Top Cheap Universities in Canada for Indian Students in 2026

The question isn’t whether you’ll get a degree in Canada, it’s whether you can do it without crippling debt. With over 427,000 Indian students currently pursuing education there, the demand for affordable options is sky-high.

Canada offers a powerful solution: a range of excellent, cheap universities for international students. This affordability, combined with the country’s welcoming policies on post-graduation work permits and pathways to permanent residency, makes Canada one of the most popular study destinations worldwide.

To ensure your budget doesn’t limit your potential, this guide compares the top 15 Canadian universities known for their low tuition fees. Dive in to find the precise tuition costs and available scholarships, so you can choose a world-class education that truly works for your finances.”

Why Choose Canada for Higher Education

The Canadian Bureau for International Education reports that 997,820 international students are enrolled in Canadian universities by the end of 2024. This growth can be attributed to several factors, such as:

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• PR prospects: Graduates from Canadian public institutions qualify for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and provincial nominee pathways. That is why about 59,260 Indians attained permanent residency (PR) between January and June 2025.
• Safe student environment: Canada ranks sixth among the world’s safest countries. This is due to its commitment to personal safety, healthcare access, and multicultural campus life.
• Scholarship and affordability options: Many smaller or public universities offer entrance scholarships, program-specific awards, or lower tuition for selected programs.
• Work while you study: Eligible international students can work off campus for up to 24 hours per week during academic terms. They can work full-time during scheduled breaks, such as summer holidays. There is no limit on hours for on-campus work.

Top 15 Affordable Universities in Canada (2026)

Canada is home to several low-cost universities in Canada for master's and bachelor’s courses, which offer opportunities for top scholarships for Indian students. Students can study in provinces like Newfoundland and Labrador, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia, where both tuition and living costs are lower. These are the 15 cheapest universities in Canada for Indian students who want to start school in 2026:

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 (2025-26):

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 (2025-26):

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 (2025-26):

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 (2025-26):

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 (2025-26):

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 enrolment deposit.
• Average Tuition Fees (2025-26):

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 (2025-26):

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 (2025-26):

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 (2025-26):

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 (2025-26):

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 (2025-26):

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 (2025-26):

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 (2025-26):

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 (2025-26):

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 (2025-26):

Cheapest Universities by Study Level

While undergraduate programs often have higher tuition fees, many universities offer low-cost master's programs, specifically in research-intensive fields. By choosing the right institution, you can tailor your educational journey and study in Canada for under ₹10 lakhs.

The table below lists some of the most affordable universities with their tuition fees in Canada for Indian students:

Disclaimer: Tuition fees are approximate and may vary by program and university. INR values are based on an exchange rate of CAD 1= INR 63.59

Most Affordable MBA Options

Before looking for the cheapest MBA in Canada for international students, verify whether you want to pursue a one-year or a two-year format.

Some top affordable Canadian colleges for international students offering MBA include:

Disclaimer: Tuition fees are approximate and may vary by program and university. INR values are based on an exchange rate of CAD 1= INR 63.59

Cost of Studying in the Cheapest Universities in Canada

How much does it cost to study in Canada depends on your choice of city. Major urban centers like Toronto and Vancouver offer job markets but come with higher living expenses. In contrast, cities like Winnipeg and Montreal provide it at a much lower cost.

The following table compares the estimated monthly living costs in five major Canadian cities:

Disclaimer: Costs are approximate and converted using an exchange rate of CAD 1= INR 63.59. Actual expenses will vary based on individual lifestyle and spending habits.

How to Apply to Canadian Universities

The process to how to apply 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.

Study Abroad in Affordable Canadian Universities

There are a lot of cheap universities in Canada, so Indian students can now get a world-class education without having to pay a lot of money. The country is a great place to live because it has good job opportunities after college and a friendly community. However, the lengthy process for obtaining scholarships and visas may be too much for you. Here's where LeapScholar can help. We make everything easy, from selecting the school to obtaining a visa. At every stage, our specialists are there to assist you in a way that works for you. So what are you waiting for? Contact a LeapScholar counsellor today to take the first step towards your Canadian dream.