If you have the ambition to study abroad, but cannot afford education in advanced countries like the USA, the UK and Australia, then you need to head north to Canada. There are lots of cheap universities for international students in search of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Canada.
For over 10 years now, Canada has successfully established itself as one of the top destinations for international students from around the globe. Canada has earned this reputation not only because of its cheap colleges, cultural assimilation and low general cost of living but also because of the superior quality of education being imparted through Canadian universities. Canada has proved itself as a much viable option for English speaking population of the world as other countries such as Germany or China have language barriers.
This article is written with the intention of providing our readers with the list of the cheapest universities in Canada for International students, and we hope that this list would serve as an instrument in their selection of Canadian University. But before we present the list of the cheapest colleges in Canada, let’s take a look at two important aspects of living abroad: the cost of living in Canada and the requirements for admission to Canadian universities.
Monthly Cost of living in Canada
The overall cost of living in Canada is estimated to be on the average of $600 to $800 per month. This covers the cost of accommodation, groceries, medicals, food, bus fare, etc.
Here’s a breakdown of the total living cost:
- Tuition fees: The tuition fees for international students in Canada can range from CAD 15,000 to CAD 40,000 per year, depending on the program and the university.
- Accommodation: The cost of accommodation can vary based on the location and the type of housing. For example, on-campus residence can cost between CAD 5,000 and CAD 10,000 per year, while off-campus housing can cost between CAD 6,000 and CAD 12,000 per year.
- Food: The cost of food can range from CAD 3,000 to CAD 5,000 per year, depending on the eating habits and preferences of the student.
- Transportation: The cost of transportation can vary depending on the location of the university and the mode of transportation chosen. A monthly transit pass can cost around CAD 100 to CAD 150 per month.
- Health Insurance: International students in Canada are required to have health insurance. The cost of health insurance can range from CAD 600 to CAD 1,000 per year.
You can read extensively for living expenses for international students in Canada to get a clearly picture of your average monthly expenses.
Let’s now look at the requirements for admission into these low tuition fee university in Canada.
Admission Requirements and How to Apply
Applying to any Canadian university as an international student takes different methods. All the universities have different requirements for admission and as such, You will need to visit the web page of any institution you may wish to apply for specific guidelines on that. Most of the universities have a general requirement for admission so If you want to apply for graduate studies in Canada, you will have to pass through these steps below:
- Fill in an application form online
- Submit your qualifications and transcripts
- The language of instruction is often based on the program you are applying for. But most Canadian universities require proof of proficiency in English or French.
- Submit letters of recommendation
- You will be required to write a letter of explanation or statement of purpose. This is an essay explaining why you chose to prefer Canada as your choice of study country.
- If you are an international student that finished your undergraduate program in Canada, you may be asked to pay an International Credential Evaluation fee so that your qualifications will be made valid.
- Finally, after your admission is guaranteed, you have to apply for a visa or study permit, and can also apply for scholarships or grants.
Cheapest Universities in Canada For International Students
Memorial University of Newfoundland:
Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) is a public university located in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. It was established in 1925 as a memorial to Newfoundlanders who lost their lives during World War I.
MUN offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including arts, business, education, engineering, medicine, music, nursing, and science. It is particularly known for its programs in marine biology and ocean sciences.
MUN tuition fees for international students, Memorial University of Newfoundland is considered one of the more affordable options in Canada.
The tuition fee for undergraduate international students at MUN is CAD $11,000 to $12,000 per year, while the tuition fee for graduate international students is CAD $5,500 to $6,500 per year.
The university also offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to international students, which can help offset the cost of tuition and living expenses
Brandon University:
The Brandon University has really established a great reputation for itself as one of the cheapest college for international students in Canada. Statistics from Brandon University of 2013 shows that there are 176 international students at Brandon University. This number comprises almost 16.7% of the total student population Brandon University. The Brandon University offers international students a wide variety of courses and the teaching is quality orientated based on small class size. Moreover, the university is offering scholarships for brilliant students.
Quick Stats:
Annual International Tuition Fee for 2024:
Undergraduate Programs: CAD $16,000 per year
Master Programs: CAD $11,000 per year.
Percentage of International Students: 18.7%
Student Body:
Number of students: 2,940
2670 undergraduate and 270 postgraduates students
Location: Brandon, Manitoba Canada.
Website: https://www.brandonu.ca/
Athabasca University:
Athabasca University is a public distance education university located in Athabasca, Alberta, Canada. It was founded in 1970 and is known for its flexible learning options that allow students to study from anywhere in the world.
Athabasca University offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including arts, business, education, health, science, and technology. The university is particularly known for its online programs and courses, which allow students to complete their studies from their own locations on their own schedules.
As for the tuition fees for international students, Athabasca University is considered one of the most affordable options in Canada.
School fees for undergraduate international students at Athabasca University is CAD $9,000 per year, while the tuition fee for graduate international students is CAD $10,000 per year.
While Athabasca University does not have a physical campus, it does offer a number of support services for online students, including academic advising, tutoring, and library services. Overall, Athabasca University is a good option for international students who are looking for an affordable and flexible education in Canada, especially if they are interested in distance education.
University of Lethbridge:
The University of Lethbridge is one of the cheapest college for international students in Canada. The Statistics taken from the university in 2022 from the University shows that there are 2,872 international students at University. This figure comprises almost 11% of the total student population at the University. The University of Lethbridge offers a wide variety of research-oriented programs. It is important to note that the university Lethbridge usually offers scholarships for brilliant students. It also offers on-campus jobs for international students too. The percentage of graduates getting a job in Canada after the completion of a degree from Lethbridge is substantial.
Quick Stats:
Annual International Tuition Fee for 2024:
Undergraduate Programs: $10,370
Student Body:
Number of students: 9,150
8,631 undergraduate and 519 postgraduates students.
Location: Lethbridge, Alberta Canada
Website: http://www.uleth.ca/
Saint Mary’s University:
St. Mary’s University is among the cheapest universities for international students in Canada. Statistics from Saint Mary’s University shows that there are 751 international students currently completing their degrees at Saint Mary’s University. The University offers a wide variety of research-oriented programs. Saint Mary’s University also offers scholarships for brilliant students.
Quick Stats:
Annual International Tuition Fee for 2024:
Undergraduate Programs: $12,500
Master programs: $12,000 to $15,000
Percentage of International Students: 10.1%
Student Body:
Number of students: 7,586
6,904 undergraduate and 682 postgraduates students.
Location: Nova Scotia, Canada
Website: http: http://www.smu.ca/
University of Northern British Columbia:
The University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) is a public university located in Prince George, British Columbia, Canada. It was founded in 1990 and has a student population of approximately 4,000.
UNBC offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including arts, business, education, health sciences, sciences, and social sciences. It is particularly known for its programs in forestry, natural resources, and environmental studies.
The University of Northern British Columbia is considered one of the cheapest tertiary institutions in Canada. Tuition fee for undergraduate international students at UNBC is approximately CAD $19,000 per year, while the tuition fee for graduate international students is CAD $9,000 per year.
UNBC also offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to international students, which can help offset the cost of tuition and living expenses. Overall, UNBC is a good option for international students who are looking for an affordable education in Canada, especially if they are interested in the programs offered by the university.
University of Manitoba:
The University of Manitoba is a public research university located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. It was founded in 1877 and has a student population of over 30,000. The population is as a result of the cheap tuition fee. It is in fact rated among the top 3 cheapest universities in Canada. Admission into UoM is very stratight forward so long as you meet the requirements.
The University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including arts, business, engineering, environment, health sciences, law, medicine, music, and science.
The tuition fee for undergraduate international students at the University of Manitoba is CAD $17,000 to $19,000 per year, while the tuition fee for graduate international students is CAD $9,000 to $12,000 per year.
The University of Manitoba also offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to international students, which can help offset the cost of tuition and living expenses. Additionally, the university has a large international student community, with students from over 120 countries, which can help make the transition to studying in Canada easier.
Simon Fraser University:
Simon Fraser University (SFU) is a public research university located in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada. It was founded in 1965 and has a student population of approximately 35,000.
The school fees for undergraduate international students at SFU is CAD $24,000 per year, while the tuition fee for graduate international students is estimated to be between CAD $8,000 and $12,000 per year.
SFU also offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to international students, which can help offset the cost of tuition and living expenses. Additionally, the university has a large international student community, with students from over 130 countries, which can help make the transition to studying in Canada easier.
University of Saskatchewan:
The University of Saskatchewan (U of S) is a public research university located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. It was founded in 1907 and has a student population of approximately 25,000.
The tuition fee for undergraduate international students at U of S is CAD $20,000 to $23,000 per year, while the tuition fee for graduate international students is from CAD $8,000 to $12,000 per year.
University of Prince Edward Island:
The University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) is a public university located in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada. It was founded in 1969 and has a student population of approximately 4,600.
UPEI offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including arts, business, education, engineering, nursing, science, and veterinary medicine.
UPEI tuition fee for undergraduate international students at UPEI is CAD $13,000 to $16,000 per year, while the tuition fee for graduate international students is from CAD $10,000 to $12,000 per year.
UPEI also offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to international students, which can help offset the cost of tuition and living expenses. Additionally, the university has a small international student community, which can provide a close-knit and supportive learning environment.
University of Regina:
The University of Regina is a public research university located in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. It was founded in 1911 and has a student population of approximately 16,000.
The University of Regina offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including arts, business, education, engineering, fine arts, health sciences, kinesiology, science, and social work.
The University of Regina tuition fee for undergraduate international students at the University of Regina is CAD $20,000 to $23,000 per year, while the tuition fee for graduate international students is CAD $8,000 to $12,000 per year.
The University of Regina also offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to international students, which can help offset the cost of tuition and living expenses. Additionally, the university has a large international student community, with students from over 90 countries, which can help make the transition to studying in Canada easier.
University of Guelph:
The University of Guelph is a public research university located in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. It was founded in 1964 and has a student population of approximately 32,000.
The University of Guelph offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including arts, business, engineering, environment, health sciences, social sciences, and veterinary medicine. It is particularly known for its programs in agriculture, food, and veterinary sciences.
The University of Guelph is considered one of the most affordable options in Canada for international students. The University of Guelph school fees is within the ranges of CAD $28,000 to $33,000 per year, while the tuition fee for graduate international students is CAD $12,000 to $17,000 per year.
Hope this was informative enough? if you have any question(s) as regards the top best cheap colleges in Canada for international students, fees, cost of living and admission requirements, simply scroll down to the comment section below, post your questions and we will shall respond in no time.
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