Top 15 Cheapest Colleges in Canada for International Students in 2023

Last Updated on June 19, 2023

Cheapest Colleges in Canada

Are you planning to study abroad in Canada, and you are looking for the best colleges to apply to that are affordable and offer flexibility? If so, then you are in the right place.

Canada is one of the countries of the world with a lot of academic history, they’ve been known down through the years to have many cheap colleges for international students that provide quality education.

Basically, this article will be all about the top 15 colleges in Canada that offer students the opportunity to earn a degree without spending much.

Why Should I Study In Canada?

Canada always ranks as one of the best countries in the world—and is currently the #1 best country for quality of life. The choice to study in Canada is one that gives you access to an internationally recognized education from some of the top educators and academics in the world.

What are the benefits for international students who choose to study in Canada? A whole lot! Whether you choose to study in large, vibrant cities or settle on a small campus in a warm, welcoming community, the Canadian experience is one that will shape your life. Furthermore, studying in Canada opens up the door to a potential career and a future in Canada.

Here are our top 5 reasons why you should study in Canada.

1. Academic excellence

One of the vital reasons why students choose to study in Canada is because of the high quality of education. When a student receives a degree from a Canadian university, it truly spells boldly acts as a mark of trust and excellence. 26 of Canada’s universities rank in the QS World University Rankings 2019 and 27 of them in THE World University Rankings 2019.

2. Ample research opportunities

Canada as a nation has a high value for research, and this culture transcends to her universities. Therefore, with a strong focus on research and development, Canada should come top in the hunt for favorite study destinations.

The Canadian government grants support to research in the following fields; medicine, telecommunication, agriculture, environmental science, and technology.

3. Affordable

The tuition fee in Canada, when compared to universities in the US and UK, they stand tall in terms of affordability.

Whatever your budget may be, you’ll find something right for you in our diverse education options. All you need to do is utilize as much information as you can.

4. Earn while you learn

Canada offers international students the opportunity to earn while they earn. This is made perfect by the Canadian regulation that grants international students the opportunity to work for up to 20 hours every week during their semesters and full-time during summer and winter breaks.

To work on-campus or as an intern in any company, there will be no need for an additional work permit as your study permit is enough to help you find a part-time job.

5. Amazing and lively campus life

Students in Canada are usually blown away by the events, fests, and other activities conducted all throughout the year across various cities and universities in Canada.

This scenery creates a happy and lively environment for all the students, and helps you network and meet new people– you might not get to miss home in Canada. Canada is home!

What Is The Education System In Canada Like?

Canada prides itself on being a world leader in research while still remaining accessible and diverse.

Unlike other higher education systems, Canadian degree programs are flexible. That is to say, students are given some choice when it comes to picking classes. Additionally, students have more control over their workload and what subjects they choose to study depending on their discipline.

More so, education in Canada is available in both English and in French in most places, provided there are enough students in that area speaking the secondary language.

High school is typical until grades nine to 12. In Québec, high school ends in grade eleven and is followed by a program that prepares the student for university or a technical field called CEGEP.

Beyond this, students can attend either vocational schools or enter a university. At a university, they will first earn a Bachelor’s degree and can continue studies to receive a Master’s or a Doctorate degree. Vocational students will earn certificates and diplomas that will help improve their skills in various trades.

Cheap Diploma Courses in Canada for International Students

A postgraduate degree is a crucial addition to your educational credentials because it not only allows you to receive advanced knowledge but also serves as a platform for skill development.

Aside from standard Master’s programs, institutes around the world, including those in Canada, offer one-year or two-year PG diploma programs for students from various fields.

So, if you want to study in Canada, particularly, 2 years PG diploma courses, below is a list of some cheap diploma courses in Canada for international students:

  • PG Diploma in Finance
  • PG Diploma in Marketing
  • PG Diploma in Human Resources
  • PG Diploma in Business Analytics
  • PG Diploma in International Business Management
  • PG Diploma in Supply Chain Management
  • Pg Diploma in Accounting
  • PG Diploma in Project Management

Other diploma courses include:

  • Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Marketing Management
  • Financial Management
  • Advanced Neonatal Nursing
  • Computer Systems Technology – Networking (Fast-Track)
  • Biotechnology
  • Computer Systems Technician
  • Environmental Technician
  • Biotechnology – Advanced
  • Energy Systems Engineering Technology

Eligibility for Cheap Diploma Courses in Canada

Getting admission to a PG Diploma course in Canada does not require international students to fulfill complex requirements. Unlike master’s in Canada, you can apply for a diploma course even after a three-year bachelor’s degree. Some of the important eligibility requirements for pursuing a PG Diploma in Canada are:

  • An undergraduate degree in a relevant subject with at least 65% or more aggregate marks. 
  • Some courses in business administration, management, marketing, etc may require you to have work experience of 2 years. 
  • English Language Proficiency: International applicants must have IELTS/TOEFL.
    • IELTS: 6.5
    • TOEFL: 550 (pBT), and 213 (cBT), 88 (iBT)

The admission process for diploma programs in Canada is highly flexible. The documents required for getting into P Diploma programs are:

  • Transcripts of previous education
  • Study permit
  • SOP for PG diploma courses in Canada
  •  Letter of Recommendation
  • Proof of finances

List of Colleges in Canada for International Students

Here are some of the best colleges in Canada for international students to consider:

  • Queen’s University School of English — Kingston, Ontario
  • University of Toronto — Toronto, Ontario
  • University of British Columbia — Vancouver, British Columbia
  • McGill University — Montréal, Québec
  • Seneca College — Toronto, Ontario
  • University of Alberta — Edmonton, Alberta
  • Cambrian College
  • Canadore College
  • University of Montréal — Montréal, Québec
  • Algonquin College — Ottawa, Ontario
  • University of Calgary — Calgary, Alberta
  • Carleton University — Ottawa, Ontario
  • Concordia University — Montréal, Québec
  • Algonquin College
  • Centennial College
  • Collège Boréal

Cheapest Colleges in Canada for International Students

From experience and testimonies, it is understood and with no reasonable doubt that nothing is as frustrating as not having the finance to see yourself through your college studies. This article contains detailed information concerning top colleges in Canada that would offer international students the opportunity to go to school get a quality education and spend less.

This article is definitely an opportunity for many people because we’ve seen individuals,  intelligent ones that dropped out of college due to the high cost of education.

Furthermore, it would be suggestible for international students to focus more on gaining admission into a Canadian college because you’re definitely going to get a quality education and you’ll pay less for it,  unlike some other countries of the world where you’ll need to pay your ass out.

While Canada offers quality education to students, international students should be aware of the differences in the cost of living among various provinces.

Canadian colleges are among the best in the world and graduates from these institutions are making great impacts in their communities, career, and around the globe.

Diploma Fees in Canada for International Students

A number of private and independent colleges in Canada offer PG Diploma courses. Some of the popular PG Diploma colleges in Canada among international students are:

CollegeAvg. Fees (CAD/year)
Algonquin College15,800
Centennial College14,500
Durham College13,300
Fanshawe College7,500
Fleming College18,000
George Brown College4,900
Humber College17,000
The Sheridan College19,000
Sault College15,900
Mohawk College17,633
St. Stephens College10,000
North Island College16,000
Luther College20,800
St. Lawrence College8,543
Niagara College14,750

List Of The Cheapest Colleges In Canada For International Students

Here is a list of affordable colleges in Canada for international students. To attend a unity in Canada as an international student, you need to secure a student visa.

  • ALGONQUIN COLLEGE
  • BOW VALLEY COLLEGE
  • CAMOSUN COLLEGE
  • WE COLLEGE
  • GEORGIAN COLLEGE
  • LAMBTON COLLEGE
  • NIAGARA COLLEGE
  • LETHBRIDGE COLLEGE
  • LOYALIST COLLEGE
  • SENECA COLLEGE
  • SELKIRK COLLEGE
  • NORTHERN LIGHTS COLLEGE
  • HUMBER COLLEGE
  • ST.LAWRENCE COLLEGE
  • SHERIDAN COLLEGE
  • CENTENNIAL COLLEGE
  • CONESTOGA COLLEGE
  • CONFEDERATION COLLEGE

#1 ALGONQUIN COLLEGE

Algonquin is one of the tertiary institutions in Canada that have attracted international students due to its low tuition. This institution prides itself on low tuition and quality education.

If you are looking for a college with competitive tuition fees, Algonquin College should be on your list of affordable colleges in Canada for international students.

Many students from overseas countries budget about $12,000 yearly for tuition and books. However, the tuition fee is about $4,527 for a term and $9,054 per year.

Application Link

#2 BOW VALLEY COLLEGE

Bow Valley College is among the cheapest colleges in Canada for international students. International students jump at the opportunity to study at Bow Valley college because of the prestige attached to being a student at this school.

Bow Valley College grants students easy access to books the internet and other school facilities.

The institution is one of the recognized colleges with a reliable student support system, according to recent statistics.

International students pay a minimum of $6,000 and a maximum of $11,234 tuition fees which cover various materials excluding textbooks.

Application Link

#3 CAMOSUN COLLEGE

Next on our list of cheap colleges in Canada for international students is Camosun College. This college is basically interested in the development of the innovation aspect of students so that they can do well in business and other managerial aspects.

This college basically reserves 1000 slots for international students every year and could also admit more considering the number of applicants  Camosun College has about 1,100 international students and over 19,000 students in full-time and part-time programs.

With its campus in Greater Victoria, the college offers several graduate and post-graduate courses. In addition, Camosun College organizes training for businesses, industries, and students. Like any Canadian college, tuition fees are reviewed regularly.

International students can, however, expect an average of $7,000 yearly. This is definitely a college is to consider if you want to save your money and as well get a quality education.

Application Link

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#4. WE COLLEGE

This is definitely a rapidly growing institution that has its campuses located in other countries of the world, especially England.

This institution has reserved slots for international students and its tuition is tempting considering the quality of the education they offer  With most of its campuses in London, Fanshawe College of Applied Arts and Technology is among the largest colleges in Canada and also one of the cheapest colleges in Canada.

Each year, the institution accepts over 43,000 online, full-time and part-time students in more than 200 certificates, apprenticeship, degree, and diploma programs. About 1,000 international students from over 60 countries study at Fanshawe College yearly.

Free career services are available to students and graduates of the college. Tuition fees are from $13,623 to $14,223 for international students.

Every serious-minded international student should consider plying his or her trade in this institution.

Application Link

#5. GEORGIAN COLLEGE

The merits of this institution don’t only lie in the fact that the tuition is affordable for any student. This institution also offers admission to many students from English-speaking countries.

It is surprising that language could be used as a criterion forget for gaining admission, but it is clearly a criterion in this institution.

The tuition is not equivalent to the quality of education offered by this institution, what you gain is more than what you pay for.

If you are coming from a country where English is the official language, Georgian College will grant you admission without demanding evidence of language proficiency.

The institution has seven campuses in different locations. Depending on your choice of program, international students pay tuition fees from $13,845 to $32,431. The affordable quality education at Georgian College attracts over 1,500 international students from more than 60 countries.

Application Link

#6. LAMBTON COLLEGE

One of the oldest colleges on our list and has a huge history with it.

The alumina of this college definitely tells the quality of education they could offer and considering their tuition is advisable for every international student or prospective student to try it out, he/she won’t regret being a part of this great institution.

For more than 47 years, Lambton College has been providing quality education to both domestic and international students.

The college offers programs in information technology, health, business, and several others. Students from Lambton are always

ahead of their peers after graduating from college. Tuition fees are reviewed each year. However, international students can budget about $7,000. With the low tuition fee, Lambton College comes on the list of cheapest colleges in Canada for international students.

Application Link

#7. NIAGARA COLLEGE

Every student wants a quality education but the primary challenge is always the price that is intuition one can unapologetically say that this institution is a solution to a problem like the aforementioned,  because in this institution you are guaranteed a quality education at very unreasonable tuition.

The drive for quality education at an affordable fee brought about the establishment of Niagara College, Canada.

Huge numbers of domestic and international students apply to the institution yearly. If you choose to attend Niagara College, you have made the right choice.

Students pay per hour and exceptional students receive awards and scholarships. International students pay a total of $420 for each credit hour.

Application Link

#8. LETHBRIDGE COLLEGE

One of the oldest colleges on our list and one which has always been a part of the preserving factors of the Canadian history

The college is the first to be funded by the Canadian government since 1957. With more than 4,000 dedicated students,

Lethbridge College provides about 50 programs in career areas. International students find academic satisfaction and safety at the institution and in the city.

The practical approach to learning marks Lethbridge as the right place for overseas students.

International tuition is from $6,000 to $22,000 depending on the chosen programs.

Application Link

#9. LOYALIST COLLEGE

This college speaks for itself. It obviously doesn’t need any introduction. The international students give their testimony concerning how this institution has helped them.

While there are many options for international students among Canadian colleges, Loyalist College is one of the colleges that attract students.

When you make a list of the cheapest colleges in Canada for international students, be sure to add Loyalist College. With experienced staff and a beautiful learning environment, the college gives students academic fulfillment in many of the courses offered. The tuition fee for international students is $13,000.

Application Link

#10. SENECA COLLEGE

Not only is the tuition of this institution very low, but it also has a platform for working students where they could attend lectures after work which is embedded in their part-time program.

This institution is definitely an institution for international students considering its clearly stated goals concerning fair play to international students.

International students can attend a public institution like Seneca College. This institution offers full-time and part-time programs with an affordable tuition fee.

However, international students pay an application fee of $65 CAD on the submission of documents to the institution. The tuition fee for international students is $13,000, and the living cost is about $1,000.

Application Link

#11. SELKIRK COLLEGE

This college offers graduate and postgraduate courses and you’re guaranteed a  quality education.

This institution is globally competent considering the master touch this institution gives as regards to character and learning.

This institution is basically very affordable and advisable for any international student looking for an institution to apply to, causing you to save yourself more money and get a quality experience.

Not all colleges are as affordable as Selkirk College in British Columbia, Canada.

Established in 1966, the institution has evolved into one of the biggest organizations in the area. The economic activities at Selkirk College generate about $75 million every year.

The college has 8 campuses in total and a range of academic and vocational programs. About 90% of college students indicated satisfaction with the quality of education at Selkirk College.

Annually, the college raises over $400,000 in scholarship funds. International students pay $4,900 per semester for undergraduate programs and $5,260 for post-graduate courses.

Application Link

#12. NORTHERN LIGHTS COLLEGE

This institution has grown even more than the founders thought it would have thought of.

They’ve gone ahead to produce miners,  engineers that are responsible for mechanizing the dynamics of the oil and gas of the country.

This institution basically boasts the highest number of students employed every year and it is clearly because of the quality they offer, and the intellectual content of the students upon graduation.

Founded to serve the surrounding local communities, Northern Lights College has grown to attract students from all over the world.

Famed for being the training ground for the supply of staff in the country’s oil and gas, the college has 5 campuses and 3 learning centers.

The college complements classroom teaching with practical activities to pave way for many opportunities for students on graduation. The tuition fee is paid per credit hour. International students pay $295.05 multiplied by the number of credits for courses they register for.

Application Link

#13. HUMBER COLLEGE

One of the vintage colleges on our list of cheap colleges in Canada for international students is Humber College. This is a college that respects the culture of native Canadians.

Humber College strives at providing an up-to-date education to students and the community.

The college has 160 full-time courses and 200 courses in continuing education. A fast-growing institution with 8 campus locations, Humber College grants admission to students at an affordable tuition fee.

While there is a huge difference between domestic and international students in terms of tuition fees, the college still found its way into the list of cheapest colleges in Canada for international students. Tuition fees vary according to programs from $7,000 to $23,000 for international students.

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#14. ST. LAWRENCE COLLEGE.

Clearly a world-class college on this list, this college pride itself on the competence of its graduates and the impact they’ve made on society.

This college has a lot of history with it and also has international students at heart and of course, has set out platforms to make the study of its international students favorable and one they won’t forget in a hurry.

A college of applied arts and technology, St. Lawrence College is reputed for a world-class education. From its three well-equipped campuses, the institution serves thousands of students in full-time and part-time programs.

The college offers 89 academic courses and has about 829 staff with 414 faculties. For international students, tuition fee is $15,300 to $15,700 for certificate and diploma courses, $15,700 for graduate.

Application Link

#15. SHERIDAN COLLEGE

This college focus on achieving professionalism in the sense that they tend to make a professional out of every student and this is also a good place for international students to ply their trade because of the low tuition,  and quality education.

More than 130 career-focused courses are offered at Sheridan College in Ontario, Canada. The college is the best choice for students who wish to study in an environment that motivates learners to go beyond their limits.

Students learn creative ways of applying knowledge to solve problems and pave way for a successful career. At Sheridan College, the International tuition fee is $7,200 per term.

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