Canadian universities have emerged as the favourite educational spot for many Nigerian students and other international students.
- Simon Fraser University (SFU)- $ 4,660 per year
- University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI)- $6,583
- Brandon University- $6,744 per year
- University of Calgary – $7,141
- Saint Paul University $7,201 per year
- University of Regina-$ 7,300 per year
- University of New Brunswick – $7,535 per year
- Mount Saint Vincent University- $8,907 per year
- University of Saskatchewan- $8,907 per year
- University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC)- $9,391 per year
However, the cost of education is considered by many students, making many choose Canadian universities with tuition under $10,000 ($10k).
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that many Nigerian students are choosing Canada because of long-term migration opportunities, its post-study work pathways, particularly the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), offering international students a clear route to gain local work experience, and, eventually, permanent residency through programmes like Express Entry.
In 2023 alone, Canada issued a record 37,630 study permits to Nigerians, a 133% surge from the previous year.
By 2024, over 58,000 Nigerian students were already studying in Canada, making it the fourth-largest source country for international students.
Meanwhile, the Canadian government has unveiled a 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan. Under the new immigration plan, the country plans to admit about 380,000 new immigrants annually to support its economy and labour market needs.
They also plan to fast-track permanent residence for 33,000 skilled temporary workers over 2026 and 2027, focusing on those already working in communities, especially in rural areas and in in-demand sectors.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass, in this article, explores Canadian universities with tuition under $10k.
Below are the Canadian universities that offer master’s programmes with annual international tuition fees below $10k;
Simon Fraser University (SFU)- $ 4,660 per year
Simon Fraser University consistently ranks as one of Canada’s top comprehensive universities. Known for its world-class research and innovative co-op programs, it manages to remain incredibly accessible. At approximately $4,660 per year for domestic students, it stands as a leader among Canadian universities with tuition under $10,000.
Simon Fraser University (SFU) is located in Burnaby, British Columbia, with campuses in Vancouver and Surrey.
SFU offers a wide range of postgraduate programmes across its faculties, including Applied Sciences, Arts and Social Sciences, Business (Beedie School of Business), Communication, Art and Technology, Education, Environment, Health Sciences, and Science.
University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI)- $6,583
The University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) is a public university located in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.
At $6,583, the university is a fantastic option for those seeking a tight-knit community and a lower cost of living.
The university offers a range of postgraduate programmes across disciplines such as nursing, business administration, education, and applied health sciences.
Brandon University- $6,744 per year
Brandon University is a public university located in Brandon, Manitoba, a quiet and more affordable city that appeals to international students looking to reduce both tuition and living costs compared to larger Canadian cities.
For international students, postgraduate tuition typically ranges from CAD 2,327.03 to CAD 9,261.18, depending on the programme and course load.
The university offers a focused range of postgraduate programmes across key fields. In Arts, students can pursue the Master of Arts in Rural Development as well as a Graduate Diploma in Rural Development.
University of Calgary – $7,141
While Calgary is a major economic hub, the University of Calgary remains surprisingly budget-friendly. For roughly $7,141 per year, students get access to a top-tier research institution in one of Canada’s most vibrant cities.
For thesis-based programmes, international tuition is approximately CAD 2,858.55 per term, translating to about CAD 8,500–9,000 annually. For course-based programmes, tuition varies widely depending on the programme, with international fees ranging from about CAD 2,034 to over CAD 7,141 per 3-unit course, depending on the field of study.
Saint Paul University $7,201 per year
Saint Paul University is a public, bilingual institution located in Ottawa, Ontario, known for its focus on social sciences, ethics, philosophy, and human development.
International students, graduate tuition full-time fee is approximately CAD 9,888.19. In addition, applicants are required to pay an application fee of CAD 105 for graduate admission.
University of Regina-$ 7,300 per year
The University of Regina is a public university located in Regina, Saskatchewan. For international students, postgraduate tuition remains relatively low.
A standard master’s degree based on 18 credit hours costs CAD 6,138, calculated on full-time enrolment across three semesters. More specialised programmes, such as the Master of Engineering, are priced higher at approximately CAD 10,039.50 for the full programme.
The University of Regina offers a broad range of postgraduate programmes across disciplines, including engineering, business, social sciences, and environmental studies.
University of New Brunswick – $7,535 per year
The University of New Brunswick (UNB) is one of Canada’s oldest public universities, known for its strong emphasis on research, innovation, and professional programmes.
The university operates across two main campuses in Fredericton and Saint John. For international students in Fredericton, postgraduate tuition is structured across academic terms and varies by programme. For instance, the Master of Nursing programme includes term-based fees of approximately CAD 7,480.50- CAD 10,348
Mount Saint Vincent University- $8,907 per year
Mount Saint Vincent University is a public university known for its strong focus on liberal arts, education, and community-based research.
It is located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, a coastal city that offers a balance between urban opportunities and a relatively moderate cost of living compared to larger Canadian cities.
University of Saskatchewan- $8,907 per year
The University of Saskatchewan is a public research university known for its strengths in agriculture, health sciences, engineering, and environmental research. It is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
Sharing a similar price point with MSVU at $8,907, it provides students with the resources of a large institution at a mid-range cost.
University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC)- $9,391 per year
The University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) is a university focused on environmental studies, health sciences, and community-based research. It is located in Prince George, British Columbia.
International postgraduate tuition varies by programme. For most master’s programmes, total fees are approximately CAD 3,328.17 per semester, including tuition and mandatory charges.
More specialised programmes cost more, with the Master of Social Work at about CAD 3,781.44 per semester, while programmes such as the Master of Education can reach approximately CAD 4,298.82 per semester.
