Studying in Canada is the goal of many international students. The country remains a hub for global learners in 2026, hosting around 360,000 new study permit holders this year alongside the existing student population. Canada offers world-class universities, a 24-hour-a-week off-campus work allowance, and post-graduation work permits of up to 3 years for eligible programmes.
The high quality of Canadian education sometimes makes students assume they will not be able to afford it, but that is simply not true. Canada has many low-tuition universities and public colleges, especially across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Newfoundland and Northern British Columbia, where international tuition routinely starts under CAD 18,000 a year for 2026 intakes.
What Is the Cost of Living in Canada?
From 1 September 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada requires international students to show CAD 22,895 per year for living costs (CAD 24,617 in Quebec) on top of first-year tuition. Pre-arrival costs include the CAD 150 study permit fee, CAD 85 biometrics, and a GIC of at least CAD 20,635 from a recognised Canadian bank.
The cost of living in Canada includes pre-arrival and post-arrival costs. Pre-arrival expenses cover the study permit fee, biometrics, GIC, medical exam, IELTS/PTE and insurance. From September 2025, applicants must show CAD 22,895 per year for living costs (CAD 24,617 in Quebec) on top of full first-year tuition. Post-arrival costs vary widely by city, with Toronto and Vancouver running 30 to 50 percent above Manitoba, Saskatchewan or Atlantic Canada.
Pre-arrival costs
- Study permit (visa) fee – CAD 150
- Biometrics fee – CAD 85
- GIC purchase – minimum CAD 20,635 (refunded in monthly instalments after arrival)
- Medical exam (panel physician) – approx. CAD 200–400
- Police clearance certificate – varies by country
- Insurance and IELTS/PTE/Duolingo – varies
Post arrival costs
- Shared accommodation – CAD 600–1,200 per month outside Toronto/Vancouver, CAD 1,300–2,000 in big cities
- Public transport pass – CAD 90–160 per month depending on city
- Food and groceries – CAD 300–500 per month for a self-cooking student
- Health insurance (UHIP/private) – CAD 600–1,050 per year where provincial cover does not apply
- Books, supplies and winter clothing – CAD 1,250 plus CAD 500 one-time
What Can International Students Do to Save Costs?
From November 2024, international students at designated learning institutions can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during term and full-time during scheduled breaks. Smart cost-cutting moves for 2026 include applying for entrance scholarships, choosing Manitoba, Saskatchewan or Atlantic provinces, sharing rentals, cooking at home, and using student transit passes.
There are several effective ways for international students to save money while studying in Canada. Applying for entrance scholarships and bursaries is the biggest lever, followed by choosing an affordable province (Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Newfoundland), working up to the new 24-hour weekly cap during term, sharing accommodation, and using monthly transit passes instead of ride-share or owning a car.
Work
Eligible international students at designated learning institutions can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during term time (raised from 20 hours in November 2024) and full-time during scheduled breaks. On-campus work has no hour cap. The average part-time wage of CAD 16-22 an hour helps offset living costs, and the post-graduation work permit (PGWP) can lead to permanent residence.
Controlled lifestyle
International students can keep costs down through a controlled lifestyle. Eating out, frequent ride-shares, and entertainment spending add up quickly in Canadian cities. Cooking at home, using student discounts, and limiting non-essentials can save CAD 4,000-6,000 a year in 2026, which is a meaningful share of the CAD 22,895 minimum living cost requirement.
Accommodation
International students can stay in shared rentals, homestays, university residences or basement apartments to save costs. In 2026, shared accommodation in Winnipeg, Saskatoon or St John's runs CAD 600-900 per month, while the same setup in Toronto or Vancouver typically costs CAD 1,300-2,000. Most universities also run subsidised on-campus residences for first-year international students.
Which Are the Cheap Universities in Canada?
For 2026, the most affordable Canadian universities for international students include Memorial University of Newfoundland (CAD 11,000 to 20,000 a year), Brandon University in Manitoba (from CAD 5,565 a year), Universite de Saint-Boniface, University of Saskatchewan, University of Regina, University of Manitoba, University of Northern British Columbia and Athabasca University for online learning.
A student who wants to save on tuition and other costs does not need to worry about burning a hole in their pocket while studying in Canada. Several public universities, especially in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Atlantic Canada, offer high-quality programmes for under CAD 20,000 a year. Statistics Canada reports the 2025/26 international undergraduate average tuition at CAD 41,746, so picking carefully matters.
Let us take a look at some of the cheapest universities in Canada.
- Memorial University of Newfoundland – CAD 11,000–20,000 a year (UG)
- Brandon University (Manitoba) – from CAD 5,565 a year
- Université de Saint-Boniface (Manitoba) – from CAD 13,000 a year
- University of Manitoba – approx. CAD 18,100 a year (UG)
- University of Saskatchewan – CAD 18,000–25,000 a year
- University of Regina – from CAD 16,000 a year
- University of Northern British Columbia – competitive BC tuition with low northern living costs
- Athabasca University – online programmes from approx. CAD 2,000 per module
Which Are the Cheapest Universities in Canada for MBA?
Affordable 2026 MBA options in Canada include the University of Alberta (around CAD 88,000 for the full programme), University of Saskatchewan, University of Regina, Memorial University, Athabasca University and the University of Manitoba. Lakehead University and Cape Breton University also offer competitively priced full-time MBA programmes that fit a tighter international student budget.
A Master of Business Administration is still one of the most popular degrees for Indian students in Canada. An MBA opens doors to high-paying roles in finance, consulting, technology and operations, and a Canadian MBA from a public DLI is PGWP-eligible. Top-end MBAs at Rotman or Ivey can cost CAD 70,000+ a year, but several public universities run quality MBAs for far less.
If you are looking for cheap universities for MBA in Canada, then the list below might help you:
- University of Alberta – approx. CAD 88,000 for the full MBA
- University of Saskatchewan (Edwards MBA) – approx. CAD 47,000 total
- Memorial University of Newfoundland MBA – approx. CAD 36,000 total
- University of Regina (Levene MBA) – approx. CAD 38,000 total
- Athabasca University Online MBA – approx. CAD 51,000 total
- Cape Breton University (Shannon School of Business) – approx. CAD 38,000 total
- Lakehead University MBA – approx. CAD 35,000 total
- University of Manitoba (Asper MBA) – approx. CAD 45,000 total
Which Are the Cheapest Universities in Canada for Masters in Computer Science?
For 2026, affordable Canadian universities for a Master's in Computer Science include Memorial University of Newfoundland, University of Regina, University of Saskatchewan, Concordia University in Montreal, University of Manitoba, Lakehead University and University of Northern British Columbia. Statistics Canada places average international graduate tuition at CAD 24,028, well below the headline CS rates at top-five universities.
A Master's in Computer Science is in heavy demand among Indian students applying to Canada in 2026. The programme deepens skills in software engineering, machine learning, data science and computer networks. Statistics Canada places average international graduate tuition at CAD 24,028 a year, meaning several public universities offer competitive Master's CS degrees well under that benchmark.
Students looking to do their Masters in Computer Science in Canada need not worry about the costs. Several cheap universities provide quality Masters programs in science that are affordable.
- Memorial University of Newfoundland (MSc CS) – approx. CAD 12,000 a year
- University of Regina (MSc CS) – approx. CAD 13,000 a year
- University of Saskatchewan (MSc CS) – approx. CAD 14,000 a year
- Concordia University (MASc/MSc CS, Montreal) – approx. CAD 24,000 a year
- University of Manitoba (MSc CS) – approx. CAD 16,000 a year
- Lakehead University (MSc CS) – approx. CAD 19,000 a year
- University of Northern British Columbia (MSc CS) – approx. CAD 17,000 a year
Which Are the Cheapest Universities in Canada for PG Diploma?
Public colleges offer the cheapest 2026 PG Diploma routes in Canada, with tuition typically between CAD 14,000 and 20,000 a year. Affordable options include Centennial College, Algonquin College, Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Lambton College, Cambrian College and Bow Valley College. Many of these PG Diplomas are PGWP-eligible at public DLIs, supporting a faster route to permanent residence.
Canada has several public colleges and universities that offer affordable PG Diploma programmes for international students in 2026. PG Diploma tuition typically sits between CAD 14,000 and 20,000 a year. PG Diplomas at PGWP-eligible public DLIs can lead to a 1-3 year work permit and serve as a fast route into the Canadian labour market and permanent residence.
Here is the list of the cheapest universities and colleges in Canada that offer PG Diploma courses and their approximate fees for the complete program.
- Centennial College – approx. CAD 16,000–18,000 a year (PG Diplomas, PGWP-eligible)
- Algonquin College – approx. CAD 16,000–17,000 a year
- Saskatchewan Polytechnic – approx. CAD 18,000 a year
- Cambrian College – approx. CAD 15,000–17,000 a year
- Lambton College – approx. CAD 14,500–18,000 a year
- Bow Valley College – approx. CAD 14,000–16,000 a year
- Seneca College – approx. CAD 16,000–19,000 a year
- Athabasca University (online PG diplomas) – approx. CAD 18,000 a year
What Are the QS Rankings of Top Canadian Universities?
In the QS World University Rankings 2026, McGill University leads Canada at #27 globally, overtaking the University of Toronto at #29. The University of British Columbia sits at #40 and the University of Alberta is #94. Four Canadian universities feature in the global top 100, with 15-plus inside the top 400 worldwide.
The QS World University Rankings is one of the most widely cited global ranking lists, published yearly by Quacquarelli Symonds. The 2026 edition assessed over 1,500 universities across academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty-student ratio, citations per faculty, sustainability, and international research network. Four Canadian universities sit inside the global top 100 in 2026.
| University | QS Ranking 2026 |
|---|---|
| McGill University | 27 |
| University of Toronto | 29 |
| University of British Columbia | 40 |
| University of Alberta | 94 |
| University of Waterloo | 120 |
| Western University | 130 |
| McMaster University | 157 |
| Université de Montréal | 158 |
| University of Ottawa | 209 |
| Queen's University | 232 |
| Simon Fraser University | 298 |
| Concordia University | 477 |
| University of Saskatchewan | 462 |
| University of Guelph | 571-580 |
| Carleton University | 601-650 |
Which Cheap Canadian Universities Accept International Students Without IELTS?
For 2026 admissions, several affordable Canadian institutions waive IELTS for applicants whose previous studies were taught in English or who provide a Medium of Instruction letter. These include University of Winnipeg, Concordia University, University of Saskatchewan, Brock University, Carleton University, Cambrian College, Seneca College and University of Regina.
There are several Canadian universities that are both affordable and willing to admit international students without an IELTS score, where the previous qualification was taught in English or a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter is provided. Note that for the Student Direct Stream replacement and faster IRCC processing, an IELTS 6.0 or equivalent is still strongly recommended.
Here is a list of some of the cheapest universities and colleges in Canada that do not require IELTS:
- University of Winnipeg
- Concordia University
- University of Saskatchewan
- Brock University
- Carleton University
- Cambrian College
- Seneca College
- University of Regina
- Memorial University of Newfoundland (case-by-case MOI letter accepted)
Which Are the Cheapest Universities in Canada Under 2,000 CAD?
True sub-CAD-2,000-per-year tuition is rare for international students in 2026, but Athabasca University offers online Master's modules from around CAD 2,000 each, and University of Alberta lists individual Master's courses such as Public Health from CAD 600 a year. For affordable full-degree programmes, Brandon University at CAD 5,565 a year is the closest match.
Not all students can absorb high tuition fees in Canada. True sub-CAD-2,000 annual tuition is rare for international students, but a few specific Master's programmes such as Public Health at the University of Alberta list per-year fees from CAD 600, and Athabasca University offers individual online modules from around CAD 2,000 each. These can be combined into a low-cost qualification path.
Which Universities in Canada Have No Application Fee?
Several Canadian universities waive the application fee in 2026 for eligible international applicants, helping keep early study permit budgets lean. The list typically includes Royal Roads University, University of Alberta (selected programmes), Booth University College, Tyndale University, Cape Breton University and Yorkville University. Application fee waivers are usually tied to specific intakes, programmes or partner-recruiter routes.
Students can save on upfront application costs by applying to universities that waive the application fee. Typical 2026 Canadian university application fees range from CAD 100 to 250 per programme, so waivers add up quickly when you apply to multiple institutions. Fee waivers are usually available for partner-recruiter applicants, specific intakes, or applicants from designated countries.
Below is a list of some of the universities that do not have any application fees:
- Royal Roads University
- University of Alberta (selected programmes)
- Booth University College
- Tyndale University
- Cape Breton University (selected intakes)
- Yorkville University (selected intakes)
Which Canadian Universities Offer Scholarships to International Students?
Most public Canadian universities offer entrance scholarships, bursaries and graduate awards. Notable 2026 options include the University of Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship, UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award, McGill Entrance Scholarships, York University Global Leader of Tomorrow Award, Memorial University International Entrance Scholarship and Concordia Presidential Scholarship.
Students can use scholarships, bursaries and assistantship awards to substantially reduce the cost of studying in Canada. Most public Canadian universities offer automatic entrance scholarships of CAD 1,000 to 5,000 a year based on academic merit, plus larger fully-funded awards such as the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship at the University of Toronto and the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships.
Let us take a look at the best scholarships of universities in Canada
- Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship, University of Toronto (full tuition + residence + living for 4 years)
- UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award (full tuition + living costs)
- McGill Entrance Scholarships (CAD 3,000–12,000)
- York University Global Leader of Tomorrow Award (up to CAD 10,000 per year)
- Memorial University of Newfoundland International Entrance Scholarship (CAD 4,400 and above)
- Concordia Presidential Scholarship (CAD 25,000 over 4 years)
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (CAD 50,000 a year, doctoral)