Cheap Community Colleges in Canada You can Apply in 2023

Are you searching for the cheapest and most affordable community colleges in Canada that will fit your cheap budget?

Are you confused about what a community college is and whether or not it is ideal to take?

Do you want to understand the difference between the nominal college and community college?

Is Canadian community colleges worth the time and effort?

Well just so you know, we have all these questions answered in this all-inclusive guide.

In this article, we have brought you details on all you need to know about community colleges in Canada, the cheapest ones inclusive.

Also, we have made available a list of the best colleges to choose from if you want the community version of colleges.

Well, before we start exploring these best cheap community colleges in Canada, I will like to tell you a little about the world’s most famous study abroad destination: Canada.

Canada has always been a leader in setting a benchmark for the quality of the education it offers and is emerging as the number one study destination among international students.

If you are looking to study in Canada, you should know that the country is home to world-famous community colleges that are relatively affordable and inexpensive, and offer high-quality academic programs and opportunities.

In this blog, we present our selected list of the 10 best community colleges in Canada for international students.

Studying in Canada

It’s without a doubt that Canada has a long-standing history in academics.

Over the years, they’ve been known to offer quality education to both local and international students.

However, due to the cost of tuition, many students have given up on the Study in Canada dream.

But here is an article that bears good news because there are many community colleges you can go to and get certified at a very cheap cost still in Canada.

And for the records, there are ove 21+ Cheapest Universities in Canada for International Students.

Besides the cost of tuition, Canada is generally one of the best study abroad destinations for international students.

Why Study In Canada?

Here are some of the reasons why Canada remains one is the top rated study abroad countries in the world;

#1. Internationally Recognized Qualifications

Certifications from any Canadian school are highly recognized anywhere in the world.

The standard and quality of education in Canada are such that most countries give it a very high recognition. 

And also, students who graduated from Canadian universities usually have an edge over those who studied in non-Canadian schools. 

The reason can be traced to the quality of education obtainable in the United States.

#2. Affordable Education

Compared to most other states in the UK and USA, Canada’s tuition is considerably low.

And also, with the presence of cheap and very affordable community colleges, international students can study at a low cost.

Even studying at this cost is not just the best feature of Canada, students also get opportunities to work ASAP.

#3. Canada is a Multicultural Society

Canada is home to various ethnic groups including Europeans, Asians, and Africans. 

It’s a land where international students and other foreigners can feel at home.

From research, Canada is one of the friendliest countries in the world.

#4. Land of Opportunities and Possibilities

Aside from finding the cheapest community colleges in Canada, you can as well find a lot of opportunities.

Canada can harness your potential and give you the platforms to express yourself in full. 

Most of the colleges constantly invent ways to help students maximize their potentials both within and outside the classroom.

What are Community Colleges?

I know you must be wondering what community colleges are.

Is it different from the nominal colleges in Canada?

Although community colleges mean different things to different countries, in a simple term, a community college is a type of educational institution. 

Some refer to it as a senior secondary school.

Usually, they have “open enrollment” for high school students who just graduated. 

Basically, the students who study in community colleges study for just two years. 

At community colleges, students can take courses that they can use for general education requirements. 

After studying in the community, you can transfer to a 4-year university to finish your BSc degree.

In general, most universities offer master’s degrees and require a four-year bachelor’s degree for admission.

Nonetheless, most colleges in Canada offer graduate certificates and accept students who have earned a three-year bachelor’s degree.

In these cases, colleges are an attractive alternative for international students. Below, you will find the list of affordable colleges in Canada for international students.

What is the Difference Between College and Community College?

Although these two look like one and the same thing, they are two different from many perspectives.

Even though they have similar training patterns, they are two separate educational systems.

We will explain the disparity in a bit.

S/N	Community Colleges	Colleges
Courses Offered	Traditional academic classes such as EnglishMathematicsHistory	Students can take the program in any subject of their choice as there is a wide list of accredited programs.
Duration	2 years	4 years
Enrollment	Accepts open enrollment from high school	Requires you to pass an entrance exam
Tuition	Less Expensive	More Expensive
Degree certificate	Not in all courses	Available in all courses
Gets	Majorly Entry-level jobs	Entry-level jobs as well as managerial positions

These are the basic differences between community colleges and nominal colleges.

One integrating factor is that the two prepare students for entry-level positions in any organization of their choice.

Also, both focus on helping students to improve their knowledge of a subject area.

What is the Cost of Attending A Community College in Canada?

Community colleges have different tuition costs in different countries.

In Canada, community college tuition fees are lower compared to colleges.

This makes it easier for prospective students to enroll in the program.

However, according to Education data, the average tuition cost of community college is $7,460 total or $1,865 per semester.

Even at this cost, there are more cheap community colleges in Canada.

What do I Get Out Of Cheap Community Colleges in Canada?

Like earlier stated, community colleges are also a type of educational system.

Here are some benefits of going to these affordable community colleges in Canada;

• Community Colleges are relatively cheaper than the traditional universities and colleges. 
• Most community colleges help international students come closer to their educational goals.
• You get to get certified in a shorter period of time.
• Community Colleges are less crowded than other college levels. 
• It’s easier to start, transfer or complete your education in community colleges and CEGEPs.
• Certificates from this institution are internationally recognised, therefore, you have nothing to lose.

10 Best Cheap Community Colleges in Canada

Although there are so many community colleges in Canada, we have come up with a list of cheap and quite affordable ones for both national and international students.

However, keep in mind that these community colleges are not just cheap, they’re among the best in Canada.

The list includes;

• Humber College
• Seneca College
• George Brown College
• The Algonquin College
• Centennial College
• Selkirk College
• Fanshawe College
• Bow Valley College

#1. Humber College

• Founded: 1966
• Tuition Fees: $14,500 CAD
• Location: 205 Humber College Blvd, Etobicoke, Toronto
• University Ranking: 41 in Canada and 4471 in the world. 

Humber College is one of the best community colleges in Canada.

At Humber College, students can choose from over 95 degrees and certification courses.

Basically, they major in fields such as business, communication, science and engineering, social and life sciences, art, and engineering.

#2. Seneca College

• Founded: 1967
• Tuition Fees: $3205.25 CAD
• Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• University Ranking: 69 in Canada and 4215 in the world. 

Seneca is one of the community colleges in Canada that offers full-time, part-time, and continuing education all at a cheap cost.

Their major course specialization includes financial services, science, business, and applied arts. 

Also, Seneca offers 140 special education diplomas in 2, 3 years and a growing number of 1-year programs.

#3. George Brown College

• Founded: 1966
• Tuition Fees: $7,165 CAD  
• Location: 160 Kendal Ave, Toronto
• University Ranking: 41 in Canada and 4471 in the world. 

George Brown is rated among the best community colleges in Canada that’s very cheap.

It has three main campuses, all located in Toronto.

At George Brown College, students are trained to develop the skills needed for a job. 

The college offers a variety of arts and design programs, business, social services, early childhood education, construction, and engineering technology, etc

#4. The Algonquin College

• Founded: 1966
• Tuition Fees: $12,950 – $14,600
• Location: 1385 Woodroffe Avenue Ottawa, Ontario
• University Ranking: 78 in Canada and 4743 in the world.. 

Algonquin College has strong diverse programs in advanced technology, health and community, hospitality, and tourism, business and media arts/design, 

Why this particular community college is different from other colleges in Canada is not just that it is affordable, its co-operative education allows students to gain work experience throughout their studies.

#5. Centennial College

• Founded: 1966
• Tuition Fees: $14,080 – $18,366
• Location: 941 Progress Ave, Scarborough
• University Ranking: 79 in Canada and 4894 in the world 

Centennial College is the first public college founded in Toronto.

Among its certificate courses are courses in the field of business, communication, art, social and life sciences, science, and engineering.

This college focuses on giving scholars hands-on experience in laboratory learning, industrial and corporate distribution, as well as corporate education.

#6. Selkirk College

• Founded: 1937
• Tuition Fees: $7,900 – $8,500
• Location: 301 Frank Beinder Way Castlegar, BC
• University Ranking: 94 in Canada and 6385 in the world.

Selkirk College is a fully accredited public post-secondary institution that is listed as one of the cheapest community colleges in Canada.

At Selkirk, students can choose to start up with the English Language Program and proceed into other programs with time.

Also, they can choose to transfer to one of many Canadian and International universities to complete their studies.

#7. Fanshawe College

• Founded: 1956
• Tuition Fees: $13,100 – 15,000
• Location: 1001 Fanshawe College Blvd, London
• University Ranking: 96 in Canada and 6457 in the world. 

Fanshawe College is found in the heart of Southwestern Ontario.

As a community college in Canada, it offers over 110 post-secondary degrees, diplomas, certificates, and postgraduate programs.

This college has one of the largest student enrollment of about 15,000 full-time students.

Major courses this college offers include Broadcasting, Civil Engineering, Environmental Science, Health Care, Hospitality, Information Technology, Transportation amongst others.

Its tuition is very affordable making it one of the cheap community colleges in Canada.

#8. Vanier College

• Founded: 1966
• Tuition Fees: $ 4,900 to $ 7,700
• Location: 821 Sainte Croix Avec, Saint-Laurent
• University Ranking: 99 in Canada and 6697 in the world.

Vanier College is one of the best community colleges in Montreal, Quebec. a

It’s also one of Canada’s lowest education institutions.

Students graduating from this community college are prepared more adequately for university studies.

This makes them rightly equipped for university training.

#9. Southern Alberta Technology Center

• Founded: 1966
• Tuition Fees: $4,595 – $28,031
• Location: 2336 53 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta
• University Ranking: 94 in Canada and 6385 in the world. 

The Southern Alberta Institute of Scientific Technology offers over 100 courses majorly in crafts, technology, and business.

Aside from being one of the cheapest community colleges in Canada, it also houses over 11,023 full-time, 1,270 part-time, 8,777 on-the-job training, and 34,622 students on cooperative and continuing education.

#10. Bow Valley College

• Founded: 1970
• Tuition Fees: $10,000 – 15,000
• Location: 345 6th Avenue SE Calgary, Alberta
• University Ranking: 106 in Canada and 7142 in the world. 

Bow Valley College is the last cheap community college in Canada.

Majorly this college focuses on supporting the development of international students.

It also prepares people for success in a global, knowledge-based economy.

Since it’s inception, Bow Valley College programs have prepared students to meet and exceed their English proficiency goals.

Community Colleges In Canada For International Students.

If you are looking for cheap community colleges in Canada for international students, you don’t have to look far. below we have listed the best you can easily apply to in 2023.

In Canada, there are over 1000 DLI-accredited colleges. We only list universities that have low tuition fees for international students among all of these. At the undergraduate level, these institutions provide a diverse range of majors ranging from engineering to business.

• Bow Valley College –Tuition fee: estimated $2,000 to $5000
• Douglas College –Tuition fee:  $17,400 CAD
• Georgian College –Tuition fee: $5,500 CAD
• Red River College –Tuition fee: $8,830 per year.
• Seneca College -Tuition fee: estimated at $13,000 CAD yearly.
• Southern Alberta Institute of Technology –Tuition fee: between $5,550 to $11,000 annually.
• Herzing College –Tuition fee: Between $4,000 to $5,000 annually.
• Vanier College –Tuition fee: $4,900 to $7,700 yearly.
• New Brunswick Community College –Tuition fee: about $6,300 CAD annually.
• Assiniboine Community College –Tuition fee: $7,052 to $10,520 yearly.

Requirements for community colleges in Canada for international students

• High school (secondary school) transcript.
• High school (secondary school) diploma (if applicable).
• Post-secondary (college or university) transcript – if applicable.
• secondary (college or university) degree – if applicable.
• Proof of English Language Proficiency (if required).
• Passport.
• Application fee of CAN$100 (non-refundable) -if required.

So should I attend community college, or stick to a four-year school that’s not ideal?

There is no getting around it – it is a difficult decision. The community college has its pros and cons, but also a four-year university that you are not satisfied with. Ultimately, it is up to you which priorities you set and which compromises you want or can make.

Here are some tips for making that choice:

#1. Research both options thoroughly.

You don’t want to miss any positive trait – or breach of contract – in any of them. Think globally about the overall experience of attending each school, academic and otherwise.

#2. Calculate and compare the total cost of attending each school.

Take into account the accommodation and transport costs. Also, think about how much financial support you would get in a four-year school – this can change your math.

#3. Make sure you understand how the transfer admission process works.

As mentioned earlier, it can be very competitive, and some colleges, including Princeton, don’t even accept transfer requests. Like the freshman application process, it can take a lot of time, effort, and stress on your part.

#4. Consider how you’ll improve your applicant profile while you’re at community college..

You want to step into the application process for promotion as a stronger candidate than you did in high school. You need to develop a plan to get there and also determine if a community college option has the resources you will need to get there.

Frequently Asked Question About Cheap community colleges in Canada

Summary

In all, you will agree with me that your dream of studying in Canada can be achieved in various ways. Applying to either of these community colleges is one way to start your dreams.

The process of getting a college education doesn’t always go with the traditional cute story of working hard, getting accepted at your dream school, and chasing your dreams. Sometimes the road includes bends, turns, and obstacles to some extent.

However, you can have a great educational experience even if things don’t go quite according to plan. For some students, attending community college is a wise decision that will help them, in the long run, more successfully pursue their educational, professional, and life goals.

Do well to visit the school’s website for details on the application requirements.

Good luck!!!

References

• Best Community Colleges in Canada
• Best Community Colleges in Canada for International Students