15 Cheapest Universities in Canada for International Students (Affordable Tuition Guide)

Quick Comparison Table

Compare the 15 cheapest universities in Canada for international students at a glance.
Review tuition ranges, provinces, and top programs to quickly identify the universities
that best fit your budget and academic goals.

1. Memorial University of Newfoundland

Overview

Memorial University of Newfoundland
consistently ranks among the cheapest universities in Canada for international students. It combines affordable tuition with high-quality teaching, strong research opportunities, and internationally recognized degrees. Located
in Newfoundland and Labrador, the university also offers a lower cost of living than many larger Canadian cities, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious students.

Estimated Living Costs

Most international students spend approximately CAD $10,000–$15,000 per year on accommodation, food, transportation, utilities, and personal expenses. Choosing shared housing and managing your monthly budget can further reduce living costs.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Memorial University awards several entrance scholarships, merit-based awards, and graduate funding opportunities
to qualified international students. You can also explore faculty-specific scholarships and bursaries after
enrollment.

Official Scholarship Information:

Memorial University Scholarships and Awards

Admission Requirements

• Complete secondary school or an equivalent qualification.
• Meet the academic requirements for your chosen program.
• Submit official academic transcripts.
• Provide proof of English language proficiency if required.

English Language Options

Memorial University accepts several English proficiency tests, including IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, and other
approved qualifications. Eligible applicants who do not meet the language requirement may qualify for an English
language pathway program.

Best For

Students looking for an affordable Canadian university with strong engineering, business, science, and health-related programs, excellent research opportunities, and a welcoming international student community.

Things to Consider

• Winters are long and colder than in many other Canadian provinces.
• Some competitive programs have limited admission spaces.
• Part-time job opportunities may be fewer than in larger cities such as Toronto or Vancouver.

Estimated Cost of Studying in Canada

Understanding the full cost of studying in Canada helps you create a realistic budget before applying. In addition to tuition fees, you’ll need to plan for accommodation, food, transportation, health insurance, books, and other everyday expenses.

Sample Annual Budgets

Scholarships That Make Affordable Universities Even Cheaper

Even affordable universities can become significantly less expensive when you secure financial aid. Many Canadian universities and provincial governments offer scholarships specifically for international students.

Apply early, meet all eligibility requirements, and submit complete application documents to improve your chances of receiving scholarship funding.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements vary by university and program, but most Canadian institutions expect international applicants to meet the following criteria.

Academic Requirements

• Complete secondary school for undergraduate programs or hold a recognized bachelor’s degree for graduate studies.
• Meet the minimum grade requirements for your chosen program.
• Complete any required prerequisite subjects.

English Language Requirements

• Submit an approved English language test score, such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, or Duolingo English Test, where accepted.
• Some universities waive this requirement if you previously studied in English.

Required Documents

• Completed application form.
• Official academic transcripts.
• Proof of English language proficiency (if required).
• Copy of your passport.
• Statement of purpose or personal statement (where required).
• Letters of recommendation for selected programs.

Application Deadlines

Most universities have separate application deadlines for the Fall, Winter, and Spring intakes. Apply several months before your preferred intake to allow enough time for admission decisions and visa processing.

Study Permit Basics

After receiving a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI), apply for a Canadian study permit. You will typically need proof of admission, financial support, identity documents, and any additional documents requested by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Can You Study in Canada Without IELTS?

Yes. Several Canadian universities accept alternative English language qualifications or may waive the IELTS requirement if you meet specific conditions. Always confirm the latest requirements with your chosen university before applying.

Common IELTS Alternatives

• Duolingo English Test (DET): Accepted by many Canadian universities.
• TOEFL iBT: One of the most widely accepted English proficiency tests.
• PTE Academic: Recognized by numerous Canadian institutions.
• Cambridge English Qualifications: Accepted by selected universities.
• English Language Pathway Programs: Complete a university-approved language program before starting your degree.
• Medium of Instruction (MOI): Some universities waive English test requirements if your previous education was completed in English.

If you’re specifically looking for Canadian universities that accept students without IELTS, explore our detailed guide covering eligible universities, accepted alternatives, admission requirements, and application tips.

How to Choose the Right Affordable University

The cheapest university isn’t always the best choice. Compare tuition, living costs, scholarships, academic quality, and career opportunities to find the university that offers the best overall value for your goals.

Common Mistakes International Students Make

Avoid these common mistakes to save money, improve your admission chances, and make better study decisions.

• Focusing only on tuition fees: Compare your total annual costs, including accommodation, food, transportation, and health insurance.
• Ignoring living expenses: A university with slightly higher tuition may cost less overall if it’s located in a more affordable city.
• Missing scholarship deadlines: Apply early because many scholarships close months before admission deadlines.
• Choosing a program without researching career opportunities: Select programs that align with your long-term employment goals.
• Applying too late: Early applications improve your chances of admission, scholarships, and timely study permit approval.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the cheapest university in Canada for international students?

Memorial University of Newfoundland and Brandon University are widely recognized among the most affordable Canadian universities for international students, offering competitive tuition and relatively low living costs.

Is Canada cheaper than the UK for international students?

In many cases, yes. Canadian universities often offer lower tuition fees and more affordable living costs than universities in the UK, particularly outside major cities.

Can international students work while studying in Canada?

Yes. Eligible international students can usually work part-time during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks, provided they meet the conditions of their Canadian study permit.

Which Canadian province is the cheapest for international students?

Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, Saskatchewan, and New Brunswick are generally among the most affordable provinces for tuition and living expenses.

Are scholarships available for international students?

Yes. Many Canadian universities, provincial governments, and external organizations offer entrance scholarships, merit-based awards, and other financial aid opportunities for international students.

Can I study in Canada without IELTS?

Yes. Some universities accept alternatives such as TOEFL, PTE Academic, Duolingo English Test, or waive the English language requirement if your previous education was completed in English.

How much money do I need to study in Canada?

The amount depends on your university and location. In most cases, you should budget for tuition plus living expenses and demonstrate sufficient financial support when applying for your Canadian study permit.

Start Your Journey to Studying in Canada

Ready to study in Canada? Follow these steps to choose the right university and submit a strong application.

1. Shortlist the universities that match your academic goals and budget.
2. Compare total annual costs, including tuition and living expenses.
3. Review the admission requirements for your preferred program.
4. Search and apply for scholarships as early as possible.
5. Prepare your transcripts, language test results, passport, and other required documents.
6. Submit your university applications before the deadlines.
7. Apply for your Canadian study permit after receiving your admission offer.