The cheapest universities in Toronto for international students are known for their affordability. Applying to any of these budget-friendly Canadian universities is beneficial for students seeking to study abroad. Toronto, the capital of Canada, boasts top-tier institutions such as Ryerson University, the University of Toronto, York University, and Humber College.
Toronto offers a vibrant canvas of opportunities in visual arts, fashion, journalism, movies, and photography, making it an ideal destination. It’s a bustling city where students from diverse backgrounds can explore a multitude of creative avenues, from volunteering and internships to full-time employment.
Many colleges here boast student blogs, radio stations, and publications, providing invaluable hands-on experience. With its rich cultural tapestry, Toronto promises encounters with a myriad of personalities and unforgettable experiences.
For art enthusiasts, events like Nuit Blanche and numerous exhibitions offer endless inspiration and opportunities to showcase your own creations. Renowned for its diversity, Toronto stands as a beacon for international students seeking a rich educational experience and a promising future filled with continuous learning and growth.
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Why do International Students Opt for Toronto?
With over 6 million people living there, Toronto, the capital of Ontario and the seventh-largest metropolis in North America, is situated on the beaches of Lake Ontario. Toronto is one of the most diverse and cosmopolitan cities in the world, well-known for its commerce, arts, and culture. Just behind Boston, it is ranked 13th in the world for drawing in international students; Montreal is ranked fourth.
Toronto’s popularity among students globally underscores its significance, particularly in the creative sector, which offers diverse opportunities. Engaging in local events across neighborhoods fosters personal growth and networking, enriching experiences with friends and acquaintances.
Toronto buzzes with constant activity, offering inspiration aplenty, whether from its vibrant communities or friendly locals. The city hosts a myriad of activities tailored to diverse tastes, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy amidst Toronto’s dynamic backdrop.
Does Toronto University take international students?
Renowned worldwide in a well-known city where knowledge meets success, history meets the future, and aspirations unite is U of T. Based on top-notch academics and companies, the University of Toronto comes first in Canada. U of T is still welcoming applicants from all around the world despite all its renown.
Although international students are dubious about their admittance into the University of Toronto, around 21% of students at most Toronto universities come from 168 countries and regions, worldwide. Apart from settling on a residence on campus and participating in a vibrant community in dorms, international students have chances to develop their independence.
Cheapest Universities In Toronto For International Students
Here is Toronto, Canada’s Cheap Universities list for overseas students.
1. University of Toronto
The University of Toronto (U of T), located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, is a prestigious public research institution known for its significant contributions to global research, particularly in stem cell research and insulin. In the 2018–19 academic year, U of T had 71,930 undergraduate students, including 18,958 international students primarily from China (65%), India (5%), South Korea (3%), the United States (3%), and Hong Kong (2%). It is also one of the cheapest universities in Toronto for international students.
With over 700 undergraduate and 200 graduate programs across eleven colleges and schools, U of T covers disciplines such as Life Sciences, Commerce & Management, Computer Science, and Engineering. The university’s admission rate is 43%, and tuition for the 2018–19 academic year was $49,800, with additional international fees estimated at $14,844.
Despite being one of Canada’s largest universities, U of T maintains an excellent global reputation. The university’s address is 27 King’s College Circle, Scarborough, Toronto, ON M5S 3H7, Canada.
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2. Ryerson Universities
For overseas students, one of the most reasonably priced universities is Ryerson University in Toronto, Canada. This public research university emphasizes innovation and entrepreneurship and is committed to serving societal needs by offering a wide range of quality education programs. With a diverse student body of 45,698, including 36,748 undergraduates, Ryerson is welcoming to international students.
Across its eight colleges, the institution offers close to 100 undergraduate and graduate degrees. Notable among them are the Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science, Canada’s third-largest undergraduate engineering school, and the Ted Rogers School of Management, the largest undergraduate business school in Canada with a 25% acceptance rate.
For the 2019–20 academic year, tuition at Ryerson University ranged from $27,218 to $36,610, with an additional cost of attendance of $37,872 for international students, making it one of the Cheapest Universities In Toronto For International Students.
3. York University.
York University, Canada’s third-largest university, is a public research institution known for its affordable tuition and strong academic programs, making it one of the cheapest universities in Toronto for international students. With campuses at Keele and Glendon College, it ranks as one of Toronto’s most cost-effective universities, promoting innovative teaching and research.
York University serves approximately 6,000 graduate students and 49,700 undergraduates, including over 8,500 international students from 178 countries. It offers a wide range of degree programs through its eleven faculties and twenty-five research centers.
Notably, York’s Faculty of Environmental Studies is the largest and oldest in Canada. Other faculties include Health, Liberal Arts and Professional Studies, and Science. The university has an acceptance rate of 27%, and for the 2023–24 academic year, undergraduate tuition is $26,525, with international students paying an additional estimated $26,980.
4. Humber College
Humber College, officially known as the Humber Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, is a public college in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, recognized among the Cheapest Universities In Toronto For International Students. It has three main campuses: Humber North, Lakeshore, and Humber Orangeville. Known for being affordable, especially for international students, Humber College offers low tuition fees and a diverse, inclusive environment.
Humber has 31,200 full-time students, including over 6,000 international students. It offers more than 180 programs across eight schools, including the School of Applied Technology, The Business School, and the School of Health Sciences. These programs range from bachelor’s degrees to diplomas, certificates, postgraduate certificates, and apprenticeships, covering over 40 fields of study.
Humber graduates achieve an 83% employment rate within six months of graduation. For 2019-20, undergraduate international students pay between $8,356 and $27,300 annually, covering health insurance. Additional expenses such as housing and food are not included and should be budgeted separately.
5. George Brown College.
George Brown College (GBC) is a public, fully accredited College of Applied Arts and Technology located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Among the cheapest universities in Toronto for international students, with three campuses in Toronto, George Brown College offers a diverse range of programs and is known for its practical, career-focused education.
Established in 1967,George Brown College, offers a wide array of programs, including diplomas, certificates, graduate certificates, and degree programs in various fields such as business, culinary arts, health sciences, engineering technology, and liberal arts.
For its international students seeking a degree or a certificate, GBC provides a remote learning choice maintaining strong connections with industry partners, providing students with networking opportunities, guest lectures, and real-world projects. With its low tuition rates for international students, this university is also cosmopolitan.
6. Seneca College
Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology, located in Ontario’s Greater Toronto Area, is a multi-campus public college known for its affordability for international students searching for cheapest universities in Toronto for international students. Offering a wide range of full-time and part-time programs at the bachelor, diploma, certificate, and graduate levels, Seneca has campuses in Newnham, Seneca at York, King Campus, Markham, and Peterborough.
Seneca enrolls 60,000 part-time and 30,000 full-time students annually, including over 7,000 international students from more than 150 countries. The college provides around 300 programs, including 40 graduate certificates, 29 advanced diplomas, 71 diplomas, 22 certificate programs, and 18 degree programs.
Tuition for undergraduate degree programs ranges from $10,203.34 to $11,050.99, with additional costs of up to $2,950 for books and supplies. Students should budget between $700 and $1,000 CAD for housing and up to $2,190 for a meal plan.
7. University Ontario College of Arts & Design (OCAD)
OCAD University, a public university located in Toronto, Ontario, is one of the cheapest universities in Toronto for international students. It’s Canada’s largest and oldest institution for art and design, offering the most comprehensive fine arts program in the country. Students at OCAD University develop strong analytical and creative skills.
In the 2015-16 academic year, OCAD had 4,346 undergraduate students, 9% international, and 255 graduate students, 23% international, from over 50 countries. The university offers 17 undergraduate and 7 graduate programs, with popular courses in advertising, drawing and painting, environmental design, graphic design, industrial design, and photography.
OCAD University has an acceptance rate of 40-50%. Annual tuition for international students is $15,704.11, which includes tuition and additional academic fees but excludes board and meal expenses.
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8. Centennial University
Centennial College of Applied Arts and Technology, located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, awards diplomas and degrees to its students. It stands out as one of the cheapest universities in Toronto for international students. With over 100 ethnocultural groups speaking more than 80 languages. Centennial focuses on preparing graduates to be leaders and workforce-ready through various learning approaches.
Centennial College operates four campuses with 22,000 full-time and 19,000 part-time students. Known for its global reach, Centennial offers a wide range of programs, including over 260 options such as bachelor’s degrees, diplomas, postgraduate certificates, and apprenticeships. Key programs include Information Technology, Nursing, and Public Relations Management.
Though Centennial College doesn’t have an official acceptance rate, 94% of employers are satisfied with their Centennial graduate hires. International first-year students pay $16,531.80 annually for diploma or certificate programs, while degree students pay $20,489.00. These costs include various fees, but students should also budget for meals and housing. Numerous scholarships are available to help reduce educational expenses.
9. Toronto Royal Conservatory of Music
The Royal Conservatory of Music is one of the cheapest universities in Toronto for international students that serves as both a performance venue and music teaching facility. Established by Edward Fisher in 1886, it is also known as The Toronto Conservatory of Music. This specialized music school nurtures young musicians into skilled professionals. Notably, Randy Bachman is among its distinguished alumni.
The institution offers various artistic programs, such as the Marilyn Thomson Early Childhood Education Centre, Royal Conservatory School, Phil and Eli Taylor Performance Academy for Young Artists, Glenn Gould School (offering tertiary and post-bachelor levels in classical music performance), Frederick Harris Music Co., Limited, Royal Conservatory Music Development Programme, and Royal Conservatory Certificate Program. The Phil and Eli Taylor Performance Academy includes Junior, Intermediate, and Senior Academy programs.
As of now, the Toronto Royal Conservatory of Music does not have a ranking system. The Phil and Eli Taylor Performance Academy charges $4,525 for Junior Academy members and $4,565 for Senior Academy members. In contrast, tuition fees at the Glenn Gould School are $27,317 for the Artist Diploma program and up to $32,000 for the Bachelor of Music Honours program.
10. Guelph-Humber University of Technology
The University of Guelph-Humber (UofGH), located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, is recognized as one of the cheapest universities in Toronto for international students. A collaboration between Humber College and the University of Guelph, UofGH is presently home to 4,700 undergraduate students and functions as a satellite campus of Humber College on its North Campus. Its goal is to produce well-rounded university graduates.
The university offers seven four-year undergraduate degrees, combining a college certificate from Humber College with a university honours degree from the University of Guelph in disciplines such as Business, Kinesiology, Media Studies, Psychology, Early Childhood Studies, Family & Community Social Services, and Justice Studies.
With a moderate acceptance rate ranging from 75% to 80%, UofGH charges international undergraduate students tuition fees ranging from $22,090 to $24,282 annually, alongside additional academic fees up to $3,238. Students should also budget between $8,730 and $11,409 for meals and accommodation.
11. Canadian Memorial Chiropractor College
In Toronto, Ontario, Canada, the non-profit, private higher education Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC) Its operations are funded rather than by government money by tuition and membership fees as well as by community and alums donations. Furthermore approved by CMCC is the Council on Chiropractic Education Canada of the Federation of Canadian Chiropractic Regulatory and Educational Accrediting Boards.
CMCC enrolls 774 students, with 24% from outside Ontario. It offers a second-entry baccalaureate honors degree program, requiring applicants to have completed three years of university-level study. The program spans four years, focusing on basic biological sciences in the first two years and professional chiropractic studies in the last two.
Additionally, CMCC, one of the cheapest universities in Toronto for international students, provides a Graduate Studies program in clinical skills, research, teaching, learning, and leadership. For its undergraduate degree, CMCC charges $31,994 inclusive of all academic costs such as student insurance and graduation fees.
12. Tyndale Seminary & College
Tyndale University College and Seminary, is one of the cheapest universities in Toronto for international students. As an accredited Canadian institution of higher learning in the evangelical tradition, it welcomes students from over 40 Christian denominations and more than 30 ethnic groups. Offering a range of degree programs, Tyndale serves over 1,300 students across undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctorate courses.
Undergraduates can pursue degrees like Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Religious Education (BRE), and Bachelor of Education. The BRE program, a three-year professional degree, prepares students for Christian ministries. Tyndale’s seminary, Canada’s largest theologically accredited by the Association of Theological Schools, offers graduate diplomas and degrees in Ministry, Theology, Divinity, and Theological Studies across six focus areas.
The university’s admission rate is 79.1%, and undergraduate tuition is $1,593 for three credit hours plus additional costs up to $4,000. For seminary programs, tuition is $1,350 for three credit hours plus an additional $6,876 for international students. Tyndale offers meal plans ranging from $1,275 to $1,950, with residential charges for students between $1,910 and $3,495.
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13. The Michener Institute.
The Michener Institute of Education in Toronto, operates under the University Health Network (UHN), Canada’s most funded healthcare institution, with financial support from the Ontario Ministry of Health. Michener offers certifications in medical technologies like chiropody, respiratory therapy, medical imaging, radiotherapy, and genetics, and is recognized as one of Toronto’s more affordable colleges for international students.
With over 800 students enrolled in twelve full-time programs, two part-time programs, and numerous continuing education courses, Michener’s flagship full-time offerings include Chiropody, Genetics Technology, Medical Laboratory Sciences, Nuclear Medicine, and Respiratory Therapy. Part-time options include courses in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and anesthetic assistance.
Michener collaborates with Laurentian University and the University of Toronto, two of the cheapest universities in Toronto for international students, to offer Bachelor’s degrees in Radiation Therapy and Medical Radiation Sciences, respectively. The institute does not currently publish an acceptance rate. Tuition for international students in part-time distance programs ranges from $1,513 to $4,635 at Michener.
14. Canadian Naturopathic College of Medicine
The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM), operating as a private, not-for-profit institution and officially known as the Institute of Naturopathic Education and Research, is one of the cheapest universities in Toronto for international students. Graduates from CCNM’s naturopathic medicine program are eligible to pursue licensure exams to become certified naturopathic doctors.
CCNM boasts an enrollment of over 500 students in its four-year Doctor of Naturopathy degree program, recognized as equivalent to a first-level medical degree. The curriculum includes comprehensive courses in biomedical and clinical sciences alongside naturopathic medicine studies.
Moreover, CCNM offers a Bridge delivery program tailored for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) seeking accreditation as naturopathic doctors. This accelerated two-year pathway allows IMGs to bypass redundant coursework and challenging exams in subjects like physiology and anatomy, essential for licensure.
With a competitive acceptance rate of 73%, CCNM charges international students approximately $23,970 CDN or $18,159 USD annually for tuition. Freshmen, however, face a higher tuition fee of $35,955 CDN.
15. School of Management Toronto
Toronto School of Management (TSoM), located amidst top North American companies in Toronto, Canada, offers an ideal setting for students eager to explore a vibrant business environment and diverse cultural events. Emphasizing industry partnerships, TSoM provides career-focused education and training while nurturing creativity and entrepreneurship through a blend of academic rigor and practical learning.
Toronto School of Management offers a variety of diplomas in business, hospitality, big data, and accounting, welcoming international students to their unique learning environment. Popular courses include Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism Management Co-op, Diploma in Business Administration Co-op, Diploma in Business Management, and Diploma in Data Analytics Co-op. Additionally, TSoM offers short courses to enhance skills and knowledge.
For the Toronto School of Management, an acceptance rate figure is yet lacking. For its diploma programs, Toronto School of Management, one of the cheapest universities in Toronto for international students, bills between $12,495 CAD and $20,000 CAD. Certificate courses, on the other hand, have a $10,000 flat tuition. These fees, meantime, exclude the International Student Administration Fee ($500 CAD) as well as book ($500 CAD).
16. Canada Christian College
Canada Christian College, known as Canada Christian and School of Graduate Theological Studies (CC), is located in Whitby, Ontario, Canada, and serves as an Evangelical Christian Bible college. Accredited by the Ontario Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development, this institution, among the Cheapest Universities In Toronto For International Students, has graduated over 600 students since its inception.
Offering a range of undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate programs, CC focuses on mission education, equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and spiritual foundation necessary for effective ministry and personal success. Popular undergraduate degrees include Bachelor of Theology, Bachelor of Christian Counselling, Bachelor of Religious Education, and Bachelor of Sacred Music.
Canada Christian College offers highly sought-after graduate degrees including Master of Divinity, Master of Theological Studies, and Doctor of Christian Counseling, along with flexible online courses. Tuition fees are $7,300 per year for both undergraduate and graduate students, with an additional $585 service fee covering library, graduation, and student ID expenses.
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17. Toronto Institute of Pharmacy Technology
Found in Toronto, Ontario, the private career college Toronto Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology (TIPT) Licence holder Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.
Toronto Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology offers students specialised instruction and training in pharmaceutical sciences and technology, as the name of the institution would imply, making it one of the cheapest universities in Toronto for international students.
Delivering experiential training to scientific graduates, the Institute also serves as the link between academics and industry. For overseas students, this university is the least expensive on our list in Toronto.