Some of the best colleges in the world are located in Canada, drawing students from all over the world. It is understandable why overseas students choose Canadian universities for their higher education given their country’s excellent educational system, multicultural environment, and energetic metropolitan centers. The University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, and McGill University stand out among these esteemed colleges because they provide distinctive curricula and chances for research that equip students for successful employment in a range of industries. The top universities in Canada are examined in this guide, which also offers information on their thriving home towns, student communities, and areas of academic excellence.
How many English-taught degrees are there in Canada?
There are plenty of study programmes for international students on our portals:
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- 6000+ English-taught Bachelor’s degrees in Canada
- 3000+ English-taught Master’s degrees in Canada
- 1000+ English-taught PhD’s degrees in Canada
- 2000+ English-taught fully online and blended degrees in Canada
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Top 10 universities in Canada
1. University of Toronto
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- Top 0.1% in the world
- Number of students: 97,000
- City and population:Â Pickering, 100,000 people
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The University of Toronto (U of T), founded in 1827, is one of Canada’s oldest and most prestigious institutions of higher learning. Located in the vibrant and multicultural city of Toronto, it has consistently ranked among the top universities globally. The student body at U of T is incredibly diverse, with more than 25% of their students being international students coming from over 160 countries. This contributes to a rich cultural diversity on campus. Toronto, Canada’s largest city is both vibrant and laid-back, offering students a variety of cultural experiences, outdoor activities, and a thriving food scene. The U of T campus itself is an architectural gem, featuring a blend of historic and modern buildings. The St. George campus, located in downtown Toronto, is particularly noted for its iconic architecture and picturesque setting. U of T boasts an impressive list of notable alumni, including four Canadian Prime Ministers, ten Nobel laureates, and numerous leaders in various fields. Alumni such as Lester B. Pearson, Frederick Banting, and Roberta Bondar (Canada’s first female astronaut) highlight the university’s influence.
2. University of British Columbia
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- Top 0.5% in the world
- City and population:Â Number of students: 71,000
- Vancouver, 670,000 people
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The University of British Columbia (UBC) offers a top-tier education in one of the world’s most beautiful and dynamic cities. It consistently ranks among the top 40 universities worldwide and is also a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities, emphasizing its role as a research powerhouse. Established in 1908, the university currently has campuses in Vancouver and Okanagan, which are renowned for their beautiful settings and state-of-the-art facilities. The Vancouver campus, situated on the traditional territory of the Musqueam people, features stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the North Shore mountains. Facilities include modern research labs, extensive libraries, and the world-class UBC Botanical Garden. The Okanagan campus, located in Kelowna, offers a close-knit community feel and cutting-edge facilities amid the picturesque Okanagan Valley. UBC has produced many notable alumni, including top politicians and Noble laurates. The university also operates the TRIUMF particle accelerator, Canada’s national laboratory for particle and nuclear physics, which is one of the world’s leading subatomic physics research centres.
3. McGill University
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- Top 0.5% in the world
- Number of students: 35,000
- City and population: Montréal, 1,7 mil. people
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McGill University, founded in 1821, is one of Canada’s most prestigious universities, located in Montreal, Quebec. It consistently ranks among the top universities globally, holding the 31st position in the QS World University Rankings 2024. Known for its strong programmes in medicine, law, and engineering, McGill has produced 12 Nobel laureates and numerous Rhodes Scholars. McGill’s main campus, situated in downtown Montreal, is a blend of historic buildings and modern facilities set against the backdrop of Mount Royal. Key features include the McLennan Library and the McGill University Health Centre. Notable alumni include Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, astronaut Dave Williams, and singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen. McGill is renowned for its pioneering role in medical education and research, having established Canada’s first faculty of medicine. The university offers a vibrant student life with over 300 clubs and organizations, emphasizing community service and activism.
4. University of Alberta
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- Top 0.5% in the world
- Number of students: 40,000
- City and population:Â Edmonton, 1 mil. people
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The University of Alberta (U of A), founded in 1908 in Edmonton, Alberta, is a top public research university. Renowned for its programmes in engineering, business, and health sciences, it ranks among the top 100 universities globally. U of A is renowned for its strong emphasis on research and innovation, and houses Canada’s National Institute for Nanotechnology. It has grown significantly since its inception, now hosting five campuses, including the main North Campus in Edmonton and the Augustana Campus in Camrose. Its campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including modern research laboratories, extensive libraries, and world-class recreational and sports facilities. The North Campus is particularly noted for its blend of historic and contemporary architecture. Notable alumni include Prime Minister Joe Clark and Nobel laureate Richard E. Taylor. Edmonton, known as “The Festival City,” offers a vibrant cultural scene and natural beauty.
5. McMaster University
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- Top 1% in the world
- Number of students: 37,000
- City and population:Â Hamilton, 580,000 people
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McMaster University, established in 1887, is one of Canada’s top research universities, located in Hamilton, Ontario. Originally founded in Toronto, the university relocated to Hamilton in 1930 and has since developed a reputation for innovation and academic excellence. McMaster is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world, with particular strengths in health sciences, engineering, and business. McMaster’s academic reputation is highlighted by its pioneering approach to education, including the development of problem-based learning (PBL) in medical education, which has been adopted globally. McMaster’s campus is renowned for its scenic beauty and state-of-the-art facilities. Additionally, the campus is home to the beautiful McMaster Museum of Art and the comprehensive Mills Memorial Library. Notable alumni from McMaster include Nobel laureate Myron Scholes, renowned economist David Dodge, and influential author and public intellectual Marshall McLuhan. Hamilton, home to McMaster, is a vibrant city known for its natural beauty, including numerous waterfalls and conservation areas.
6. University of Montreal
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- Top 1% in the world
- Number of students: 36,000
- City and population: Montréal, 1.7 mil. people
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The University of Montreal (Université de Montréal), founded in 1878, is a leading French-language public research university in Montreal, Quebec. Originally affiliated with the Université Laval, it became independent in 1919 and has grown into one of Canada’s foremost educational institutions. Academically, the University of Montreal excels in a variety of fields, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence, public health, and environmental sciences. The university is home to the Montreal Institute for Learning Algorithms (MILA), a world-leading centre in machine learning research. Additionally, the university’s affiliated hospitals and research centres contribute significantly to advancements in medical and health sciences. The University of Montreal’s main campus is situated on the northern slope of Mount Royal, offering stunning views of the city. Key facilities include the advanced Roger-Gaudry Pavilion, the J.-Armand-Bombardier Science Building, and the state-of-the-art MIL Campus.
7. University of Waterloo
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- Top 1% in the world
- Number of students: 42,000
- City and population:Â Waterloo, 113,000 people
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The University of Waterloo, founded in 1957, is a leading public research university located in Waterloo, Ontario. Known for its innovation and emphasis on cooperative education, the university has quickly grown into a major institution in Canada. Waterloo’s academic reputation is highlighted by its pioneering co-op programme, which allows students to gain valuable work experience while completing their degrees. This programme has been a model for other institutions globally and is a key factor in the university’s strong ties with industry. The University of Waterloo’s main campus spans over 1,000 acres and includes state-of-the-art facilities such as the Mike & Ophelia Lazaridis Quantum-Nano Centre, the Centre for Environmental and Information Technology, and the newly constructed Engineering 7 building. Notable alumni include Mike Lazaridis, co-founder of BlackBerry, and Rasmus Lerdorf, creator of the PHP programming language. The university hosts one of the largest co-op programmes in the world, with students working at leading companies such as Google, Microsoft, and Amazon.
8. University of Calgary
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- Top 1% in the world
- Number of students: 35,000
- City and population:Â Calgary, 1.3 mil. people
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The University of Calgary (UCalgary), established in 1966, is a leading public research university located in Calgary, the largest city in Alberta. Known for its stunning natural surroundings, including proximity to the Rocky Mountains, Calgary offers a high quality of life with a vibrant cultural scene and a strong economy. The city is renowned for events like the Calgary Stampede and is a major hub for Canada’s oil and gas industry. UCalgary’s main campus is a modern, sprawling facility in the northwest quadrant of the city. The campus is designed to support a wide range of academic and research activities, providing students with access to top-tier resources and learning environments. Notable alumni from the University of Calgary include James Gosling, the creator of the Java programming language, Naheed Nenshi. The university hosts several leading research institutes, including the Schulich School of Engineering and the Haskayne School of Business. Additionally, UCalgary is known for its entrepreneurial spirit, supporting numerous startups and fostering a vibrant innovation ecosystem.
9. University of Ottawa
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- Top 1% in the world
- Number of students: 40,000
- City and population:Â Ottawa, 1 mil. People
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The University of Ottawa, established in 1848, is the largest bilingual (English-French) university in the world, located in the heart of Canada’s capital, Ottawa, Ontario. The student body at the University of Ottawa is diverse, including a significant number of international students. The University of Ottawa’s main campus is centrally located and features a mix of historic and modern buildings. Key facilities include the newly renovated STEM Complex, the Advanced Research Complex (ARC), and the Faculty of Health Sciences building. Notable alumni from the University of Ottawa include Louise Arbour, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. The university operates the Institute of Official Languages and Bilingualism (OLBI) and has a significant focus on research in public health, law, and social justice. Additionally, it is home to several national research institutes, including the Institute for Science, Society, and Policy.
10. Western University
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- Top 2% in the world
- Number of students: 35,000
- City and population:Â London (Canada), 420,000 people
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Western University, also known as the University of Western Ontario, was established in 1878 in London, Ontario. Western University’s main campus is expansive and picturesque, featuring a blend of historic and modern architecture. The campus is home to state-of-the-art facilities, including the Richard Ivey School of Business, the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, and the Don Wright Faculty of Music. The university offers numerous opportunities for students to engage in internships, co-op programmes, and community service, enhancing their practical skills and societal impact. Additionally, Western is known for its vibrant student life, with over 200 clubs and organizations and a strong tradition of athletic excellence. London, the city where Western is located, is known as the “Forest City”. It offers a blend of urban amenities and natural beauty, providing an ideal setting for students.
In conclusion…
Choosing the right university is a significant decision that can shape your future career and personal development. Canada’s top universities not only offer exceptional education and research opportunities but also foster an inclusive and supportive environment for international students. Whether you’re drawn to the bustling city life of Toronto and Vancouver or the historic charm of Montreal, Canada’s diverse and dynamic academic landscape has something to offer everyone. Explore your options, consider your academic and lifestyle preferences, and embark on an exciting journey at one of Canada’s leading universities.