EDUCATION

Affordable Canadian Universities with Scholarships for International Students

Canada is packed with world-class universities, but tuition can be high — especially for international students. What many students don’t realize is that some Canadian universities are far more affordable than others, and still offer good scholarship opportunities that help cut costs even further.

If you’re looking for quality education without draining your savings, choosing a school that’s budget-friendly and generous with scholarships is a smart move. Here’s where to start.

Affordable Schools with Good Scholarships

Here are some of Canada’s more budget-friendly universities that also provide scholarships to help international students succeed.

Memorial University of Newfoundland

Memorial University is famous for being one of the most affordable options in Canada. International undergraduate tuition starts at around CAD 11,460 per year, which is far below the national average. On top of this, Memorial offers entrance scholarships for international students with strong high school grades. Some scholarships are automatic once you’re admitted, while others require an application.

Official page: https://www.mun.ca/undergrad/funding/scholarships/

University of Saskatchewan

Another affordable option is the University of Saskatchewan, where international students pay lower tuition than many other large research universities. It has entrance scholarships for students who excel academically. The International Excellence Awards can be worth up to CAD 10,000.

Official page: https://admissions.usask.ca/money/scholarships.php

Brandon University

Located in Manitoba, Brandon University keeps tuition costs low for international students — around CAD 15,000 per year for many programs. The school offers automatic entrance scholarships based on high school averages. There are also competitive scholarships for continuing students.

Official page: https://www.brandonu.ca/scholarships/

University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI)

UPEI is one of the smaller Canadian universities but is known for good value and a close-knit campus. Tuition for international students starts around CAD 14,000–17,000 per year. UPEI has a variety of entrance scholarships for international students with high grades, worth up to CAD 3,000.

Official page: https://www.upei.ca/student-financial-services/scholarships-and-awards

University of Winnipeg

This university offers relatively affordable tuition rates, with strong undergraduate programs in arts, sciences, and business. International students can apply for the President’s Scholarship for World Leaders, worth up to CAD 5,000. This award recognizes high academic standing and leadership qualities.

Official page: https://www.uwinnipeg.ca/awards/awards-bursaries/international-students.html

University of Manitoba

One of the most affordable research universities in Canada, the University of Manitoba offers numerous entrance scholarships and bursaries for international students. Students with high school averages above 85% may qualify automatically for the International Undergraduate Student Entrance Scholarship.

Official page: https://umanitoba.ca/financial-aid-and-awards/international-student-awards

How to Choose the Right University

When picking an affordable Canadian university, don’t just compare tuition fees. Look at scholarship options, cost of living in the city, and opportunities for part-time work or internships.

Smaller cities often mean lower rent, transportation, and daily expenses. Schools in provinces like Newfoundland and Labrador, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Prince Edward Island are usually cheaper overall than big-city campuses. Check if your chosen program qualifies for entrance awards or special faculty-specific scholarships.

How to Get These Scholarships

Most affordable schools automatically consider students for entrance scholarships once they apply. But some require extra steps, like a personal statement or proof of community involvement.

Prepare your documents early, keep your grades high, and apply on time. Some schools have deadlines months before the term starts.

You can also combine these university scholarships with external awards from government programs, private foundations, or your home country.

Studying in Canada doesn’t have to drain your finances. Picking an affordable university and applying for scholarships can lower your costs dramatically. Many international students make this work every year by planning ahead and applying smart.

Ready to take the next step? Here are official pages to help you compare options and start applying: