Most students these days dream of continuing their education in a foreign country. Apart from the opportunity of studying abroad, there is an added advantage of finding a job there and building your career in the best possible way. One of the most popular study abroad destinations among international students, Canada is known for its excellent and affordable education. With tuition fees ranging from CAD 12,000 to CAD 30,000 per year, Canada is one of the most popular destinations for a convenient yet equally excellent education. If you are looking for cheap universities in Canada, we promise you that you are in the right place.
Canada is one of the top five destinations in the world ideal for higher education, offering a wide range of courses. You must explore all the study destinations and find the one that is a blend of the best academic quality, good employment opportunities, feasible education & living cost, and a wonderful living experience. Canada has proved itself to be worthy of being counted among the best study destinations around the globe.
Do you know?
Canada has seen exponential growth in the number of Indian students year after year. According to Statistics, in 2021, 621,565 international students hold study permits for various levels of study. The number of international students in Canada studying only in higher education institutions is currently 388,782 students.
All set? Come along to know more…
Topics covered
What all is covered in this post?
To make it easier for you, we have created a quick guide to everything you need to know about cheap universities in Canada.
Why study in Canada?
There are a few significant pointers that Indian students who want to pursue education in Canada need to consider:
Quality of life
In Canada, both Canadian and international students enjoy a high standard of living. It’s a fantastic place to work and live. In fact, when it comes to quality of life, it ranks first in the world. Four of the top 100 student cities in the world, according to the QS World University Rankings. That’s what attracts international students, right there!
Ample opportunities for research
International students are encouraged to actively participate in research in the fields of medicine, biology, and physiology, according to the National Research Council. International students will have many opportunities to collaborate with different scholars in their fields. One of the most significant advantages of the Canadian education system is that the industry collaborates with universities to promote research and development. When it comes to research infrastructure, some universities, such as the University of Toronto, are considered world leaders.
Affordable course fees and cost of living in Canada
The benefits of studying in Canada for international students are affordable tuition fees compared to other countries. This is the main reason to study in Canada because not every student can afford the high course fees. The cost of living in Canada varies from province to province. A student may need to spend between CAD 800 and CAD 2,000 depending on accommodation, recreation, food, transportation, etc.
The possibility of obtaining a work permit in Canada
An advantage of studying in Canada for Indian students is getting a post-graduation work permit program that allows students to stay and work in the country. A post-graduate work permit cannot be valid for longer than the student’s program of study. This opportunity allows international students graduating from college/university to gain work experience in Canada.
Get the full details: Why study in Canada
Higher studies in Canada – eligibility
If you are planning to study in Canada from India, here are the basic requirements you need to keep in mind:
Note: If you apply to a French-taught program, you need to pass French language tests such as the TCF, TEF, DELF, and DALF. If you are applying to a Master’s or Ph.D. program in Canada, you may be required to provide two academic references along with previous letters of employment. And if you haven’t studied in Canada before, you’ll also need an ECA (Educational Evidence Assessment).
Top 10 cheap universities in Canada
It is very important for you as an international student to look for universities that provide exemplary education and also an education that does not burn a hole in your pockets. Finding a cheap university in Canada is definitely not such a difficult task! Below are some of the most affordable universities in Canada:
- Brandon University
- Concordia University
- Simon Fraser University
- University of Alberta
- University of Calgary
- University of Guelph
- University of Northern British Columbia
- University of Ottawa
- University of Saskatchewan
- University of Winnipeg
Deepen your knowledge about academic options in Canada
About cheap universities in Canada
In this section, we will introduce you to the explanation of the above-mentioned list of cheap universities in Canada:
University of Guelph
The university is considered one of the best low-tuition universities in Canada and as a cheap university in Canada. Students studying at the University of Guelph enjoy a variety of benefits, including scholarships and high research scores. The university offers several programs at various levels, including undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, certificate, and diploma programs.
Take a look at the University of Guelph highlights:
- Popular programs: BA Art History, MEng Biomedical Engineering, MBA, BSc Computer Science, Graduate Certificate Business, BSc Biology, MSc Clinical Studies, etc.
- Average Tuition Fees: 30,000 CAD/ year
- QS World University Rankings 2022: 581-590
Concordia University
Concordia University is Canada’s largest student body with a total enrollment of over 51,000 students. The university offers programs in several fields including mechanical engineering, economics, computer science, marketing, etc. The John Molson School of Business is ranked among the top 10 schools in Canada.
Take a look at the Concordia University highlights:
- Popular programs: BCom, BEng Aerospace Engineering, Master of Supply Chain Management, Master of Applied Computer Science, etc.
- Average Tuition Fees: 22,000 CAD/ year
- QS World University Rankings 2022: 521-530
University of Calgary
Ranked among Canada’s top research universities, the University of Calgary is renowned for offering excellent graduate programs for both international and local students. The university is also ranked first in the list of cheap universities in Canada for international students in 2022 and offers a placement rate of 94%.
Here is the highlight of the University of Calgary:
- Popular programs: BA Anthropology, BSc Geography, MSc Accounting, MSc Software Engineering, etc.
- Average Tuition Fees: 35,000 CAD/ year
- QS World University Rankings 2022: 235
University of Saskatchewan
The University of Saskatchewan is among the top 10 cheapest universities in Canada. The university is famous for being one of Canada’s oldest universities and is part of the U15 group of Canadian research universities. The university also offers numerous scholarships and bursaries to international students.
Here is the highlight of the University of Saskatchewan:
- Popular programs: BSc Biomedical Neuroscience, BSc Computer Engineering MCom, MSc Computer Science, etc.
- Average Tuition Fees: 29,800 CAD/ year
- QS World University Rankings 2022: 458
University of Alberta
The University of Alberta is a very well-known university known for its research intensity around the world. The university offers its students excellent opportunities for employment and career development in Canada. It also boasts an acceptance rate of over 90%, and most importantly, is considered one of the cheapest universities in Canada!
Look at the University of Alberta’s highlights
- Popular programs: BSc Civil Engineering, MSc Dental Hygiene, BCom (Hons), MEng Mechanical Engineering, etc.
- Average Tuition Fees: 30,000 CAD/ year
- QS World University Rankings 2022: 126
List of cheap universities in Canada for undergraduate courses
Accordingly, QS Top Universities and Times Higher Education (THE) have included more than 30 Canadian universities among the best academic institutions in the world. Those thinking of going to Canada should also check the cost of living in Canada for international students and find out about living expenses while there.
- University of Guelph
- Université de Saint-Boniface
- Canadian Mennonite University
- Memorial University of Newfoundland
- Brandon University
List of cheap universities in Canada for postgraduate courses
Most international students who want to get a master’s degree abroad are looking for affordable universities in Canada to continue their higher education. Here is a list of cheap universities offering postgraduate courses in Canada for international students.
- University of Northern British Columbia
- Memorial University of Newfoundland
- Simon Fraser University
- University of Calgary
- University of Saskatchewan
Epilogue
Now that you are armed with this information, we hope you’re ready to make your next big career decision! Still confused? Do dial us up.
iDreamCareer is on a mission to reach every state and every child to ensure that talent is appropriately delivered to the industry.
Talk to our study abroad experts to know yourself in and out! We have helped several brilliant but confused minds to select their most-suited career choices. We have helped many students like Anjana Prasanna who was not very confident about her capabilities. Later with the help of career guidance and moral support from our study abroad experts she got an offer from King’s College London! We have also helped several brilliant but confused minds like Aayush, and Tapan to select their most-suited career choices.
Also Read:
- MBA in Canada
- Canada Student Visa Process & Requirements
- Scholarships for Indian Students in Canada
- What is PGWP Canada: Eligibility, Duration, and Much More
- How to reach colleges abroad?
- EduCanada – Info on International scholarship opportunities for non-Canadians
- Scholarships to Study Abroad for Indian Students
- Diploma Courses in Canada
- Popular PG Diploma Courses in Canada
- Intakes in Canada
- Canada PR
- IELTS Requirement for Canada
- PTE Score for Canada
- Highest Paying Jobs in Canada
- About Studying BBA in Canada
- Best Law Schools in Canada
- Masters in Law in Canada
FAQs
Even Canada’s big cities are relatively more affordable than many cities in the world. You’ll find that some schools offer free tuition, while others cost anywhere from about CAD$2,000 per year to CAD$18,000 per year, depending on the college and your program of study.
Compared to many countries, education in Canada is very affordable. You will probably need between CAD$20,000 and CAD$30,000 each year to pay for your tuition. This range is only an average and will vary depending on the institution and program in which you are enrolled.
Sherbrooke is the cheapest city to live in and is part of southern Quebec. According to Numbeo, it is 12.80% cheaper to live here than in Montreal, and the average rent is 45.27% lower than in Montreal. The cost of living is 13% lower than in Montreal, making it truly one of the cheapest cities to live in Canada.
Anushree Rastogi is a Senior Content Writer at iDreamCareer, bringing over 5 years of expertise to the field of career counseling. She has done a PGDM in Marketing and Finance and possesses a unique blend of skills that allows her to craft engaging and informative content. She is passionate about helping individuals navigate their career paths and has dedicated her career to providing valuable insights through her content. Her commitment to excellence and keen understanding of the career landscape make her a trusted guide for those seeking professional direction. With a flair for clear and engaging writing, Anushree is on a mission to empower others to make informed and fulfilling career choices.
