Pursuing higher education in the province of Ontario, Canada is an excellent choice. Ontario consistently ranks among the top performers among all Canadian provinces in terms of education and skills, according to the Conference Board of Canada’s report card. Ontario is home to numerous universities and colleges, but tuition fees can be a concern for many students. To help you find affordable educational options, we have curated a list of universities and colleges in Ontario suitable for both Canadian and international students.
- Domestic Tuition Fees: CAD $3,000 (USD $2,360) Per Semester
- International Tuition Fees: CAD $9,500 (USD $7,460) Per Semester
- Location: Sault Ste. Marie, Timmins, and Brampton
Algoma University, founded in 1965, is a small, undergraduate-only university in Ontario. With a faculty-to-student ratio of 1:14, it offers a personalized learning environment. Approximately 20 percent of first-year students come from outside Canada. Algoma University offers a variety of programs, with standout options in Environmental Science, Computer Science, and Community Development. It’s also the only university in Canada offering a three-year undergraduate program in the indigenous North American language of Anishinaabemowin. Scholarships and awards ranging from $500 to $16,000 are available for both Canadian and international students.
2. Cambrian College of Applied Arts and Technology
- Domestic Tuition Fees: From CAD $2,000 (USD $1,570) Per Semester
- International Tuition Fees: From CAD $7,000 (USD $5,500) Per Semester
- Location: Sudbury, Espanola, and Little Current
Cambrian College is the largest college in Northern Ontario, established in 1967, with over 11,000 students, including international students from over 20 countries. Offering over 80 full-time programs and nearly 900 part-time courses, the college has an impressive employment rate, with 85 percent of its graduates finding jobs within six months of graduation. Scholarships and bursaries worth over $500,000 are awarded annually to assist more than 1,000 students.
- Domestic Tuition Fees: From CAD $2,900 (USD $2,280) Per Semester
- International Tuition Fees: From CAD $15,000 (USD $11,780) Per Semester
- Location: Windsor
The University of Windsor, established in 1963, is located near the busiest international border crossing in North America. It has a diverse student body of over 16,000 students, with approximately 3,600 international students from nearly 100 countries. UWindsor offers 190 undergraduate and 65 graduate programs, with strengths in Kinesiology and Aeronautics Leadership. The university annually disburses over $10 million in scholarships, bursaries, and awards to its students.
4. Dominican University College
- Domestic Tuition Fees: From CAD $2,200 (USD $1,730) Per Semester
- International Tuition Fees: CAD $7,220 (USD $5,670) Per Semester
- Location: Ottawa
The Dominican University College (DUC) began in 1900 as one of the first university colleges in Ottawa. It’s a small university with around 250 full-time and part-time students. DUC specializes in Philosophy and Theology, offering programs in both English and French. The university provides various financial aid programs and scholarships to support students in need.
- Domestic Tuition Fees: From CAD $7,000 (USD $5,500) Per Year
- International Tuition Fees: From CAD $30,000 (USD $23,550) Per Year
- Location: Toronto
Founded in 1948, Ryerson University is one of the most applied-to universities in the province, with a campus in downtown Toronto. It hosts over 38,500 students in a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, with notable strengths in Creative Industries, Aerospace Engineering, and Biomedical Sciences. Ryerson allocates over $4 million for entrance scholarships to its students every year.
6. Centennial College of Applied Arts and Technology
- Domestic Tuition Fees: From CAD $2,720 (USD $2,140) Per Year
- International Tuition Fees: From CAD $15,000 (USD $11,780) Per Year
- Location: Toronto, Scarborough
Centennial College, founded in 1966, is Ontario’s first publicly-funded college. With five campuses across Toronto, it boasts an international student population of around 11,000 representing 137 nationalities. Centennial offers hundreds of full-time and part-time programs, including Bachelor’s degrees in Information Technology, Nursing, and Public Relations Management. The college provides over $3.5 million in scholarships and bursaries to its students annually.
- Domestic Tuition Fees: From CAD $6,000 (USD $4,710) Per Year
- International Tuition Fees: From CAD $26,500 (USD $20,800) Per Year
- Location: Thunder Bay and Orillia
Lakehead University, established in 1965, has two campuses in Thunder Bay and Orillia. With 8,500-plus students, including approximately 10 percent of first-year students from outside Canada, Lakehead offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Notable programs include Engineering and Computer Science. The university provides over $11 million in scholarships, bursaries, and awards annually to support its students.
This list of affordable universities and colleges in Ontario offers a range of options for students seeking quality education without breaking the bank. Check out their programs and explore the scholarships and financial aid available to make your education more affordable.