- Canada discontinued the Student Direct Stream (SDS) in November 2024, so all study permit applications now go through the standard process
- The study permit fee is CAD 150
- Proof of living funds required is CAD 23,448 (effective September 2026)
- Off-campus work is permitted up to 24 hours per week during academic sessions.
Yes, you can study in Canada for free through scholarships. Canada is steadily advancing to take the top spot as a study abroad destination. It is more reasonably priced than other English-speaking nations, gives graduates fantastic career possibilities, and is very student-friendly. Canada has some of the world's best universities, and they are all of the highest calibre. Finally, the nation guarantees a high standard of living.
How to Study in Canada for Free?
Canada does not offer completely free higher education, unlike some Scandinavian nations such as Norway. However, the cost of studying in Canada can be reduced through scholarships, low-tuition institutions, and part-time work. Planning your budget and applying for financial aid early are the most effective strategies.
Here are some suggestions to help you maintain a low budget while studying in Canada:
- Try to enrol in a university that charges little or no tuition.
- Prepare your own meals.
- Visit shops that sell used items.
- Do not get under peer pressure to purchase items or join clubs that will strain your finances.
- As much as you can, commute on foot.
- Everywhere you can, take advantage of student discounts.
How Can You Study a Bachelor's Degree in Canada for Free?
Several Canadian universities offer bachelor's programmes at significantly lower tuition than the national average, with fees starting around CAD 7,000 per year for some institutions. Combined with entrance scholarships, bursaries, and part-time work opportunities, international students can substantially reduce the overall cost of an undergraduate degree in Canada.
Low-Cost Universities for Bachelor's Programmes
| University | International Tuition 2026 (CAD/year, approx.) |
|---|---|
| Memorial University of Newfoundland | $22,500 |
| Canadian Mennonite University | $10,003 |
| University of Guelph | $9,730 |
| Universite de Saint-Boniface | $7,482 |
| Brandon University | $7,203 |
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How Can You Study a Master's Degree in Canada for Free?
Funded master's positions in Canada are available through research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and government scholarships including the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships and NSERC awards. Many universities also offer automatic entrance awards for high-achieving international postgraduate applicants, while choosing universities with lower base tuition further reduces expenses.
You can study for a master's degree in Canada for free by applying for scholarships. You will need to qualify for your preferred programme.
Low-Cost Universities for Master's Programmes
| University | International Tuition 2026 (per semester, approx.) |
|---|---|
| University of Northern British Columbia | CAD 4,441 |
| Memorial University of Newfoundland | CAD 5,000 |
| Simon Fraser University | CAD 4,000 |
| University of Saskatchewan | CAD 5,000 |
| University of Calgary | CAD 20,000 |
How Can You Study a PhD in Canada for Free?
Most funded PhD programmes in Canada include a full tuition waiver plus a living stipend through research or teaching assistantships. Students in STEM fields can apply for NSERC Canada Graduate Scholarships, while humanities students may qualify for SSHRC fellowships. An excellent academic record and a strong research proposal are essential to securing funding.
Studying for a PhD in Canada for free is only possible through scholarships and funded research positions, and for that you will need an excellent academic record.
| University | PhD Fees 2026 (CAD/year, approx.) |
|---|---|
| University of Toronto | 4,500 to 8,900 |
| University of British Columbia | 8,700 |
| McGill University | 19,000 |
| McMaster University | 16,000 |
| University of Montreal | 7,500 |
| University of Alberta | 9,200 |
| University of Ottawa | 6,900 |
What Scholarships Are Available for International Students in Canada?
Canada offers a wide range of scholarships for international students, including the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships worth up to CAD 50,000 per year for doctoral students and university-specific entrance awards. Many institutions automatically consider admitted students for merit scholarships, making early application and strong academic performance the best strategies.
| S. No | University | Scholarship | Description (2026) | Eligibility | Amount (CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dalhousie University | Dalhousie University Scholarship | Open to all UG, PG, and PhD students | Merit-based | CAD 38,405 |
| 2 | Carleton University | Carleton University Scholarship | All UG, PG, and PhD students eligible | Good academic record required | CAD 6,400 |
| 3 | University of Winnipeg | University of Winnipeg Scholarship | Open to all undergraduate and graduate applicants | Excellent academic record and leadership qualities required | CAD 6,400 |
| 4 | University of Victoria | University of Victoria Scholarship | Offered to UG, PG, and PhD programmes | Minimum 7.5 on 9.0 scale required | CAD 6,400 |
| 5 | University of Manitoba | University of Manitoba Scholarship | Spends around CAD 2 million per year on PG and PhD scholarships | Merit-based | CAD 20,000 |
Can You Study Medicine in Canada for Free?
Studying medicine in Canada for free is extremely rare due to the high cost of medical education, but scholarships, bursaries, and research positions can reduce expenses. A small number of medical schools offer more affordable tuition rates. International students should research specific medical school funding options as support for international applicants is limited.
Because of this, only a small number of people can afford to enrol in a medical programme. However, there are a number of medical schools in Canada that provide great instruction at a reasonable price.
Even while local students may pay less for their study than students from abroad, some schools provide scholarships and job possibilities for those who want to work while pursuing a medical degree.
| University | Medical Fees 2026 (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Memorial University of Newfoundland | $11,460 |
| University of Calgary - School of Medicine | $12,695.88 |
| University of Alberta - Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry | $7,621.38 (per 6-credit course) |
| McGill University - Faculty of Medicine | $45,884.88 |