Introduction
Canada is one of the top study destinations in the world, offering high-quality education and a safe, welcoming environment. However, studying abroad can be expensive—especially for international students. The good news? Canada has many affordable universities that offer excellent programs at a lower cost. In this 2025 guide, we list the top affordable Canadian universities, along with tuition details, scholarship options, and tips for saving money.
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| Affordable Universities in Canada |
Why Study in Canada?
- World-class education with globally recognized degrees
- Opportunities for part-time work and post-study work permits
- Affordable compared to the US, UK, and Australia
- Multicultural society and strong student support systems
- High quality of life and safe living environment
Top 10 Affordable Universities in Canada (2025)
1. Memorial University of Newfoundland
- Location: Newfoundland and Labrador
- Tuition Fees: ~$9,000–$11,000 CAD/year
- Popular Programs: Engineering, Business, Medicine
- Why It’s Affordable: Low tuition + cost of living is one of the cheapest in Canada
2. University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI)
- Location: Charlottetown, PEI
- Tuition Fees: ~$9,500–$11,000 CAD/year
- Popular Programs: Nursing, Computer Science, Education
- Bonus: Small class sizes and coastal campus
3. Brandon University
- Location: Manitoba
- Tuition Fees: ~$8,000–$9,500 CAD/year
- Popular Programs: Arts, Music, Science
- Why Choose It: Known for affordable fees and rural charm
4. University of Manitoba
- Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba
- Tuition Fees: ~$10,000–$13,000 CAD/year
- Popular Programs: Engineering, Health Sciences, Agriculture
- Perk: Offers many scholarships for international students
5. University of Saskatchewan
- Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
- Tuition Fees: ~$12,000–$15,000 CAD/year
- Popular Programs: Medicine, Law, Agriculture
- Scholarships: Up to $20,000 entrance scholarships
6. University of Regina
- Location: Regina, Saskatchewan
- Tuition Fees: ~$10,000–$13,000 CAD/year
- Popular Programs: Arts, Business, Engineering
- Work Options: Strong co-op programs
7. Université de Saint-Boniface
- Location: Manitoba (French-language university)
- Tuition Fees: ~$7,000–$9,000 CAD/year
- Programs: French studies, Nursing, Social Work
- Best For: French-speaking students
8. Mount Allison University
- Location: New Brunswick
- Tuition Fees: ~$10,500–$12,500 CAD/year
- Popular Programs: Fine Arts, Environmental Studies
- Perks: One of the top-ranked undergraduate universities in Canada
9. Cape Breton University
- Location: Nova Scotia
- Tuition Fees: ~$8,500–$11,000 CAD/year
- Popular Programs: Hospitality, Management, Engineering
- Highlight: High acceptance rate and easy application process
10. Athabasca University (Online University)
- Location: Alberta (Distance learning)
- Tuition Fees: ~$9,000–$11,000 CAD/year
- Popular Programs: Business, Health, IT
- Why It’s Unique: Flexible, online, and affordable
Estimated Living Costs in Canada
| Expense | Monthly (CAD) | Yearly (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $400–$800 | $5,000–$9,600 |
| Food | $200–$400 | $2,400–$4,800 |
| Transportation | $80–$150 | $960–$1,800 |
| Health Insurance | $600–$900/year | Included in fees |
| Miscellaneous | $100–$200 | $1,200–$2,400 |
Tips to Save Money as an International Student
- Apply for Scholarships and Bursaries – Many universities offer financial aid based on merit or need.
- Choose Rural or Smaller Cities – Living costs are lower outside Toronto or Vancouver.
- Work Part-Time – Up to 20 hours/week during semester, full-time during breaks.
- Opt for Shared Accommodation – Reduces rent and utility expenses.
- Use Student Discounts – Available on transport, food, books, and more.
Scholarships to Consider in Canada (2025)
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
- Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (U of T)
- University of British Columbia (UBC) International Awards
- Humber College International Entrance Scholarships
- Canada-ASEAN Scholarships
Conclusion
You don’t need to break the bank to study in Canada. Universities like Memorial, Brandon, and UPEI offer quality education at a fraction of the cost. By choosing your destination wisely and taking advantage of scholarships and part-time work, you can get a world-class degree on a budget.
