Because of higher “Proof of Funds” requirements ($22,895 for living expenses), the cost of studying in Canada has gone up in 2026. The best way for international students to balance their finances is to aim for the cheapest schools in areas with a lower cost of living, along with automatic entrance scholarships.
1. The University of Newfoundland and Labrador (MUN)
Memorial University is still one of the most affordable public universities in Canada, especially for graduate students.
- Cost of tuition: about $11,500 to $20,000 CAD per year for undergraduate programmes.
- Different Types of Scholarships:
- International Entrance Scholarships are worth $4,400 and are given automatically to students who do well in school.
- IUGS Entrance Scholarship: For college students, between $6,000 and $12,000.
- Location Advantage: Newfoundland has some of the lowest living expenses in North America, and rent is much lower than in Toronto or Vancouver.
2. The University of the West (also known as the University of Regina)
The University of Regina is on the Prairies and has very useful programs with co-op options that let students work while they learn.
- The cost of tuition is between $12,000 and $18,000 CAD per year.
- Different Types of Scholarships:
- The U of R International Entrance Scholarship gives students with an 85% average a $3,000 award automatically.
- International Undergraduate Tuition Credit: This is a new programme that started in 2026 and gives new international students up to $20,000 ($5,000 per year) as a tuition credit.
3. SFU, or Simon Fraser University
People often say that SFU is a cheaper option for research-based programs than the University of British Columbia’s (UBC), even though it is in British Columbia.
- Tuition: The cost of undergraduate programs varies, but for some arts and science tracks, they can start at around $13,000 to $15,000 CAD. It doesn’t cost much to go to graduate school; the average cost is between $7,000 and $15,000 per year.
- Different Types of Scholarships:
- SFU Entrance Scholarships: These range from $2,000 to $10,000 and are automatically given out when you are accepted.
- Research Stipends: Most PhD students get money that covers their tuition and living expenses.
4. The University of Brandon
Brandon University in Manitoba is known for having small classes and very low tuition for international students.
- Tuition for undergraduate programmes is between $13,500 and $16,000 CAD. You can find graduate programmes that cost less than $10,000.
- Different Types of Scholarships:
- Board of Governors Entrance Scholarships: $800 to $2,000, depending on your high school grades.
- Incentives from the Manitoba government: Students who study in Manitoba may be able to get local tax credits or scholarships that are meant to keep graduates in the province.
5. University of Prince Edward Island
Students looking for a safe, small-town setting with competitive global tuition rates should consider UPEI.
- Tuition: The cost of undergraduate tuition is about $15,000 to $20,000 CAD per year.
- Different Types of Scholarships:
- Awards for Celebrating Student Achievements (CSA): Automatic entrance awards between $500 and $3,000.
- International Entrance Scholarships are merit-based awards that can pay for a large part of your first-year costs.
6. Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec
Montreal has the best “big city” value in Canada for students who can afford a mid-range tuition fee.
- Most undergraduate programmes cost between $21,000 and $28,000 CAD in tuition.
- Different Types of Scholarships:
- Concordia International Tuition Award of Excellence: For top-tier international PhD and master’s students, it lowers tuition to the rate for Quebec residents.
- Entrance Exhibitions: Automatically given are a number of faculty-specific awards worth between $2,000 and $10,000.
Final Thoughts
In 2026, if you want to find a “cheap” university in Canada, you need to look beyond the price of tuition and think about the total cost of going to school. If you choose schools in the Atlantic provinces (MUN, UPEI) or the Prairies (Regina, Brandon), you can get tuition rates below $20,000 CAD and housing costs that are much lower. Always apply before March 1st to ensure automatic consideration for entrance scholarships, which can reduce your first-year costs by $2,000 to $5,000.
Do you want a certain type of programme, like a 1-year postgraduate certificate or a 4-year bachelor’s degree?
