
Canada has become an increasingly popular destination for international students, particularly from India, due to its affordable tuition fees, low cost of living, and high-quality education. The country offers a wide range of affordable universities, providing various programs and courses that cater to different educational interests and future goals. In addition to low tuition fees, many Canadian universities also offer scholarships and financial aid options, making them an attractive choice for students seeking a world-class education at a reasonable price.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tuition fees for international students | Bachelor's degrees: $8,700–$54,000 per year. Master's degrees: $4,000–$30,000 per year. |
| Tuition-free universities for international students | University of the People |
| Affordable universities for international students | Memorial University of Newfoundland, University of Guelph, University of Sherbrooke, Brandon University, Université de Saint-Boniface, University of Northern British Columbia, University of Calgary, Simon Fraser University, University of Alberta, University of Waterloo, University in Regina, Saskatchewan, Queen's University at Kingston |
| Student visa requirements | Application cost: $150 CAD. Proof of finances, health, no criminal record, and university acceptance letter required. |
| Benefits of studying in Canada | Affordable education, globally recognised universities, welcoming environment, diverse cultural experiences, high academic standards, co-op education, work entitlements, top-ranked universities, safety and support |
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What You'll Learn

Canada's low tuition fees
Canada is an excellent alternative for international students looking for an affordable degree. The country offers low tuition rates for international and domestic students, with fees generally lower than colleges and universities in Australia, the UK, and the US.
Tuition fees for international students in Canada depend on the type of program and the institution chosen. Bachelor's degrees vary from $8,700 to $54,000 per year, while Master's degrees can range from $4,000 to $30,000 per year. The University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, McGill University, McMaster University, and the University of Montreal are among the top Canadian universities offering more affordable tuition rates than their international counterparts.
Newfoundland is known for having some of the cheapest universities in Canada, while Ontario is home to the most expensive institutions. The Memorial University of Newfoundland, the University of Guelph, and the University of Sherbrooke are specifically mentioned as affordable options for international students pursuing an MBA.
Additionally, public universities in Canada generally have lower tuition fees compared to private institutions. Scholarships and grants are also widely available for international students, further reducing the financial burden.
Living costs in Canada can vary significantly across the country. While large metropolitan areas tend to be more expensive, there are still affordable options for students. The average living cost for a college student in Canada is around $15,000 per year.
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Scholarships and financial aid
Canada offers a wide range of financial aid options to international students to assist with the costs of studying in the country. Here are some of the scholarships and financial aid opportunities available for international students in Canada:
Scholarships
Scholarships are a great way to reduce the financial burden of studying in Canada. Many universities in Canada offer scholarships to international students. These scholarships are typically awarded based on academic merit or specific abilities, with some universities offering entrance scholarships for outstanding academic achievement.
Global Affairs Canada, for example, features international scholarships offered by Canadian governments, foreign governments, non-governmental organizations, and international organizations. The Study in Canada Scholarships provide international students from a wide range of countries and territories with short-term exchange opportunities for study or research at Canadian post-secondary institutions.
There are also external scholarships provided by Canadian government agencies and private organizations. For instance, the Government of Canada International Scholarships website offers awards for study abroad programs and individual students. Additionally, scholarships are available for students from specific regions, such as Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Financial Aid
The Canadian government offers financial aid options for international students, including the Canada Student Loan program, which offers loans with the same terms, including interest rates, as those for permanent Canadian residents. However, international students' eligibility may vary depending on provincial law.
Additionally, individual institutions may offer financial advice and resources for international students. Prospective international students are encouraged to contact universities and colleges directly to learn about available options. International students with a valid study permit may also work up to 20 hours off-campus per week during the semester and full-time during scheduled breaks to supplement their income.
Tuition-Free Universities
The University of the People, a fully online university accredited by an American institution, offers tuition-free programs ranging from Associate to Master's degrees in various fields. Athabasca provides affordable online programs in Business, Health Administration, and Information Technology, with tuition starting at approximately 2,000 CAD per module.
Affordable Universities
The University of Alberta and the University of Waterloo, both highly ranked universities, offer affordable Master's programs. The University of Alberta's Public Health Master's program, for example, is listed at 600 CAD per year, while other degrees cost around 9,000 CAD for international students.
Cost of Living
While tuition fees in Canada are generally lower than in countries like the USA and the UK, the cost of living can vary drastically across the country. Some large metropolis areas may be unaffordable for students, but there are also more affordable locations.
Student Visa Requirements
It is important to note that when applying for a student visa in Canada, you will need to provide proof of finances, health, and well-being, along with a criminal record check and your university acceptance letter.
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Student visa requirements
If you are an international student looking to study in Canada, you will need a student visa if you plan to study for longer than six months. The application can be done online and costs $150 CAD. The government of Canada will ask for proof of finances, health and general well-being, no criminal record, and your university acceptance letter. It is recommended that you begin your student visa application as soon as you receive acceptance into a Canadian university.
You will need to make sure you have the right travel documents before travelling to Canada, including your student visa, visitor visa, study or work permits, or an eTA (electronically linked to your passport). Airline staff and border service officers will ask to see these documents before you board your flight. They will also check your identity to make sure you are the person who was approved to travel to Canada. If your identity cannot be verified, you may be detained by a border services officer.
If you are applying for a visitor visa, study permit, work permit, or to extend your stay as a temporary resident in Canada, and the printed expiry date on your passport has passed, you will need to follow these steps:
- Add 5 years to the printed expiry date shown on your passport and enter it in the expiry date field of the application form.
- Include a letter of explanation with your application stating: “I am a Venezuelan national with a Venezuelan passport, which has been extended for 5 years”.
- Warning: If your passport is still expired after adding 5 years to the printed expiry date, your passport is considered expired, and you are not eligible to submit an application with that passport.
If you are outside of Canada, you may be eligible to apply for a study permit when you arrive at a port of entry. However, if you are already in Canada, you cannot apply for a study permit at a port of entry.
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English-taught degrees
Canada is a great option for international students seeking English-taught degrees at affordable prices. The country's universities are known for their high academic standards, diverse cultural experiences, and welcoming environment.
When it comes to English-taught degrees, here are some of Canada's cheapest universities for international students:
University of the People
The University of the People, also known as UoPeople, is an online university that offers tuition-free programs for applicants from anywhere in the world. It provides high-quality online degree programs with minimal fees and a simple application process. The degrees offered include Business Administration, Computer Science, Health Science, and Education.
Brandon University
Brandon University is among the cheapest universities in Canada, offering significant benefits through academic program partnerships, unique interactions with professors, and research opportunities.
Memorial University (MUN)
Memorial University, also known as MUN, warmly welcomes international students and offers specialized services such as student advising, an internationalization office, and international student groups. MUN provides various degree programs for Bachelor's, Master's, and Certificates, including Master of Ocean Technology, Maritime Management, Technology Management, and Science in Nursing.
University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC)
UNBC is known for its excellent learning environment, innovative architecture, and sustainable practices. It offers a range of degree programs, including MBA, MSc, MEd, MEng, MScN, MSW, Graduate Certificates, and Doctorate programs.
Simon Fraser University
Simon Fraser University, located in British Columbia, is known for its affordability, especially for master's programs. It is the only Canadian research university with US accreditation, making its degrees highly recognized.
University of Saskatchewan
The University of Saskatchewan offers a welcoming environment and affordable tuition fees. It is a public research university that emphasizes research and provides scholarships for international students.
University of Regina
The University of Regina is a public university that provides experiential learning opportunities for its students.
Concordia University
Concordia University, located in Montreal, Quebec, offers a diverse and inclusive campus environment. It is well-regarded for its strong emphasis on research and innovation and is one of the cheapest universities accepting Duolingo and other English tests.
University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI)
UPEI is the only university on Prince Edward Island known for its affordable tuition fees and strong emphasis on research. It offers various undergraduate and graduate programs, making it a popular choice for international students.
University of Alberta
The University of Alberta, located in Edmonton, Alberta, is one of Canada's top research universities. Despite its high ranking and reputation, it offers relatively affordable tuition fees for international students.
University of Winnipeg
The University of Winnipeg offers affordable online or on-campus Management degrees starting at CAD 2,500 per year.
Mount Allison University
Mount Allison University, located in Sackville, New Brunswick, provides affordable Master's programs. One notable example is the Master of Science, with specializations in Biology, Chemistry, and Biochemistry, costing approximately 3,000 CAD per year for both domestic and international students.
University of Waterloo
The University of Waterloo, ranked 7th best in Canada and among the best in the world, offers a few affordable Master's programs.
Athabasca University
Athabasca University provides affordable online programs in Business, Health Administration, and Information Technology, with tuition fees starting at approximately 2,000 CAD per module.
These universities offer a range of English-taught degree programs at affordable prices, making them excellent options for international students seeking quality education in Canada.
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Cost of living
Canada is a popular choice for international students due to its high-quality education, safety, affordability, and welcoming environment. The cost of living in Canada is comparatively lower than in many other countries, making it an attractive option for students.
The cost of living for international students in Canada can vary depending on the location and lifestyle choices. Large cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal tend to have a higher cost of living, including higher rents and transportation costs. However, smaller cities and towns may offer more affordable options for accommodation and daily expenses.
As an international student, you can expect to spend a significant portion of your budget on accommodation. Rent can vary widely depending on the city and the type of accommodation you choose. Sharing an apartment or living in student residences can help reduce costs. Utilities, such as electricity, heating, and internet, can also add to your monthly expenses.
Daily expenses, such as groceries, transportation, and entertainment, will also factor into your cost of living. Groceries and eating out can vary depending on your dietary preferences and the cost of food in your area. Transportation costs can include bus or subway fares, and some students may also choose to have a car, which comes with additional expenses like fuel and insurance. Entertainment expenses can include costs for social activities, leisure, and cultural events, which are an essential part of the student experience.
Additionally, as an international student, you may need to budget for specific expenses, such as health insurance and communication costs. Health insurance is essential, and while some provinces offer public health insurance plans for international students, others may require you to purchase private insurance. Staying connected with family and friends back home is also important, so budgeting for phone plans or internet packages is necessary.
Overall, the cost of living in Canada for international students can vary depending on your location and lifestyle choices. By choosing affordable accommodation options, budgeting for daily expenses, and considering additional costs like health insurance and communication, you can manage your finances effectively during your studies in Canada.
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Frequently asked questions
Canada is a great option for international students as it has a welcoming environment, affordable education, and globally recognised universities. Canada's education system is reputable and comparable to countries such as the UK and the US. The cost of living in Canada is also comparatively low.
Some of the cheapest universities in Canada for international students include Brandon University, Memorial University of Newfoundland, University of Guelph, University of Sherbrooke, University of Calgary, Simon Fraser University, University of Waterloo, University of Alberta, University of the People, and Université de Saint-Boniface.
Yes, University of the People is an online university that offers tuition-free programs for international applicants.
In addition to the typical student application requirements, international students may also need to provide proof of finances, health, and well-being, as well as a criminal record check. A student visa is also required for stays longer than six months, which costs $150 CAD.
































