
When it comes to research, MUN is a big player, especially in ocean studies. More than 40% of its research focuses on the ocean, and in the Faculty of Science alone, that number jumps to 68%. If there’s research happening in the North Atlantic, MUN is probably involved.
The university is part of the Ocean Frontier Institute, a massive $220 million collaborative project that taps into the potential of the world’s oceans. MUN also contributes to Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, a partnership aimed at driving sustainable economic growth through ocean innovation.
As one of Canada’s top 20 research universities, MUN has more than 30 research centers and secured over $130 million in research funding in 2019 to 2020. The university supports its students with more than 1,500 graduate fellowships and 854 PhD students.
In 2020, 64 MUN researchers were recognized on the World’s Top 2% Scientists list, which proves that this university punches above its weight when it comes to research.
Cost of living
The cost of living in Newfoundland is generally more affordable compared to major Canadian cities, which makes MUN one of the more attractive cheap universities in Canada.
Rent prices are about 53.6% lower than in Toronto, and overall living costs are around 20.4% cheaper. You can expect to pay about CAD 1,258.89 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, or around CAD 1,015.83 outside the center.
To help residents manage their expenses, the government has put some cost-of-living measures in place. These include cutting the provincial gas tax by 8.05 cents per liter, which lowers your transportation costs.
University of Saskatchewan
Next on the list of cheap universities in Canada is the University of Saskatchewan (U of S). This place balances quality education and reasonable tuition fees, which makes it popular among students who don’t want to overspend.
Tuition fees
International students at the U of S typically pay around CAD 20,000 to CAD 36,000 per year, depending on the program and course load. While this may seem significant, it’s still cheaper compared to many other Canadian universities. This makes U of S a great option if you’re looking for cheap universities in Canada that offer quality education without the extreme costs.
Popular programs
U of S has a solid lineup of programs that cater to different interests and career goals:
- Agriculture and Bioresources. This program is one of the top in Canada and focuses on sustainable practices and innovative research in agriculture.
- Engineering. U of S offers comprehensive courses in mechanical, civil, and chemical engineering, which emphasize problem-solving and practical skills.
- Health Sciences. Programs in nursing, pharmacy, and public health are known for their rigorous curriculum and practical training opportunities.
- Veterinary Medicine. The Western College of Veterinary Medicine is a standout. It attracts students worldwide with its top-tier animal health education.
- Environmental Science and Sustainability. This program emphasizes cutting-edge research and teaches you to develop practical solutions for global environmental challenges.
Research and innovation
U of S is serious when it comes to research and innovation. In fact, the university brought in a record $323.9 million in research revenue—a huge jump of $85 million from the previous year. They also hit an all-time high with $417 million in awarded research, the most ever in a single year at U of S.
On the innovation side, there were 21 new invention disclosures from researchers across six colleges and schools. U of S has 172 active patent families, where a single patent expands into a global family filed in different jurisdictions.
The university also supports budding entrepreneurs through Opus, their pre-accelerator program, which has helped 61 entrepreneurs in 24 ventures. Plus, there are 117 active licenses under management, which allows outside parties to use U of S inventions.
Facilities and expertise
U of S boasts some top-notch research facilities that are funded by the Canadian Foundation for Innovation, four of which are national research facilities. These include the Canadian Light Source (CLS), the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO), Global Water Futures Observatories (GWFO), and the Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SUPERDARN).
They also have 17 Canada Research Chairs, which attract some of the best minds in fields like engineering, natural sciences, health sciences, and the humanities.
Cost of living
Saskatoon is way more budget-friendly than bigger Canadian cities, which makes U of S one of the top cheap universities in Canada.
Living costs, including rent, are about 22.5% cheaper than in Toronto, and rent alone is a whopping 46.3% lower. If you’re looking for a place to stay, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around CAD 1,325 a month, while going a bit outside the center brings it down to about CAD 1,122.
All in all, Saskatoon offers a more affordable lifestyle for students. With lower living costs and reasonable tuition fees, U of S is a solid pick for getting a quality education without breaking the bank.
Brandon University
Brandon University in Manitoba is perfect if you’re looking for a small, close-knit environment that won’t cost you a fortune. It’s one of the standout cheap universities in Canada that offer both quality and affordability.
Tuition fees
International students typically pay around CAD 16,000 to CAD 18,000 per year, depending on their program and course load. Brandon University is one of the cheapest universities in Canada on this list.
Domestic students enjoy even lower tuition rates, which hovers around CAD 5,230 yearly. If you’re on the hunt for a cheap university in Canada that still offers quality education, Brandon University should definitely be on your radar.
Popular programs
Brandon University has a bunch of programs that cater to different interests:
- Business Administration. This program equips students with essential business skills. It offers streams in General Business, Accounting, and Human Resources.
- Education. BU provides comprehensive teacher education programs, focusing on early, middle, and senior years, as well as specialized programs for Music and Physical Education teachers.
- Music. The School of Music is renowned for its performance and literature programs, including instrumental and conducting streams.
- Environmental Science. This interdisciplinary program offers courses integrating knowledge from biology, chemistry, environmental science, geography, and geology.
Research and achievements
Brandon University has been making some big moves in research and creative projects. It pulled in over $3.2 million in funding from major agencies like the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC). The university is known for research in brain tumor studies, galaxy mapping, environmental conservation, and even music therapy.
Students get in on the action too, with undergrads and grads both winning awards and participating in projects that boost their learning and BU’s growing reputation. This commitment to research helps BU make discoveries and create work that benefits both the university and the wider community.
Living costs
Brandon, Manitoba, is super affordable compared to other cities in Canada. Rent is 56.7% lower than in Toronto, and even eating out costs about 25.1% less. You can get a one-bedroom apartment in the city center for around CAD 1,100 a month, or save more by renting outside the center for about CAD 800.
Transportation costs are also budget-friendly, coming in at 47.8% lower than in Toronto, with a ticket costing only around CAD 1.75. Overall, expect to spend about CAD 8,000 to CAD 10,000 a year on rent, food, and other living expenses. With these low costs, Brandon University stands out as a smart choice for students looking for cheap universities in Canada.
University of Prince Edward Island
University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) is a great fit if you want an affordable, picturesque place to study. This cheap university in Canada offers strong academic programs and an inviting campus atmosphere.
Tuition fees
For international students, UPEI’s tuition is pretty reasonable at around CAD 10,600 per year, or about CAD 5,300 per semester. Domestic students get an even better deal, paying CAD 6,828 for undergraduate studies and between CAD 6,450 to CAD 8,961 for grad programs.
With an acceptance rate of about 60% and a graduation rate sitting around 55%, UPEI has a supportive community with over 4,000 students. If you’re on the lookout for affordable options, UPEI offers fantastic value for both international and local students.
Popular programs
UPEI has a great selection of programs that draw students with different interests:
- Veterinary Medicine. UPEI’s Atlantic Veterinary College is well-known and attracts students from all over the world who are passionate about animal health.
- Biosciences and Health Studies. These programs offer a strong foundation in biological research and provide you with plenty of hands-on lab experience.
- Business Administration. This program prepares students for global business environments with comprehensive courses in management, finance, and marketing.
- Arts and Humanities. UPEI offers courses in literature, philosophy, and history, which provide you with a well-rounded educational experience.
Research and achievements
UPEI doesn’t mess around when it comes to research. The university has 3 Canada Research Chairs, 1 Canada Excellence Research Chair, 1 UNESCO Chair, 3 Endowed Chairs, and even a Chair in L.M. Montgomery Studies and Applied Communication, Leadership, and Culture.
On top of that, there are 8 research institutes and centers, including a world-class vet school and teaching hospital. Recent highlights include a CAD 500,000 grant for a vaccine support program led by Dr. William Montelpare and funding for breast cancer research by Dr. Patrick Murphy.
Cost of living
Charlottetown is a cost-effective place to live, which adds to UPEI’s status as a cheap university in Canada. Rent prices are about 37.7% lower than in Toronto. You can snag a one-bedroom apartment in the city center for around CAD 1,675 or about CAD 1,500 if you go a bit outside.
Getting around is easy on the wallet, too. A one-way ticket on local transport is just CAD 2.00, which is 40.3% cheaper than in Toronto, and a monthly pass will only cost you CAD 40.00, which is 74.4% less. All in all, you can enjoy a comfy lifestyle without breaking the bank while studying at UPEI.
Université de Saint-Boniface
If you’re up for studying in French, Université de Saint-Boniface (USB) is a hidden gem that won’t break the bank. Studying here means you’ll be immersed in a bilingual environment, which is great for future job prospects and language skills.
Tuition fees
For international students, tuition at USB ranges from CAD 11,220 to CAD 15,205 a year. When you add in the cost of books, materials, and medical insurance, you’re looking at a total of around CAD 13,190 to CAD 18,275 for the school year.
Domestic students get an even better deal with average tuition at about CAD 6,900 per year. With these wallet-friendly options, USB is a great cheap university in Canada for bilingual students or anyone wanting to brush up on their French while getting a solid education.
Popular programs
USB has a of solid roster of great programs to match a variety of interests:
- Education. USB’s education programs set you up for teaching at different school levels. They focus on hands-on teaching skills and solid pedagogical knowledge to make sure you’re ready for the classroom.
- Health Sciences. If you’re into healthcare, USB’s nursing and community health programs are top-notch. They’re designed to give you the skills you need for a career in healthcare and help you make a difference in community wellness.
- Business Administration. The business courses here teach you practical skills and knowledge that are essential for the business world. You’ll learn about management, finance, and entrepreneurship to get you career-ready.
- Arts and Humanities. Love literature and history? USB’s Arts and Humanities programs offer courses in French literature, cultural studies, and history, where you can dig deep into Francophone culture while honing your critical thinking and communication skills.
- Translation Studies. USB also offers translation programs that build strong bilingual and translation skills. Perfect if you’re aiming for a career in a multilingual or cross-cultural environment.
Research and achievements
USB’s research is well-known globally, especially in areas related to health and Francophone and Métis identity.
The university’s Research Centre, founded in 1985, is home to notable institutions like the Centre d’études Franco-canadiennes de l’Ouest (CEFCO), Presses universitaires de Saint-Boniface (PUSB), and the Canadian Research Chair on Migrations, Transfers, and Francophone Communities (CRC-MTCF).
They’ve also hosted other major research projects in the past, like the Canada Research Chair on Métis Identity and the Community-University Research Alliance on Francophone Identities in Western Canada. All of this showcases USB’s dedication to advancing research that celebrates and preserves Francophone culture.
Cost of living
The university is in Winnipeg, which is known for being super budget-friendly compared to other Canadian cities. Rent is about 44.8% cheaper than in Toronto, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center going for around CAD 1,273.87. A 3-bedroom apartment costs around CAD 2,041.67, making it a much cheaper option if you find some roommates to share the cost.
Plus, the overall cost of living in Winnipeg is about 11.4% lower than in Toronto. In fact, you’d only need about CAD 6,943.40 in Winnipeg to maintain the same standard of living that CAD 9,000 would get you in Toronto, so you can enjoy city life without going bankrupt and with 2,000 to spare.
Choosing the right university can be challenging, especially when balancing quality and affordability. These cheap universities in Canada prove that you don’t have to compromise on your education to stick to your budget. With options ranging from specialized research programs to diverse course offerings and supportive communities, there’s something for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is college free in Canada for domestic students?
No, college in Canada is not free for domestic students, but many universities offer lower tuition rates for Canadian residents. Schools like Université de Saint-Boniface and Brandon University provide affordable options for domestic students, which make higher education more accessible.
2. What is the average cost of studying in Canada for international students?
The cost of studying in Canada varies by university and program. On average, international students can expect to pay between CAD 10,000 to CAD 36,000 per year at cheap universities in Canada. Schools like UPEI and USB offer tuition rates on the lower end of this range.
3. What can you do with a degree from a cheap university in Canada?
A degree from a cheap university in Canada holds the same value as one from a more expensive institution. Just because it’s affordable doesn’t mean the degree is any less valuable. Graduates can pursue careers in fields like business, engineering, health sciences, and any other field that aligns with your degree. These universities are well-respected and provide the education and training needed to excel in various industries.
Takeaways
Studying in Canada can be both affordable and high-quality if you know where to look. Here are the key points to remember:
- Affordable options exist. Universities like Memorial University of Newfoundland, Brandon University, and the University of Saskatchewan are among the top cheap universities in Canada that offer excellent programs without the hefty price tag.
- From engineering and health sciences to arts and business, these universities provide a range of programs to suit different career paths and interests.
- The cost of living matters. Choosing a university in a city with lower living expenses, like Saskatoon or Brandon, can help you save even more while studying.
- Just because a university is affordable doesn’t mean it compromises on education quality. Degrees from these institutions are respected and open doors to successful careers.
- Looking for the right fit among these cheap universities in Canada? A college admissions consultant can give you personalized advice and help you make the most of your opportunities.
