Top 10 Cheap Universities in Canada for International Students 2024 

Choosing a cheap university in Canada can be a smart decision for students who are on a tight budget. These universities offer quality education and are a great way for international students to obtain a degree from a prestigious university in Canada. 

In brief, these universities offer affordable and quality education. The best part is that these universities offer various courses and programs catering to different interests and career aspirations. 

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Canada has emerged as the 2nd most preferred destination for Indian students after the USA for higher education. In recent years, over 1.5 lakh Indian students have chosen to study in Canada due to the country’s welcoming environment, affordable education, and globally recognised universities. 

This trend is likely to continue as more and more Indian students explore Canada as a study-abroad destination.

In 2024, Canada plans to issue a total of 3,60,000 study permits to students from around the world. This shows that Canada is committed to providing a world-class education to international students at an affordable cost.

In this article, we’ll discuss the cheapest universities in Canada for international students. Keep reading to find out more!

Get a quick overview of the blog’s key highlights and unlock valuable information about the cheap universities in Canada for International students.

Key Highlights:

Total Universities	-Over 220 public and private universities -Over 200 public colleges and institutes
Cheapest Universities	–Simon Fraser University –Brandon University –Dalhousie University –Cape Breton University
Top Cheapest Cities in Canada	-Montreal -Quebec
Top Courses	–MBA –Civil Engineering –Pharmacy –MA in Teaching –BA LLB –BCA
Avg UG Tuition Fee	INR 1L (CAD 1,648) – INR 45.7L (CAD 74,804)
Avg PG Tuition Fee	INR 1.5L (CAD 2,548) – INR 28.2L (CAD 46,140)
Scholarships	–Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)  –Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
Cost Of Living	INR 88,000 (CAD 1,448)

Why Study in Canada?

Cheap universities in Canada for higher education can be highly beneficial for Indian students compared to other countries. Canada provides a safe and welcoming environment for international students. 

It offers affordable tuition fees and a lower cost of living than other popular study destinations like the US, UK, and Australia. Additionally, Canada’s universities are globally recognised and offer high-quality education. 

Some unique features of studying in Canada include:

• A highly regarded education system that ranks among the best in the world.
• Access to world-class research opportunities and facilities.
• Many Cheap Universities in Canada offer 3 Intakes (Fall, Spring and Winter) through which students can choose when they want to start their higher studies in Canada.
• The opportunity to obtain a work permit and gain valuable work experience while studying.
• A friendly and welcoming culture that embraces diversity and multiculturalism.
• A high standard of living with affordable healthcare and social services.
• Spectacular natural landscapes and outdoor activities, including skiing, hiking, and ice skating.
• Access to dynamic and multicultural cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal.
• Various Scholarships are available for Indian students, such as the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS), Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship and Other scholarships offered by universities and institutions.
• Diploma and certificate courses at a reasonable cost which can be a cost-effective option to save time and money.
• Canada offers cheap bachelor’s degrees to international students as compared to other countries like the USA, UK, and Australia.

Overall, choosing a cheap university in Canada can be an excellent option for Indian students seeking quality education and a unique study abroad experience.

Top 10 Cheap Universities in Canada

Canada has a wide range of affordable universities that offer quality education to international students. These universities provide various programs and courses that cater to the students’ different educational interests and future goals. 

Here is a list of the top 10 Cheapest Universities in Canada for International Students:

• Simon Fraser University
• Brandon University
• Dalhousie University
• Cape Breton University
• Canadian Mennonite University
• University of Guelph
• Concordia University
• University of Prince Edward Island
• University of Winnipeg
• University of Northern British Columbia

Top Courses for Indian students to pursue In Canada

Canada offers various courses and programs for international students at its affordable universities. In fact, over 15,000 undergraduate and graduate programs are offered in various fields of study.

Indian students can choose from many courses in fields such as

• Business
• Engineering
• Information Technology
• Healthcare 
• Education
• Arts & Humanities
• Science & Technology

Here’s a table with some of the top courses for Indian students to pursue in Canada:

Field	Courses
Business	–BBA –MBA –MS In Finance –MS in Business Analytics
Engineering	–Civil Engineering –Mechanical Engineering –MS in Computer Science –MS in Electrical Engineering –MS in Mechanical Engineering
Healthcare	–Pharmacy –Medical Science –MS in Public Health –MS in Nursing –MS in Healthcare Administration
Education	–BEd Special Education -BA (Hons) Childhood –MS in Education –MA in Teaching -PhD in Education
Arts and Humanities	–BA LLB –BAJMC –MA in English –MA in History
Science and Technology	–BCA –MS in Data Science –MS in Biotechnology –MS in Environmental Science

Cheap Universities in Canada for UG

Canada has emerged as a preferred destination for Indian students who are looking for affordable education abroad, particularly for undergraduate studies. 

In recent years, there have been more than 3L Indian students in Canada, out of which 2,09,930 are enrolled in colleges for undergraduate degrees. 

This showcases the growing popularity of Canadian universities and colleges among Indian students due to their high-quality education and affordable tuition fees.

Here are the top cheapest universities in Canada for undergraduate studies:

Cheap Universities in Canada	Avg tuition fees for UG
Brandon University	INR 1L (CAD 1,648) – INR INR 3.3L (CAD 5451)
University of Montreal	INR 8L (CAD 13,550)
University of Prince Edward Island	INR 5L (CAD 8,010) – INR 45.7L (CAD 74,804)
Canadian Mennonite University	INR 11.6L (19,000)
University of Winnipeg	INR 10L (CAD 16,245) – INR 12.6L (CAD 20,599)

Cheap Universities in Canada for PG

In recent years, Canada has become a popular destination for international students who wish to pursue postgraduate programs. According to recent unofficial statistics, over 80,270 students were pursuing graduate degrees in Canadian universities.

Here’s a list of some of the cheapest universities in Canada for postgraduate studies:

Cheap Universities in Canada	Avg tuition fees for PG
University of Northern British Columbia	INR 1.5L (CAD 2,548) – INR 5.3L (CAD 8,659)
Simon Fraser University	INR 6.6L (CAD 10,786)
McMaster University	INR 11.3L (CAD 18,500) – INR 15.3L (CAD 25,046)
Nipissing University	INR 14L (CAD 23,000)
Cape Breton University	INR 28.2L (CAD 46,140)

Also Read: Cheapest Universities in the USA

Cheap Universities in Canada for MBA

When it comes to pursuing an MBA degree, the top destination for every Indian student is Canada. Canada provides great opportunities, multicultural exposure and a hassle-free admission process. 

Canadian colleges are highly ranked in the global MBA ranking list, which makes them an attractive and best choice for Indian students. The cost of studying in Canada is lower than in the USA and the UK, which can be a great reason for Indian students to study in Canada. 

To help you make an informed decision, below is the table of the top cheapest MBA colleges in Canada:

Cheap MBA Universities in Canada	Avg Tuition Fees
Memorial University of Newfoundland	INR 7.3L (CAD 12,000)
University of Guelph	INR 6.4L (CAD 10,500)
University of Sherbrooke	INR 9L (CAD 14,600)
University of Calgary	INR 9.2L (CAD 15,084)
Dalhousie University	INR 17.5L

Cost Of Living In Canada

For Indian students, the cost of living in Canada is an essential factor to consider when planning to study abroad. 

The average monthly cost of living for an international student in Canada is INR 88,000 (CAD 1,448). This includes expenses such as food, transportation, and other miscellaneous costs.

However, the cost of living can vary depending on various factors such as location, lifestyle choices, and personal preferences.

To help you get a better idea of what factors influence the cost of living in Canada, we have created a table below:

Parameters	Costs per month
Avg Transportation Cost (Monthly Pass)	INR 6,300 (CAD 104)
Avg Utilities Cost	INR 13,000 (CAD 215)
Avg Groceries Cost	INR 21,000 (CAD 343)
Avg Rent In Canada In City Centre	INR 1L (1895)

The average cost of living in Canada can also vary greatly depending on the city you choose to live in. For example, the average cost of rent in Toronto is much higher than in cities like Halifax or Winnipeg. 

Similarly, the cost of groceries and transportation can also be higher in major cities compared to smaller ones.

Here is a table highlighting the average monthly expenses for a student in some major cities:

City	Avg monthly Rent In City (1) Bedroom	Cost of Living (Monthly)
Quebec	INR 74,500	INR 89,000 (CAD 1,462)
Montreal	INR 1L	INR 83,000 (CAD 13,262)
Calgary	INR 1L	INR 96,000 (CAD 1,570)
Mississauga	INR 1.6L	INR 88,700 (CAD 1,452)
Toronto	INR 1.6L	INR 93.5L (CAD 1529)

Scholarships for Indian Students in Canada

Many Canadian universities offer scholarships to international students, including Indian students. These scholarships can help alleviate some of the financial burden of studying abroad. 

Students can apply for scholarships based on academic merit, financial need, or other criteria. Some scholarships are awarded automatically, while others require an application.

Here are some of the top scholarships available for Indian students in Canada:

Scholarships	Benefits
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)	-CAD 10,000 (INR 6L) for 2 consecutive study terms -CAD 15,000 (INR 9L) for 3 consecutive study terms
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship	Covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for 4 years.
President’s International Scholarship of Excellence	Awards up to CAD 45,000 (INR 27.5L)
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship	Awards CAD 50,000 (INR 30.5L)

Many other scholarships and financial aid options are available for international students in the Netherlands. It is essential to note that this is not an exhaustive list. 

Tips To Save Money In Canada

Studying abroad can be an exciting and valuable experience, but it can also be quite costly. Many Indian students opt to study in Canada, with approximately more than 1L students making this choice each year. 

However, the rising cost of living in Canada can be a major worry for these students.

Here are some tips to help you save money and live comfortably while studying at cheap universities in Canada. 

Accommodation:

• Consider shared accommodation or homestays to split rent costs.
• Explore off-campus housing options, which may be more affordable than on-campus residences.

Cooking at Home:

• Cook meals at home instead of dining out regularly.
• Plan and prepare meals in batches to save time and money.

Transportation:

• Use public transportation options like buses and trains to cut commuting costs.
• Consider walking or cycling for short distances to save on transportation expenses.

Budgeting:

• Create a monthly budget to track expenses and identify areas to cut costs.
• Prioritise essential expenses and allocate funds accordingly.

Health Insurance:

• Compare and choose a cost-effective health insurance plan that meets your needs.
• Understand the coverage details to avoid unnecessary expenses.

Networking for Shared Expenses:

• Connect with fellow students for shared groceries, transportation, and group activities expenses.
• Collaborate on purchasing items in bulk to save collectively.

By following these tips, you can save more money while studying at one of the cheap universities in Canada.

To Sum UP

Studying at a cheap university in Canada can be a smart decision for international students who want to obtain a world-class education without breaking the bank. Canada offers affordable tuition fees, a welcoming environment, and globally recognized universities, making it an ideal study-abroad destination for Indian students. 

Additionally, the opportunity to gain valuable work experience while studying and access to various scholarships further adds to the benefits of studying in Canada. 

So, if you are an Indian student looking for quality education at an affordable cost, then Canada should be on your list of study-abroad destinations. And, if you need any assistance with your study abroad journey, LeapScholar is here to guide you through the process, from IELTS preparation to helping you choose the best cheap universities in Canada.

And if you’re considering other options like the UK, USA and Australia, we’ve got you covered, too. 

Schedule a free consultation with our experts today for personalised guidance and advice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)