In short
Redeemer University is a private Christian liberal arts university in Ontario, Canada, offering undergraduate and graduate programs with a focus on faith integration and community. It provides affordable tuition and a scenic campus environment near Hamilton.
Key facts
- Type
- Private
- Founded
- 1980
- Students
- 1,100
- International students
- 120
- Acceptance rate
- 75%
- Tuition (intl)
- €6–14k/yr
- Languages
- EN
- Location
- Canada
Redeemer University is a publicly chartered, privately funded Christian liberal arts and sciences university in Ancaster, Ontario, Canada. Founded in 1980, it operates from a Reformed Christian worldview, integrating faith and learning across all programmes. The university offers undergraduate degrees, a Bachelor of Education, and graduate studies, with a strong emphasis on community, service, and affordable tuition. Its scenic campus sits at the foot of the Niagara Escarpment near Hamilton.
Why study here
- Christ-centred education that integrates faith across every academic discipline
- Exceptionally affordable tuition for a private Christian university — domestic fees cut 42% in 2019
- Small, close-knit community with strong faculty-student mentorship
- Beautiful campus at the Niagara Escarpment near Hamilton, Ontario
- Strong emphasis on leadership, service-learning, and community engagement
Student life
Campus life at Redeemer is shaped by a shared faith community. Students live in on-campus residences, participate in chapel services, and engage in clubs, intramural athletics, and service initiatives. The annual Student Life Award recognises students who exemplify Christian commitment and positive campus influence. Hamilton provides access to arts, waterfalls, hiking, and a growing food and music scene.
Fees
InternationalApproximately €12,000–€14,000 per year for international undergraduate students
HomeApproximately €6,500–€7,500 per year (CAD ~$9,800 base for domestic undergraduates)
LivingApproximately €900–€1,100 per month in Hamilton/Ancaster including accommodation, food, and transport
Redeemer has pledged to keep domestic tuition affordable; international fees differ. Confirm current rates with the admissions office.
Admissions
Secondary schoolOntario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent with competitive Grade 12 U/M course averages
Faith commitmentRedeemer welcomes students of all backgrounds; its mission is explicitly Christian Reformed
ApplicationOnline application via the university's portal; no separate entrance exam required
IELTS6.5 overall
TOEFL iBT88
University scholarships
Entrance ScholarshipsUp to CAD $3,000 based on academic achievement
R.F. Dietrich Research Scholarship for Shaw StudiesUSD $1,000 — graduate/early-career scholars
Student Life AwardRecognition award presented annually to outstanding students
Accreditation
Redeemer University is a full member of Universities Canada (formerly AUCC) and operates under an Ontario provincial charter, granting it degree-conferring authority.
For international students
CanadaStudent 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 selectionScholarships
for Canada
full fundingUniversity 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.
full
Funding
€200k
Max
Nov 30, 2026
Deadline
full fundingUniversity 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.
full
Funding
€70k
Max
Nov 15, 2026
Deadline
full fundingWestern University
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.
full
Funding
€47k
Max
Feb 14, 2027
Deadline
partial fundingUniversity of Ottawa
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.
partial
Funding
€46k
Max
Apr 1, 2027
Deadline
full fundingCanadian 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.
full
Funding
€34k
Max
Nov 4, 2026
Deadline
full fundingCIHR / 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.
full
Funding
€27k
Max
Nov 1, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students at Redeemer University?
+
International undergraduate students can expect tuition fees to be approximately €12,000–€14,000 per year. It is recommended to confirm the current rates directly with the admissions office.
What are the English language proficiency requirements for international applicants?
+
International applicants typically need a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 overall or a TOEFL iBT score of 88. Specific program requirements may vary.
What academic qualifications are needed for admission?
+
Applicants require an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or its equivalent, with competitive averages in Grade 12 U/M courses. An online application through the university's portal is necessary; no separate entrance exam is required.
Does Redeemer University offer scholarships for international students?
+
Redeemer University offers Entrance Scholarships of up to CAD $3,000 based on academic achievement. Other awards like the Student Life Award are also available.
What is the living cost for students in Hamilton/Ancaster?
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Monthly living expenses, including accommodation, food, and transport, are estimated to be around €900–€1,100 per month in the Hamilton/Ancaster area.
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