Quick answer: very few Canadian universities are free to apply to for every international student. Most charge CA$100 to CA$170. But you can apply without paying in specific cases: through an authorized partner at the University of Regina and the University of Winnipeg, through UBC’s automatic graduate waiver for citizens of the world’s least developed countries, and through a small number of department waivers such as Computing Science at the University of Alberta.
Search for “universities in Canada with no application fee” and you’ll find long lists of schools. Many of them are out of date, mix up colleges and universities, or describe waivers that only apply to Canadian high school students. We checked each option below against the university’s own website, so you know which ones international students can actually use for 2026–27 applications.
Disclosure: Tour Guide BD, the recruitment partner mentioned below for the University of Regina and the University of Winnipeg, is affiliated with this website. You never have to use an agent, and you can always apply to a university directly.
This guide is general information based on official sources. Your own requirements depend on your situation, and IRCC makes every decision, so check the official pages before you apply.
How much it costs to apply to a Canadian university
Canadian universities charge a non-refundable application fee for each application. International applicants usually pay more than Canadians. A few examples:
| University | International application fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| University of British Columbia (graduate) | CA$168.25 | For applications from September 2026; some programs charge more |
| University of Winnipeg (undergraduate) | CA$120 | Waiver possible through an authorized partner |
| University of Regina (undergraduate) | CA$100 | Waiver possible through an authorized partner |
| Fairleigh Dickinson University, Vancouver | US$100 | Charged to all applicants |
If you apply to four or five schools, fees alone can reach CA$500 to CA$800, before tests, transcripts and courier costs. That’s why a genuine waiver is worth looking for. Budget for the rest of the process with our guide to the cost of studying in Canada.
Canadian universities where international students can apply without paying
| University | Who can apply free | How |
|---|---|---|
| University of Regina | International applicants who apply through an authorized recruitment partner | Select Tour Guide BD as your agent in the online application |
| University of Winnipeg | International applicants who apply through an authorized recruitment partner | Select Tour Guide BD as your agent in the online application |
| University of British Columbia | Master’s and doctoral applicants whose citizenship and address are in one of the UN’s 50 least developed countries | Automatic: you won’t be asked to pay |
| University of Alberta (Computing Science) | A small number of graduate applicants from underdeveloped countries | Separate department waiver application for 2027–28 |
| University of New Brunswick | Only students at a Canadian high school who attend a recruitment event | Not available to students applying from abroad |
University of Regina
The University of Regina in Saskatchewan charges international undergraduate applicants CA$100. Students who apply through one of its authorized recruitment partners can be considered for a free application. In the online application, select Tour Guide BD as your agent. You’ll find the step-by-step instructions and 2026–27 deadlines in our University of Regina application fee waiver guide.
University of Winnipeg
The University of Winnipeg in Manitoba charges international undergraduate applicants CA$120. As with Regina, applying through an authorized partner can make you eligible for a free application. Select Tour Guide BD as your agent when you apply. See our University of Winnipeg application fee waiver guide for how the agent field works and the intake deadlines.
University of British Columbia (graduate programs)
UBC waives the application fee for master’s and doctoral applicants whose citizenship and correspondence address are both in one of the world’s 50 least developed countries, as declared by the United Nations. You don’t need to request the waiver: if you qualify, the online application won’t ask you to pay. This applies to graduate programs only, not undergraduate admission.
Note for students from Bangladesh: Bangladesh is currently on the UN’s least developed countries list, but it’s scheduled to leave the list on November 24, 2026, and the UN is considering whether to delay that date. Once a country leaves the list, its citizens may no longer qualify for waivers based on it. Check UBC’s application fee page when you apply.
University of Alberta (Computing Science graduate programs)
The University of Alberta says it no longer offers general application fee exemptions. However, its Department of Computing Science has set aside funding for application fee waivers for a small number of graduate applicants from underdeveloped countries. You apply for it separately, through the department’s 2027–28 fee waiver application. Spaces are limited, so apply early. See the department’s FAQ.
University of New Brunswick (Canadian high school students only)
UNB’s fee waiver is often listed as an option for international students, but it only covers students at a Canadian high school, including international students studying at one, who attend a UNB recruitment event. If you’re applying from outside Canada, it won’t apply to you.
Why many “no application fee” lists are wrong
When we checked popular lists against official websites, we found several problems:
- Expired offers. Many waivers are tied to one intake or a recruitment season. One university’s international fee waiver page listed on several websites no longer exists.
- Waivers for Canadians only. Some waivers are only for Canadian high school students, seniors or current students, not applicants from abroad.
- Schools that charge everyone. At least one school widely listed as fee-free charges every applicant US$100, according to its own admissions page.
- Wrong universities. One list links to a US university with a similar name instead of the Canadian one.
Always confirm a waiver on the university’s own website, and check it applies to your program, your intake and international applicants.
How to find an application fee waiver yourself
- Check the official fees page. Search the university’s site for “application fee” and “fee waiver”. Waivers are usually explained next to the fee.
- Look at graduate department pages. Some departments fund waivers for applicants with financial need or from lower-income countries, even when the university doesn’t.
- Attend official recruitment events. Some universities waive fees for students who register for and attend a webinar or information session.
- Apply through an authorized partner. Some universities waive fees for students who apply through their official recruitment partners. Check that the agent is on the university’s list.
- Email the admissions office. If you have genuine financial hardship, ask politely whether a waiver or deferral is possible. The worst answer is no.
Avoid fake “free application codes”
Real waivers come from the university, from its events, or through its authorized partners. They are never sold. Be careful of anyone who:
- asks you to pay for a code that is supposed to save you the application fee
- says a waiver guarantees admission or a study permit
- asks for your university portal password so they can “apply the code”
Read more in our guide to free application codes for Canadian universities. If someone offers immigration help for a fee, check that they’re licensed.
Frequently asked questions
Are any Canadian universities completely free to apply to for international students?
Very few. Most Canadian universities charge every international applicant a fee. The realistic way to apply without paying is to qualify for a specific waiver, such as an authorized partner waiver, an automatic waiver for citizens of least developed countries, or a department waiver.
Does a fee waiver affect my chances of admission?
No. A waiver only covers the application fee. You still have to meet the same admission requirements, including English test scores and application deadlines.
Do I have to use an agent to get a fee waiver?
No. Some waivers, such as UBC’s graduate waiver, are automatic. Partner waivers at the University of Regina and the University of Winnipeg require you to name an authorized partner, but you can always apply directly and pay the fee instead.
Can I get my application fee refunded?
Generally no. Application fees are non-refundable, even if you withdraw or aren’t admitted, so check whether you qualify for a waiver before you pay.
Is the application fee the same for every program?
Not always. Some programs, especially graduate and professional programs, charge higher or supplementary fees. Check the program page.
Related guides
- Free application codes for Canadian universities
- University of Regina application fee waiver
- University of Winnipeg application fee waiver
- Canadian university application deadlines
- Study in Canada: step-by-step guide