Canada provides excellent engineering education at reasonable prices, making it a great choice for aspiring engineers globally. The country offers a mix of diverse cultures, quality academic programs, and good prospects after graduation.

So, whether you’re interested in computer science, environmental engineering, or aerospace technology, this article will cover fifteen Engineering schools known for their academic quality, industry ties, and affordable tuition. Be sure to read the article till the end for all the details.

What is the Easiest Engineering Program to Take in Canada?

The easiest engineering program to pursue in Canada varies depending on individual preferences and budget. However, some programs are considered less rigorous due to their focus or structure. For instance, industrial engineering programs often involve less complex math and theoretical concepts than traditional disciplines like electrical or mechanical engineering. Institutions like Toronto Metropolitan University offer a Bachelor of Engineering in Industrial Engineering with a duration of 4 years. Similarly, Engineering Management programs at McMaster University blend engineering principles with business management, making the curriculum more approachable for some students. These programs typically span 4 to 5 years.

What is the Cheapest Engineering Program in Canada?

When considering affordability for international students, certain engineering programs stand out for their relatively lower tuition fees. For example, the Bachelor of Engineering Technology program at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, or SAIT, offers competitive rates for international students, with tuition fees ranging from approximately 16,000 CAD to 19,000 CAD annually. Similarly, Lakehead University in Ontario’s Bachelor of Engineering programs provide cost-effective options, with tuition fees for international students starting at around 34,000 CAD, depending on the study year. These programs offer quality education at a more accessible price point for international students pursuing engineering degrees in Canada.

Affordable Universities Offering Engineering Programs in Canada

1. Red River College Polytechnic

  • Study Program | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
  • Faculty/Department: School of Engineering and Construction Technology
  • Tuition Range: from 7,000 CAD (undergraduate) | 38,000 CAD (graduate)

Founded in 1938, Red River College Polytechnic is a renowned institution in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. RRC offers various programs from certificate to diploma and degree levels, specializing in applied learning and hands-on training.

The college is highly regarded for its focus on preparing students for real-world challenges through industry-relevant curriculum and state-of-the-art facilities. With a strong emphasis on practical experience, RRC ensures graduates are well-equipped with the skills and knowledge employers seek in various fields. One of the cheapest study programs available for international students at RRC is found in the School of Construction Engineering Technology, which offers programs such as Civil Engineering Technology and Construction Management.

2. Northern Alberta Institute of Technology

Founded in 1962, the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology or NAIT is a distinguished polytechnic institution situated in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. NAIT is renowned for its hands-on, industry-focused education, offering diverse programs spanning engineering technology, applied sciences, health sciences, and business.

Noteworthy alumni from NAIT include Steve Allan, a prominent businessman and former Chair of the Board of Governors of NAIT, and Greg Christenson, a well-respected Canadian architect known for his innovative designs. These alumni exemplify NAIT’s legacy of producing skilled professionals and industry leaders who leave a lasting impact in their respective fields.

3. Lakehead University

Lakehead University is a comprehensive university founded in 1965 and located in Thunder Bay, Ontario, with additional campuses in Orillia. Lakehead is renowned for its strong emphasis on research, innovation, and student-centered learning.

The university offers affordable undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including engineering. Lakehead University prides itself on its commitment to sustainability, indigenous education, and community engagement. Its innovative programs and research initiatives provide students with hands-on learning experiences and preparation for successful careers in their chosen fields.

Students looking for affordable tuition in Canada should consider Lakehead University as its acceptance rate of international students is high, meaning you’ll have a high chance of getting admitted to the university.

4. University of British Columbia

The University of British Columbia, or UBC, a public research university with campuses near Vancouver and Kelowna in Canada, was established in 1908. The School of Engineering supports an intensive research environment within civil, electrical, manufacturing, and mechanical engineering that aims to equip students with advanced field-specific technical knowledge.

Notable alumni from U.B.C. include global leaders, influential scholars, and industry pioneers such as Justin Trudeau, the prime minister of Canada, Kim Campbell, who is the former Prime Minister of Canada, and Carol Shaw, a video game designer.

5. Concordia University

  • Study Program | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
  • Faculty/Department: Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science
  • Tuition Range: from 35,000 CAD (undergraduate) | 37,000 CAD (graduate)

Concordia University is a public research university situated in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It was established in 1974 through the combination of Loyola College and Sir George Williams University. Concordia uses English as the primary teaching language among the three English-language universities in Quebec.

Concordia offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, with a notable emphasis on engineering and technology. The university stands out for its reasonable tuition fees compared to other Canadian universities, making it an excellent choice for students interested in studying engineering. The most affordable option for international engineering students at Concordia is the Bachelor of Engineering in Building Engineering. This program provides a comprehensive curriculum focused on sustainable design and construction practices at a competitive cost.

6. University of Alberta

Established in 1908, the University of Alberta is one of Canada’s best universities, recognized for its world-class research and innovative programs and as a world leader in engineering education and research.

In your qualifying year, the school allows students to experience the world of engineering by taking studies from all disciplines, such as Computer Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. It also offers several specialized graduate courses and research-based programs.

7. Toronto Metropolitan University

  • Study Program | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
  • Faculty/Department: Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science
  • Tuition Range: from 38,600 CAD (undergraduate) | 28,400 CAD (graduate)

Established in 1948, Toronto Metropolitan University, formerly Ryerson University is a nonprofit public institution for higher education situated in the urban landscape of Toronto. The university is known for offering affordable education and, also evaluating prospective students based on entrance examinations, academic records, and grades. It offers a range of academic and non-academic amenities and services, encompassing a library, residential options, sports facilities, financial aid and scholarships, study abroad and exchange initiatives, online courses, distance learning opportunities, and administrative support.

Also, for international engineering students seeking a cost-effective option, Ryerson offers a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering, featuring a comprehensive curriculum at an affordable price.

8. University of Toronto

Founded in 1827, the University of Toronto is among Canada’s oldest and most esteemed institutions, recognized worldwide for its academic brilliance, research achievements, and lively campus atmosphere.

Spread across three locations in Toronto, the university provides a wide range of engineering programs. Therefore, international engineering students seeking affordable options should consider programs like Bachelor of Applied Science in Civil Engineering.

9. McGill University

McGill University, founded in 1821 and located in Montreal, is one of Canada’s top universities. It attracts many students from different parts of the world.

The Faculty of Engineering at McGill offers various undergraduate programs like Bioengineering, Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Mechanical, Materials Co-op, Mining Co-op, and Software Co-op. Engineering is one of the best academic disciplines at McGill, leading to attracting many international students.

Aside from affordable tuition, the cost of living at McGill University is pretty economical compared to other Canadian universities. This is the very reason why the international student population increases every year.

10. University of Calgary

The University of Calgary was established in 1966 in Calgary, Alberta. It has provided students with the opportunity to learn about various engineering specialties while honing their core abilities to prepare them for success when deciding on a major in their second year. This presents an appealing option for students seeking a high-quality academic program in Canada.

11. McMaster University

Established in 1887 and situated in Hamilton, Ontario, the university is known for its commitment to innovation and academic excellence. McMaster provides diverse undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs spanning disciplines such as engineering, health sciences, business, and humanities.

The Faculty of Engineering at the university offers various programs designed to prepare students for real-world challenges in engineering and technology. A cost-effective option for international engineering students at McMaster is the Bachelor of Engineering in Materials Engineering, with a comprehensive curriculum centered around the properties, processing, and applications of materials at a competitive price.

12. University of Ottawa

Established in 1848, the University of Ottawa, which is located in the vibrant capital city of Canada, is a bilingual institution renowned for its excellence in education, research, and innovation. The university’s Faculty of Engineering programs are a perfect blend of theory and practical instructions, which will introduce students to advanced prototyping and manufacturing facilities, entrepreneurial competitions, competitive teams, start-up growth programs, and more.

The university’s engineering program list comprises Architectural Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Environmental Engineering.

Notable alumni from Ottawa include Michaëlle Jean, the former Governor General of Canada, Alex Trebek, the former host of Jeopardy, and Stephen Poloz, the former Governor of the Bank of Canada.

13. Queen’s University

Founded in 1841 and situated in Kingston, Ontario, Queen’s University is a renowned institution celebrated for its long-standing commitment to academic excellence, groundbreaking research, and a tight-knit community. Queen’s provides a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs spanning disciplines such as engineering, business, humanities, and sciences.

The Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science at Queen’s offers a selection of programs tailored to equip students with the knowledge and skills that are necessary for success in today’s rapidly changing technological landscape. The most economical study program for international engineering students at Queen’s is typically the Bachelor of Engineering in Mining Engineering. This program features a comprehensive curriculum covering mining operations, mineral processing, and mine design at a competitive cost.

14. University of Waterloo

This prestigious university was founded in 1957 and is one of Canada’s top engineering schools. It boasts a reputation for excellence in STEM fields, particularly in engineering, computer science, and technology. The university’s education program system is also one of the largest in the world, allowing students to gain valuable work experience while pursuing their studies and enhancing their employability upon graduation.

Additionally, UW’s diverse and inclusive community provides international students with a supportive environment to thrive academically and culturally. Some affordable study programs available to international engineering students at the university include the Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering, which offers a comprehensive mechanical system and design curriculum at a competitive cost.

15. University of Guelph

Founded in 1964, the University of Guelph is a globally renowned institution located in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. Its School of Engineering offers various programs in the field of engineering, such as Biological Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, and Systems & Computing Engineering. The university also strongly emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, experiential learning, and sustainability initiatives, which has set it apart as a leader in higher education.

 

This article highlights fifteen affordable engineering universities in Canada, ranging from institutions like Red River College to renowned universities such as the University of British Columbia. These universities offer a variety of engineering programs at competitive tuition rates, making quality education accessible to international students.

 

We hope that this article will help in your search for the best and most affordable engineering schools in Canada. If you need more insightful articles and study opportunities in Canada, then head on over to the Study in Canada and  Available Programs in Canada pages!

About the Author: Hyun Lee

Hyun is the founder at Global Scholarships. He has received a full-tuition scholarship at Birmingham-Southern College as well as $1,000 Burger King Scholarship for his undergraduate degree and has been offered a fully funded scholarship consisting of tuition, living stipend, and health insurance for computer science Ph.D. program at North Carolina State University. Read more about his scholarship journey here.

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