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Ti-Ni and Ti-Ni-Ce shape memory alloys (SMAs) were successfully fabricated by microwave sintering. The improvement of the mechanical properties especially the elastic modulus is the most important criterion in this research. The high elastic modulus problems are the most critical issues frequently encountered in hard tissue replacement applications. The effect of Ce addition with four atomic percentages (0%, 0.19%, 0.385% and, 1.165%) on the microstructure, phase composition, transformation temperatures and mechanical properties was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC), and compression test. The microstructure shows plates-like with needles-like inside the titanium-rich region. The compression strain was improved, but reduces the compression strength. The addition of cerium improved the properties by reducing the elastic modulus to be very close to the natural human bone, also the microwave sintering gives TiNi SMAs with low elastic modulus comparing with other methods. Based on the results, the 0.385 at. % Ce exhibited a remarkable highest compressive strain and lower elastic modulus compared with the other percentages. In conclusion, the present results indicate that Ti-Ni-Ce SMAs could be a potential alternative to improve Ti-51 at %Ni SMAs for certain biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]