Cheap Universities in Canada in 2024

Canada stands out as an ideal destination for students due to its blend of high academic standards and lower tuition fees than other English-speaking countries like the neighbouring USA or the United Kingdom. 

Known for its world-class education system, diverse cultural experiences, and welcoming environment, Canada offers international students a unique opportunity to receive top-notch education without breaking the bank.

Still, Canadian universities aren’t exactly cheap. Even if tuition fees are lower than in the USA, costs can reach up to 100,000 CAD per academic year (that's over 65,000 EUR) for Master’s programmes. 

Public universities and colleges are more affordable than private ones, but you still need to do some research to find courses that meet your budget.

We’ve created a list of universities in Canada that offer affordable degrees, limiting our budget to approximately 3,600 Canadian dollars per year, equivalent to 2,500 euros. 

Although our list could include a few more examples, we decided to include only the universities that offer several options, not just one or two. This ensures that prospective students have a variety of programmes to choose from within each institution, enhancing their chances of finding the perfect fit for their academic goals.

Cheap universities in Canada

Here’s a list of the best universities in Canada listed on Mastersportal that also have a generous number of affordable degrees.

1. University of British Columbia

• Meta Ranking position: 2nd in Canada
• Top 0.5% in the world
• City: Vancouver, British Columbia

University of British Columbia (UBC) is not a name you would expect on a cheap university list. Studying a Master’s degree at this global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities worldwide, can cost you as much as CAD 75,000 per year. With campuses in Vancouver and Kelowna, UBC offers several affordable graduate programs in high-demand fields such as Medicine, Psychology, and Biology. These programs cost around CAD 3,000 and are surely designed to equip interested students with advanced knowledge and skills, preparing them for impactful careers.

2. University of Calgary

• Meta Ranking position: 8th in Canada
• Top 1% in the world
• City: Calgary, Alberta

The University of Calgary offers a broad range of affordable programmes. The degrees offered by the prestigious Calgary University are designed to address current societal needs and prepare students for diverse career paths. Examples include Law, Economics, Neuroscience, Sociology, and Medicine. Fees per module start at around 2,500 CAD, and programmes typically take one or two years to complete.

3. Memorial University of Newfoundland

• Meta Ranking position: 22nd in Canada
• Top 3% in the world
• City: St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador

Memorial University of Newfoundland set in a place rich in history and stunning coastal views, offers a unique student experience. is known for its dedication to research and teaching excellence. Memorial provides numerous affordable degrees starting at 1,400 CAD per year, including programs in Engineering and Applied Science, Education, and Business Administration and Marine Studies. These programs are designed to meet the demands of the global job market and foster innovation.

4. University of New Brunswick

• Meta Ranking position: 23rd in Canada
• Top 4% in the world
• City: Fredericton, New Brunswick

The University of New Brunswick, with campuses in Fredericton and Saint John, is known for its strong emphasis on research and innovation. UNB offers a variety of affordable programs in Anthropology, Biology, Chemical Engineering, Computer Science and more. Tuition fees start at 1,600 CAD per module, while degrees typically take one or two years to complete. The city of Fredericton also provides a low cost of living and a vibrant cultural scene.

5. University of Lethbridge

• Meta Ranking position: 36th in Canada
• Top 9% in the world
• City: Lethbridge, Alberta

The University of Lethbridge, located in Alberta, is known for its emphasis on liberal education and research excellence. It provides a supportive and inclusive environment for students. Lethbridge offers affordable programmes in Management, Arts, Sciences, and Marketing with tuition fees as low as 2,000 CAD per module. The city of Lethbridge itself offers a low cost of living and a welcoming community. Its vibrant arts scene, outdoor recreational opportunities, and close-knit community make it an ideal place for students.

6. Athabasca University

• Online university
• Meta Ranking position: not ranked

Athabasca University is Canada’s leading online university. It offers flexible learning options that cater to a diverse student population, making it perfect for those who balance studies with work or other commitments. Athabasca provides affordable online programs in Business, Health Administration, and Information Technology, allowing students to pursue their studies anywhere in the world. Tuition fees start at approximately 2,000 CAD per module.

Explore more affordable Canadian Master’s degrees

Other Canadian universities with some cheap degrees

1. The University of Alberta (Edmonton, Alberta) offers a few affordable Master’s programmes, such as the Public Health Master’s listed at 600 CAD per year. Many other degrees at this prestigious Canadian university (ranked among the best 0.5% in the world and 4th in Canada) cost around 9,000 CAD for international students​.
2. The University of Waterloo (Waterloo, Ontario), ranked 7th best in Canada and among the best in the world also lists a few affordable Master’s programmes. Examples include Mathematics and Theology. Tuition fees for these programmes can go as low as 700 CAD, but value increases, depending on the specific programme and whether the course is research-based or professionally oriented​.
3. Western University (London, Ontario), ranked 10th in Canada and among the 2% best in the world by Studyportals Meta Ranking, offers a variety of affordable Master’s programmes. Some examples include Nuclear Engineering and a professional Master’s in Education.
4. Simon Fraser University, (Burnaby, British Columbia) ranks among the best 2% in the world and 12 in Canada. It offers a variety of affordable Master’s programmes. Some examples include the Master of Science in Physics, the Professional Master’s Programme in Big Data, and the Master of Fine Arts in Interdisciplinary Arts. Tuition fees for these programmes start from approximately 3,500 CAD .​
5. The University of Saskatchewan, (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan) offers a range of affordable Master’s programmes, including the Master of Public Health, Master of Science in Finance, and Master of Education. Tuition fees for these programmes typically start at 7000 CAD, not much for a university ranking among the best 2% in the world.
6. Laurentian University (Sudbury, Ontario) offers affordable Master’s programmes, such as the Master of Science in Geology, Master of Business Administration (MBA), and Master of Social Work. Most programmes last one to two years, and tuition fees range from approximately 2,000 to 7,000 Canadian dollars per module.
7. Royal Roads University lists a few affordable Master’s in disciplines such as Environmental Practice, which cost close to 1,000 CAD. You may find online or on-campus options.
8. Master’s degrees at the University of Winnipeg range up to CAD 20,000), but some affordable online or on-campus Management degrees start at CAD 2,500 per year.
9. Mount Allison University (Sackville, New Brunswick) lists some affordable Master’s programmes. One notable example is the Master of Science, which includes specializations in Biology, Chemistry, and Biochemistry. Tuition fees for both domestic and international students are approximately 3,000 CAD per year, making it a highly cost-effective option for graduate studies
10. The University of Prince Edward Island (Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island) offers several affordable Master’s programmes starting at around 4,000 CAD per year. Examples include Nursing, Veterinary Medicine, and Sustainable Design Engineering. 

Our partners in Canada

We recommend you also explore degrees offered by some of our partners in Canada:

• Centennial College offers over 160 full-time programmes, emphasising practical, hands-on learning and strong industry connections to prepare students for successful careers.
• University Canada West specialises in business-oriented education, offering accredited undergraduate and graduate degrees designed to advance careers in a dynamic global market.

These institutions offer excellent programmes and are known for their international student support and vibrant academic environments.

This said...

Despite the general perception of high tuition fees, there are numerous universities offering programmes for less than 3,600 Canadian dollars per year. Institutions such as the University of British Columbia, University of Calgary, and Memorial University of Newfoundland provide a variety of low-cost degrees without compromising on academic excellence. 

By choosing these universities, you can achieve your academic goals and advance your career while enjoying Canada's rich cultural landscape and vibrant student life. Remember to explore scholarships and financial aid options to further reduce your educational expenses. Start your journey today and unlock the doors to a bright future with an affordable Canadian education.

Methodology:

• The universities listed in the "Cheap universities in Canada" section of this article are Canadian universities on Mastersportal.com, with more than 5 Master’s programmes priced under EUR 2,500.
• The universities listed in the "Other Canadian universities with some cheap degrees" section of this article are Canadian universities on Mastersportal.com with less than 5 Master's programmes cheaper than EUR 2,500 or with a few Master's programmes cheaper than EUR 5,000.
• Keep in mind that universities can add or remove programmes periodically, so the best way to stay current is to use our search engine and filter degrees by tuition cost. 
• Rankings mentioned in this article are based on the Studyportals University Meta Ranking for Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How can I find affordable Master's programmes in Canada?

You can find affordable Master's programmes in Canada by researching universities that offer low-cost degrees, typically under 3,600 Canadian dollars per year. On Mastersportal, you can easily sort your search by tuition fee and list the cheapest programmes first out of the thousands of available degrees. Additionally, look for public universities, as they generally have lower tuition fees compared to private institutions.

2. Are there scholarships available for international students in Canada?

Yes, there are numerous scholarships available for international students in Canada. Scholarships are a great way to reduce the financial burden of your studies. Many universities offer their own scholarships, and there are also external scholarships provided by Canadian government agencies and private organizations. On Mastersportal you can find hundreds of available scholarships for Canadian universities.

3. What are the benefits of studying in Canada compared to other English-speaking countries?

Studying in Canada offers several benefits compared to other English-speaking countries. Canada is known for its high academic standards, diverse cultural experiences, and welcoming environment. Additionally, tuition fees in Canada are generally lower than those in the USA and the UK. Canada also provides international students with opportunities for post-graduate work permits, which can lead to permanent residency, making it an attractive destination for higher education.