Top 10 Cheapest Colleges in Canada For International Students

Below is a list of the top 10 cheapest colleges in Canada for international students, ranked based on tuition and application fees. The data is sourced from available information on college websites and relevant educational resources as of April 6, 2025. Tuition fees are approximate and may vary by program or academic year, so it’s recommended to check the official websites for the most current details. Links to specific programs are provided where available.

Top 10 Cheapest Colleges in Canada for International Students

1. Aurora College (Northwest Territories)

Tuition Fees: $4,000 – $7,000 per year
Application Fee: $0
Details: Located in the Northwest Territories, Aurora College offers affordable certificate and diploma programs with no application fee, making it one of the most cost-effective options for international students.
Program Link: Aurora College Programs

2. Bow Valley College (Alberta)

Tuition Fees: $6,000 – $11,234 per year
Application Fee: $75
Details: Based in Calgary, this college provides a range of affordable certificate, diploma, and upgrading programs, with a focus on career preparation.
Program Link: Bow Valley College Programs

3. Holland College (Prince Edward Island)

Tuition Fees: $8,000 – $10,000 per year
Application Fee: $100
Details: Known for practical, hands-on programs, Holland College offers affordable tuition and eligibility for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP).
Program Link: Holland College Programs

4. Herzing College (Multiple Locations)

Tuition Fees: $7,925 – $9,000 per year
Application Fee: $0 (varies by campus)
Details: With campuses in Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, and more, Herzing offers career-focused programs at low costs, often waiving application fees.
Program Link: Herzing College Programs

5. Lambton College (Ontario)

Tuition Fees: $13,818 per year (e.g., Business Diploma)
Application Fee: $95
Details: Located in Sarnia with additional campuses in Toronto and Mississauga, Lambton is noted for its affordability and strong employment outcomes.
Program Link: Lambton College Programs

6. Algonquin College (Ontario)

Tuition Fees: $12,000 – $15,000 per year
Application Fee: $110
Details: Based in Ottawa, Algonquin offers over 155 programs, including diplomas and certificates, at competitive rates for international students.
Program Link: Algonquin College Programs

7. Fanshawe College (Ontario)

Tuition Fees: $13,623 – $14,223 per year
Application Fee: $100
Details: Located in London, Ontario, Fanshawe provides over 200 programs with affordable tuition and pathways to further education.
Program Link: Fanshawe College Programs

8. Centennial College (Ontario)

Tuition Fees: $15,860 (Degree) / $12,772 (Diploma/Certificate) per year
Application Fee: $110
Details: Situated in Toronto, Centennial is known for its diverse programs and relatively low tuition for a major city.
Program Link: Centennial College Programs

9. St. Lawrence College (Ontario)

Tuition Fees: $15,300 – $15,700 per year
Application Fee: $100
Details: With campuses in Kingston, Brockville, and Cornwall, this college offers affordable diploma and certificate options.
Program Link: St. Lawrence College Programs

10. Humber College (Ontario)

Tuition Fees: $16,394 per year
Application Fee: $75
Details: Located in Toronto, Humber provides career-focused programs with competitive tuition and a high employment rate.
Program Link: Humber College Programs

Cheapest Colleges in Canada for Diploma

For diploma programs, the following colleges stand out due to their low tuition fees:

Aurora College: $4,000 – $7,000/year (Program Link)
Bow Valley College: $6,000 – $11,234/year (Program Link)
Holland College: $8,000 – $10,000/year (Program Link)

Cheapest Colleges in Canada for International Students with PGWP

These colleges offer programs eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP):

Aurora College: $4,000 – $7,000/year (Program Link)
Holland College: $8,000 – $10,000/year (Program Link)
Lambton College: $13,818/year (Program Link)

Cheapest Colleges in Canada Toronto

For international students seeking affordable options in Toronto:

Centennial College: $12,772 – $15,860/year (Program Link)
Humber College: $16,394/year (Program Link)
Herzing College (Toronto Campus): $7,925 – $9,000/year (Program Link)

Cheapest Colleges in Canada for International Students Without IELTS

Some colleges accept alternative English proficiency proofs (e.g., prior education in English):

Aurora College: $4,000 – $7,000/year (Program Link)
Holland College: $8,000 – $10,000/year (Program Link)
Herzing College: $7,925 – $9,000/year (Program Link)

Cheapest Colleges in Canada Without Application Fee

Colleges with no application fees:

Aurora College: $4,000 – $7,000/year (Program Link)
Herzing College: $7,925 – $9,000/year (varies by campus) (Program Link)

Cheapest Colleges in Canada for Post Graduate Diploma

Affordable options for postgraduate diplomas:

Bow Valley College: $6,000 – $11,234/year (Program Link)
Fanshawe College: $13,623 – $14,223/year (Program Link)
Centennial College: $12,772/year (Program Link)

Cheapest Colleges in Canada with No Application Fee

Same as “Without Application Fee” above:

Aurora College: $4,000 – $7,000/year (Program Link)
Herzing College: $7,925 – $9,000/year (Program Link)

Low Fees Colleges in Canada for International Students

Colleges with notably low tuition:

Aurora College: $4,000 – $7,000/year (Program Link)
Bow Valley College: $6,000 – $11,234/year (Program Link)
Holland College: $8,000 – $10,000/year (Program Link)

Cheap Colleges in Canada for International Students Without IELTS

Same as “Without IELTS” above:

Aurora College: $4,000 – $7,000/year (Program Link)
Holland College: $8,000 – $10,000/year (Program Link)
Herzing College: $7,925 – $9,000/year (Program Link)

Cheapest Master’s Degree in Canada for International Students

While most colleges focus on diplomas and certificates, some offer bachelor’s or pathways to affordable master’s degrees at partner universities. For direct master’s programs, consider universities rather than colleges:

Memorial University of Newfoundland: ~$6,000/year (University, not college) (Program Link)
University of Saskatchewan: ~$11,000/year (University, not college) (Program Link)
Note: Colleges like Centennial and Humber offer pathways to master’s programs through articulation agreements with universities.