BusinessDay
Chisom Michael
March 4, 2025
Canada continues to attract international students seeking quality education at lower costs. While top-ranked institutions such as McGill University and the University of Toronto have high tuition fees, several universities offer more affordable options.
Tuition for undergraduate programmes at McGill University ranges from 27,447 to 67,572 Canadian dollars per year, excluding additional costs for administrative charges, student services, and health insurance. This brings the total to between 30,735 and 70,976 CAD annually. Expenses for accommodation, food, and travel further increase costs.
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Some lesser-known universities provide lower tuition fees while maintaining academic standards. These institutions offer various programmes and support services to assist international students. Financial aid and scholarships are available to improve accessibility.
Canada also provides post-graduate work opportunities, making it a preferred destination for students planning their careers. The combination of affordable education and work options continues to drive interest in Canadian universities.
According to Scholarship International, here are five of the most affordable options for the 2024/25 academic year.
Brandon University
Brandon University, a government-supported institution in Manitoba, provides a small and closely connected learning environment. The university has six faculties and schools: the Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Graduate Studies, Faculty of Science, Faculty of Health Studies, and the School of Music. The School of Music has been a part of the university for over a century.
International students at Brandon University pay tuition based on the number of credit hours. A three-credit course costs between 2,170 and 2,339 CAD (US$1,593 to US$1,717). A full programme with 30 credit hours costs between 18,399 and 20,086 CAD (US$13,513 to US$14,752) per academic year.
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Université de Saint-Boniface
Université de Saint-Boniface (USB) is the oldest post-secondary institution in Western Canada. Located in Winnipeg, it is the only French-language university in Manitoba. The university promotes diversity and inclusion among its students.
All programmes at USB are conducted in French, requiring students to take a language placement test before registration. Tuition fees for bachelor’s programmes range from 11,825 to 13,530 CAD (US$8,685 to US$9,937) per academic year.
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Canadian Mennonite University
Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) is a private liberal arts institution in Winnipeg. The university focuses on small class sizes, providing students with direct access to professors and career support services. Although it is supported by Mennonite organisations, it welcomes students from all faith backgrounds.
A full-time international undergraduate student at CMU, including dormitory accommodation, a full meal plan, and mandatory health insurance, can expect to pay approximately 21,000 CAD (US$15,424) per year.
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Carleton University
Carleton University, located in Ottawa, provides access to research institutions, industries, and major international companies. The university has five faculties: the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Engineering and Design, Faculty of Public and Global Affairs, Faculty of Science, and the Sprott School of Business.
For the 2024/25 academic year, international undergraduate tuition fees range between 34,322 and 53,612 CAD (US$25,208 to US$39,376). Carleton University offers a strong scholarship and bursary programme, with over 13,500 awards amounting to 27.7 million CAD (US$23.3 million) in 2023.
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Brock University
Brock University, located in Ontario’s Niagara region, has been recognised for its student support services. The university offers more than 120 undergraduate and graduate programmes across seven faculties. It has also been recognised for its teaching excellence.
International undergraduate students at Brock University pay tuition fees ranging between 37,723 and 38,560 CAD (US$27,706 to US$28,321) per academic year. The university offers scholarships for students who achieve an average of 80% or higher.
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Chisom Michael is a data analyst (audience engagement) and writer at BusinessDay, with diverse experience in the media industry. He holds a BSc in Industrial Physics from Imo State University and an MEng in Computer Science and Technology from Liaoning Univerisity of Technology China. He specialises in listicle writing, profiles and leveraging his skills in audience engagement analysis and data-driven insights to create compelling content that resonates with readers.
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