Studying in Canada does not have to be expensive if international students make informed choices about universities, locations, and program structures. This article offers information on low-tuition-fee universities in Canada that maintain strong academic standards, many of which are located in smaller provinces outside major cities such as Toronto and Vancouver.
It is important to note that tuition fees do not represent the total cost of studying in Canada. Living expenses, part-time work opportunities, co-op programs, and post-study work options play a significant role in determining overall affordability. In 2026, rising tuition fees, inflation, and increased international student demand make cost planning more critical than ever.
The Canadian universities with low tuition fees listed here offer affordability along with scholarships, work options, and post-graduation pathways that help international students manage expenses and make practical study decisions.
This Blog Includes:
Best Low-Tuition Universities in Canada: Overview
Although some top universities are quite expensive for international students looking for higher education in Canada, there are some universities that offer undergraduate and postgraduate courses for international students at lower tuition fees without any compromise on the education quality. We have mentioned some of the best universities for UG and PG courses with low tuition fees in 2026 in this table:
| Canadian University | Average UG Tuition 2026 | Average PG Tuition 2026 |
| Memorial University of Newfoundland | CAD 9,000 to 20,000 | CAD 10,000 |
| Brandon University | CAD 7,000 to 18,000 | CAD 10,000 |
| University of Prince Edward Island | CAD 18,000 | CAD 12,000 to 16,000 |
| University of Manitoba | CAD 10,000 to 14,000 | CAD 12,000 to 18,000 |
| University of Saskatchewan | CAD 14,500 to 17,000 | CAD 12,000 to 18,000 |
| University of Regina | CAD 20,000 to 24,000 | CAD 20,000 to 24,000 |
| University of Northern British Columbia | CAD 13,000 to 16,000 | CAD 10,000 to 12,000 |
| St Boniface | CAD 10,500 to 12,500 | CAD 15,000 |
| Mount Saint Vincent University | CAD 13,000 to 15,000 | CAD 10,000 to 12,000 |
Note: Students need to note that the exact tuition fees vary depending on the chosen course of study. Also, some courses at these universities are more expensive than others because of advanced specialisation or research-led courses. The tuition above is an average. So, it is highly advised for Indian students to check with their chosen university for the exact tuition fees.
Also Read: Cheapest Engineering Universities in Canada for International Students
Top 5 Universities in Canada with Low Tuition Fees in 2026
In this section, we will be discussing some of the top low-tuition universities in Canada for Indian students in 2026. You need to understand that these institutions do offer top-notch education. You can check these universities, top courses, and some other details through the headings below.
Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN)
Check the table below to know more information about this low-tuition-fee university in Canada for international students.
| Particulars | Details |
| Established | 1925 |
| Type | Public Research University |
| Location | Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada |
| Known For | One of Canada’s most affordable universities |
| Key Strengths | Marine Science, Petroleum and Ocean Engineering, Geology |
| Flagship Asset | Marine Institute (Canada’s top ocean technology facility) |
| Average UG Tuition | CAD 9,000 to 20,000 |
| Average PG Tuition | CAD 10,000 per year for research-led programs |
Brandon University (Manitoba)
Here is the table for you to know more information about this university in Canada that offers low tuition for international students.
| Particulars | Details |
| Established | 1899 |
| Type | Public University |
| Location | Manitoba, Canada |
| Best Known For | Small class sizes and personalised learning |
| Key Strengths | Music, Education, Nursing, Humanities |
| Learning Environment | Close faculty interaction, community-focused |
| UG Tuition | CAD 18,000 per year |
| PG Tuition | CAD 10,000 per year |
University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI)
In this table, we have mentioned important details such as establishment, average tuition fee, key strengths, and more about this low-fee university in Canada in 2026 for international students offering world-class education with affordability.
| Particulars | Details |
| Established | 1969 |
| Type | Public University |
| Location | Prince Edward Island, Canada |
| Best Known For | Small class sizes and close-knit academic community |
| Key Strengths | Biological Sciences, Sustainable Business, Veterinary Medicine |
| Unique Advantage | One of the few veterinary medicine faculties in Canada |
| UG Tuition | CAD 18,000 per year |
| PG Tuition | CAD 12,000–16,000/year |
University of Regina (Saskatchewan)
Check the table below, as it contains more information about the University of Regina. This low-tuition-fee university in Canada is known for providing quality education at lower costs of studying.
| Particulars | Details |
| Established | 1974 |
| Type | Public University |
| Location | Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada |
| Best Known For | Practical, career-oriented programs |
| Key Strengths | Business, Media, Petroleum Systems Engineering |
| Industry Exposure | Strong Co-op and internship-integrated curriculum |
| UG Tuition | CAD 21,000 to 24,000 per year |
| PG Tuition | CAD 14,000 to 19,000 per year |
University of Manitoba
The University of Manitoba is among the cheapest universities in Canada in 2026 for international students. The university offers top-class undergraduate and postgraduate courses at an affordable rate of tuition compared to other universities. Here is the table that includes more information about it.
| Particulars | Details |
| Established | 1877 |
| Type | Public Research University |
| Location | Manitoba, Canada |
| Best Known For | The most comprehensive university in the province |
| Key Strengths | Business, Engineering, Agriculture, Computer Science |
| Career Advantage | Strong paid Co-op programs across major disciplines |
| UG Tuition | CAD 20,000 to 24,000 per year |
| PG Tuition | CAD 15,000 to 20,000 per year |
Also Read: Cheapest MBA in UK
How to Reduce the Cost of Studying in Canada?
One of the most beneficial decisions to reduce the overall cost of studying is to take admission into one of the cheapest universities in Canada. Without compromising on the quality, these low tuition fee universities in Canada offer international students a top education system, global exposure, better career prospects, and a surreal experience. A few of the things to consider that can reduce the overall studying costs in Canada include the following:
- Study in smaller provinces in Canada, such as Montreal, Halifax, Winnipeg or Regina. Here, the cost of living is much cheaper than in big cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, etc.
- You can apply for scholarships and also sign up for paid co-op work programs in Canada.
- Choose one of the high ROI programs to pursue in Canada. This helps you to accelerate the return on your investment more quickly.
- Additionally, international students are allowed to work part-time for up to 20–24 hours per week, which provides steady financial support.
- Choosing on-campus housing can reduce commuting and utility expenses, while off-campus accommodation may offer flexibility and lower rent depending on the city.
FAQs
Compared to other institutions in Canada, Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) has the lowest tuition rates, especially for postgrad and research-based courses, which might not even reach CAD 10,000 per year.
The most affordable provinces for pursuing study abroad in Canada include Newfoundland, Labrador, and Manitoba. This is because of the low tuition fees associated with universities such as MUN and Brandon University in Manitoba and the University of Manitoba.
Newfoundland (St John’s) is considered the cheapest place to study among Canadian cities, as the place offers affordable universities and a low cost of living for international students.
Permanent residency in Canada depends more on where you study, your work experience, your course, and your job after graduation. It does not depend on how much tuition you paid to universities. Many low-tuition universities in Canada are in PR-friendly provinces and offer PGWP-eligible programs, co-op jobs, and provincial nomination pathways.
Related Reads
This blog covered everything you need to know about low tuition fee universities in Canada in 2026. Stay tuned to Leverage Edu for more such content on affordable study abroad. Thank you for reading!
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