Discover the 15 best universities in Canada with low tuition for Nigerian students. Compare tuition ranges, provinces, and co-op opportunities to study affordably in 2025.
Study Smart — Finding the Best Universities in Canada with Low Tuition for Nigerian Students
For many Nigerian students, studying in Canada remains a life-changing dream — but it often comes with a major challenge: the cost. Between tuition, living expenses, and visa fees, top Canadian universities in Toronto or Vancouver can charge well over CAD $40,000 per year.
The good news? There are high-quality public universities across smaller cities and Atlantic provinces offering world-class education at half that cost.
This guide lists the 15 best universities in Canada with low tuition for Nigerian students, grouped by affordability tiers, with estimated fees and location insights — so you can make an informed, budget-conscious decision for your 2025 intake.
Finding Value: Where Low Tuition Meets Low Cost of Living
The key to affordable study in Canada isn’t just low tuition — it’s also where you live. Smaller cities and provinces offer lower rent, food, and transportation costs while still maintaining high-quality education standards.
Provinces with the Best Value for Nigerian Students
- Newfoundland and Labrador: Memorial University tops the list for low tuition and cost of living.
- Manitoba: Home to affordable schools like Brandon University and University of Manitoba.
- Saskatchewan: Known for lower tuition and easy permanent residency pathways.
- Nova Scotia & New Brunswick: Atlantic provinces with budget-friendly living and designated immigration streams under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).
Pro Tip: Many of these provinces offer Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility and co-op programs — allowing students to work during or after study to recover part of their costs.
15 Affordable Canadian Universities for Nigerian Students (2025 Guide)
Below is a data-driven list of affordable institutions, grouped by tuition tiers. All amounts are estimated annual tuition fees for international students (2025 figures).
Tier 1: Under CAD $10,000 per year (Ultra-Low Tuition)
| University | Province | Estimated Tuition (Undergraduate/Graduate) | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) | Newfoundland & Labrador | UG: $9,000 – $11,000 / PG: $6,500 – $9,000 | Among the lowest in Canada; strong engineering and computer science programs. |
| 2. Brandon University | Manitoba | UG: $8,000 – $9,000 / PG: $9,500 | Small class sizes; very affordable housing in Brandon city. |
| 3. Université de Saint-Boniface (French-medium) | Manitoba | UG: $8,500 – $9,500 | French-language instruction; ideal for bilingual Nigerian students. |
| 4. University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) | British Columbia | UG: $9,500 – $11,000 / PG: $10,500 | Environmentally focused programs; smaller campus community. |
Tier 2: CAD $10,000 – $15,000 per year (Balanced Cost & Prestige)
| University | Province | Estimated Tuition (Undergraduate/Graduate) | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5. University of Saskatchewan (USask) | Saskatchewan | UG: $12,000 – $15,000 / PG: $9,000 – $13,000 | High-quality research university; affordable living in Saskatoon. |
| 6. University of Manitoba (UManitoba) | Manitoba | UG: $13,000 – $15,000 / PG: $10,000 – $12,000 | Oldest university in Western Canada; extensive scholarships. |
| 7. University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) | Prince Edward Island | UG: $13,500 / PG: $11,000 | Atlantic region advantage — low rent and community feel. |
| 8. Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU) | Nova Scotia | UG: $13,000 / PG: $12,000 | Great for social sciences and business; affordable Halifax suburbs. |
| 9. Cape Breton University (CBU) | Nova Scotia | UG: $14,000 – $15,000 | Popular among Nigerian students for its co-op programs and easy visa process. |
| 10. University of Regina | Saskatchewan | UG: $14,000 – $15,000 / PG: $11,500 | Public research university with work-integrated learning. |
Tier 3: CAD $15,000 – $18,000 per year (Still Affordable Compared to Major Cities)
| University | Province | Estimated Tuition (Undergraduate/Graduate) | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11. University of New Brunswick (UNB) | New Brunswick | UG: $16,000 / PG: $14,000 | Offers co-op programs and PGWP-friendly city. |
| 12. Thompson Rivers University (TRU) | British Columbia | UG: $16,000 – $17,000 / PG: $15,000 | Strong for business, tourism, and IT; Kamloops has low living costs. |
| 13. Laurentian University | Ontario | UG: $17,000 / PG: $15,000 | Affordable alternative to Toronto; bilingual programs available. |
| 14. Lakehead University | Ontario | UG: $17,000 – $18,000 / PG: $15,000 | Known for engineering and computer science with paid co-op placements. |
| 15. University of Lethbridge | Alberta | UG: $17,000 / PG: $16,000 | Excellent for sciences and health studies; moderate living costs. |
Pro Insight: Why Smaller Cities Offer More Value
- Lower Rent: Students in St. John’s, Regina, or Charlottetown spend 40–60% less than those in Toronto.
- Immigration-Friendly: Provinces like Saskatchewan and Newfoundland actively recruit international graduates through provincial nominee programs.
- Community Support: Smaller campuses often provide personalized visa and settlement support for African students.
Beyond Tuition: Co-op and Scholarship Opportunities
Many affordable universities also integrate co-op programs (paid work placements) — allowing students to gain experience while earning money.
Examples of Co-op-Integrated Affordable Schools
- Cape Breton University (CBU): Strong business and IT co-op placements.
- University of Saskatchewan (USask): Agriculture and engineering internships with Canadian employers.
- Lakehead University: Paid industrial placements for tech and engineering majors.
Scholarships for Nigerian Students
Most affordable universities offer entrance awards ranging from CAD $1,000 to $8,000 for international students.
Look for:
- Brandon University International Bursary
- University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships (UMGF)
- University of Regina International Entrance Scholarship
Read More:
- How to Get a Canadian Student Visa from Lagos (VFS Global Process)
- UK Student Visa Proof of Funds: CAS, IHS, and Maintenance Requirements for Nigerians
- Top Study Abroad Consultants in Abuja for UK and Canada Admissions
- Government-Funded Scholarships for Nigerian Students Abroad
Conclusion
The best universities in Canada with low tuition for Nigerian students are not always in the big cities — they’re often in smaller provinces that offer lower costs, high-quality education, and easy immigration pathways.
Here’s your strategy for success:
Choose provinces with low tuition and living costs (Newfoundland, Manitoba, Saskatchewan).
Prioritize schools offering co-op or PGWP eligibility.
Apply early for entrance scholarships to reduce expenses further.
Next Step: Start researching these universities’ programs today and compare tuition fees directly on their official websites. An affordable degree in Canada is within reach — if you plan wisely.