Planning to study in Canada but worried about rising costs? You are not alone. Rising tuition fees, higher living costs, and strict visa financial rules can make this dream feel stressful. If you are searching for cheap universities in Canada, you are already thinking smartly. Choosing the right university can save you lakhs of rupees without compromising on education quality.
Canada still offers several budget-friendly options where Indian students can get a globally recognised degree at a reasonable cost. This guide helps you to find the top 15 cheap universities in Canada, explains why they work for Indian students, and help you plan your budget confidently.
Why Indian Students Are Looking for Cheap Universities in Canada
The biggest reason Indian students search for cheap universities in Canada is affordability linked to visa approval. As of recent updates, students must show a higher proof of funds along with first-year tuition. This means selecting a low-cost university is no longer optional. It directly affects your study permit chances.
Another reason is return on investment (ROI). Most of us think, whether the degree will lead to jobs, PR options, and long-term stability. Studying at cheap universities in Canada located in affordable provinces often reduces living expenses and increases savings during part-time work.
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Finally, many students prefer smaller cities. These cities offer lower rent, less competition for part-time jobs, and a safer environment. Most budget-friendly universities are located in such regions.
Top 15 Cheap Universities in Canada for Indian Students
Before diving into details, here is a quick snapshot. These cheap universities in Canada are selected based on tuition fees, living costs, and suitability for Indian students.
| University Name | Province | Average Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Memorial University of Newfoundland | Newfoundland | 22,500 (INR14.3 Lakhs) |
| Brandon University | Manitoba | 10,680 – 21,493 (INR 6.8 – 13.7 Lakhs) |
| Université de Saint-Boniface | Manitoba | 4,600 – 5,900 (INR 2.9 – 3.7 Lakhs) |
| University of Saskatchewan | Saskatchewan | 5,000 – 8,000 [PG] (INR 3.2 – 5.1 Lakhs) |
| University of Northern British Columbia | British Columbia | 24,000 (INR 15.2 Lakhs) |
| Simon Fraser University | British Columbia | 6,300 [PG] (INR 4.0 Lakhs) |
| University of Regina | Saskatchewan | 27,000 (INR 17.1 Lakhs) |
| University of Winnipeg | Manitoba | 16,690 – 21,165 (INR 10.6 – 13.5 Lakhs) |
| University of Prince Edward Island | PEI | 9,040 – 15,258 (INR 5.7 – 9.7 Lakhs) |
| Cape Breton University | Nova Scotia | 9,500 – 11,310 (INR 6.0 – 7.2 Lakhs) |
| Concordia University | Quebec | 30,830 – 40,650 (INR 19.6 – 25.8 Lakhs) |
| Mount Saint Vincent University | Nova Scotia | 21,557 – 22,009 (INR 13.7 – 14.0 Lakhs) |
| Algoma University | Ontario | 21,525 (INR 13.7 Lakhs) |
| Canadian Mennonite University | Manitoba | 11,520 (INR 7.3 Lakhs) |
| Thompson Rivers University | British Columbia | 18,880 (INR 12.0 Lakhs) |
1. Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN)
A coastal campus in St. John’s, MUN began as a provincial college and has grown into a broad public research university serving Newfoundland & Labrador. It is one of the most affordable universities in Canada for international students. MUN focuses on research and providing exceptional value for its programs.
- Popular courses: Petroleum engineering, Business (BComm), Computer Science.
- Scholarships: International Undergraduate Academic Awards (IUAA) and the Keith Burt Entrepreneurial Award for International Students, among others.
- Admission Requirements: Academic transcripts (official), proof of English proficiency (IELTS / TOEFL or MUN accepted equivalents). Check program-specific prerequisites (math/science for some programs) and the application fee of CAD 300/ INR 18,986 (UG) and CAD 120/ INR 7,594 (PG)
Average Tuition Fees (2026-27):
| Program | Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | CAD 22,500 (INR 14,30,769) |
| Graduate | CAD 6,654- CAD 15,600(INR 4,23,126-INR 9,92,000) |
2. Brandon University
Brandon is located in southern Manitoba. Founded as a teachers’ college and now a university, enrolling here helps you study in small classes and access focused arts and education programs. They often have targeted awards for music and education students.
- Popular Courses: Music, Education, Psychology
- Scholarships: International entrance scholarships, Music Faculty awards, and need-based bursaries
- Admission requirements: Secondary school transcripts (or bachelor’s for grad), English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL), program-specific materials (audition/portfolio for Music), and an application fee of CAD 140/INR 8,862.
- Average Tuition Fees (2026-27):
| Program | Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | CAD 10,680 - CAD 21,493(INR 6,79,288 - INR 13,66,968) |
| Graduate | CAD 2,327- CAD 9,124(INR 1,48,004-INR 5,80,351) |
3. University of Winnipeg
It is located in downtown Winnipeg, where living prices are reasonable and there are many city facilities. UWinnipeg was founded in 1967 by a group of colleges. It offers education that is easy to get to and programs that focus on Indigenous issues. It is most renowned for its social sciences, Indigenous studies, and a campus atmosphere that puts students first.
- Popular Courses: Indigenous Studies, Economics, Computer Science
- Scholarships: International entrance awards, departmental scholarships, and merit-based awards.
- Admission requirements: Official transcripts, English proficiency test, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation for graduate programs, application fee (CAD 120/INR 7,597), and deposit.
- Average Tuition Fees (2026-27):
| Program | Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | CAD 16,690 - CAD 21,165(INR 10,61,270 - INR 13,45,823) |
| Graduate | CAD 19,322- CAD 33,221(INR 12,28,668 - INR 21,12,219) |
4. University of Regina
The University of Regina in Regina grew from a provincial college to a research university with practical programs. It is one of the cheap universities in Canada that offers valuable co-op programs, helping students gain paid work experience while they study.
- Popular Courses: Journalism, Software Systems Engineering, Business Administration
- Scholarships: International entrance awards, faculty-specific scholarships, and Regina’s merit bursaries.
- Admission requirements: Secondary transcripts, English test, program-specific prerequisites, application fee (CAD 100/INR 6331), and deposit. For co-op, additional selection steps may apply.
- Average Tuition Fees (2026-27):
| Program | Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | CAD 27,000(INR 17,16,654) |
| Graduate | CAD 6,138- CAD 10,039(INR 3,90,252 - INR 6,38,373) |
5. Simon Fraser University
SFU sits on scenic Burnaby Mountain near Vancouver. Founded in 1965, SFU is known for co-op programming and relations with tech and finance employers. It requires students to do co-op intervals to get real-world experience.
- Popular Courses: Software Engineering, Finance, International Business
- Scholarships: SFU International Entrance scholarships, departmental scholarships (Co-op awards), and graduate TA/RA funding
- Admission requirements: High-school/undergrad transcripts, English proficiency, program-specific prerequisites, supplementary forms for some programs, and an application fee of CAD 130/INR 8,231. Graduate applicants need references and a statement of research intent.
- Average Tuition Fees (2026-27):
| Program | Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | CAD 37,442(INR 23,80,794) |
| Graduate | CAD 2,150 per term(INR 1,36,707.41) per term |
6. Cape Breton University
CBU is located in Sydney, Nova Scotia, known for applied learning and strong industry ties in a smaller city. Its history as an institute focused on applied degrees creates curricula with integrated internships and industry projects.
- Popular Courses: Tourism Management, Information Technology, Accounting
- Scholarships: International entrance awards and program-level scholarships
- Admission requirements: Secondary/previous degree transcripts, English proficiency, course-specific requirements, application fee (CAD 80/INR 5064), and enrollment deposit.
- Average Tuition Fees (2026-27):
| Program | Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | CAD 950 - CAD 1,131 per 3 credit score(INR 60,411- INR 71,933) per 3 credit score |
| Graduate | CAD 1,827 - CAD 1,188 per 3 credit score(INR 1,16,182- INR 75,579) per 3 credit score |
7. University of Prince Edward Island
UPEI is located in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. Popular as one of the cheap universities in Canada, it provides hands-on programs with faculty guidance. It also helps students with placements for nursing and veterinary graduates.
- Popular Courses: Veterinary Medicine, Nursing, Environmental Science, Education
- Scholarships: UPEI international awards, program-level scholarships, and bursaries
- Admission requirements: Official transcripts, program-specific prerequisites (veterinary/nursing), and English proficiency. Additionally, an application fee (CAD 50-75/INR 3166-4748) and a deposit are required.
- Average Tuition Fees (2026-27):
| Program | Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | CAD 9,040- CAD 15,258(INR 5,74,720 - INR 9,70,031) |
| Graduate | CAD 10,310- CAD 14,420(INR 6,55,461 - INR 9,16,764) |
8. Concordia University
Concordia is situated in Montreal, a bilingual city in Quebec. The university grew from constituent colleges into a large urban university with strong applied research. Concordia is known for engineering, computer science, and an active co-op program.
- Popular Courses: Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, MBA
- Scholarships: Concordia’s merit scholarships, entrance awards, and department-level funding for postgrads.
- Admission requirements: High-school/undergrad transcripts, proof of English or French, application fee, and, for some programs, a portfolio or interview. Graduate applicants need references and a statement of purpose.
- Average Tuition Fees (2026-27):
| Program | Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | CAD 30,830- CAD 40,650(INR 19,60,045-INR 25,83,760) |
| Graduate | CAD 677- CAD 1195 per credit(INR 43,051-INR 75,955) per credit |
9. Mount Saint Vincent University
MSVU is a student-focused university in Halifax, Nova Scotia, known for accessible programs and student services. Historically, it began as a college for teaching and community engagement. It’s a good fit if you want smaller classes and close faculty support.
- Popular Courses: Public Relations, Applied Human Nutrition, Education
- Scholarships: MSVU offers entrance awards, need-based bursaries, assistantships, and program scholarships.
- Admission requirements: Secondary/undergrad transcripts, English proficiency, program-specific prerequisites, and an application fee of CAD 80/INR 5,064. Some programs may request references or a portfolio.
- Average Tuition Fees (2026-27):
| Program | Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | CAD 21,557- CAD 22,009(INR 13,70,472 - INR 13,99,208) |
| Graduate | CAD 14,832(INR 9,42,875) |
10. Saint Mary’s University
Saint Mary’s (Sobey School of Business) is located in Halifax and features business programs with Atlantic Canada employer networks. It offers scholarships and work-integrated learning. The university is known for its business and commerce programs.
- Popular Courses: Arts, Commerce, Science, and Engineering
- Scholarships: Sobey scholarships, international entrance awards, and program-level bursaries.
- Admission requirements: transcripts, English proficiency, program prerequisites, references for some graduate streams, an application fee of CAD 100/ INR 6,331, and a deposit.
- Average Tuition Fees (2026-27):
| Program | Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | CAD 3,001 per course(INR 1,90,775) per course |
| Graduate | CAD 26,000 - CAD 12,284(INR 16,52,828- INR 7,80,897) |
11. Algoma University
Algoma is a small Ontario university (in Sault Ste. Marie) with recently expanded campuses (including Brampton). It features small class sizes and low fees compared with large Ontario universities. Algoma’s is known for its partner connections and community-embedded learning.
- Popular Courses: Business, Social Work, Computer Science.
- Scholarships: entrance scholarships, residence awards, and program-specific bursaries.
- Admission requirements: high-school/university transcripts, English proficiency, and program-specific prerequisites. Also requires a deposit and online application fee of CAD 125/INR 7,915.
- Average Tuition Fees (2026-27):
| Program | Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | CAD 21,525 (INR 13,68,627) |
| Graduate | CAD 18,049 - CAD 32,022(INR 11,47,624 - INR 20,36,091) |
12. Canadian Mennonite University
CMU is a small and faith-based university in Winnipeg, Manitoba, focused on liberal arts and international development. This is one of the most affordable undergraduate universities in Canada that provides a community-driven learning environment. It features an ethics-focused curriculum and seminar-style classes.
- Popular Courses: International Development, Theology, Applied Arts
- Scholarships: entrance scholarships, need-based bursaries, and denominational awards
- Admission requirements: official transcripts, English language proof, program-specific requirements, and an application fee of CAD 150/INR 9,497.
- Average Tuition Fees (2026-27):
| Program | Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | CAD 1,152 per 3 credit hours(INR 73,248) per 3 credit hours |
| Graduate | CAD 1,428 per 3 credit hours(INR 90,779) per 3 credit hours |
13. University of Guelph
U of G in Guelph, Ontario, is a research-led university known for life sciences, food science, and veterinary programs. It has research farms and lab infrastructure that attract applied-science students. Guelph offers co-op programs and discipline-specific funding for grad students.
- Popular Courses: Veterinary Medicine, Food Science, Agricultural Engineering
- Scholarships: departmental scholarships, graduate TA/RA positions, and entrance awards for internationals
- Admission requirements: program-specific prerequisites (for veterinary and science), transcripts, English test, supplemental forms for selected programs, and application fee (CAD 90/INR 5,699 for UG; CAD 125/CAD 7,915 for PG).
- Average Tuition Fees (2026-27):
| Program | Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | CAD 40,240 - CAD 58,928(INR 25,58,099 - INR 37,46,095) |
| Graduate | CAD 20,512- CAD 57,318(INR 13,04,110 - INR 36,44,160) |
14. University of Saskatchewan
USask in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, is a research-intensive university with strong programs in agriculture, engineering, and health sciences. It’s known for farm- and lab-based research and offers graduate funding opportunities and a broad set of scholarships.
- Popular Courses: Agricultural Science, Engineering, Medicine
- Scholarships: USask Graduate funding, College/Faculty awards, and national scholarships.
- Admission requirements: transcripts, English proficiency, program prerequisites, references for grad programs, and application fee (CAD 120/INR 7,598).
- Average Tuition Fees (2026-27):
| Program | Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | CAD 38,051- CAD 88,616(INR 24,19,167 - INR 56,33,937) |
| Graduate | CAD 33,077 - CAD 70,915(INR 21,02,935 - INR 45,09,006) |
15. Thompson Rivers University
Located in Kamloops, British Columbia, TRU is a teaching-focused university with campus and open-learning options. It focuses on practical skills, has a broad set of vocational diplomas and flexible intakes for international students.
- Popular courses: Business (BBA), Computer Science, Tourism & Hospitality
- Scholarships: TRU international entrance awards, program bursaries, and partner scholarships.
- Admission requirements: transcripts, English proficiency, per-program prerequisites, and an application fee of CAD 100/INR 6,332. Some pathway programs accept diploma credentials or prior college credits.
- Average Tuition Fees (2026-27):
| Program | Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | CAD 101,880(INR 64,78,285) |
| Graduate | CAD 36,575 - CAD 55,568(INR 23,25,764 - INR 35,33,442) |
How to Apply to Canadian Universities
The process of applying to Canadian universities is straightforward but requires careful planning and attention to detail. Following a plan can help you fulfil all of your deadlines and turn in a quality application.
Given below is a step-by-step guide to help you apply for different intakes in Canada:
- Step 1: Look online for low-tuition-fee universities in Canada that offer the programs you are looking for.
- Step 2: Collect these Documents
- Academic records and mark sheets.
- English test scores of IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE.
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) or Letter of Intent.
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs) from professors or employers.
- Passport photocopy.
- Step 3: Create an account, fill out the application form with your personal and academic details, and upload the required documents.
- Step 4: Each university charges a non-refundable application fee. This fee must be paid online via credit card to complete your application submission.
- Step 5: The university will send you an official Offer Letter (also known as a Letter of Acceptance) if you are selected.
- Step 6: The ‘study permit’ application requires your acceptance letter, proof of financial support, and other supporting documents.
Conclusion
Studying abroad is a family decision, especially in India. Choosing from the right cheap universities in Canada can reduce financial pressure and improve peace of mind.
Focus on total costs, city affordability, and long-term outcomes. Do not chase rankings blindly. Sometimes, a smaller and cheaper university can offer better stability and PR opportunities.
Don't let the paperwork overwhelm you.
Planning for the 2026 intake? Start your prep now. Leap Scholar experts are here to help you shortlist the best affordable universities for your profile.
[Disclaimer: Exchange rates vary daily. The INR values provided are approximate (based on 1 CAD = ~₹63.59) and should be checked against current rates when planning your finances.]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
What is the cheapest university in Canada for international students?
University de Saint-Boniface (Manitoba) is the cheapest with tuition around CAD 4,600, but it requires French. For English speakers, Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) and Brandon University are the most affordable options, with tuition starting around CAD 10,000 - 18,000.
-
What is the new Proof of Funds requirement for Canada student visa in 2025?
As of 2024-25, the cost-of-living financial requirement has increased. You must now show CAD 20,635 (approx. INR 12.7 Lakhs) in addition to your first year’s tuition and travel costs to qualify for a study permit.
-
Can I study in Canada without IELTS?
You cannot study without any English proof, but many universities like University of Winnipeg, Concordia, and Brock University accept cheaper alternatives like the Duolingo English Test (DET) or PTE instead of IELTS.
-
Which province in Canada is the cheapest for Indian students?
Manitoba and Newfoundland & Labrador are the cheapest provinces. They offer low tuition fees and significantly lower rent compared to Ontario or British Columbia.
-
Are there cheap MBA colleges in Canada for Indian students?
Yes. Memorial University (MUN) and University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) offer MBA programs for approximately CAD 15,000 (under ₹10 Lakhs) for the entire program, making them highly cost-effective.
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