10 Affordable Colleges in Canada

Canada provides a good opportunity for international students looking to get a quality and affordable education. The country offers one of the lowest tuition fees for both domestic and international students. Additionally, it is a language-friendly environment for English- and French-speaking international students. 

Moreover, a lot of international students choose Canada because of its quality of life, great universities, and low tuition fees. In this article, we look at the 10 most affordable colleges in Canada. 

6 Reasons Why You Should Study In Canada

Canada is one of the top study destinations for international students to further their education, either in undergraduate or postgraduate degree programs. There are a number of factors that push Canada to the forefront of study abroad options, ranging from its high technological standard, natural environment, and high-quality education system; the list goes on and on. Below are some of the reasons why you should choose Canada as your study abroad option.

1. Employment opportunity: 

Studying in Canada helps you get a job once you graduate because many companies are always on the lookout for new individuals with talent. Even if you don’t have a job as soon as you finish schooling, you can apply for a postgraduate work permit, which allows you to gain valuable work experience in Canada. The Canadian government also offers programs for students that allow them to gain work experience.

2. Ease of citizenship: 

Not only is Canada a good choice for students to study, but they can also transition into citizens when they file their documents through the appropriate channels.  When you study in Canada, you can apply for citizenship through two main channels; through the Canadian workforce or through the federal skilled worker program. Permanent citizenship allows you to work and live in Canada and also enjoy all the benefits that are given to its citizens by the Canadian government.

3. Quality education: 

Canadian universities are well recognized all around the world, and their course work is vast, making use of cutting-edge technology to impact the knowledge of their students. Canada is ranked one of the best countries in the world for top-notch and quality education, which also comes with low tuition fees for its international students when compared to other countries that also offer study-abroad options. 

Canadian university certificates are recognized worldwide and are accepted for work anywhere in the world. Aside from education, Canada also offers work and internship opportunities for students while they are still studying to get work experience and also get financial support for themselves.

4. You can enter the Canadian workforce: 

Entering the Canadian workforce is easier, and you can make use of the postgraduate work permit to get employed in Canada. This then makes life easier for international students who wish to stay back in Canada and work after their studies.  Unlike other countries, working in Canada after your studies is considered a very good option, and you can also process your Canadian citizenship while you work.

5. Low tuition fees: 

Although, as an international student, your tuition fees are higher than the citizens of Canada when compared to other countries like the UK and Australia, Canada offers lower tuition fees to international students and also scholarships and some financial grants to support some students from African countries.

6. You can work and study: 

Canada allows its international students to work and study. The students can take up part-time jobs to support themselves financially and also gain work experience. The students are allowed to work for up to 20 hours per week and more when they are on school breaks. Students who work on the university campus do not necessarily need a work permit before they can get a job, but those working outside may have to get a work permit for some jobs.

Top 10 Affordable Colleges in Canada 

1. University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is one of the most prestigious universities in Canada. It is also more affordable when compared to the University of Toronto, where the average tuition fee is between CA $41,540 – $61,350, or the University of British Columbia, which costs between CA $34,276 and $41,156, UCalgary is far more affordable at CA $24,408.  

The university is located in the province of Alberta and has 14 faculties and 85 research institutes and centers. Additionally, it admits over 30,000 students every year. It is also popular for being the alma mater of Garrett Camp (co-founder of Uber).

Tuition Fees: 

The average undergraduate tuition fee is CA $24,408.

The average graduate tuition fee ranges between CA $8,243 and $21,597.

Scholarship options::

• University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship: Two awards of CA $20,000 given to international students entering their first year
• CIBC International Entrance Scholarship: One award of CA $10,000 to an incoming student
• The University of Calgary Award for International Student Athletes

You can check out the detailed list of awards and scholarships here. Additionally, the university offers 250 programs that you can choose from. You make an account on the UCalgary website. 

2. University of Guelph

The University of Guelph is a public research university that is located in Guelph, Ontario. The university was established in 1964, and it consists of seven main faculties under which courses are offered. Note that about 30,000 students study at this university.

Furthermore, the university ranks 591-600 worldwide in the QS Rankings and is also among the top 50 research universities in Canada. 

Tuition Fees: 

The average total fees (winter and fall semesters) of a BSc or BA program are around CA $32,000. 

Average fees for the graduate program range from CA $15,000 to CA $30,000.

Scholarship options:

Note that in 2021-22, over 8,000 students received scholarships worth over CA $25 million.

• The Dr. Franco J. Vaccarino President’s Scholarship
• Academic Leadership Entrance Scholarships
• International Entrance Scholarships
• Quinn Memorial Scholarships
• Hardy International Student Scholarship.

You can read about these scholarships and their requirements here. Additionally, you can access the entire list of programs here.

3. University of Manitoba

The University of Manitoba is located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and was founded in 1877. The school is popular for its research contributions, including the discovery of a treatment for and control of Rh hemolytic disease. 

Furthermore, the school ranks 651-700 worldwide by QS Rankings, as it provides top-notch teaching, learning, and research opportunities in Manitoba. It promotes values like: 

• academic freedom, 
• accountability, 
• collegiality, 
• equity and inclusion, 
• excellence, 
• innovation, 
• integrity, 
• respect, and 
• sustainability. 

Moreover, its high employment rates are just some of the reasons why international students should consider this university.

Tuition Fees: 

The average tuition fee for an undergraduate student ranges from CA $17,000 to CA $25,000. 

Scholarship options:

You can get information on their scholarship opportunities for Manitoba scholarships here.

Check out their master’s program

You can also choose a program to your liking here.

4. University of Saskatchewan

The University of Saskatchewan is based in the city of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. It is a public research university that was founded in 1907. The school began as an agricultural college and grew to be one of the most affordable universities in Canada. 

Furthermore, the university ranks 473rd in the world by QS Rankings and also provides practical hands-on experience through internships and co-op programs. 

Tuition Fees:

The average tuition fee ranges from CA $19,130 to CA $30,060. Which is one of the most affordable fees in Canada.

Tuition fees for courses like Law or Nursing range between CA $40,000 – $55,000.

Scholarship options::

• University of Saskatchewan International Excellence Awards
• International Baccalaureate (IB) Excellence Awards
• USask Bridging Scholarship Awards
• Canadian Curriculum Schools Awards
• Council of International School Awards
• Maple Leaf International School Awards

You can read more about them here. Additionally, you can check out their program list here. Note that the application fee is CA $90.

5. Memorial University of Newfoundland

The Memorial University of Newfoundland, founded in 1925, is a public university with its main campus located in St. John’s. It also has additional campuses in Corner Brook, Saint Pierre, and Harlow. Its motto in Latin is Provehito in Altum, which means ‘Launch forth into the deep’.

The university ranks 751-800 on the QS World University Rankings for 2023 and also provides a number of unique programs for its 19,000 students from over 100 countries. It is also popularly known as one of the top research universities for Ocean studies, Marine Engineering, and Naval engineering.

Tuition Fees:

The average tuition fee for an international student is CA $11,460. Which is one of the most affordable fees in Canada. You can also get details on other expenses and incidentals here.

Scholarship options::

Their international scholarship options are:

• Memorial University of Newfoundland International Entrance Scholarship
• IUGS Entrance Scholarship for Undergraduate Students
• Fortis Inc. – H. Stanley Marshall Scholarship
• Killam American Undergraduate Scholarship
• Don and Mona Dooley (OLOF) Thailand Scholarship
• Shona Perry-Maidment Entrance Award

Note that you can get access to their program list here and pay their non-refundable application fee of CA $120. 

6. Bow Valley College

The Bow Valley College, founded in 1965, is located in downtown Calgary, Alberta. It also has campuses in Airdrie, Banff, Canmore, Cochrane, High River, Okotoks, and Strathmore. The school is one of the most affordable in Canada, with over 17,000 students currently attending.

Furthermore, the university ranks 101 of the top colleges in Canada by Webometrics, and one of its strongest fields is applied research projects. Additionally, the school provides a competency-based education program that helps build graduates who meet industry standards upon graduation.

Tuition Fees: 

The average fee ranges from CA $18,000 to CA $35,000 for diploma and certificate courses, which is one of the most affordable fees in Canada.

Scholarship options:

For more information on Bow Valley Scholarships, follow this link.

Note that the academic requirements vary with each program and you can pick from any of the eligible programs. A hundred courses are offered by the seven specialized schools of Bow Valley College.

• The Chiu School of Business
• The School of Continuing Learning (professional development, continuing education system, and open studies courses)
• The School of Community Studies
• The School of Technology
• The School of Foundational Learning
• The School of Global Access
• The School of Health and Wellness

7. Humber College

Humber College, located in central Toronto, was founded in 1967 and has campuses at the Humber North campus and the Lakeshore campus.

With over 150 programs to choose from, the university is popular amongst international students looking for opportunities in Canada. The programs span bachelor’s degrees, diplomas, certificate courses, postgraduate certificate courses, and apprenticeship programs in over 40 fields of study. 

These programs are designed to guide you toward a definitive career path, and the skill development opportunities here are practically endless.

Tuition Fees:

The annual fees for international students range from CA $12,000 to $22,000. Which is one of the most affordable fees in Canada.

Scholarship options:

The school has numerous scholarship options available

• Humber Entrance Scholarships
• Bachelor’s degree Scholarships
• Awards for EAP Graduates (English for Academic Purposes)
• Flywire Charitable Foundation Scholarships

Finally, you have access to the entire program list here. 

8. Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology

Algonquin College, founded in 1967, is a public college located in Ottawa. It is also a member of Polytechnics Canada, which offers work-centric post-secondary education.

Furthermore, it is one of Canada’s largest colleges. The college is known for: 

• It’s student-oriented atmosphere and multicultural ethos 
• It has an exceptional learning atmosphere. 
• Offering diverse areas of study. 
• It’s application-oriented on-campus training. 
• The college offers over 200 bachelor’s degrees, diplomas, postgraduate diplomas, and certificate programs. 

Tuition Fees: 

The average tuition fee ranges from CA $16,000 to CA $22,000.

Scholarship options:

These are some of its scholarship options for international students

• Arnold Smith Royal Commonwealth Society Scholarship- Ottawa Chapter
• David Phillipe Duguay Scholarship for Academic Achievement
• Gary Neville Memorial Scholarship
• guard.me International Student Scholarship
• Out of this World Scholarship
• Paramedic Scholarship of Excellence
• Revera Living Scholarship

You can also check out the list of all the programs that Algonquin College offers. 

9. Northern Lights College

The Northern Lights College provides one of the most affordable tuition and living costs in British Columbia. The school, which is one of the most reputed colleges in British Columbia, offers international students the advantage of: 

• Applying practical college learning. 
• The chance to apply for a PGWP (Postgraduate Work Permit) on completion of its course. 
• The opportunity to gain good employment with its dynamic local labor markets. 

Additionally, it is easier for international students who graduate from this university to find employment within three months of completion of the course.

Tuition Fees:

The average tuition fee for a year ranges from CA $10,900 to CA $18,556.

Scholarship options::

The college offers both general and program-specific awards, which can be looked into here.

You can also check out the list of all programs at NLC. 

10. Conestoga College

Conestoga College, located in the Ontario province of Conestoga is known for its courses in polytechnics. The college also provides opportunities for students to: 

• Participate in applied research. 
• Get to work with real-world industry clients and develop solutions for them. 
• Keep updated on the latest needs of the industry and shape their careers. 
• Choose from over 300 programs. 

Tuition Fees:

For international students, the average tuition fee is about CA $10,500 to CA $12,000 per year. Which is one of the most affordable fees in Canada.

Scholarship options:

You can get the full details of the scholarships here.

You can also check out their program list here. 

Let’s Help You

Wondering how to go about your admission processing into schools in the US and Canada? Don’t worry! We’ve got your back! Enrolling in the top universities in the world can increase your chances with employers. Unfortunately, it can be quite expensive to study abroad due to the current economic crisis. But this shouldn’t limit you as there are other options you can explore to enhance your career. 

MPower Finance and Prodigy Finance are some of the best student loan providers for international students. They also do not require any cosigner or collateral before application. At EdXtra Associates, we can help you with your loan application process. We also provide educational consultancy services for international students to help make your journey easier and faster. You can reach out to us, as we’d love to guide you through this journey. 

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