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CANADA · BRANDON

Brandon University

public · Founded 1899 · Languages: en

In short

Brandon University, established in 1899 in Manitoba, Canada, offers a personalized learning experience with small class sizes and affordable tuition. It is recognized for its programs in Arts, Education, Science, Health Studies, and Music, with strong support for Indigenous students and community-engaged research.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1899
Students: 3,200
International students: 400
Acceptance rate: 75%
Tuition (intl): €9–13k/yr
Languages: EN
Location: Brandon, Canada

Brandon University is a public liberal arts and sciences university in Brandon, Manitoba, Canada, founded in 1899. It is recognised for its small class sizes, personalised learning, and one of Canada's most respected Schools of Music. BU offers undergraduate and graduate programmes across Arts, Education, Science, Health Studies, and Music, and maintains a strong commitment to Indigenous education and community-engaged research.

Why study here

One of Canada's most affordable universities, with tuition among the lowest nationally.
Small class sizes (average ~25 students) ensure direct access to professors and personalised mentorship.
Internationally recognised School of Music offering conservatory-level training within a university setting.
Strong support for Indigenous students, including dedicated services at the Indigenous Peoples Centre.
Community-connected research through institutes focused on rural mental health and regional development.

Student life

Brandon University offers a vibrant campus life with numerous resources to support student well-being and engagement. Students can access academic advising, utilize the John E. Robbins Library, and explore various student services. On-campus residence options are available in Flora Cowan Hall, McMaster Hall, and Darrach Hall. The university fosters inclusivity with dedicated resources for Indigenous students at the Indigenous Peoples Centre. Students can get involved with athletic programs like the BU Bobcats and participate in a variety of campus events. The Knowles-Douglas Students' Union Centre serves as a hub for student activities, housing the Brandon University Students' Union and the bookstore.

Fees

InternationalApproximately CAD 9,500–15,000 per year (roughly €8,500–13,000) for international undergraduates depending on faculty.

HomeApproximately CAD 4,500–6,500 per year for domestic students.

LivingEstimated CAD 10,000–13,000 per year for accommodation, food, and personal expenses in Brandon — well below major Canadian cities.

International application fee is CAD 140 (non-refundable). Tuition is course-based and charged per credit hour. Various entrance and continuing scholarships are available.

Admissions

High school graduationGrade 12 diploma or equivalent with required subject prerequisites

Application fee (international)CAD 140 non-refundable

TranscriptsOfficial secondary and post-secondary transcripts required

Application opensOctober 1 for the following academic year

IELTS6.0 overall (no band below 5.5)

TOEFL iBT80

Duolingo105

University scholarships

Entrance ScholarshipsVary by academic achievement; applied for through a single annual application

Graduate ScholarshipsAvailable for graduate programme students; details on the Research Services page

Louis Riel Institute BursariesFinancial aid bursaries for eligible Indigenous students

Accreditation

Brandon University is a publicly chartered university under the Brandon University Act (Manitoba). Faculty of Education programmes hold provincial accreditation. The School of Music is affiliated with the Royal Conservatory of Music curriculum.

For international students

Canada

Student visa & funds

International students must obtain a study permit from IRCC before arriving. Most college and undergraduate applicants must also include a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) confirming a space under the annual cap; from January 2026, master’s and doctoral students at public institutions are exempt from this requirement. Applicants must show living funds of CAD 22,895 (effective September 2025, for a single student, excluding tuition and travel), and Student Direct Stream applicants hold this amount as a GIC.

Working while you study

Full-time students at designated learning institutions whose permits include work authorization may work up to 24 hours per week off campus during academic terms — a cap in effect since November 2024 that replaced the former 20-hour rule and a temporary 40-hour exception. Students may work unlimited hours during scheduled breaks such as summer and winter holidays. From April 2026, eligible students no longer need a separate co-op work permit for mandatory placements.

After you graduate

Graduates of eligible programs may apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) within 180 days of confirmed completion. The PGWP matches program length up to a maximum of three years, and master’s graduates receive a three-year permit regardless of program length. Since November 2024 most applicants must show a recent language test at CLB 7 (university graduates) or CLB 5 (college graduates); degree graduates are exempt from the field-of-study alignment rule that applies to other applicants.

English tests

IELTS Academic6.0–6.5 with no band below 6.0; research-intensive universities 6.5–7.0
TOEFL iBT80–100; top universities (e.g. University of Toronto) 100+

Main intakes

SeptemberJanuaryMay

Typical living cost

€1,250/month

Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.

SourcesIRCC — Study permit: get the right documents · CIC News — Increased fund requirements for study permits (Sept 2025) · CIC News — Off-campus work rules update (May 2026) · IRCC — Post-graduation work permit: who can apply · ETS — Minimum TOEFL score requirements for the USA, UK and Canada · Mastersportal — Living costs & tuition in Canada

Programs

a selection

View top programs →

Brandon University · Canada

5 Year Integrated B.A./B.Ed. Program

This integrated program is designed for high school graduates who are committed to becoming early or middle years teachers. It provides direct entry into teacher education, allowing students to begin their professional journey immediately upon entering university. The program combines a Bachelor of Arts degree with a Bachelor of Education degree, offering a comprehensive pathway to a teaching career.

Brandon University · Canada

Bachelor of Arts

Brandon University offers a range of Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degrees, including 3-year, 4-year, and 4-year Honours options. These programs allow students to specialize in a variety of disciplines through majors and minors, fostering critical thinking and in-depth knowledge. The curriculum is designed to provide a broad educational foundation, with opportunities for focused study in areas such as social sciences, humanities, and fine arts. Students can pursue single or double majors, minors, and concentrations to tailor their academic path.

Brandon University · Canada

Bachelor of Education After-Degree

The Bachelor of Education After-Degree program at Brandon University is designed for individuals who have already completed an undergraduate degree and wish to pursue a career in teaching. This two-year program prepares students for full teaching certification. You can choose to specialize in one of three streams: Early Years (Kindergarten to Grade 4), Middle Years (Grades 5 to 8), or Senior Years (Grades 9 to 12).

Brandon University · Canada

Bachelor of Education Programs

Brandon University offers several Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) programs designed to prepare students for careers in teaching. These programs cater to various needs, from high school graduates seeking an immediate path to teaching, to those who have already completed a degree and wish to pursue a teaching career, and even to practicing Indigenous educators or those with technical vocational diplomas.

Brandon University · Canada

Concurrent Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Education

Brandon University · Canada

Graduate Diploma in Rural Development

Scholarships

for Canada

Browse all scholarships →

full funding

University of Toronto

Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship

For international students beginning undergraduate study at the University of Toronto who are first-time entrants from outside Canada. Students must be nominated by their school, then complete the U of T application and scholarship process. Selection recognises exceptional academic achievement and creativity, with a record of leadership and impact at school.

University of British Columbia

International Leader of Tomorrow (ILOT) Award

For international students entering their first undergraduate degree at the University of British Columbia (UBC) who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and financial need. Students must be nominated by their school and require financial support to study at UBC; the award is need-based, covering costs the student and family cannot meet.

Western University National Scholarship Program (Canada)

Open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents entering full-time undergraduate study at Western University's main campus, with a minimum academic average of 90% in Grade 12 U/M courses (or equivalent), a school nomination, a reference letter, a transcript and an essay.

University of Ottawa International English Scholarships

Open to international undergraduate students who hold a valid Canadian study permit and are newly admitted to an English-language undergraduate programme in Arts, Engineering, Health Sciences, Science, Social Sciences, or the Telfer School of Management. A minimum admission average of 80 percent is needed for the Admission Scholarship and 90 percent for the Academic Excellence Scholarship. Students in the French immersion or French-language streams are not eligible.

Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

Open to Canadian and international students pursuing a doctoral (PhD) degree at a Canadian university. Candidates must be nominated by the Canadian institution, not yet have started the doctoral program beyond defined limits, and demonstrate academic excellence, research potential, and leadership.

CIHR / NSERC / SSHRC (Tri-Agency), Government of Canada

Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral (CGRS-D)

For doctoral students undertaking a PhD at a Canadian institution, with an outstanding academic record. Awards are made by Canada's tri-agency (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC); applicants apply through their university, and eligibility (including for international students) follows the current Canada Graduate Scholarships rules.

Frequently asked questions

What are the estimated tuition fees for international students at Brandon University?

International undergraduate tuition fees at Brandon University range from approximately CAD 9,500 to CAD 15,000 per year, depending on the faculty. An international application fee of CAD 140 is also required.

What are the English language proficiency requirements for international students?

International applicants typically need a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 overall (with no band below 5.5) or a TOEFL iBT score of 80. A Duolingo score of 105 is also accepted.

What academic qualifications are needed for admission?

To be considered for admission, you will need a Grade 12 diploma or equivalent, including any required subject prerequisites for your chosen program. Official transcripts from secondary and post-secondary institutions are also necessary.

What is the cost of living for students in Brandon?

The estimated cost for accommodation, food, and personal expenses in Brandon is between CAD 10,000 and CAD 13,000 per year. This is significantly lower than in major Canadian cities.

Does Brandon University offer scholarships for international students?

Yes, Brandon University offers various entrance scholarships based on academic achievement, which are applied for through a single annual application. Graduate students may also be eligible for graduate scholarships.

Last updated 3 July 2026