If you’re considering starting college as a new freshman or returning to school to gain a competitive workplace edge, you should closely examine what Canada offers. According to Times Higher Education, 31 Canadian universities are ranked among the top universities in the world, making attending a university in Canada an excellent option for advancing your education.
From the bustle and noise of Toronto to the peacefulness of Northern British Columbia, Canada offers a university for almost any interest. Please keep reading to learn about the best universities in Canada and how Canadian university life might be your perfect choice for higher education!
U15 Canadian Universities: Canada’s Leading Research-Intensive Institutions
The U15 is a group that represents 15 of Canada’s research-focused universities. Most of these schools are in the top rankings throughout Canada and the world. They offer world-class instruction in specializations with cutting-edge resources. The U15 universities also attract many international students, faculty, and staff. Each university has a different acceptance rate, which gives prospective students options regarding which university to attend.
University of Toronto
Ranked first among the best universities in Canada by Times Higher Education and 21st in the world by QS World University Rankings, The University of Toronto was founded in 1827 as Canada’s first establishment for higher education. Today, with three campuses across the city, the University of Toronto is renowned for research and innovation and ranks second in the world for medical research.
UT offers over 700 undergraduate and 200 graduate programs in medicine, law, engineering, business, and the arts. The University has produced 12 Nobel laureates, five Prime Ministers of Canada, and 100 Rhodes Scholars.
Along with McGill University, the University of Toronto is a member of the Association of American Universities, an organization dedicated to developing and maintaining excellence in academic research and education. It is one of only two members outside the United States.
McGill University
Founded in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, in 1821, McGill University is one of the best universities in Canada. McGill University is at the forefront of medical innovation with its world-class medical school and research facilities. It takes second place in the Times Higher Education ranking of universities in Canada and 30th in the world rankings from QS. The University attracts students from more than 150 countries with its strong arts, humanities, science, and engineering programs.
Despite its location in French-speaking Quebec, McGill University is an English-language public institution. Most students are bilingual and can submit work in either English or French.
McGill’s outstanding facilities have produced 12 Nobel laureates and 148 Rhodes Scholars. Undergraduates enter the university with some of the highest average grades in Canada, and many continue to participate in competitive graduate programs at McGill or other notable institutions.
University of British Columbia
Located on a beautiful campus 10 miles from downtown Vancouver, British Columbia, the University of British Columbia was established in 1908 and is the oldest university in British Columbia. It ranks 34th in world rankings and is third on the list of best Canadian universities. Boasting eight Nobel laureates and 75 Rhodes Scholars, the University of British Columbia is internationally renowned for sustainability research and environmental studies.
The world’s largest cyclotron is housed at the University of British Columbia in TRIUMF, Canada’s national particle and nuclear physics laboratory. The lab draws students, faculty, and scientists from around the world.
University of Alberta
The University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta, is a leading energy and environmental research institution known for its engineering, science, and business programs. Across its five campuses, the University of Alberta has over 200 undergraduate and 500 graduate programs, attracting students from 156 countries. As the fifth best university in Canada according to Times Higher Education and 111 in the world rankings, the University of Alberta attracts undergraduates, graduate students, and doctoral applicants to its academic schools.
McMaster University
At fourth place on the Times Higher Education list of top Canadian universities, McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, is known for its innovative problem-based approach to learning. McMaster University’s world-class medical school drives research in public health. Applicants from over 90 countries seek admission into the University’s cutting-edge medical program. McMaster University’s alumni have become top doctors, scientists, politicians, and innovators.
Other U15 Universities
Canada has many schools in the top rankings worldwide. The University of Waterloo in Ontario is a research-intensive university known for the world’s largest co-op program in computer science and engineering.
Western University in Ontario has forward-thinking academic colleges. The University promotes research on life sciences, culture analysis and values, human and physical environments, social trends, public policy, and economic activity.
Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, is known for innovative and collaborative research in science, medicine, and environmental science. Queen’s University recently made advances in particle physics, cancer research, and geotechnical engineering.
Other U15 Universities include Université Laval, ranked 11th; University of Manitoba and University of Saskatchewan, ranked 15th; and Université de Montréal.
Top Comprehensive Universities: A Wide Range of Disciplines
Comprehensive universities have high acceptance rates and provide schools of study for a diverse student body. These colleges may focus on students’ unique needs and interests in their region and provide quality instruction for students of various ages, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Simon Fraser University
Based on a beautiful Burnaby, British Columbia campus, Simon Fraser University focuses on interdisciplinary research. Students at Simon Fraser look for solutions to improve public health, combat climate change, and create economic opportunities.
In 2023, the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings placed Simon Fraser University first worldwide for its commitment to sustainability in society. The university scores third in Canada for its dedication to climate action. The University also scores first in Maclean’s Education rankings for the best comprehensive universities in Canada.
University of Calgary
Located in Calgary, Alberta, the University of Calgary ranks among the top universities worldwide for engineering and energy research. Research facilities on campus work with provincial and federal research and regulatory agencies. Several are headquartered next to the campus, including the Geological Survey of Canada.
The University of Calgary is known for its innovative business and arts programs, attracting around 3,000 international students from 125 countries. Times Higher Education ranked the University of Calgary 8th to 10th in Canada, and QS World University Rankings ranked it 185th worldwide.
University of Victoria
With its stunning location on Vancouver Island, it’s no surprise that the University of Victoria is one of the best universities in Canada for marine biology and environmental studies. It is also uniquely positioned to champion Indigenous subjects and is ranked first in Canadian universities for promoting Indigenous visibility.
Among the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, the University of Victoria ranks second in Canada for climate action. The University promotes civic engagement to address global issues and the impact of climate research. Faculty and students collaborate with community and international partners to address global issues.
Other Comprehensive Universities
Canada has many comprehensive universities that offer diverse programs and research opportunities. On the East coast of Nova Scotia, Dalhousie University is the top-ranked Canadian University in Atlantic Canada. Students of Dalhousie University enjoy a research-driven institution from the main Halifax campus to the School of Nursing in Yarmouth.
The University of Ottawa, in the heart of the capital of Canada, is the world’s largest bilingual institution and teaches in English and French. Ottawa has the world’s first undergraduate French immersion program and a cooperative educational program among Canada’s top five.
York University in Toronto offers the largest liberal arts curriculum in Canada. It also has the country’s only Space Engineering program and the third-ranked Kinesiology and Health Science program.
Memorial University in Newfoundland is ranked 21st among the best universities in Canada. Based in St. John’s, with five campuses across Newfoundland and Labrador, one-quarter of the students at Memorial University are international students.
Specialized Institutions: Focused Excellence
Admissions to specialized institutions may be more competitive than other colleges. Housed within a larger university, each institution provides a focused curriculum for a committed student body. Alumni of specialized institutions go on to successful careers in their fields.
Waterloo Engineering
Waterloo Engineering, part of the University of Waterloo, is the largest engineering school in Canada and is ranked among the top 50 engineering schools worldwide. Employers have such a high opinion of students who graduate from Waterloo that almost 90% of their graduates are employed within six months. Students get real-world experience through the school’s co-op program with over 7,500 potential employers.
Schulich School of Business (York University)
The globally recognized MBA curriculum of the Schulich School of Business at York University in Ontario is ranked as the best among Canadian universities. Schulich strongly emphasizes entrepreneurship and has an outstanding employer reputation for quality business graduates.
Sauder School of Business (UBC)
Sauder School of Business at the University of British Columbia (UBC) is the leading business school in Western Canada. GS Top Universities ranked UBC Sauder 16th for business research excellence in North America. With a diverse student body with strong ties to the Asia-Pacific region, the school welcomes applicants worldwide.
Other Specialized Institutions
Canadian universities with specialized subjects of study offer world-class instruction in various fields. The Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto provides a quality curriculum with flexible entrance. The school has a 70% acceptance rate, which benefits professionals interested in expanding their skills.
Ivey Business School at the University of Western Ontario has full-time undergraduate and master’s programs, attracting students worldwide.
Student Life and Campus Experience in the Best Canadian Universities
University life at the top-ranked Canadian schools centers around vibrant campus communities. Campus life depends on the university’s location. Students at schools in dense urban areas like Toronto or Ontario can access activities and events on campus and off. A university in a less-populated area will have plenty of events for students throughout campus.
Each Canadian university has world-class athletic facilities and varsity sports. University life, particularly for undergraduates, often involves supporting athletic teams at weekly games. Other ways to celebrate, like cultural events and festivals, unite students and develop university culture.
No matter where someone enrolls, every university has student organizations for like-minded participants. From academic clubs and athletic boosters to groups celebrating ethnic identities and inclusivity, university life encourages something for everyone.
As international students, Americans also receive support services from the university. These include study skills, second language support, legal aid, health services, immigration and travel assistance, and more. Since each Canadian university in the top news rankings has a large international student population, extensive resources are available.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Higher education costs fluctuate depending on the university and programs offered. Fortunately, there are multiple options for student financial aid to offset tuition costs.
You can use government loans and grants to fund your education at a Canadian university. The William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program is for students interested in studying at an international university. Undergraduates may get a Direct Subsidized Loan or Direct Unsubsidized Loan, while graduates can receive Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Direct PLUS Loans.
Before you begin your loan search, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and determine if the Canadian university you’re applying to participates in the Direct Loan Program. Federal loans are need-based and dependent on the available funds of your family (if you’re a dependent) or your funds (if you are not).
For merit-based funding, universities have university-specific scholarships based on qualifications like academic achievement, athletic involvement, or field of study. Since these scholarships vary with each institution, contact the University financial aid office for information.
External scholarships and grants are also available for students applying to universities in Canada. These may come from places of worship, professional societies, athletic boosters, local businesses, federal agencies, ethnicity-based organizations, and more. These scholarships may not necessarily be academic or school-related, which makes them an excellent resource for an average student.
Take Your Pick of the Best Universities in Canada
Canada’s university offerings are vast, and there is a place for everyone. If you’re interested in attending one of the best universities in Canada, begin your search today by checking out a couple from this list. Whether you’re starting your education for a Bachelor’s degree or expanding your skills with a Master’s or Doctorate, you can be assured that these top-ranked universities will set you on the right path!