Bachelor's degrees in business are some of the top degrees among international students in Canada, but studying abroad can be expensive. Here are some recommended BBA and BCom programs based on your budget.

It’s no secret: a Bachelor of Business Administration is one of the most versatile degrees you can get. It often doesn’t require super high grades or a great English score, and it’s rewarding in terms of career options and salary. For example, in British Columbia, graduates of any BBA programs had a 4.2% unemployment rate compared to a 6.8% unemployment rate of all bachelor's degrees together. Graduates have a 93% satisfaction rate and a median annual salary of $55,000, both of which are higher than the average! It is one of the most common stepping stones for international students in Canada. In Ontario, six of the top ten programs for international students are business programs.

The problem is that everyone’s situation is different, and studying abroad can be expensive. While most international students can expect to pay between $70k and $90k for their four-year BBA, degrees from Canada’s top universities can cost upwards of $200,000, and many of us can’t afford that kind of price tag.

The great news is that smaller universities and colleges can be even better than world-renowned universities (read about the benefits of smaller universities here). We’ve compiled some of our favorite post-secondary institutions for business degrees in Canada, based on your budget.

This list is focused on bachelor's degrees and includes BBA programs as well as Bachelors of Commerce. Tuition fees listed are total estimated fees over four years of study, including ancillary fees but not including living costs or book costs.

High Average

The University of Calgary ($100k)

Degree: Bachelor of Commerce

Location: Calgary, Alberta

The University of Calgary is connected to some of the best professionals and most lucrative opportunities in Canada. Calgary is a beautiful city in Alberta, close to the Rocky Mountains, Banff National Park, and the Columbia Ice Fields. The University of Calgary’s BCom offers great work opportunities, international field studies, and a mentorship program making it perfect for people who want a rewarding network — crucial for employment in Canada.

The University of Regina ($96.5k) GO

Degree: Bachelor of Business Administration

Location: Regina, Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan has simpler immigration pathways than the rest of Canada, and Regina - the fastest growing city in Canada - is its capital city. BBA students study at the Paul J. Hill School of Business, which is employed with diverse staff from various industries. Students can expect U-Regina to provide the most up-to-date business knowledge. The prairie provinces are big for Canadian industries, such as agriculture, and businesspeople interested in these areas are highly needed.

Low Average

Douglas College ($78k) GO

Degree: Bachelor of Business Administration

Location: New Westminster, British Columbia

New Westminster is a city just outside of Vancouver, and Douglas College excels in providing accessible education — making it a great choice for those with lower grades or English scores. But this is a plus, not a compromise, because the BBA program at Douglas is flexible and career-focused. All three BBA concentrations (management, accounting, and finance) teach with certifications in mind so that graduates can get accredited to give them a post in employment.

Fanshawe College ($75.5k) GO

Degree: Honours Bachelor of Commerce

Location: London, Ontario

This massive college is home to over 40,000 students, and its graduates have the highest employment rates in all of Ontario. London (the one in Canada!) is a city a few hours between Toronto and Detroit, USA. All first-year students are guaranteed a spot in residence. The honours BCom programs are split into areas of management, accounting, human resources, and digital marketing; and, education is focused on career success.

Cape Breton University ($74k) GO

Degree: Bachelor of Business Administration

Location: Sydney, Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia is a beautiful island province on the east coast of Canada, and Cape Breton is a breathtaking area on the tip of it. CBU is committed to multiculturalism and high-quality education. The Shannon School of Business has a focus on entrepreneurial education and provides opportunities for students to work with business professionals in their community. CBU is a fantastic choice for those who want a degree to help them start a business or those who want the opportunity to study in one of the most gorgeous landscapes in the world.

Very Affordable

Brandon University ($66.5k)

Degree: Bachelor of Business Administration

Location: Brandon, Manitoba

Graduates from Manitoba post-secondary institutions have three separate PNP (Provincial Nominee Program) streams to help international students qualify for permanent residence, and more streams based on experience in the province. The comprehensive BBA program at Brandon University offers an accounting stream and an honours program for those who are interested. This university is a wonderful place to start for anyone who wants to plan ahead for immigration.

Camosun College ($64k) GO

Degree: Bachelor of Business Administration

Location: Victoria, British Columbia

In Canada, many institutions called “College” don’t offer bachelor's degree programs. Camosun is one of the exceptions. It is one of the largest public colleges in the province and is located in Victoria, a city wildly regarded to have the best weather in the country. The BBA program includes co-operative education, which provides great work experience.

Memorial University of Newfoundland ($51k)

Degree: Bachelor of Business Administration

Location: St. Johns, Newfoundland and Labrador

This large school is the only university in Newfoundland, a province on Canada’s east coast that subsidizes post-secondary education, giving the province the lowest tuition in the whole country. 20% of MUN students are international, from over 115 countries, so you will feel at home even while experiencing one of Canada’s most beautiful natural landscapes. MUN prides itself in its entrepreneurial culture, making this school an especially great choice for business students.

Colleges and universities in Canada are all beneficial in their own way. They vary greatly, but you can rest assured that there will be something that works for you. Many of these colleges and universities also offer grants, bursaries, and scholarships. Keep in mind this helpful tip: you don’t have to sacrifice going to a well-known university to save money. Many colleges have transfer pathway options, so you can save money in your first two years and receive your degree from a big-name school.

Which of these fantastic schools sounds best to you? Let us know in the comments or drop your questions down below.