Applying to colleges in Canada without an application fee is a great way for international students to save money during the admission process. These schools remove the financial barrier of upfront fees, making it easier to explore multiple options. This helps students focus on choosing the right college instead of stressing about costs.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key takeaways
- Colleges in Canada that waive the application fee help international students save money during the admission process.
- These institutions enable students to apply to multiple schools without incurring upfront payment.
- Fee-free applications make the process more accessible, especially for students on a budget.
- Exploring these colleges increases your chances of finding the right academic and career path in Canada.
Colleges in Canada without an application fee
Understanding which Canadian colleges waive application fees is important, especially for students trying to manage their education budget. After all, application costs can quickly add up when applying to multiple schools.
Nearly every college in Canada charges application fees. This is a standard rule for admission for both local and international students. Finding an institution with zero fees that can accept your application online at no cost is tricky, but it is still possible. Below is a list of colleges in Canada with no application fee for international students.
|
No |
Institution name |
|
1 |
Centennial College |
|
2 |
Oulton College |
|
3 |
Fanshawe College |
|
4 |
Lambton College |
|
5 |
Cambrian College |
|
6 |
Durham College |
|
7 |
Mohawk College |
|
8 |
Humber College |
|
9 |
Conestoga College |
|
10 |
Canadore College |
1. Centennial College
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Centennial College is a public college located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It was established in 1966 and is one of the colleges in Ontario with no application fee. Centennial College offers various diplomas, certificates, degrees, and continuing education programs, including business, health sciences, engineering technology, community services, media studies, and more.
How does waiving application fees help Centennial College attract a diverse group of international students?
Daniel Yoon, the Director of International Recruitment and Market Development at Centennial College, explained in an interview that application fee waivers are now granted on a case-by-case basis as a gesture of respect and appreciation for students who attend the College’s events.
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Daniel emphasised that an application fee was introduced in April 2024 to align with global standards and Toronto colleges and universities. He explained:
We have introduced a non-refundable application fee of CAD 125. Since April, we have noticed more serious applications, which has allowed us to process serious applications more efficiently and faster than before. The application fee primarily serves as a tool to screen and prioritize serious students, ensuring a more efficient admissions process for students and the College.
We do offer application fee waivers in certain situations. For instance, we have staff in Nigeria, specifically in Lagos, and admission offices in Mauritius. We invite agencies, students, and parents to exclusive Centennial College events. If attendees express a strong interest in applying, our admissions staff reviews their applications on the spot.
We may waive the application fee if the student meets all eligibility criteria. However, this is done on a case-by-case basis and is not a general practice.
How does Centennial College keep the application process easy and accessible for international students, with or without application fees?
Daniel mentioned that for African applicants, Centennial College has onshore staff in Nigeria dedicated to vetting the institution’s applications and an admissions office in Mauritius (located in East Africa). He said:
For people in Nigeria looking to apply to Centennial, the College has a dedicated office and staff in Lagos to help answer questions and review applications. It also offers services to help qualified students apply for their study permit after receiving a letter of acceptance. This makes our application process easier than other colleges’ because our staff can review applications on the spot in Nigeria.
Additionally, we have an admissions office in Mauritius, Africa. Students can apply from there, and the admissions staff in Mauritius vet applications quickly. This results in a fast turnaround time for admission decisions and offer letters.
We have designated two admission staff members to serve African applicants in Toronto, Canada. These offshore and onshore resources enable us to expedite the application process.
Daniel emphasised that the College is expanding its support for international students, including employment opportunities, housing, and academic services. He said:
Centennial College has a strategic partnership with BorderPass, an immigration law group based in Toronto. BorderPass assists international applicants, including students from Nigeria, Africa, and other parts of the world, with the study permit application process. Centennial currently offers this complimentary service to applicants via BorderPass.
Through the Study Permit Probability (SPP) process, applicants can assess their likelihood of obtaining a study permit before officially applying. This process reassures students about their chances of qualification before they incur any costs associated with applying, such as government fees.
Are there any new plans or projects Centennial College is working on to recruit and support international students in the future?
Daniel also shared Centennial College’s new projects, which they are employing to expand their recruitment process and support system for international students. They include:
- Enhancement of international student service teams: This aims to offer more affordable housing options. He said:
In addition to offering over 740 beds in our on-campus residences, we collaborate with reliable rental and homestay companies to provide suitable off-campus housing resources. These housing services will help international students find reliable accommodation options.
2. Co-op and employment service departments offer various services to assist students, such as free seminars and webinars on resume writing, interview skills, and job search strategies.
Moreover, we design our programs based on job market availability. We collaborate with industry teams to ensure our programs are directly connected to job opportunities in the market. This unique approach helps international students benefit from Centennial College and enhances their employment prospects.
2. Oulton College
International students interested in studying in New Brunswick can consider Oulton College, which has a simple and clear application process—and even better, it’s completely free when submitted online. For Nigerians and applicants from other countries who want to avoid paying non-refundable fees, Oulton College is a great option and a valuable addition to any list of colleges in Canada without an application fee.
3. Fanshawe College
Recognised as one of the premier institutions in Ontario, Fanshawe College is dedicated to educating and empowering students with contemporary knowledge. It is one of the top schools in Canada without application fees that offers diverse courses spanning applied arts, business, health care and technology.
With a comprehensive selection of over 200 degrees, diplomas, apprenticeships, and certification programs, Fanshawe College strives to meet the varied educational needs of its students. The Fanshawe College application fee for international students is a non-refundable CAD $100, which must be paid through the college’s Virtual Application System (VAS). Students can complete this payment using either a credit card or a bank transfer as part of the application process.
4. Lambton College
Lambton College is a public college located in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada. Established in 1966, it offers a wide range of diploma, certificate, and degree programs in various fields such as business, health sciences, technology, and community services.
The college is known for its focus on applied learning, hands-on training, and preparing students for the workforce. Lambton College has a reputation for its strong ties to industry and partnerships with local businesses, which help students gain practical experience and facilitate job placements.
5. Cambrian College
Cambrian College is one of the cheapest colleges in Canada. It is renowned for its diverse programs and services and caters to various academic interests.
Cambrian College offers various courses, from business and technology to health sciences and the arts. Additionally, the institution provides valuable student services, including career guidance, academic advising, and support services.
Aside from managing the Cambrian College application fee, students can enjoy a vibrant campus life filled with clubs, organisations, and a wide range of social activities.
6. Durham College
Durham College was established in 1967. It is located in Durham, Ontario and has 43600 students, including 2000 international students. The college offers a comprehensive range of online, full-time, diploma, and certificate courses. Durham College also awards several scholarships to deserving students. It is one of the best colleges in Canada without an application fee.
7. Mohawk College
Mohawk Institution was founded in 1966 as a government-funded institution in Canada. The institution has over 160 programmes with specialities in technology, healthcare, skilled crafts, business, and more. Students can apply for Mohawk College financial aid, such as scholarships, awards, and bursaries.
8. Humber College
Established in 1967, Humber College boasts two primary campuses: Humber North and Lakeshore. Renowned for its diverse opportunities, the college is particularly favoured by international students.
Humber College offers a comprehensive range of programs, including bachelor’s degrees, diplomas, certificates, postgraduate certificates, and apprenticeship programs across more than 40 fields of study. It ensures accessibility with its affordable annual fees for students.
9. Conestoga College
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Conestoga is a long-standing institution in Ontario that provides a diverse array of educational opportunities through its schools, including the following:
- School of Business
- Creative Industries
- Language & Communication
With a 50-year legacy, Conestoga College has been dedicated to delivering top-notch education to nearly 23,000 students worldwide. Notably, it is the sole college in Ontario offering accredited engineering degree programs. Conestoga boasts a comprehensive selection of programs, encompassing graduate, postgraduate, diploma, undergraduate, and apprenticeship options.
10. Canadore College
Canadore College has three campuses in North Bay, Ontario, and another in Parry Sound. The college specialises in applied arts and technology.
It has more than 3500 students and about 600 faculty and staff. Canadore College offers a wide array of over 80 courses across various disciplines.
Why study in Canada?
Canada is regarded for its world-class universities and colleges, which provide demanding academic programmes, great research opportunities, and cutting-edge infrastructure.
Are the application fees refundable in Canada?
In some universities, students must pay an initial application fee to process their documents, so this fee is non-refundable.
Are there universities in Canada that provide fee waivers?
Universities that provide student fee waivers include McGill University, Saint Mary’s University, Mount Allison University, Booth University, Cambrian University and Seneca College.
Can you go to Canada for free college?
It is not possible to obtain a free education in Canada. However, several Canadian universities provide fully paid scholarships to international students.
Why is Canada the top choice for international students?
Canada offers an excellent educational system and a hospitable and inclusive student society. In addition, it provides ample chances for students to obtain professional experience in their area of specialisation.
Which universities have the lowest tuition fees in Canada?
Some of the most affordable Canadian universities are the University of Northern British Columbia, Canadian Mennonite University, Université de Saint-Boniface, and Brandon University.
Which college has the lowest fees in Canada for international students?
Colleges with the lowest fees include Cambrian College, Bow Valley College, Humber College and Algonquin College.
How much is the application fee for Centennial College in Canada?
All domestic students must pay a non-refundable application fee of $125. The fee can be paid online, over the phone, through internet banking, via mail, or in person.
Which university gives admission easily in Canada?
Several Canadian universities are recognised for their accessible admission processes, including Thompson Rivers University, Lakehead University, the University of Lethbridge, Mount Allison University, and the University of Prince Edward Island.
Does Quest University charge an application fee?
Quest University in Canada does not charge an application fee, making it free to apply for their Bachelor of Arts and Sciences programs for both domestic and international students, though admitted students pay a deposit to confirm enrollment.
Which is the cheapest college in Canada for international students?
There’s no single “cheapest” college for all international students in Canada — it depends a lot on the program, location, and what you count (tuition only vs. living costs + fees). Cheapest universities in Canada with no application fee for international students include: Royal Roads University and Quest University Canada, while schools like the University of Alberta and UBC may provide fee waivers under specific conditions. Policies vary, so applicants should always confirm eligibility before applying.
What is the easiest college to get into in Canada for international students?
The easiest colleges to get into in Canada for international students are typically large, flexible institutions like Centennial, Seneca, Fanshawe, Humber, Conestoga, Cambrian, Lethbridge, and Bow Valley College. These schools have high acceptance rates, simple admission requirements, and many program options, making the application process smoother for international applicants.
Does the University of Toronto waive the application fee?
No, the University of Toronto does not waive the application fee for international undergraduate students. Some graduate programs may offer limited fee waivers, but this does not apply to most applicants.
Does the University of Alberta require an application fee?
The University of Alberta does require an application fee. For undergraduate admission, the fee is CAD $150 for new applicants (or CAD $100 if you are a current or former student).
Choosing colleges that waive application fees can make your application journey smoother and more affordable. It allows you to apply freely and compare programs without extra expenses. With this advantage, international students can take confident steps toward studying in Canada.
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