Canada's government set a target of 437,000 study permits for 2025. It is no surprise that it has been an attractive study destination for international students. If you're planning to study any of your choice of courses in Canada, this guide will help you find affordable options.
Key Highlights
The cheapest universities in Canada include the University of Calgary, Simon Fraser University, and the University of Saskatchewan.
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The tuition fees at the affordable universities in Canada range from CAD 18,000 (INR 11.37 lakhs) to CAD 35,000 (INR 22.12 lakhs) per year for undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
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The best programs to study in Canada in the low-cost universities are Business Administration, Engineering, Computer Science, Nursing, and Arts.
Table of Content
Cheapest Universities in Canada for International Students
Affordable universities in provinces like Newfoundland, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan offer tuition fees starting as low as CAD 18,000 per year (INR 11.37 L), making studying in Canada accessible.
The table below includes the list of affordable universities in Canada, along with their provinces and QS World Ranking 2026:
|
University Name |
Province |
QS World University Rankings 2026 |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Calgary |
Alberta |
211 |
|
Simon Fraser University |
British Columbia |
308 |
|
University of Saskatchewan |
Saskatchewan |
378 |
|
Concordia University |
Quebec |
465 |
|
University of New Brunswick |
New Brunswick |
622 |
|
University of Manitoba |
Manitoba |
643 |
|
Memorial University of Newfoundland |
Newfoundland and Labrador |
660 |
|
University of Regina |
Saskatchewan |
1001-1200 |
|
University of Lethbridge |
Alberta |
N/A |
|
Lakehead University |
Ontario |
N/A |
Let’s dive deeper into each university and find out what they have to offer:
University of Calgary
Avg tuition fee: CAD 20,000-25,000 (INR 12.64 lakhs - INR 15.80 lakhs)
Programs offered: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Engineering, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Nursing
The University of Calgary is known for its science and business programs, and you can start in Fall, Winter, or Spring. Teachers use fun labs and projects to help you learn about energy and health. About 94 out of 100 students get jobs soon after finishing, so you can earn good money in fields like oil or nursing.
Simon Fraser University
Avg tuition fee: CAD 30,000-33,000 (INR 18.96 lakhs - INR 20.85 lakhs)
Programs offered: Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Computer Science, Bachelor of Engineering, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science
Simon Fraser University, near Vancouver, is great for tech and business, with classes starting in Fall, Winter, or Spring. You can work at real companies during school, which helps you learn what jobs are like. Over 93 out of 100 students find jobs quickly, making it a smart choice for tech or money-related careers.
University of Saskatchewan
Avg tuition fee: CAD 30,000-35,000 (INR 18.96 lakhs - INR 22.12 lakhs)
Programs offered: Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Bachelor of Engineering, Bachelor of Computer Science, Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Arts
The University of Saskatchewan is awesome for farming and health studies, and you can join in Fall, Winter, or Spring. Teachers let you work in fields or labs to practice what you learn, especially in Saskatchewan’s science world. About 95 out of 100 students get jobs fast, so it’s a great pick for farming or nursing.
Concordia University
Avg tuition fee: CAD 20,000-25,000 (INR 12.64 lakhs - INR 15.80 lakhs)
Programs offered: Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Engineering, Bachelor of Computer Science, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts
Concordia University in Montreal is popular for art, business, and engineering, with start times in Fall, Winter, or Spring. Classes include fun projects and teamwork with companies, so you learn to be creative. Around 91 out of 100 students get jobs soon in movies, games, or business.
University of New Brunswick
Avg tuition fee: CAD 18,000-20,000 (INR 11.37 lakhs - INR 12.64 lakhs)
Programs offered: Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Engineering, Bachelor of Computer Science, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science
The University of New Brunswick is famous for engineering and forest studies, and you can start in Fall, Winter, or Spring. Teachers give you small classes and chances to do research, perfect for learning about nature. Over 92 out of 100 students find jobs quickly in engineering or forest work.
University of Manitoba
Avg tuition fee: CAD 20,000-25,000 (INR 12.64 lakhs - INR 15.80 lakhs)
Programs offered: Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Engineering, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Arts
The University of Manitoba in Winnipeg is great for business and health, with classes starting in Fall, Winter, or Spring. You learn in small groups and work with local businesses or hospitals, which makes learning fun. About 93 out of 100 students get jobs soon, so it’s a good choice for business or nursing careers.
Memorial University of Newfoundland
Avg tuition fee: CAD 20,000-22,000 (INR 12.64 lakhs - INR 13.90 lakhs)
Programs offered: Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Computer Science,
Bachelor of Engineering, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science
Memorial University is renowned for its strong STEM and business programs, with intakes available in Fall, Winter, and Spring. You get to use cool labs and work on projects about the sea, which is exciting. Around 91 out of 100 students get jobs fast in the tech or fishing industries.
University of Regina
Avg tuition fee: CAD 22,000-25,000 (INR 13.90 lakhs - INR 15.80 lakhs)
Programs offered: Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Engineering, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Nursing
The University of Regina excels in business and engineering, providing intakes in Fall, Winter, and Spring. Classes include projects with local companies, so you learn what work is like. Placement rates are around 92%, ensuring strong ROI in public sector and tech roles.
University of Lethbridge
Avg tuition fee: CAD 18,000-20,000 (INR 11.37 lakhs - INR 12.64 lakhs)
Programs offered: Bachelor of Management, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Fine Arts
The University of Lethbridge is noted for its management and sciences programs, offering intakes in Fall, Winter, and Spring. The personalized teaching style features small classes and mentorship. Around 89 out of 100 students get jobs soon in schools or businesses.
Lakehead University
Avg tuition fee: CAD 28,000-30,000 (INR 17.69 lakhs - INR 18.96 lakhs)
Programs offered: Bachelor of Engineering, Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Arts
Lakehead University is recognized for engineering and natural sciences, with flexible Fall, Winter, and Spring intakes. You learn by doing outdoor projects and working with companies, which is fun. About 90 out of 100 students get placed in engineering or health.
Affordable Universities in Canada for Undergraduate Courses
Public universities in Canada, like those in Manitoba and Nova Scotia, provide quality education with fees often below CAD 25,000 per year, ideal for international students on a budget.
The table below contains low-cost universities in Canada where you can pursue a UG course:
|
University |
Province |
Popular Programs Offered |
|---|---|---|
|
Prince Edward Island |
Biology, Business Administration, Veterinary Medicine, Computer Science |
|
|
Manitoba |
Music, Psychology, Environmental Science, Business Administration |
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Nova Scotia |
Business Administration, Engineering Technology, Public Health, Sustainable Energy |
|
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Nova Scotia |
Biology, Business Administration, Computer Science, Environmental Science |
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New Brunswick |
Arts in Psychology, Science in Biology, Music, Business Administration |
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British Columbia |
Business Administration, Data Science, Environmental Science, Nursing |
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British Columbia |
Biology, Business Administration, Computer Science, Tourism Management |
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Ontario |
Business Administration, Computer Science, Psychology, Biology |
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Ontario |
Education, Nursing, Business Administration, Criminal Justice |
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Ontario |
Engineering, Arts, Science in Biology, Business Administration |
Cheapest Universities in Canada for Postgraduate Courses
Postgraduate studies in Canada are cost-effective at universities focusing on research and practical skills, with many options under CAD 20,000 per year.
The table below gives a clear overview of the cheapest universities in Canada for a postgraduate course:
|
University |
Province |
Popular Programs Offered |
|---|---|---|
|
Manitoba |
Education, Social Work, Health Sciences, Public Administration |
|
|
Manitoba |
Music, Peace and Conflict Studies, Business Administration, Theology |
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Alberta |
Business Administration, Environmental Studies, Nursing, Data Science |
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Alberta |
Business Administration, Nursing, Environmental Science, Public Relations |
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Alberta |
Business Administration, Nursing, Arts in Psychology, Health Sciences |
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Alberta |
Education, Business Administration, Environmental Science, Psychology |
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Quebec |
Business Administration, Engineering, Computer Science, Environmental Studies |
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Quebec |
Biology, Business Administration, Education, and Marine Sciences |
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Universite du Quebec en Outaouais |
Quebec |
Education, Business Administration, Social Work, Computer Science |
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Quebec |
Engineering, Nursing, Business Administration, Education |
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Cost of Studying in Canada for Indian Students
Canada offers affordable higher education compared to the US and UK, with annual expenses, including fees and living costs, typically ranging from INR 31.75 lakhs to 76.2 lakhs (CAD 50,000 to 120,000).
Tuition Fees
Affordable tuition fees for international students in Canada come with the following options in provinces like Manitoba and Saskatchewan:
|
Programme |
Average Annual Fee (INR) |
Average Annual Fee (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Undergraduate (UG) |
INR 25.4 - 46.3 lakhs |
CAD 40,000 - 73,000 |
|
Postgraduate (PG) |
INR 15.9 - 41.3 lakhs |
CAD 25,000 - 65,000 |
|
MBA |
INR 31.8 - 63.5 lakhs |
CAD 50,000 - 100,000 |
|
Diploma Courses |
INR 9.5 - 25.4 lakhs |
CAD 15,000 - 40,000 |
|
PhD |
INR 12.7 - 31.8 lakhs |
CAD 20,000 - 50,000 |
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Canada varies by city and lifestyle, with smaller cities like Winnipeg being more affordable than Toronto.
Check the table below for a detailed version of the expenses in Canada:
|
Expense |
Average Annual Cost (INR) |
Average Annual Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Accommodation |
INR 4.4 - 12.7 lakhs |
CAD 7,000 - 20,000 |
|
Food & Groceries |
INR 1.9 - 4.1 lakhs |
CAD 3,000 - 6,500 |
|
Transportation |
INR 76,000 - 2.2 lakhs |
CAD 1,200 - 3,500 |
|
Health Insurance |
INR 57,000 - 1.6 lakhs |
CAD 900 - 2,500 |
|
Miscellaneous (Entertainment, Internet, Utilities) |
INR 1.3 - 2.5 lakhs |
CAD 2,000 - 4,000 |
|
Total |
INR 6.35 - 15.88 lakhs |
CAD 10,000 - 25,000 |
Can You Study in Canada for Free?
Studying in Canada for free is not entirely possible, but international students can significantly reduce costs through fully funded scholarships, assistantships, and part-time work opportunities. Some universities offer tuition waivers for high-achieving students, and several government-funded scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, and even travel costs.
However, most students will still have some out-of-pocket expenses, such as visa fees and health insurance.
Here are some ways to study in Canada for free or at low cost:
- Fully funded scholarships: Some universities and the Canadian government offer full scholarships. These usually cover both tuition and living expenses.
- University fee waivers: A few universities give partial or full tuition waivers. These are based on good grades, financial need, or leadership qualities.
- Assistantships: If you’re a graduate student, you can work as a research or teaching assistant. You get paid for your work, which helps cover tuition and living costs.
- Part-time jobs: International students can work up to 20 hours per week during classes and full-time during breaks. This helps manage daily expenses.
- Co-op or internships: Some programs offer paid internships. This helps you earn money and gain work experience at the same time.
If Not Canada, Which Country is Affordable for Studying Abroad?
If studying in Canada doesn’t work out for you, don’t worry. There are plenty of other countries that offer good education at affordable prices, along with strong post-study work options.
- Germany: Public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees for most programmes, especially in engineering, tech, and business. It’s a great option if you’re looking for quality education without the high cost.
- Australia: Known for its top universities and student-friendly environment. You can also work after graduation through the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485), which helps if you're thinking about settling down there.
- Ireland: A great place for students in tech, finance, and healthcare. Tuition is reasonable, and you can stay back and work after your course ends.
- New Zealand: Offers a mix of affordable tuition and a good quality of life. It also has a clear pathway for work and permanent residency after graduation.
- France: Public universities charge very low tuition fees, even for international students. You can also work part-time while studying, which helps manage living costs.
From the Desk of Yocket
Canada offers budget-friendly universities that attract many international students. Choosing an affordable school can be tough, so research programs and scholarships thoroughly. Prioritize universities with strong career outcomes to maximize value.
These schools provide quality education through lectures, projects, and internships. Yocket Premium offers personalized guidance to pick the right university and secure scholarships. Get expert support to streamline your study abroad journey.
