10 most affordable Canadian universities in 2024

Studying Abroad: The Most Affordable Canadian Universities

Studying abroad can be a costly decision to make. Tuition fees, rent, cost of living, and even student visa applications don’t come cheap.

The Cost of Studying Abroad

• According to US News & World Report, average tuition at US private colleges grew by about 4% in 2022 to just under US$40,000 per year. For a public in-state school, that cost was $10,500, a 0.8% increase for in-state students and about 1% for out-of-state students.
• London, the QS Best Student City 2024 (and for the fifth year running), has rent prices that go up to US$2,776 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre. The monthly cost of living, including groceries, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, is estimated at around US$1,366.
• In Australia, talks of raising student visa application fees from US$497 to US$1,656 are underway. Applicants must pay this fee regardless of whether or not they secure a visa. Australia already has one of the most expensive visa application fees, second only to the UK, at a whopping US$615.

It’s no wonder that students are — and have been — looking elsewhere. In particular, Canada has always been seen favourably amongst international students for various reasons.

Canada: A Popular Study Abroad Destination

A 2023 report by IDP Connect, a global student recruitment firm, reveals that more than 21,000 students from 100 countries picked Canada as the most popular destination to study abroad.

With top-ranked universities, global hubs, and the opportunity to obtain Post-Graduate Work Permits (PGWP), it’s unsurprising that Canada has seen its international student population triple over the past decade.

Beyond that, the country has over 90 public institutes offering more than 15,000 programmes, with the majority being taught entirely in English. Among them, the most affordable Canadian universities boast a high quality of life and diverse local communities, set in crisp air, diverse landscapes and breathtaking natural wonders.

Toronto is the most populous city in Canada, filled with a vibrant multicultural scene alongside the country’s financial and commercial centre. Source: AFP.

A Lifestyle Filled with Generous Opportunities

Before diving into the most affordable Canadian universities, it’s worth mentioning that Canada has a great lifestyle for those making a life on their shores. While the cost of living may vary depending on location, international students can opt for affordable accommodation options during their stay. For those who stay on as permanent residents, the country has much more to offer.

Public schools are free for children aged five to 18. This includes children of permanent residents, work permit holders and study permit holders.

Most provinces have publicly funded healthcare plans, with some areas covering work permit holders and international students. Many essential health services are either free of charge or greatly subsidised.

Canada also offers great employment opportunities for fresh graduates or for those intending to migrate there permanently. While most Canadian companies prefer to hire locals, newcomers are welcome to volunteer or take up freelance projects, which will all count towards Canadian experience.

Well-being and social security are also the country’s top priorities. In cases where you’ve lost your job or are unable to work for certain reasons, Canada’s Employment Insurance (EI) programme provides a source of temporary income.

If these perks sound appealing to you, applying to the most affordable Canadian universities is the perfect place to kickstart your journey:

[embedded content]

10 Most Affordable Canadian Universities

Note: These fees don’t include accommodation or any additional fees, so make sure you check out the university’s official site for more information, if necessary.

University of Montreal

The University of Montreal (UdeM) is one of the leading research universities in Canada, home to over 67,000 students and 2,300 professors and researchers. The university dates back to 1878, with roots running deep in Montreal, known as one of the least expensive cities to live in Canada’s Québec province.

Research is the core of UdeM – the university receives over US$650 million in research funding annually. UdeM boasts an impressive 465 research units alongside its affiliated schools, HEC Montréal and École Polytechnique de Montréal.

Tuition fees for the University of Montreal cost around US$5,520 per year.

Memorial University of Newfoundland

Founded in 1925, Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) was established as a living memorial to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who died in the First World War. Now, it’s a public university based in St. Johns, with campuses scattered in Corner Brook, Saint Pierre, and Harlow.

The university offers certificate, diploma, undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate programmes. Tuition rates are among the lowest in Canada, coupled with generous funding packages for graduate students who require financial aid.

Tuition fees for Memorial University of Newfoundland cost around US$8,440 a year.

Canadian Mennonite University is known for its agriculture programmes, which are taught uniquely on a small campus. Source: AFP.

Canadian Mennonite University

The Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) is a Christian university, well-known for its courses in biblical and theological studies. It was founded in 1999 by the Mennonite Church of Canada and is located in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Here, students can choose from internationally accredited programmes across diverse disciplines, catering to undergraduate and postgraduate studies.

The university also offers a short, one-year Pre-Professional Studies programme that helps students complete required courses for professional programmes not offered at CMU, such as agriculture, dentistry, education and more. Upon completion, students can apply for their desired degree in another university.

CMU’s 3-

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article

SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article:

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
5. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

Specific Targets Based on the Article’s Content:

• Target 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education, including university.
• Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
• Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
• Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.
• Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.

Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article:

• Average tuition fees at US private colleges (Indicator for Target 4.3)
• Rent prices in London (Indicator for Target 11.1)
• Student visa application fees in Australia (Indicator for Target 10.2)
• Number of international students choosing Canada as a study destination (Indicator for Target 4.3)
• Increase in Canada’s international student population over the past decade (Indicator for Target 4.3)

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: studyinternational.com

Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.