Quick answer: the cheapest places for international undergraduates in Canada are in Atlantic Canada and Manitoba. Newfoundland and Labrador has the lowest average international tuition, CA$18,911 a year in 2026–27, against a national average of CA$42,062. Among individual universities, Memorial University (about CA$22,500 a year), the University of New Brunswick (about CA$23,500 including fees for Science) and Mount Allison University (CA$22,890) are among the most affordable for 2026–27.
Tuition is the biggest cost of studying in Canada, and it varies more than most students expect. The same bachelor’s degree can cost less than half as much in Newfoundland as in Ontario. This guide uses the latest Statistics Canada data and each university’s own 2026–27 fee schedule to show where international students pay the least.
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.
Average international tuition by province (2026–27)
Statistics Canada’s latest figures, released on September 16, 2026, show average annual tuition for international students by province. They’re averages across all programs, so medicine, engineering and business usually cost more, and arts and sciences often cost less.
| Province | Undergraduate | Graduate |
|---|---|---|
| Newfoundland and Labrador | CA$18,911 | CA$6,996 |
| New Brunswick | CA$20,029 | CA$16,691 |
| Prince Edward Island | CA$22,067 | CA$14,202 |
| Manitoba | CA$23,160 | CA$14,030 |
| Nova Scotia | CA$31,057 | CA$26,230 |
| Saskatchewan | CA$33,496 | CA$9,807 |
| Alberta | CA$36,369 | CA$18,302 |
| Quebec | CA$36,879 | CA$24,694 |
| British Columbia | CA$40,314 | CA$27,612 |
| Ontario | CA$50,088 | CA$28,900 |
| Canada average | CA$42,062 | CA$24,693 |
Two things stand out. Newfoundland and Labrador costs less than half the national average for undergraduates. And for graduate students, Newfoundland and Labrador, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Prince Edward Island are far cheaper than Ontario or British Columbia.
Affordable universities for international students in 2026–27
These figures come from each university’s published 2026–27 fees for new international undergraduates. They’re for a typical full-time year and don’t include housing, food or books.
| University | Province | 2026–27 tuition | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Memorial University (St. John’s) | Newfoundland and Labrador | CA$22,500 | Plus about CA$945 in compulsory fees, including health insurance |
| University of New Brunswick (Fredericton) | New Brunswick | CA$23,469 including mandatory fees | Science program; other programs vary |
| Mount Allison University | New Brunswick | CA$22,890 | Plus CA$2,719 in student fees and health coverage |
| University of Regina | Saskatchewan | CA$29,348 to CA$34,545 | Varies by program; plus about CA$954 in fees. Application fee waiver available |
Always check the exact program on the university’s fee page. Fees often depend on your faculty, your course load and when you started, and some programs, such as engineering or nursing, charge more.
Memorial University of Newfoundland
Memorial is Newfoundland and Labrador’s only university and one of Canada’s larger research universities. New international undergraduates starting in fall 2026 pay CA$22,500 in tuition for a full year of 10 courses, plus about CA$945 in compulsory fees, including health insurance. Living costs in St. John’s are also generally lower than in Canada’s biggest cities.
University of New Brunswick
UNB is one of Canada’s oldest universities, with campuses in Fredericton and Saint John. For 2026–27, a full-time international undergraduate in Science at UNB Fredericton pays CA$23,469 including mandatory fees. New Brunswick has the second-lowest average international undergraduate tuition in Canada.
Mount Allison University
Mount Allison is a small undergraduate university in Sackville, New Brunswick, known for small classes. International tuition for 2026–27 is CA$22,890, and new students pay CA$2,719 in student fees, including international health coverage, for a total of about CA$25,600.
University of Regina
The University of Regina in Saskatchewan charges international undergraduates CA$29,348 to CA$34,545 for 2026–27, depending on the program. That’s above the Atlantic universities but below most Ontario and BC universities, and you can save the CA$100 application fee: international applicants can be considered for a free application by selecting Tour Guide BD as their agent. See our University of Regina fee waiver guide.
Disclosure: Tour Guide BD, mentioned above, is affiliated with this website. You can always apply to any university directly.
Tuition isn’t the whole cost
To compare schools fairly, add up the full cost of your first year. IRCC also asks you to show these funds when you apply for your study permit.
- Living costs: for study permit applications from September 1, 2026, you must show CA$23,448 for one person on top of first-year tuition.
- Housing: rent is usually much lower in cities like St. John’s, Fredericton or Regina than in Toronto or Vancouver.
- Health insurance: some provinces cover international students; others require a university health plan, which is often included in compulsory fees.
- Application and visa costs: application fees, the CA$150 study permit fee, CA$85 for biometrics, a medical exam and flights.
See the full breakdown in our guide to the cost of studying in Canada.
How to keep your costs down
- Compare provinces, not just schools. The province often matters more than the university’s ranking for total cost.
- Check scholarships. Many universities offer automatic entrance scholarships to international students with strong grades.
- Save on application fees. See universities in Canada with no application fee.
- Look at program length. A shorter program costs less, but check it still qualifies for a post-graduation work permit.
- Consider public colleges. Diploma programs at public colleges often cost less than university degrees, but compare work permit eligibility and career outcomes first. See the types of schools in Canada.
- Budget for working limits. You can work up to 24 hours a week off campus during classes, but IRCC expects you to afford your studies without relying on that income. See work hours for international students.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the cheapest province in Canada for international students?
Newfoundland and Labrador. Its average international undergraduate tuition is CA$18,911 a year in 2026–27, according to Statistics Canada, less than half the national average of CA$42,062.
Is it cheaper to study a master’s degree in Canada?
Usually, yes. The national average international graduate tuition is CA$24,693 in 2026–27, and it’s much lower in some provinces, such as Newfoundland and Labrador (CA$6,996) and Saskatchewan (CA$9,807).
Are cheap universities in Canada still good?
Yes. Tuition in Canada is set mainly by provincial policy, not quality. Universities like Memorial and UNB are established public universities whose degrees are recognized internationally.
Do cheaper universities make it easier to get a study permit?
No. IRCC assesses every application on the same requirements. Lower tuition does reduce the funds you have to show, which can make your finances easier to prove.
Related guides
- Cost of studying in Canada
- Universities in Canada with no application fee
- Study in Canada from Bangladesh
- Study in Canada: step-by-step guide
Official sources
- Statistics Canada: Canadian and international tuition fees by level of study (Table 37-10-0045-01)
- Statistics Canada: Tuition fees for degree programs, 2026/2027
- Memorial University: 2026–27 tuition and fees
- University of New Brunswick: 2026–27 Fredericton undergraduate Science fees
- Mount Allison University: 2026–27 tuition calculator
- University of Regina: 2026–27 tuition and living costs
- IRCC: Proof of financial support