Studying abroad for higher education is like a dream to many students. Students can explore foreign cultures and work environments while pursuing their dreams. Everyone wants to have a good life and Canada is a significant country for many students to chase their dreams.
If you’re from Bangladesh and dreaming of studying abroad, you might feel overwhelmed by costs. But I want to share a secret: studying in Canada can be more affordable than you think. It’s possible to make your dream a reality without breaking the bank.
Canada is known for its top-notch education system, making it a favorite among international students. It’s not just about learning; it’s about experiencing a diverse culture and feeling included.
Nowadays, accountabilities for international students are getting a remarkable expansion. Among a lot of destinations, Canada takes a strong stand significantly. Many international students come to Canada for higher education because of its welcoming atmosphere.
There are some cheapest universities in Canada for international students in 2025. There are also a few aspects that students must go through before they think about higher education.
These are-
- Location and city-related knowledge and advantages.
- Academic courses that are offered are related to that particular student’s study background.
- Job opportunities and facilities.
- Cost fees for those courses along with living and accommodation issues.
- Available scholarship opportunities.
- Campus facilities and activities.
Why Choose Canada for International Education
Canada is a top choice for international students looking for quality and value. It has world-class universities and a welcoming environment. This makes Canada a great place for students from all over the world.
Quality of Education and Global Recognition
Canadian universities are known for their high-quality education and research. The QS World University Rankings for 2023 show Canada has 11 top universities. These include McGill University, the University of Toronto, and the University of British Columbia.
Post-Graduation Work Opportunities
Studying in Canada offers a big advantage: post-graduation work permits. These visas let students work in Canada after graduation. This is great for those looking for a long-term career.
Safety and Multicultural Environment
Canada is known for being safe and welcoming. It has low crime rates and values diversity. This multicultural society makes studying there enriching. Students get to meet people from different cultures and learn from their perspectives.
Understanding Canadian University Costs
When looking for a quality education, the cost of tuition is key. International students should consider the average tuition fee Canadian universities. Canadian universities have many affordable options for different budgets.
Tuition fees in Canada vary a lot. On average, international students pay around CAD 29,714 (USD 21,093) per year for undergrad studies. But, the cost can change based on the program, location, and university.
International students also need to think about other costs like health insurance, student fees, and living expenses. Some universities waive application fees, saving students up to CAD 500 (USD 355). Students need to research and compare the costs of different Canadian universities.
Factors Influencing University Costs:
There are several factors that vary the costs of universities in Canada.
Program and discipline
The cost of courses can change depending on the program, labs, library access, and campus activities. Undergraduate, Masters, and Ph.D. programs have different fee figures.
Location and province
Tuition fees for international students vary depending on the province status. Big cities might also have higher living costs, accommodation costs, and flooding costs.
Campus facilities
Some Universities have advanced technology facilities. Research-based opportunities as well as operating costs. Both e-learning and traditional method is ongoing in these universities.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Availability of scholarship, cost of education, cost of lodging facilities. Scholarships are an important factor here, if the scholarship is available then the cost gets minimized.
Exchange Rates
For higher studies, international students are quite affected by currency exchange rates because this is directly affiliated with the cost of tuition fees and living expenses.
Cheapest Universities in Canada for Bangladeshi Students
International students looking for an affordable education in Canada have many options. Let’s look at some of the cheapest universities in Canada.
Memorial University of Newfoundland
Memorial University of Newfoundland is in the beautiful province of Newfoundland and Labrador. It’s known for its low tuition fees. This is mainly a public university. This was founded in September 1925 during the First World War. This is one of the biggest universities in Atlantic Canada. This university is famous for its maritime heritage and sharp research-based history.
It belongs an excellent academic history that fascinates students highly for higher education. International students pay about CAD 20,790 a year for undergraduate programs.
University of Northern British Columbia
The University of Northern British Columbia is in Prince George, British Columbia. They provide a world-class education system. They belong to highly focused research and education functions. It offers a quality education at a good price. International students pay around CAD 24,771 a year for undergraduate programs.
Brandon University
Brandon University is in Manitoba. It’s another affordable choice for international students. The university charges USD 25,559 a year for undergraduate programs.
Simon Fraser University
Simon Fraser University is in Vancouver, British Columbia. This university has a well-recognized mountain-framed campus. They are highly dedicated to knowledge, innovation, and creativity. They always try to provide positive phenomena and strong aspects in society.
This university always tries to benefit students with its excellence. It’s both affordable and excellent academically. International students pay about CAD 17,514 per term for undergraduate studies.
University of Regina
University of Regina is one of the cheapest universities in Canada. This is situated in the heart of the prairies. It actually offers innovative programs as well as a practical learning process and helps to provide students with a meaningful education process. International students pay about CAD 9,000–10,500 per term for undergraduate studies.
University of New Brunswick
University of New Brunswick’s primary focus is on research and entrepreneurship. It has two beautiful campuses in Fredericton and Saint John, New Brunswick. It has one of the oldest and largest English-language universities in Canada. This university provides top-class education and meaningful experiences. International students pay about CAD 9,000 per term for undergraduate studies.
These universities, among others, provide a variety of programs. They keep costs low for international students seeking an affordable degree in Canada.
Admission Requirements and Documentation
There are some common things international students should know. These can help them get into these schools. Most Canadian universities want a high school GPA of 75% or more. Depending on the program and school, they might also ask for SAT or ACT scores.
- High school transcripts
- Standardized test scores (SAT, ACT)
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or other accepted tests)
International students usually need to provide certain documents. These include:
- A valid passport
- A statement of purpose or personal essay
- Letters of recommendation from teachers or academic advisors
- Any additional materials requested by the specific university, such as portfolios or supplementary applications
Students should really look into the admission needs and documents for their chosen affordable universities in Canada. Being proactive and meeting all the criteria can boost their chances of getting accepted.
English Language Requirements for Canadian Universities
International students looking for affordable higher education in Canada must show they can speak English well. They need to pass tests like the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
IELTS Requirements
For undergraduate and postgraduate programs at top Canadian universities, students usually need an IELTS score of 6.5. Each university might have different needs for each section. For example, the University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, and University of Alberta often ask for a score of 6.5 or higher.
TOEFL Score Guidelines
The TOEFL is also accepted by many Canadian universities. They usually want a score of 80. Schools like the University of Windsor, University of Prince Edward Island, and Lakehead University accept TOEFL scores instead of IELTS.
Alternative Language Tests
- Duolingo English Test (DET)
- Pearson Test of English (PTE)
- Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL)
Some schools, like the University of Winnipeg, McGill University, Concordia University, and Brock University, use other tests. They might accept the Duolingo English Test or the Canadian Academic English Language Assessment.
It’s important to note that each university in Canada has its own English language requirements. International students looking for affordable education should check the specific needs of the universities they’re interested in.
Scholarship Opportunities and Financial Aid
Studying in Canada can be a smart financial move for international students. Top Canadian universities offer many scholarships to help talented students from around the world.
The University of British Columbia’s International Leader of Tomorrow Scholarship is a top award. It covers tuition, living costs, and more, helping students who face financial hurdles.
Other universities, like the University of Toronto and York University, also have competitive scholarships. The Pearson International Scholarship and the Global Leader of Tomorrow Scholarship are examples. These awards go to students who excel academically, show leadership, and make a difference globally.
Canadian universities also have entrance scholarships and merit-based awards. For instance, Brock University, Ontario Tech University, and North Island College offer financial aid for international students.
Students need to look into scholarships early, as deadlines are often before regular admission times. By exploring these funding options, international students can find a way to afford their education in Canada.
| Scholarship | Institution | Award Amount |
|---|---|---|
| International Leader of Tomorrow | University of British Columbia | Covers tuition, living expenses, and other costs |
| Pearson International Scholarship | University of Toronto | Amount varies based on academic excellence and leadership qualities |
| Global Leader of Tomorrow Scholarship | York University | $80,000 ($20,000 x 4 years) |
| International Entrance Scholarship | York University | $140,000 ($35,000 x 4 years) |
| Brock Scholars Award | Brock University | Up to $16,000 |
| Global Leadership Award | Ontario Tech University | Up to $4,000 |
| English Proficiency Award and Language Pathway Student Awards | North Island College | Up to $2,000 |
| Entrance Scholarship | Georgian College | Up to $2,000 |
Living Costs and Budget Planning
International students need to think about the cost of living in Canada. This includes everything from where to live to how to get around and daily expenses. Planning your budget well is key for a great study experience in Canada.
Accommodation Expenses
Accommodation costs in Canada vary a lot. It depends on the city and the type of place you choose. Living on campus is usually the cheapest, with prices from CAD 400 to CAD 1,500 a month. Off-campus places or shared homes can also be affordable, with similar prices.
Transportation Costs
Public transport in Canada is easy to find and not too pricey. You can expect to pay CAD 80 to CAD 110 a month. It’s a smart and cheap way to travel around.
Food and Daily Expenses
It’s essential to budget for food and other daily needs. You might spend CAD 300 to CAD 600 a month on groceries, eating out, and personal stuff. Don’t forget to add in costs for books, health insurance, and fun activities too.
A clear and detailed budget helps international students manage their expenses effectively and maintain an affordable lifestyle while studying in Canada.
Work Opportunities During Study
Canada offers many ways to make extra money and grow our professional skills. This is especially true for those in inexpensive degree programs.
We can work part-time, up to 20 hours a week, during our studies. This lets us earn between $16 to $24 an hour with on-campus jobs. Off-campus jobs pay between $14 to $20 an hour, helping us manage our living costs in affordable Canadian universities.
For those wanting specific work experience, many Canadian schools offer co-op or internship programs. These can pay between $8,400 and $19,800 per term. They give us a chance to apply what we learn in real-world settings and build a strong professional network.
International students in Canada can also explore programs like Mitacs. It offers paid projects, research connections, and funding for start-ups. This helps us develop our skills and explore entrepreneurial opportunities while studying.
With many work options available, international students in Canada can balance studying with valuable work experiences. This improves our employability and financial stability during our time in this affordable study destination.
Student Visa Application Process
Going to colleges in Canada for international students is thrilling. But, you must go through the student visa application process. Canada welcomes students from all over, with over 360,000 study permits expected in 2025.
To study at a Canadian school, you need a study permit, which is like a student visa. You’ll need to send in a few important documents. These include a letter from your school, proof you can pay for school and living, and a valid passport.
The time it takes to get a student visa varies. It can take weeks to months. Some might need to give biometrics or have a medical check, based on where they’re from and how long they’ll study.
It’s best to apply for a study permit quickly after getting accepted by a Canadian school. This way, you can start planning for your studies with budget-friendly universities in Canada without delay.
Conclusion
Canada has many affordable universities for international students in 2025. Tuition and living costs can be high, but with planning, we can find ways to study here.
Universities like Memorial University of Newfoundland, Brandon University, and Simon Fraser University offer quality education at lower prices. By looking at locations, programs, and financial aid, Bangladeshi students can find the best and cheapest options.
Canada is a great place for international students because of its affordable education and welcoming culture. By looking into the cheapest colleges in Canada and understanding costs, we can open doors to many opportunities.
