Canada remains one of the most affordable and welcoming countries for international students—especially for those from Africa. With globally recognized universities, opportunities for post-graduation employment, and accessible pathways to permanent residence, Canada continues to attract thousands of ambitious African students every year.
If you’re looking for a quality yet affordable education in Canada, this guide will walk you through the Top 15 Cheapest Universities in Canada in 2025—factoring in tuition costs, cost of living, work opportunities, and other essentials.
Comparative Table of Affordable Universities in Canada for African Students (2025)
| University | Avg. Tuition/year (CAD) | Job Prospects After Graduation | PR Pathway Ease | Eligibility | English Test Required | Avg. Living Cost/year (CAD) | Scholarships Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Memorial University of Newfoundland | $8,150 | High (esp. in tech, healthcare) | Very Easy | WAEC/NECO + min. 65% | IELTS/TOEFL/Duolingo | $10,000 – $12,000 | Yes (entrance + govt) |
| University of Prince Edward Island | $8,500 | Moderate | Easy | WAEC/NECO + 60%+ | IELTS/TOEFL | $11,000 | Yes |
| Brandon University | $9,000 | Moderate | Easy | 5 credits incl. English/Math | IELTS/TOEFL | $10,000 | Yes |
| Université de Saint-Boniface (French) | $8,200 | Moderate (esp. bilingual grads) | Moderate | French fluency req. | DELF/DALF | $9,000 | Some |
| University of Manitoba | $10,500 | High | Very Easy | 70%+ or OND | IELTS/TOEFL | $11,000 | Yes |
| University of Saskatchewan | $10,200 | High (STEM, Agriculture) | Easy | 65%+ in core subjects | IELTS/TOEFL | $11,500 | Yes |
| University of Northern British Columbia | $9,700 | High (forestry, health) | Easy | 65%+ + English | IELTS/Duolingo | $10,500 | Yes |
| Cape Breton University | $9,800 | High (esp. health & hospitality) | Easy | 5 credits incl. English | IELTS/Duolingo | $10,500 | Yes |
| Athabasca University (Online) | $7,500 | High (flexible + recognized) | Moderate | SSCE + Mature students | IELTS/waived for English schools | $6,000 – $8,000 | Limited |
| Thompson Rivers University | $10,500 | High | Easy | 65%+ | IELTS/Duolingo | $12,000 | Yes |
| Mount Allison University | $10,900 | Moderate | Moderate | 70%+ | IELTS/TOEFL | $11,000 | Yes (merit-based) |
| Concordia University of Edmonton | $11,000 | Moderate | Easy | SSCE/OND | IELTS/TOEFL | $10,000 – $12,000 | Yes |
| University of Regina | $10,500 | High (nursing, engineering) | Very Easy | 65%+ | IELTS/Duolingo | $10,000 | Yes |
| Lakehead University | $11,000 | High (STEM + PR friendly) | Very Easy | 5 credits incl. Math & English | IELTS/Duolingo | $11,000 | Yes |
| Algoma University | $10,600 | High (small classes, personalized) | Easy | 65%+ in WAEC | IELTS/Duolingo | $10,000 | Yes |
Why Consider Canada?
- Work While Studying: International students can work up to 20 hours/week during semesters and full-time during holidays.
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): Most of these schools qualify students for a PGWP of up to 3 years.
- Permanent Residence Pathways: Many provinces offer Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) tailored to international graduates.
- Multicultural and Safe: Canadian cities are diverse and student-friendly, with strong African student communities.
Eligibility Tips for African Students
- Academic Requirements: Most universities accept WAEC/NECO with credit passes in 5 subjects including English and Math.
- English Language Tests: IELTS (usually 6.0 overall) or Duolingo (95–105) is commonly accepted. Some schools may waive this if your education was in English.
- Transcripts & Recommendations: Official transcripts and reference letters will boost your application.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Most universities on this list offer:
- Entrance Scholarships based on academic merit.
- In-course Awards for high-performing students in later years.
- Provincial Grants and bursaries.
Be sure to apply early and inquire directly with the school’s financial aid office.
Need Help with Admission?
Are you an African student dreaming of studying in Canada in 2025 but don’t know where to start? We can help! From school selection to admission, visa support, and scholarship guidance—we’ve got you covered.
Contact us today at [email protected] and take the first step toward your Canadian education journey.