Studying in Canada is a dream for many international students, but tuition fees can definitely feel intimidating. The bright side is that Canada has plenty of budget-friendly universities that still deliver strong academics and great campus experiences. Here’s a clear look at the top 20 low-tuition universities in Canada for international students in 2026, along with their average annual fees, popular programs, and what makes each option affordable and appealing.
Canada offers world-class education, multicultural campuses, and post-study work opportunities. Choosing a cheapest university in Canada helps you:
Save money on tuition and living costs
Still gain a globally recognized degree
Apply easily for a Canada study visa
Balance study and part-time work opportunities
Let’s dive straight into the list of universities in Canada with low tuition fees that international students should consider for 2026.
Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) is often recognized as the cheapest university in Canada for international students, offering quality education at an affordable cost. The university provides a diverse range of programs, from Business and Engineering to Marine Studies and Computer Science, ensuring students get globally competitive qualifications.
MUN’s tuition remains low due to strong government support and subsidies for higher education, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious international students.
Around CAD 800–1,000/month — St. John’s offers one of the most affordable living standards in Canada.
Brandon University is one of the most affordable and student-friendly institutions, widely recognized as a low cost university in Canada. Known for its small class sizes, supportive faculty, and welcoming campus community, it provides an ideal environment for international students who value personal attention and affordability. The university offers quality programs in arts, sciences, and professional studies, all while keeping tuition among the lowest in Canada.
Brandon University maintains low tuition rates and minimal student fees. Additionally, Manitoba’s cost of living is significantly lower than larger provinces, helping students manage expenses easily.
Around CAD 900–1,100/month — Manitoba offers affordable accommodation, food, and transportation compared to big Canadian cities.
The University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) is a low tuition university in Canada that attracts international students with its high academic standards, safe community, and scenic coastal campus. The university is especially well-regarded for programs in Environmental Studies, Business, and Veterinary Medicine, offering a great balance between affordability and educational excellence.
UPEI maintains competitive tuition rates for international students and provides multiple scholarship opportunities and financial aid programs to make education accessible. Its location in Charlottetown also ensures lower living expenses compared to larger Canadian cities.
Around CAD 900–1,200/month — PEI is known for its friendly atmosphere and affordable housing and lifestyle options.
The University of Manitoba (U of M) is one of the most respected and low tuition universities in Canada for international students. As a leading research institution, it combines affordability with high academic standards, offering globally recognized degrees across diverse fields such as Engineering, Business, Agriculture, and Computer Science. The university is also known for its vibrant multicultural community and strong student support services.
The University of Manitoba benefits from substantial government funding and a relatively low cost of living in Manitoba, helping international students manage their education and lifestyle expenses efficiently.
Around CAD 900–1,100/month — Winnipeg offers budget-friendly housing, transportation, and daily living compared to major urban centers.
The University of Saskatchewan (USask) is one of the leading low tuition universities in Canada offering world-class research opportunities and affordable education for international students. With a strong reputation for innovation and practical learning, it attracts students from around the globe seeking quality education without the high costs of larger urban centers.
The university benefits from provincial funding and support, which helps keep international tuition fees below the national average. Saskatoon also offers a lower cost of living compared to major cities like Toronto or Vancouver.
Around CAD 1,000–1,200/month — includes accommodation, food, and transportation.
Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) is a small, faith-based institution that combines academic excellence with a strong focus on global citizenship, community values, and affordability. Situated in Winnipeg, one of Canada’s most affordable cities, CMU offers personalized education and a supportive campus environment for international students.
CMU keeps tuition and student fees modest, while Winnipeg’s reasonable cost of living makes it a low tuition university in Canada for international students. The university also offers scholarships and financial aid options that help reduce the overall study expenses.
Around CAD 900–1,100/month — students can enjoy affordable housing, transport, and food in Winnipeg.
The University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) is one of Canada’s most respected research-intensive institutions and a low tuition university in Canada for international students. It offers a blend of academic excellence, personalized learning, and a strong focus on sustainability and environmental research. UNBC’s small class sizes ensure students receive individual attention from faculty while enjoying the benefits of studying in a vibrant, nature-rich region.
UNBC’s tuition is considerably lower compared to universities in major British Columbia cities like Vancouver or Victoria. The cost of living in Prince George is also affordable, making it an ideal choice for international students on a budget.
Around CAD 900–1,100/month — accommodation, food, and utilities in Prince George are cost-effective compared to other urban centers.
The University of Regina is a fast-growing institution known for its diversity, innovation, and inclusive education environment. It has earned a strong reputation among international students for offering career-focused programs and affordable tuition fees. With a strong emphasis on research and community engagement, it stands out as one of the universities in Canada for international students with low tuition fee and high academic standards.
The University of Regina offers competitive tuition rates and several co-op programs, allowing students to gain paid work experience while studying. Additionally, the university provides a wide range of scholarships and financial aid options for international students.
Around CAD 1,000–1,200/month — Regina is one of Canada’s more affordable cities for housing, transportation, and food.
Cape Breton University (CBU) is a dynamic and globally recognized institution known for its inclusive campus and focus on hands-on learning. It’s a top choice for international students looking for a low tuition university in Canada that balances affordability with strong academic programs. The university’s emphasis on applied research, innovation, and industry partnerships helps students gain practical experience while studying.
CBU keeps education accessible through flexible payment plans, on-campus job opportunities, and numerous scholarships for international students. The cost of living in Sydney is also significantly lower than in larger cities, making it a budget-friendly destination for higher education.
Around CAD 850–1,000/month — housing, food, and local transportation are economical compared to major urban areas.
Université de Saint-Boniface (USB) is a French-language institution offering affordable education for international students seeking a bilingual learning experience in Canada. As one of the low tuition universities in Canada, USB combines academic excellence with a close-knit campus community, providing personalized support for both French-speaking and bilingual students.
The university maintains low tuition fees due to provincial support and its smaller student body, ensuring students receive high-quality education without excessive costs. Additionally, Winnipeg’s overall cost of living remains moderate compared to other major Canadian cities.
Around CAD 900–1,100/month — affordable housing, transportation, and dining make Winnipeg an economical study destination.
Athabasca University is Canada’s top institution for online and distance education, making it one of the low tuition universities in Canada for international students seeking flexibility and affordability. It’s an excellent choice for learners who prefer to study remotely without the added expense of living in Canada full-time.
Being an online university, Athabasca helps students save significantly on accommodation, transportation, and other on-campus living costs. Tuition is also lower compared to many traditional universities, making it ideal for students managing tight budgets.
None required for online study — students can study from their home country, reducing expenses to only tuition and study materials.
Thompson Rivers University (TRU) offers a balance of affordability, academic excellence, and lifestyle, making it one of the most attractive choices for international students. The university is known for its modern facilities, hands-on learning opportunities, and vibrant campus set against the stunning backdrop of British Columbia. Students benefit from a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs designed to prepare them for global careers.
TRU maintains moderate tuition fees compared to other universities in British Columbia and offers numerous scholarships and bursaries to international students. The cost of living in Kamloops is also lower than in major cities like Vancouver, helping students save on accommodation and daily expenses.
Around CAD 1,000–1,200/month — Kamloops provides affordable housing and transportation with a high quality of life.
The University of Guelph is widely recognized for its excellence in agriculture, food science, and veterinary studies, while still maintaining affordable tuition rates for international students. As one of the low tuition universities in Canada, it combines research excellence with a student-focused campus culture. Its emphasis on sustainability and innovation attracts learners from across the globe.
Despite being located in Ontario—a province with generally higher education costs—U of Guelph offers comparatively lower tuition fees, generous financial aid, and scholarship opportunities for international students.
Around CAD 1,000–1,300/month — Guelph is more affordable than nearby cities like Toronto, offering a high quality of life with reasonable living expenses.
The University of Victoria (UVic) is one of the most respected universities in Canada for international students with low tuition fees, offering a perfect balance of affordability, research excellence, and campus life. Situated in the scenic city of Victoria, British Columbia, UVic is renowned for its strong academic programs, innovative research, and vibrant student community.
UVic benefits from substantial public funding that helps keep tuition rates moderate for international students. Additionally, students have access to on-campus employment and co-op programs that make it easier to manage living costs.
Around CAD 1,200–1,500/month — while Victoria is slightly pricier than smaller cities, it offers high quality of life, safety, and excellent student facilities.
Royal Roads University (RRU) is well-known for its career-oriented education and flexible learning options, making it a smart choice for international students seeking affordable, practical programs in Canada. Situated in the beautiful city of Victoria, RRU offers a mix of online and on-campus learning, allowing students to balance studies, work, and life efficiently — a key factor in reducing living and overall study costs.
The university’s blended learning model (online + on-campus) helps students cut down on accommodation and living expenses while maintaining access to high-quality education. Additionally, RRU’s focused, short-duration programs save both time and tuition fees.
Around CAD 1,200–1,500/month — Victoria offers a moderate cost of living compared to larger cities like Vancouver or Toronto.
Algonquin College is one of the most popular low tuition universities in Canada for international students, offering a wide range of diploma, advanced diploma, and degree programs. Despite being a college, its industry-focused curriculum and hands-on training make it a top choice for students aiming to build practical skills and secure employment after graduation.
Algonquin keeps tuition relatively low compared to other institutions in Ontario and provides strong career support services. Its high graduate employment rate also helps students quickly recover education costs through well-paying jobs.
Around CAD 1,000–1,300/month — Ottawa offers a balanced cost of living with excellent student amenities and public transport.
Bow Valley College is a leading public institution in Alberta, known for its career-focused and skill-based programs. It’s one of the low tuition universities in Canada that emphasize practical learning and employability. With modern facilities, strong industry connections, and flexible diploma and certificate options, Bow Valley College is an excellent choice for international students seeking affordable, hands-on education.
The college maintains reasonable tuition fees and offers a wide range of short-term programs that reduce overall study costs. Additionally, living expenses in Calgary are moderate compared to other major Canadian cities.
Around CAD 1,000–1,200/month — covering housing, food, and transport in Calgary.
Université de Moncton is Canada’s largest French-language university outside Quebec and a popular choice among international students looking for a low tuition university in Canada. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across fields like Education, Science, and Engineering, combining academic excellence with an affordable cost of living.
The university benefits from strong provincial funding and lower administrative costs, helping keep tuition fees manageable for both domestic and international students. The cost of living in Moncton is also considerably lower than in larger metropolitan areas, making it ideal for budget-conscious learners.
Around CAD 850–1,000/month — Moncton offers reasonable housing, food, and transportation expenses.
The University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) is a popular choice among international students looking for a low tuition university in Canada that combines academic excellence with practical experience. UFV offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs designed to provide hands-on learning, research exposure, and career readiness. Situated in Abbotsford, a smaller and more affordable city in British Columbia, UFV allows students to enjoy a high standard of education without the high living costs found in major cities like Vancouver.
UFV maintains competitive tuition fees and benefits from the relatively low cost of living in Abbotsford. The university also offers several scholarships and work opportunities for international students to help manage expenses.
Around CAD 1,000–1,200/month — Abbotsford offers affordable housing, transportation, and food options compared to other BC regions.
Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU) is a respected institution in Halifax known for its commitment to inclusive education, affordability, and career-focused learning. It stands out as one of the universities in Canada for international students with low tuition fees, offering globally recognized programs and personalized academic support. The university provides a nurturing environment that empowers students to achieve their academic and professional goals.
MSVU offers competitive tuition rates and practical programs that ensure students get high value for their investment. The university’s strong co-op and career placement services help students find part-time jobs and gain relevant work experience while studying.
Around CAD 1,000–1,200/month — Halifax offers moderate living expenses with plenty of affordable housing and transportation options for students.
Apply Early: Early applications often qualify for scholarships or fee discounts.
Compare Living Costs: A low tuition university in a high-cost city might not be truly cheap overall.
Work On-Campus: Many universities let international students work up to 20 hours per week.
Explore Scholarships: Most institutions offer entry scholarships for strong academic profiles.
Use a Migration Agent: They can help streamline your application and visa documentation process.
Q1. Which is the cheapest university in Canada for international students?
Memorial University of Newfoundland is generally the most affordable.
Q2. Can I study in Canada for under CAD 10,000 per year?
Yes, at Brandon University or Bow Valley College.
Q3. Are low tuition universities in Canada good quality?
Absolutely. These institutions meet Canada’s high education standards.
Q4. Which province has the lowest tuition fees?
Manitoba and Newfoundland offer the most budget-friendly education options.
Q5. Can I work while studying?
Yes, with a valid Canada study visa, you can work up to 20 hours weekly.
Choosing the cheapest university in Canada doesn’t mean compromising on quality. Canada’s low tuition universities combine affordability with world-class education, making them a smart choice for international students in 2026.
From Memorial University to Brandon University and University of Regina, these schools provide global exposure, practical programs, and affordable tuition — ideal for students who value both education and economy.
If you’re planning to apply soon, shortlist 3–4 universities, compare tuition and living costs, and start your Canada study visa process early.
