By persmind team Canadian Universities with No Application Fees 2025: A Practical Guide for International Students
Last Updated: September 22, 2025
If you’re planning to study in Canada but hesitate because of non-refundable application fees, you’re not alone. Many students ask the same question:
“Are there really Canadian universities with no application fees for international students?”
The short answer is: Yes — but only in limited and specific cases.
In this practical guide, you’ll learn when and where you can apply for free, see verified examples and official links, and discover smart ways to save money (like waiver events, country-based exemptions, or exchange programs).
Most importantly, this guide keeps things transparent — with no exaggerated promises.
Do Universities in Canada Really Offer Free Applications?
In reality, most universities and colleges in Canada charge an application fee, usually between CAD $50–$250.
However, there are several situations where waivers are available:
Fee waivers for applicants from specific countries, mainly in graduate programs.
Waivers offered for attending certain info sessions or webinars.
Department-level waivers (granted by a particular faculty, not the whole university).
Waivers for exchange students applying under institutional agreements.
Waivers for specific groups, such as Indigenous applicants within Canada.
So, the accurate description is:
👉 Canadian universities and programs that allow free applications in specific, officially defined cases — excellent opportunities if you qualify.
Verified Examples: Canadian Universities and Programs Offering Free Applications
1) University of British Columbia (UBC) – Graduate Application Fee Waiver for Least Developed Countries (LDCs)
UBC automatically waives the graduate application fee for candidates whose citizenship and mailing address are in a country listed by the United Nations as a Least Developed Country (LDC).
Applies to: Master’s and PhD applicants from LDCs
How it works: If you are eligible, the waiver is applied automatically in UBC’s online application form — no separate request needed.
Tip: Check UBC’s official list of eligible countries before starting your application. If qualified, you’ll notice the payment section disappear automatically.
2) University of Guelph – Waivers for International High School Students via Specific Events
During 2024–2025, Guelph offered an application fee waiver for international high school students who attended specific admissions events or webinars for January/September intakes.
Applies to: International high school applicants for undergraduate entry (January/Fall intakes, as announced annually).
Tip: Register early for the correct event on Guelph’s International Admissions page to have the waiver automatically applied.
3) Mount Allison University – No Application Fees for Graduate Programs
The university’s graduate admissions page clearly states that there are no application fees for its graduate programs — a simple and transparent policy.
Applies to: Both domestic and international graduate applicants.
Tip: Prepare a strong application package (CV, recommendation letters, statement of purpose) and take advantage of the free submission to apply to multiple programs if available.
Additional Opportunities Worth Checking
International Exchange Programs:
Some universities waive application fees for exchange students applying under official partnership agreements.
Example: The University of Waterloo confirms that exchange students applying through the correct exchange channel do not pay application fees. Always check both your home and host universities for such agreements.
Category-Specific or Local Waivers in Canada:
Some universities host “Free Application Days” or “Free Application Months” for domestic or Indigenous applicants.
These are typically not open to international applicants outside Canada, but if you’re already in Canada, you might qualify.
Examples include:
Free Application Days at the University of Alberta
Application Month at the University of Regina (note: mostly local exemptions)
Important: Fee waiver policies change every academic year.
Always confirm the current policy directly on the university’s website before applying.
How to Find Application Fee Waivers Yourself (5-Step Plan)
Start with your preferred programs
Identify 5–8 Canadian universities that fit your field, GPA, and budget.Search the official website
Use keywords like: “Application fee waiver,” “Fee waiver,” “Events,” or “International high school.”
Pay close attention to eligibility criteria (country, event, intake term).Check department-level pages
Sometimes waivers are granted by a specific department (e.g., Geography Department) rather than university-wide.Track university events
Subscribe to “Future Students / Events / Webinars” pages — many waivers are granted after attending official sessions.Email the admissions office
A polite message to an admissions advisor can reveal hidden waiver codes tied to events or country partnerships.
Quick FAQs
Are there any completely free-application universities for everyone?
Very rarely. It’s best to look for selective waivers (based on country, event, or program type).
Do waivers apply to both undergraduate and graduate levels?
They are most common in graduate programs or for international high school students via specific events.
For regular undergraduate admissions, most universities still charge a fee.
Can I bypass the fee unofficially?
No. Waivers must be official and clearly announced. Avoid any external “codes” or promises not published by the university.
Sample Email to Request Clarification or a Waiver
Subject: Application Fee Waiver Inquiry – [Program], [Term]
Dear Admissions,
I am an international applicant from [Country], interested in applying to the [Program Name] for [Term/Year].
Could you please advise if there are any application fee waivers available (e.g., through webinars, recruitment events, or country-specific waivers)?
I would appreciate any guidance or information on upcoming eligible events.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
Official Sources
UBC Graduate Admissions – Fee waiver for applicants from UN-listed Least Developed Countries (automatic eligibility).
University of Guelph – Waivers for international students through specific events and webinars.
Mount Allison University – No application fees for graduate programs.
Conclusion
Free application opportunities in Canada do exist, but only under certain conditions or limited categories — such as country-based waivers, event participation, or department-specific policies.
Start by exploring verified cases like UBC, Guelph, and Mount Allison, and stay proactive by checking DAAD-style program listings, event pages, and official admissions updates.
Always confirm the waiver through an official university link before applying — and make the most of these opportunities to save money while applying strategically.