It might be getting harder for international students to study in Canada, but that’s not stopping Canadian universities from doing all they can to give students the best shot at applying.
And with up to a 100% application fee waiver available — if you know where to look –it’s always worth a shot at sending in your application.
With three Canadian universities in the world’s top 50, according to QS World University Rankings 2025, affordable options, and a range of PhD scholarships available, it’s no wonder that by the end of 2023, Canadian institutions were hosting almost as many international students as US institutions were, despite the US population being roughly nine times bigger than Canada’s.
The great things about studying in Canada extend beyond academics. It includes once-in-a-lifetime chances to:
- Explore stunning landscapes like Niagara Falls and Mount Royal Park
- Be part of vibrant, multicultural cities like Toronto
- Taste some of the freshest seafood in the world, like lobster in Halifax
- Try adventure sports like year-round surfing and sea kayaking
The problem is studying in Canada has never been more expensive for international students.
In 2025/26, average undergraduate tuition hit CA$41,746 (US$29,366) — a 2.5% year-over-year increase and the highest level in a decade. That’s more than five times what Canadian students pay, up from 3.6 times a decade ago.
Stretch that across a full four-year programme and international students are looking at over CA$177,000 (US$124,512) in tuition alone. A two-year graduate programme, by contrast, may come in under CA$50,000 (US$35,173) — making the level and duration of study one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make.
Those costs are already reshaping who shows up. New college cohorts took the steepest hit: an estimated 102,188 fewer new international students started college in 2025/26 compared to 2023/24 — a 75% decline. For every four new international college students in 2023/24, only one enrolled in 2025/26.
Any chance to save is welcome — especially when the application fee to just one university, which may be non-refundable, ranges between CA$50 to CA$250 (US$35 to US$177).
On top of tuition, miscellaneous fees like General Administrative Charges, Student Services, and International Health Insurance can push annual costs to between CA$30,735 and CA$70,976 (US$22,574 to US$52,130).
Thankfully, Canada has many universities that offer application fee waivers to help you save money on your pursuit of higher education.
TL;DR? Here’s the summary:
- Canadian universities still offer application fee waivers despite tighter international student policies.
- Fee waivers can save you up to 100% of application costs, helping reduce the overall expense of studying abroad.
- This article highlights 13 Canadian universities that offer application fee waivers or fee reductions to eligible applicants.
Studying abroad is a big financial investment for international students.
Benefits of applying to Canadian universities with application fee waivers
A recent study found that students applying to multiple universities in Canada without application fees were able to save an average of CA$500 (US$355) during the application process.
This financial relief not only eases the initial burden of studying abroad but allows you to allocate those funds towards other essential items you may need, such as textbooks, transportation, and meals too.
With an application fee waiver, you can also apply to all the universities on your list without worrying about the costs.
This increases your chances of receiving multiple admission offers, providing you with a range of options to choose from.
With the freedom to explore various universities and programmes, you can make a more informed decision that aligns with your academic and personal goals.
How to apply to Canadian universities with application fee waivers
Unfortunately, there’s no one-stop platform with the complete list of Canadian universities with application fee waivers.
Beyond the universities in our list below, you’ll have to go to each university and programme’s official sites to find out whether they charge application fees or not.
Once you’ve shortlisted the universities of interest, check each one’s official website to confirm their application fee policies.
Sometimes, application fee waivers are introduced out of the blue or temporarily. It is a good idea to return to these sites frequently.
Another tip is as you move forward, you should gather essential documents required for your application, such as academic transcripts, a valid passport, a well-crafted statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation.
Don’t leave it to the last minute. Applying early and allocating ample time to verify and compile these documents will allow you to make the best application possible.
By following these steps, you’re putting your best foot forward. Even if you don’t get in, you don’t feel like you’ve completely wasted your application fee.
13 Canadian universities with application fee waivers
1. University of British Columbia
The University of British Columbia is one of the top Canadian universities — number two in the country, according to the Times Higher Education rankings — offering an application fee waiver.
Founded in 1908, the university stands out for its world-renowned graduate and postgraduate programmes and its commitment to fostering inclusivity in the application process.
While there is a standard application fee for both Canadian and international students, the university automatically extends fee waivers to certain eligible candidates, including thosehailing from the world’s 50 least-developed countries, as identified by the United Nations.
On top of that, the Department of Chemistry absorbs the application fee for domestic students applying to its postgraduate programmes.
If you are a Canadian citizen aged 65 or over at the time of application, the university waives the application fee for you too.
Canada has attracted the attention of international students with world-renowned institutions, high-quality education, and a great lifestyle.
2. Tyndale University
If you’re thinking about studying at Tyndale University in Toronto, you’re in luck. Tyndale is not just any university; it’s a Christian institution and boasts Canada’s biggest grad school for theology. Whether you’re looking at bachelor’s, master’s or seminary degrees, Tyndale’s got you covered with a bunch of programmes.
Tyndale is officially recognised as a Designated Learning Institution, which means they’re all set to welcome international students who have study permits.
There are two types of application fees here: one for non-Bachelor of Education programmes and the other for Bachelor of Education.
If you’re an international student applying for either, you must pay a non-refundable application fee of CA$150 (US$106). But here’s the good news for local Canadians and Americans coming from abroad – if you’re applying for a non-Bachelor of Education course, your application is waived.
However, if you’re eyeing that Bachelor of Education degree, there will be an application fee of CA$75 (US$53).
3. Booth University
Booth University College in Winnipeg stands out as a gem in 2025 for those seeking quality education without breaking the bank.
Formerly known as The Salvation Army William and Catherine Booth University College, this liberal arts institution has a small student population of just 282.
The campus is organised into four departments, each catering to specific academic disciplines: Business, Social Work, Humanities and Social Studies, and Continuing Studies.
What sets Booth apart is its commitment to accessibility, as seen in its policy of not charging any application fees for international applicants from Ukraine. However, international students from other countries must still pay the 150 CAD (US$106) fee.
Applying to universities in Canada with application fee waivers can bring you one step closer to achieving your dreams.
4. Fairleigh Dickinson University
Fairleigh Dickinson University should be one of the universities you consider as you pursue higher education and seek financial relief during the application process.
This private university has established itself as a reputable institution with campuses in New Jersey, US, and Vancouver, Canada.
Here, the early bird gets the worm — Fairleigh Dickinson is committed to fostering inclusivity by offering application fee waivers to eligible candidates who apply early. You might even be considered for the maximum scholarship available, too, so that’s hitting two birds with one stone.
And if you don’t make it for early applications, don’t worry; students who attend one of the university’s information sessions or virtual open houses can benefit from a waiver of the standard application fee.
5. University of New Brunswick
This is one of the oldest public universities in North America. With a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio, the University of New Brunswick (UNB) provides students with the best of both worlds – world-class programmes and a personalised, small-university experience.
UNB’s commitment to making higher education accessible is seen through its application fee waiver initiative.
While many Canadian universities offer fee waivers through various recruitment events, UNB’s waiver is specifically tailored to Canadian high school students and international students already enrolled in a Canadian high school.
6. Saint Mary’s University
Founded in 1802, Saint Mary’s University is one of Canada’s oldest universities. The university’s strength lies in fusing teaching and research into breakthrough academic experiences.
To ensure that students can experience that, they offer application fee waivers not only to Canadian students but also to international applicants.
Better yet, this waiver isn’t a one-time event too.
Saint Mary’s recent participation in the Atlantic Coast Conference was just one of many instances where the application fee was waived, this time for all first-year and transfer undergraduate students.
7. Lakehead University
Located in Ontario, Lakehead University has two campuses — one in Thunder Bay, where fields and green space surround the campus buildings, and one in Orillia, with a more city-campus vibe to it.
The university has nine faculties for undergraduates and postgraduates, including Science and Environmental Studies, Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Graduate Studies, Health and Behavioural Sciences, Natural Resources Management, Law, and Social Sciences and Humanities.
Here, the application fee is CA$135 (US$96) for international applicants, though certain programmes are exempt from it, such as the CA$115 (US$82) fee for the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law.
8. The King’s University
The King’s University offers exceptional liberal arts education from a Christian perspective and serves students from across Canada and around the world.
With around CA$660,000 (US$468,524) provided as student financial support each year, it’s no surprise that the university also offers application fee waivers for those keen to study in their halls.
For international students, the fee is reduced from CA$140 (US$99) to CA$100 (US$71) when applying early. The deadline to be eligible for the reduction is April 15 for the Fall term and August 15 for the Winter term.
Known for its beautiful arboretum, the University of Guelph offers one of Canada’s most picturesque campus environments. Source: Pexels
9. University of Guelph
At the University of Guelph, international students can have their undergraduate application fee waived if they register for and attend one of the specified online events.
After attending, the university will email you instructions on how to upload unofficial documents for review. If you meet the eligibility requirements, you will receive a link that allows you to submit your application without paying the fee.
This offer is specifically for students attending high school outside of Canada and does not apply to Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
10. University of Winnipeg
Founded in 1967 and set right in the heart of downtown Winnipeg, the University of Winnipeg is a public university known for its small class sizes and one of the lowest tuition rates in Canada. With over 400 programs across 50+ fields of study, it draws students from more than 75 countries.
The standard international undergraduate application fee is CA$120 (US$84). The university periodically runs short promotional windows — typically tied to specific recruitment campaigns — where this fee is fully waived for undergraduate applicants. These windows are time-limited and not announced far in advance, so checking the admissions page regularly is the most reliable way to catch them.
There is also a separate waiver pathway for graduate applicants. Current UWinnipeg undergraduates and alumni with a minimum GPA of 3.0 who will complete their four-year degree by August 31, 2026 qualify for a graduate programme application fee waiver, provided applications are submitted between December 1, 2025 and February 2, 2026.
11. Redeemer University
Redeemer University is a private Christian liberal arts and sciences university founded over 40 years ago, located on an 83-acre campus in Ancaster, Ontario — about an hour from Toronto — with 1,117 students from 10 Canadian provinces and 27 other countries across 35+ majors and streams.
Applications are free until January 31, after which a CA$50 (US$35) fee applies. Students who apply before December 15 also qualify for a textbook credit. The free application window applies to North American applicants, making it one of the few Canadian universities where simply applying early is enough — no webinar, no promo code required.
The Bachelor of Education programme has a separate CA$80 (US$56) application fee regardless of timing, so the free window applies only to undergraduate programmes.
The University of Alberta offers a limited application fee waiver for eligible graduate applicants from underdeveloped countries. Source: Pexels
12. University of Alberta
The University of Alberta is one of Canada’s top 4 universities and one of the top 100 in the world, located in Edmonton with 38,000 students. Over 200 undergraduate programmes are available, customisable with certificates, specialisations, and honours
The university does not offer broad application fee waivers — its admissions page states the fee is mandatory and not waived upon request. However, the Department of Computing Science has carved out its own initiative: while the university no longer offers general fee exemptions, the Department of Computing Science has dedicated funding to support application fee waivers for a small number of graduate students from underdeveloped countries for the 2026/27 intake.
This is a limited, competitive waiver, and you must apply through the department’s dedicated fee-waiver application before submitting your full application.
13. University of New Brunswick
Founded in 1785, the University of New Brunswick (UNB)’s Fredericton campus was established as one of the oldest universities in North America. Maclean’s ranked it #1 among comprehensive universities in Canada for student-to-faculty ratio at 15:1, with a student population of over 10,600 from more than 100 countries.
UNB is offering an application fee waiver for Canadian high school students applying for Fall 2026 entry who attend any recruitment event between September 1, 2025 and March 31, 2026 — including school visits, one-on-one recruiter meetings, campus tours, and virtual events. International students currently attending high school at a Canadian institution are also eligible.
Students must RSVP for a recruitment event, apply to a UNB undergraduate programme, select the “pay later” option, and attend the event — where they complete a short online form to confirm attendance. The application is then sent for processing with no fee charged.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Which Canadian universities have 100% application fee waivers for international students in 2026?
University of British Columbia (eligible candidates from the 50 least-developed countries), Tyndale University (non-Bachelor of Education programmes), Booth University (Ukrainian international students), Fairleigh Dickinson University (early applicants or info session attendees), Saint Mary’s University (periodic full waivers), and University of Guelph (high schoolers outside Canada attending specified online events) all offer 100% waivers for qualifying international students.
Do application fee waivers affect your chances of getting into a Canadian university?
No. Fee waivers only remove the cost barrier to applying — admission decisions still run through the same academic review as paid applications.
Is it still worth studying in Canada with the new student permit caps?
It depends. It is worth it for grad students, less certain for undergrads. Master’s and PhD applicants at public universities are exempt from the PAL/TAL requirement starting January 1, 2026. Undergrads face refusal rates of 65.4% and a near-50% drop in new admissions. Sadly, fee waivers don’t change those odds — they remove the cost of applying broadly, which matters for undergrads spreading applications across stronger-odds provinces like Atlantic Canada.
Disclaimer: This article was last updated on June 30, 2026.
