Top 5 Most Affordable Canadian Universities for International Graduate Students 

Thinking of bagging a Master’s degree and wondering if there are any affordable Canadian universities for international graduate students? The answer is yes. Some Canadian universities cost an arm and a foot. However, some are affordable and cater to the needs of international graduate students without hurting their bank accounts. 

In the last year, Canada hosted over one million international students, a 29% increase from the previous year, implying that it is a top choice for people. There are several reasons Canadian universities are preferred by international students seeking graduate studies.  

Studying in Canada offers life-changing 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 affordable compared to 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.

To help prospective students with their dreams of studying in Canada, we’ve compiled a list of some affordable Canadian universities for international graduate students.

Why International Students Prefer Canada

Before discussing some affordable schools for international graduate students, let’s see why Canada is preferred. 

Immigrating to Canada for studies requires heavy financial and emotional investment, but the result is worth it. There are many benefits you’ll enjoy when you immigrate to Canada.  

One is that it has one of the world’s strongest and most stable economies. It is a member of the G7 and is among the top ten economies in the world. Its economy is diversified, with industries ranging from natural resources and manufacturing to technology and services.

As a result, there are several job opportunities in different industries, making it easy for students to get good jobs during and after their studies. It has a thriving technology industry, with companies like Shopify, BlackBerry, and Ubisoft having their headquarters or major operations in the country.  

Also, Canada has a generous immigration culture, making it easy for international graduate students to transition to permanent residency after completing their education.

Again, immigrants, citizens, and permanent residents can access free or low-cost medical care. With a publicly funded healthcare system (meaning that the government covers most healthcare costs), everyone has access to quality healthcare, regardless of income or social status.   

Finally, Canada has an excellent education system. Education is considered a fundamental right in Canada, and the government provides free primary and secondary education to all children. 

Canadian universities and colleges rank among the top in the world, and they offer several programs and degrees recognized globally, with scholarships, loans, and grants to support those with financial constraints.

Also read: UniSey Admission Forms 2024/2025 – Apply Now.

Some Affordable Canadian Universities for International Graduate Students

Despite the general perception of high tuition fees, numerous universities offer programs for less than 3,600 Canadian dollars annually. In no particular order, these are some affordable Canadian universities for international graduate students; 

1. Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN)

 Memorial University is one of the largest universities in Atlantic Canada. It is located in St. John’s, Newfoundland, and is known for its low tuition fees, high-quality education, and dedication to research and teaching excellence. MUN offers over 100 degree programs, 90 professional development courses, and certificate programs. It also offers several graduate programs in engineering, business, humanities, business administration, applied science, education, marine studies, and social sciences.

There are scholarships and financial aid options to help ease the financial burden of international students. Additionally, the cost of living in Newfoundland and Labrador is relatively lower compared to other Canadian provinces.

Memorial provides numerous affordable degrees starting at 1,400 CAD per year. These programs are designed to meet the demands of the global job market and foster innovation. 

2. University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC)

The University of Northern British Columbia is a small, research-intensive university located in Prince George, in the province of British Columbia. It offers affordable tuition fees for international graduate students. UNBC is renowned for its focus on environmental sciences, health sciences, and community development. The university also provides scholarships and awards to international students to support their academic journey.

3. University of Saskatchewan (USask)

The University of Saskatchewan is a Canadian public research university founded on March 19, 1907, and located on the east side of the South Saskatchewan River in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. 

It offers competitive tuition fees and a wide range of graduate programs, including the Master of Public Health, Master of Science in Finance, and Master of Education and other programs in agriculture, engineering, business, and health sciences. Popularly called USask, it is known for its strong research programs and state-of-the-art facilities. The university also offers scholarships, grants, and funding opportunities for international students to help make their education more affordable.  

4. Brandon University

Brandon University is located in the city of Brandon, Manitoba. It is a smaller institution that provides a supportive and personalized learning environment for students. It offers various education, music, and environmental and life sciences graduate programs. Brandon University is committed to making education affordable for international students by offering several scholarships and financial aid options. Additionally, Brandon’s living cost is lower than in larger Canadian cities.

5. University of Manitoba

The University of Manitoba is a public research university in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Founded in 1877, it is the first university in Western Canada. Both by total student enrolment and campus area, the University of Manitoba is the largest in the province of Manitoba. It is one of Canada’s oldest and most affordable universities. It offers various graduate programs, including engineering, business, medicine, and social work. The university is dedicated to supporting international students through various scholarships, bursaries, and assistantships. The relatively low cost of living in Winnipeg also adds to the affordability of studying at the University of Manitoba.

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Tips for Managing Education Costs in Canada

While choosing an affordable university is a great start, here are a few additional tips for managing education costs in Canada:

1. Research and apply for scholarships, grants, and bursaries from universities, government bodies, and private organizations. 
2. Take advantage of the work permit that allows international students to work part-time during their studies and full-time during scheduled breaks.
3. Create a budget to manage your finances effectively and avoid unnecessary expenses.
4. Look for affordable housing options, like university dormitories or shared apartments.

If you’ve been considering Canadian universities for your graduate studies, here’s a sign to work towards achieving that goal. The schools above are great options to consider. In addition to their affordability, it is also easy to transition from being a student to becoming a permanent resident.

By choosing any of these universities, you are assured of getting a high-quality education without breaking the bank. Remember to explore all available financial aid options and manage your expenses wisely to maximize your educational experience in Canada.

For more information on these affordable Canadian universities for international graduate students, contact the university’s admissions office or visit their websites.

Keep in mind that universities can add or remove programs periodically, so the best way to stay current is to check the school’s website and filter degrees by tuition cost. Note that some schools may also require that you pay a non-refundable application fee before they process your admission. Good luck with your applications.