23 best application fee waiver colleges in Canada for domestic and international students

While choosing those wonderful schools to send in your applications, probably like 10 of them, you must have in mind that Universities in Canada charge application fees in order to process your admission.

I know you must have been looking for Application fee waiver colleges in Canada for domestic and international students.

I took some time to make my research and I found out that the number of application fee waiver colleges in Canada for international students as well as domestic students in Canada is just about 5 % of the universities in Canada.

That does not mean that there aren’t ways to send in your applications without being charged.

While others are searching for universities with a free application fee for international students in Canada, it is more reasonable to search for Application fee waiver colleges in Canada.

As a matter of fact, my next article will be on the Universities with cheap application fees for international and domestic students.

Here are the things we will cover in this article:

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while considering application fee waiver colleges in Canada, Here are the reasons why universities charge an application fee.

Why colleges have application fees

Having noticed that there has to be a fee to pay to submit your application to Canadian Universities, it is important you know why they charge those fees.

The fees are truly necessary since it’s a very common practice among the various public and private universities in Canada to collect these fees from their students.

why are the fees necessary?

Once you apply, the application you submit does not review itself. It has to be taken care of by someone.

Firstly

Some Colleges use the electronic verification system to review most of the information you have provided but in addition, an admission officer which is obviously a human has to play a key role in the selection process.

Then think of how many applicants Colleges get in one year.

Therefore the fees are simply used as a cost for the selection process as the application process costs the University some money.

Secondly

Some Universities charge the application fee in order to know the number of serious students. Attaching a fee to the application in a way makes only interested students apply.

Obviously, without the application fee, some students will submit hundreds of applications hoping to be accepted by the best.

Thirdly

Finally, we must know that colleges are businesses, revenues are extremely important to keep the institution in good shape.

universities with no application fee for international students in Canada can come in just two ways:

  • Universities with no application fees for international students at all.
  • Application fees waiver Colleges in Canada.
  • SPP college programs are meant for Indian students planning to study in Canada.

We shall discuss all three of them.

How much is the application fee?

Application fees vary from institution to institution but on average you are likely to pay between $60 to $500.

You must, however, know that the fees are non-refundable which implies that even if you were not accepted you will not have your application fee refunded.

Firstly with No application fees Universities

It is very important to note that some families cannot afford the application fees, especially when sending in applications to several universities.

Without the application fees, you have the ability to apply to several Universities to improve your chances of being accepted.

Having the application fees attached to the admission process not only hinders students from applying but equally denies them many educational opportunities that would have lifted them out of their state.

List of Colleges with No Application Fees in Canada and their popular programs

  • Centennial College
  • Cambrian College
  • Canadore College
  • Confederation College
  • Conestoga College
  • Durham College
  • Fanshawe College
  • Lambton College
  • Mohawk College
  • Northern College
  • Fleming College
  • St. Clair College

Centennial College

  • Bachelor of Information Technology
  • Graduate Certificate in Global Business Management
  • Graduate Certificate in International Business
  • Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning
  • Diploma in Computer Systems Technician
  • Diploma in Hospitality – Hotel Operations Management


Cambrian College

  • Bachelor’s Diploma in Early Childhood Education
  • Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics
  • Graduate Certificate in Supply Chain Management
  • Graduate Certificate in Mobile Application Development
  • Graduate Certificate in Human Resources Management
  • Diploma in Business
  • Advance Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology


Canadore College

  • Graduate Certificate in Human Resources Management
  • Graduate Certificate in Business Management
  • Graduate Certificate in Project Management
  • Graduate Certificate in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
  • Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Administration
  • Diploma in Practical Nursing
  • Diploma in Computer Systems – Networking Technology


Confederation College

  • BS in Nursing
  • Diploma in Business – Human Resources
  • Diploma in Instrumentation Engineering and Control Technician – Process Automation


Conestoga College

  • Graduate Certificate in Information Technology 
  • Graduate Certificate in Supply Chain Management
  • Graduate Certificate in Project Management
  • Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management
  • Graduate Certificate in Cloud Data Management
  • Diploma in Computer Programming
  • Diploma in Business
  • Diploma in Biotechnology Technician


Durham College

  • Graduate Certificate in International Business Management
  • Graduate Certificate in Project Management
  • Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics for Business Decision Making
  • Graduate Certificate in Human Resources Management
  • Graduate Certificate in Pharmaceutical Science
  • Advanced Diploma in Accounting – Business
  • Diploma in Supply Chain and Operations


Fanshawe College

  • Graduate Certificate in Supply Chain Management
  • Graduate Certificate in Project Management
  • Graduate Certificate in Software and Information Systems Testing
  • Advanced Diploma in Business Administration
  • Diploma in Food and Beverage Management
  • Advanced Diploma in Cyber Security


Lambton College

  • Graduate Certificate in Business Management
  • Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence
  • Graduate Certificate in Hospitality Management
  • Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity and Computer Forensics
  • Diploma in Computer Programmer
  • Advance Diploma in Business Administration


Mohawk College

  • Graduate Certificate in International Business Management
  • Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management
  • Diploma in Business
  • Diploma in Biotechnology
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing
  • Computer Systems Technician – Network Systems Diploma
  • Advanced Diploma in Chemical Engineering Technology
  • Advanced Diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology


Northern College

  • Diploma in Computer Engineering Technician
  • Diploma in Civil Engineering Technology


Fleming College

  • Graduate Certificate in Global Business Management
  • Graduate Certificate in Wireless Information Networking
  • Graduate Certificate in Project Management
  • Diploma in Instrumentation and Control Engineering Technician
  • Diploma in Business Administration – Human Resources Management
  • Diploma in Practical Nursing


St. Clair College

  • Diploma in Hospitality Hotel and Restaurant
  • Diploma in Electrical Engineering Technician
  • Diploma in Business – Accounting
  • Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management
  • Advanced Diploma in Business Management
  • Advanced Diploma in Computer Systems Technician
  • Advanced Diploma in Graphic Design
  • Advanced Diploma in Internet Applications and Web Development

Contact the school, to find out if there is no application fee policy still holds.

However, I must let you know, that the easiest way to get your application fee waived is by applying for a fee waiver while sending in your application to the University.

Secondly through application fees waiver Colleges

Apart from the tuition Universities in Canada, there are application fee waiver colleges in Canada as well.

How to access fee waivers?

The application fee waivers in the application fee waiver colleges in Canada are available only when you apply for them through the financial aid department when you apply for aid.

Ensure you check out the application fee waiver options before applying in order not to waste your money when you do not need to.

List of some application fees waiver colleges in Canada.

If you have checked and you do not qualify for their no-application Policy, just know that you can apply and have your application fee waived.

Here is a list of application fee waiver colleges in Canada. A lot of Universities in the list above made it to this list as well.

  1. Royal Roads University
  2. Quest University International
  3. Laurentian University
  4. Redeemer University
  5. Booth University College
  6. Fairleigh Dickinson University
  7. Memorial University
  8. The University of Winnipeg
  9. Mount Allison University
  10. University of Calgary
  11. The University of Victoria
  12. University of Alberta
  13. Canadian Virtual University
  14. The University of New Brunswick
  15. University of British Columbia
  16. Tyndale University
  17. Athabasca University
  18. University of Manitoba
  19. University of Teluq
  20. Thompson Rivers University
  21. University of New Brunswick
  22. RMC of Canada
  23. Athabasca University

Among all the application fee waiver colleges in Canada I have listed above, below are some of the colleges where you can get your application fee(or part of it) waived at once without even having to apply.

For other Universities on the list, you have to specifically apply for the application fee waiver while sending in your application.

All the amounts listed are in Canadian dollars.

The University of British Columbia

This is number one on our list of application fee waiver colleges in Canada on our list. The application fee is waived for the following groups:

  • Students who are applying to any of the graduate programs in the Department of Chemistry at the University of British Columbia Vancouver.
    The application fees are taken care of by the department.
  • British Columbia residents who are also Canadian citizens or permanent residents aged 65 years or above at the time they applied.
  • International applicants who are citizens or have a correspondent address in any of the world’s 50 least developed countries as the United Nations has declared.

    Here is a complete list of 50 least developed countries as declared by the United Nations.

Furthermore, this is how it works; If you are qualified for the application fee waiver, you do not have to apply for it.

All you need to do is complete the online application and you are good to go.

Booth University College

Booth University College is one of the application fee waiver colleges in Canada for international students in Canada that run the application fees waivers.

Who is eligible?

Canadian and USA applicants are eligible for the application fees waivers.

However, a non-refundable application fee of $150 must be paid by other international students before their applications can be submitted.

Quest University

Application fees at Quest university are just $20 which is almost nothing.

Quest University is known for its unique curriculum as it consists of just one degree and that is the degree of Bachelor of Arts and Science.

However, there are multiple study interests, enrolling about 600 students with a maximum of just 20 students in each class.

It is one of the application fee waiver colleges in Canada that attracts International students from over 40 countries making up to 15% of the student body. Tuition however is $27,900 at this University per year.

Fairleigh Dickinson University

At Fairleigh Dickson University, there is an application fee waiver of $50.

It is one of the application fee waiver colleges in Canada whose $50 application fee is usually waived when you apply before the November 15 deadline.

This is liable of giving you access to Nationally ranked education.

Applying before the November 15 deadline equally comes with:

  • A $1000 FDU Grant and a total of $4000 just for applying.
  • Scholarship considerations can range up to $25,000.
  • An accelerated admission decision.

Thirdly through the Students Partners Program:

The student’s partners program (SPP) has in recent times been replaced by the SDS ( Students Direct stream) Program.

SPP is simply a partnership between the ACCC(Association of Canadian Community Colleges) and CIC( Citizenship and Immigration Canada).

It is simply an arrangement between some selected Canadian educational institutions and the Canadian high commission in India.

The aims of this partnership with the application fee waiver colleges in Canada are:

To provide a quick and smooth study visa processing to the prospective students of the Participating institutions.

To increase the number of Canadian student visas that are issued to Indian students.

Do I have to apply for the SPP separately?

While applying at the application fee waiver colleges in Canada, you do not have to apply for the SPP separately.

Once you apply to the participating college, you are eligible to be considered for the SPP program if your application meets the specific criteria.

Eligibility for applying under the SPP for undergraduate degrees

There are a few things however to be considered before you can be considered eligible for the program. They include:

  • If you have been previously denied the Canadian Visa, then you are not eligible for the SPP program.
  • Overall IELTS exam score of 6.0 and must not have a band less than 5.5 issued within the last two years.
  • The program which you have applied for must be complementary and has to add value to your previous education.
  • The interested student must have an overall minimum score of 50% there most recently completed diploma/degree.
  • You have to provide proof that you have paid your tuition for at least one semester or one year. ( as asked by the institution of your choice)
  • Finally the purchase of the special GIC( Guaranteed Investment Certificate) from the Scotia Bank. Usually $10,000CAD for the purpose of covering your living expenses for your first year in Canada.

Eligibility for applying under the SPP for Graduate Studies

  • If the participating student has previously been rejected for the Canadian Visa, then such student is not eligible to apply for the SPP program.
  • The program in which you are interested has to be complementary and must add value to the student’s previous education.
  • The given study gap must not be more than five years with some exceptions, however.
  • Overall IELTS score of 6.5.
  • No Band less than 6.0 issued in the last 24 months.
  • proof that you have paid for your tuition for one semester or one academic year as required by the SPP institution.
  • Must purchase the special GIC( Guaranteed Investment Certificate) from the Scotia Bank. Usually $10,000CAD for the purpose of covering your living expenses for your first year in Canada.
  • The student must have graduated with nothing more than eight backlogs, in your previous degree.

List of SPP Colleges without application fees

  • Cambrian College–Application fee waived off
  • Confederation College–Application fee waived off
  • Durham College–Application fee waived off
  • Fanshawe College–Application fee waived off
  • Lambton College–Application fee waived off
  • St. Clair College–Application fee waived off
  • Conestoga College–Application fee waived off
  • Mohawk College–Application fee waived off
  • Fleming College–Application fee waived off
  • Centennial College–Application fee waived off
  • Northern College–Application fee waived off
  • Canadore College –Application fee waived off

Application fees for other Colleges that participate in the SPP program which you might like to consider include:

Besides the application fee waiver colleges in Canada, here are other institutions and their application fee.

Medicine Hat College $45
George Brown College$65
Seneca College                     $65
Humber College $75
Algonquin college                   $90
Application fee waiver colleges in Canada

Also we have these institutions:

Bow Valley College $100
Camosun College                  $100
College of the Rockies           $100
Douglas College           $100
Georgian College    $100
Application fee waiver colleges in Canada

More of these schools include :

Marine Institute   $100
New Brunswick College $100
Niagara College    $100
North Island College $100
Northern Alberta Institute$100
Northern Lights College$100
Saskatchewan Institute $100
Selkirk College  $100
Sheridan College$100
Northern College   $100
Application fee waiver colleges in Canada

Application fee waiver colleges in Canada FAQs

How long does a fee waiver application take?

Are you wondering how long it takes for your application for a fee waiver in the application fee waiver colleges in Canada will take?

You will likely have to wait for about 4 weeks for the decision from the school.

Once you have been granted the fee waived, you get directions on what to do.

What can make your fee waiver application be denied?

One thing is applying to the application fee waiver Universities in Canada and another thing is getting accepted.

What can make your fee waiver application get rejected?

If you have paid your application fee before applying for the fee waiver, it will likely be denied.

If you equally were not able to provide proof that your family is living below some stipulated amount of money.

what are the things to have in mind while applying for the application fee waiver in any of the Application fee waiver colleges in Canada?

You will be accepted for the application fee waiver if and only if you are considered eligible.

It is 100% up to the University to accept your application.

The most common eligibility guideline for being eligible for the application fee waiver is your family’s yearly income.

Who is qualified for the application fee?

In the Application fee waiver colleges in Canada, to be qualified, you might need to be but are not limited to:

  • Demonstrating some level of financial need.
  • A part of such a family that receives public assistance.
  • An Orphan or homeless.
  • A part of the family that lives in federally subsidized housing.

What must I do while writing a fee waiver application?

while applying for a fee waiver in any of the Application fee waiver colleges in Canada,

  • You must be Concise .
  • You must be precise.
  • You must have done your research about the school.
  • You must state your goals.
  • You must state why you want to attend that University.
  • You must indicate what financial hardship you are facing.
  • You will need to state whether you are already receiving some public assistance.
  • You must equally provide your family’s annual income.
  • Your contact information must be provided as well.

What are the things I must not do while applying for a fee waiver?

while applying at the Application fee waiver colleges in Canada for a fee waiver,

  • You must tell the truth about your financial status.
  • There is no need to include irrelevant information.
  • You must send in your letter as early as possible.
  • You shouldn’t send the same letter you wrote to almost all schools you have applied.
  • You must not be rude.

How do I apply for my College application waiver with ease?

You can use DoNotPay and choose the college application fee waiver sample and option of your choice. They show you sample letters and steps to take in that regard.

How to use DoNotPay:

Choose the fee that you want to be waived.

Choose the application fee waiver colleges in Canada you want.

Answer a few questions you will be asked.

Signify if you need the signature of a counsellor or not.

Still thinking of how to write any form of letter for your college application, everything has gone online, so you need to choose the best online tool that can help write an appropriate essay.

Recommendations

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1. Best 25 Canadian Universities with low tuition fees for international students

2. 5 best places to study abroad in 2021

3. Canada university fees for international students

4. Top Fashion schools in Montreal

5. 10 Top Culinary schools in Montreal



In Conclusion

Having known it costs just a little to apply to the application fee waiver colleges in Canada, I would advise that you get financially ready by setting some money aside to avoid being limited by finances when it’s time to apply.

Always check out college application fees and contact the admissions office if necessary, especially when you have questions about deadlines and payments.

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