Cheapest Colleges in Calgary for International Students

Because international students represent a sizable market in Calgary, numerous schools offer high-quality education. However, many of these come with hefty tuition bills. To help you out, we've compiled a list of cheap colleges in Calgary with low tuition rates and cost of living. These schools will help you stretch your dollar further!

Alberta University of the Arts

The Alberta University of the Arts is a university that focuses on art and design education. This public University, formerly known as the Provincial Institute of Technology & Art, located in Calgary, was founded in 1916.

You can enroll for bachelor's and master's degrees in Media Arts, Sculpture, Fiber, Painting, Drawing, Visual Communication, Ceramics, Print Media, Glass, Jewelry & Metals, and Photography. Fees are assessed per credit. Tuition for undergraduate programs is generally around $12,211 per year and about $23,910 per year for graduate programs.

Prepare your transcripts, proof of English proficiency, and other supplementary documents, such as portfolios and statements of intent, since these are required for undergraduate and postgraduate degree applications.

Athabasca University

Athabasca University is a public university that specializes in online distance learning, making it the first in Alberta to do so. Founded in 1970, this University has become one of the province's most comprehensive academic institutions. In-person education, individual study, collaborative online courses, and grouped study are among its unique delivery models.

Bachelor's programs in Health Administration, Business Administration, Management, Commerce, and Professional Arts, to name a few, are available at this low-cost University in Calgary. It also offers graduate programs in architecture, the arts, business, health care, and information systems, among other fields.

Undergraduate tuition costs between $7,488 and $37,437 per year. While graduate programs can cost anywhere from $19,998 to $22,330 per year.

Bow Valley College

Bow Valley College, established in 1965, is a public, board-governed college that operates as a full-service community institution. Its campuses are located in Airdrie, Banff, Canmore, Cochrane, High River, Okotoks, and Strathmore.

It provides various programs in Business, Community Studies, Continuing Learning, Creative Technologies, Foundational Learning, Global Access, and Health & Wellness. Bow Valley College is Calgary's cheapest University for undergraduate programs, with tuition fees around $5,500 to $7,300 per year. But unfortunately, this college does not offer graduate programs.

Students can apply online through ApplyAlberta's student portal. Because program availability varies by term, it's best to check the college's website for vacancy information.

University of Calgary

UCalgary is a public research university with four campuses in Calgary. It began as a branch of the University of Alberta in 1944 and eventually became an autonomous institute in 1966. UCalgary currently houses 14 faculties as well as 85 research centers and institutes.

UCalgary is one of Canada's top research universities, offering undergraduate and graduate programs in Architecture, Arts, Business, Education, Engineering, Kinesiology, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Science, Social Work, and Veterinary Medicine. Tuition fees for undergraduate programs range from $15,433 to $22,209 per year, while graduate programs cost between $6,183 and $22,209.

You can check their website for enrollment requirements. You can also contact their International Student Services (ISS), which offers individualized immigration advice even before your admission.

University of Lethbridge

The University of Lethbridge is a cheap public university specializing in Liberal Arts education in Calgary. Its main campus, though, is in Lethbridge.

The University has over 150 programs through its seven departments: Arts & Science, Business, Education, Fine Arts, Graduate Studies, Health Science, and Liberal Education. The University of Lethbridge has the lowest graduate tuition fee in Alberta, at $10,000 per year. Tuition fees for undergraduate programs are around $13,410 a year.

Aside from your secondary school certificate or diploma, you may be required to submit additional requisites such as a portfolio or personal statement for your application. At the same time, some programs may also require an audition.

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology is the Great White North's first publicly sponsored technological institute. It has a student population of over 11,000 students. Around 1,600 of them are international students from 94 different countries! How cool is that? ## Over a hundred career programs are available through SAIT's eight schools, including Bachelor's degrees in Business Administration, Hospitality and Tourism Management, and Construction Project Management. Undergraduate international tuition fee ranges from CAD 8,145 to CAD 27,742 each year!

St. Mary's University

While the country's most well-known Saint Mary's University (SMU) is in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Alberta's Calgary also has its own St. Mary's University (StMU). With only 875 full-time and part-time students, this small, private Catholic institution is one of the cheapest colleges in Calgary.

StMU provides a Bachelor of Science degree, a Bachelor of Education after-degree, and eight Bachelor of Arts degrees in subjects such as General Studies, Liberal Studies, English, and Psychology. Students at this low-cost college in Calgary can apply for various scholarships and bursaries ranging from $500 to $31,000.

Undergraduate tuition fees for international students range from CAD 23 760 to CAD 30,330 per year!

Wrap Up

Enrolling in college is a big decision. Not only do you have to choose the right school, but you also have to decide how you're going to pay for it. If you wish to save money on your education, enrolling in one of the cheapest colleges in Calgary is a great option. You will save money on tuition, and you'll also get access to quality education and facilities!

Additionally, using a money transfer service like Remitbee to send money abroad while studying will help you save even more. With Remitbee, you'll get the best exchange rate and low fees. You can focus on your studies and not worry about your finances.

Sign up here.