Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) is the only university in Newfoundland and Labrador, based in St. John's — the easternmost city in North America. It is famous for two things: some of the lowest international tuition in Canada, and one of the country's strongest co-operative education programmes, where paid work terms are built into the degree. It is ranked 721–730 in the QS World University Rankings 2027, and it is a serious option for students who want a Canadian degree without the Toronto or Vancouver price tag.
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada |
| Type | Public research university |
| Founded | 1925 (university status 1949) |
| Students | About 19,000 |
| QS World Ranking 2027 | 721–730 |
| Campuses | St. John's, Grenfell (Corner Brook), Marine Institute, Harlow (England) |
Fees (2026-27)
Memorial's published sample costs for two semesters (10 courses) of a bachelor's degree for new students starting in 2026-27 put international tuition at CAD 22,500 a year — CAD 750 per credit hour for 30 credit hours. That is the lowest international tuition among Canada's major universities, and roughly half the cost of Toronto or UBC. International health insurance is CAD 548 a year. Engineering, nursing and business programmes cost more than the standard arts and science rate.
| Item (2026-27) | Amount (CAD) |
|---|---|
| International undergraduate tuition (10 courses, St. John's) | 22,500 |
| International health insurance | 548 |
| Graduate tuition (research master's, per year) | From 4,833 |
| MBA (international, per year) | About 18,746 |
| Undergraduate application fee | 300 |
| Graduate application fee | 120 |
For your study permit, remember the IRCC proof of funds: for applications on or after 1 September 2026, you must show CAD 23,448 for living costs for one person (outside Quebec), excluding tuition and transport. A year at Memorial therefore costs roughly CAD 45,948 in total — tuition plus living costs — before any scholarship.
Scholarships: Memorial offers entrance scholarships for international students based on academic results, plus the Memorial University Alumni Entrance Scholarship and departmental awards. Co-op work terms also help: paid placements in engineering, business and computer science typically pay enough to cover a large share of living costs.
Popular programmes
Memorial's strongest programmes are Engineering (especially ocean and naval architectural engineering), Computer Science, Business Administration, Nursing, Earth Sciences and Ocean Sciences — the university sits on the Atlantic and runs world-class marine research. Its co-op programmes are a major draw: engineering, business and computer science students alternate study terms with paid work terms, graduating with up to two years of work experience. The Marine Institute is Canada's leading centre for fisheries, marine engineering and ocean technology training.
Admissions and deadlines
Admission is open now for the Fall 2027 intake (September 2027). The undergraduate priority deadline is 1 March 2027, with documents due by 20 August 2027; the MBA and graduate deadline is 1 February 2027. Applications are made directly to the university — there is no central Canadian application system. International undergraduate applicants generally need Class XII at 65% or above, and graduate applicants need a four-year bachelor's at about 70%. English requirements are typically IELTS 6.5 overall. The estimated acceptance rate is 68–78%; Memorial does not publish an official institutional figure.
Life in St. John's
St. John's is a small, colourful, friendly city of about 110,000 people on the Atlantic coast, famous for its row houses, live music and sea views. Living costs are among the lowest of any Canadian university city, and the community is famously welcoming to newcomers. Winters are wet and windy rather than bitterly cold, and summers are cool. The main drawback is distance: St. John's is a long way from the rest of Canada, and flights to Toronto take about three and a half hours.
Frequently asked questions
Is Memorial really the cheapest university in Canada for international students? On published 2026-27 figures, yes — CAD 22,500 a year for a standard undergraduate programme is the lowest among Canada's major universities.
What is co-op, and why does it matter? Co-operative education alternates study terms with paid work terms in your field. You graduate with experience, employer contacts and earnings that offset your costs.
Can I work while studying? Yes — up to 24 hours a week during term time on a study permit, and full-time during scheduled breaks. After graduation, the post-graduation work permit lasts up to three years.
What is the 2027-28 tuition? To be confirmed — Memorial has not posted 2027-28 rates yet. The 2026-27 figures above are the latest published.
Related guides on Pakunii
Canada Study Permit Guide 2027 · Fully Funded Scholarships 2027 · IELTS Academic Guide · FAFSA 2027-28 Guide
Sources and verification: Memorial University 2026-27 tuition and fees (mun.ca): international undergraduate CAD 22,500 for two semesters (10 courses), CAD 750/credit hour, health insurance CAD 548; QS World Rankings 2027 721–730; Fall 2027 MBA/graduate deadline 1 February 2027, undergraduate priority deadline 1 March 2027, application fees CAD 300 UG / CAD 120 PG; IRCC proof of funds CAD 23,448 from 1 September 2026. Confirm current figures on mun.ca.