Pursuing higher education at the cheapest universities in Canada offers international students access to world-class programs, multicultural experiences, and a clear path to career growth.
However, the cost of tuition can be a significant barrier, especially for students with limited financial resources or those holding HND certificates or second-class lower degrees.
Fortunately, affordable Canadian universities with scholarships provide an ideal solution. These institutions offer low tuition, financial aid, and inclusive admission pathways for students with varying academic profiles.
In this guide, we’ll uncover the cheapest universities in Canada for international students, along with application tips, scholarship opportunities, and the steps to begin your Canadian study journey in 2025.
Top 10 Cheapest Universities in Canada for International Students
Below is a curated list of low tuition universities in Canada 2025, all of which are Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) and eligible for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP).
1. Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN)
Tuition: CAD 6,390/year (undergraduate & graduate)
Scholarships: Entrance scholarships up to CAD 6,000; automatic consideration
Key Info: IELTS 6.5–7.0; graduate diplomas in Maritime Studies and Applied Arts; January & September intakes; PGWP-eligible
2. University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC)
Tuition: CAD 7,645/year (UG); CAD 7,494 (Grad)
Scholarships: Merit-based awards for international students; graduate scholarships available
Key Info: IELTS 6.5; offers graduate certificates in Environmental Practice; PGWP-approved
3. Brandon University
Tuition: CAD 8,000–9,933/year
Scholarships: Automatic entrance scholarships and need-based bursaries
Key Info: IELTS 6.5; graduate diplomas in Rural Development and Mental Health; PGWP-eligible
4. Canadian Mennonite University (CMU)
Tuition: CAD 10,003/year
Scholarships: Leadership and merit-based scholarships
Key Info: IELTS 6.5; flexible graduate admission for HND holders; PGWP-eligible
5. University of Saskatchewan
Tuition: CAD 12,900/year
Scholarships: International Excellence Awards (CAD 10,000+); OGS scholarships (CAD 5,000/term)
Key Info: IELTS 6.5; accepts 2nd class degrees for postgrad diplomas; PGWP-approved
6. University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI)
Tuition: CAD 16,236/year
Scholarships: CAD 1,000–3,000 entrance awards; renewable based on GPA
Key Info: IELTS 7.0; graduate certificates in Tourism Management; PGWP-eligible
7. University of Alberta
Tuition: CAD 14,568–30,000/year (depending on program)
Scholarships: Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship (CAD 10,800); competitive entrance awards
Key Info: IELTS 6.5; flexible entry to postgrad certificates; PGWP-eligible
READ ALSO: U.S. Universities Now Waiving Application Fees for Scholarship Applicants – Here’s the List
8. University of Calgary
Tuition: From CAD 4,319 per course (Grad – course-based programs)
Scholarships: Schulich Leader (CAD 60,000–80,000); QEII Graduate Scholarship (CAD 10,800)
Key Info: IELTS 6.5; accepts international credentials; PGWP-eligible
9. St. Francis Xavier University (StFX)
Tuition: CAD 8,000–12,000/year (UG); varies for grad
Scholarships: CAD 5,000–32,000 entrance awards; equity bursaries for underrepresented students
Key Info: IELTS 6.5; PGWP-approved; strong support for international learners
10. University of New Brunswick (UNB)
Tuition: CAD 12,000–15,000/year
Scholarships: Blake-Kirkpatrick and Loran Awards; automatic merit-based entrance grants
Key Info: IELTS 6.5; graduate diplomas in business and technology; PGWP-eligible
Real Student Success Story
Samuel from Nigeria came to Canada with an HND in Electrical Engineering and a second-class lower GPA. He enrolled in a Postgraduate Certificate in Energy Systems at the University of Alberta.
Thanks to strong recommendation letters and a compelling statement of purpose, he secured a CAD 10,800 Queen Elizabeth II Scholarship. Today, he works full-time in Alberta and is on track for permanent residency through Express Entry.
Your academic past doesn’t define your future, affordable Canadian universities with scholarships can help you bridge the gap and transform your potential.
How to Apply to the Cheapest Universities in Canada
1. Research and Shortlist
Start by identifying schools that match your career goals, preferred provinces, tuition limits, and academic credentials. Use trusted sources like EduCanada.ca and ScholarshipsCanada.com to explore options.
2. Prepare Your Application
Gather the following:
Certified academic transcripts
A clear and concise Statement of Purpose (SOP)
2–3 strong recommendation letters
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or waiver request)
Focus on highlighting your achievements, resilience, and leadership qualities, especially if your academic record is average.
3. Apply for Scholarships
Many schools automatically assess scholarship eligibility during admission. For others:
Apply early
Ensure essays are tailored
Demonstrate financial need, academic merit, or extracurricular impact
4. Submit Applications Early
Deadlines are typically 6–9 months before intake (January or September). Applying early increases your chance of getting both admission and funding.
5. Beware of Scams
Avoid agencies that ask for payment upfront in exchange for guaranteed admission or scholarships. Always use official university websites or credible platforms like EduCanada.ca.
Choosing from the cheapest universities in Canada for international students lets you invest wisely in your future and avoid unnecessary debt.
Why Study at Canada’s Cheapest Universities?
Studying in Canada offers more than a degree, it’s a life-changing investment in your future. Here’s why thousands of students choose affordable Canadian universities:
Quality education at affordable rates compared to the US, UK, or Australia
Work opportunities during and after studies with the PGWP
Multicultural environment that fosters global networking
Supportive immigration policies for skilled graduates
Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) for permanent residency
Choosing to study in Canada on a budget doesn’t mean compromising your goals. These institutions provide recognized qualifications, career services, and global recognition, helping you unlock long-term success.
FAQs
Q: Which Canadian universities have the lowest tuition for international students?
A: MUN (~CAD 6,390), UNBC (~CAD 7,645), Brandon University (CAD 8,000–9,933), and CMU (~CAD 10,000) are among the most affordable.
Q: Can I study in Canada with an HND or second-class lower degree?
A: Yes! Many universities accept HNDs or 2nd-class lower degrees for graduate certificates, diplomas, or conditional master’s admission.
Q: Are all these universities PGWP-eligible?
A: Yes. All the universities listed are Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) and eligible for Post-Graduation Work Permits.
Q: What IELTS score is required?
A: Most universities require IELTS 6.5–7.0. Some may offer waivers for applicants from English-speaking countries.
