Introduction to the Best Universities in Canada
Universities in Canada are among the most prestigious and best in the world. Every year, many international students study at universities in this country. Each of the universities in Canada has its own specific conditions and is the best in its own right. Choosing a university is one of the most important steps in the study immigration process to Canada. Some of the best universities in Canada include those like Toronto, British Columbia, and McGill.
These universities are the best choices in fields such as all branches of medicine, engineering, and arts. In this article, we will explain and introduce the top universities in Canada for you. In the comments section, you can also ask your questions and receive answers within a short time.

Why Study at Universities in Canada?
Studying in Canada can be much more cost-effective compared to countries like the United States. Additionally, Canadian universities have high rankings and credibility and provide recognized degrees around the world. Studying at the best universities in Canada can open up numerous job opportunities for those interested and seeking education. In this article, we will introduce the best universities in Canada.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Public Universities in Canada | 78 |
| Number of Private Universities in Canada | 19 |
| Language of Instruction | English and French |
| Number of International Students | 642,000 |
| Average Undergraduate Tuition Fee | $30,000 CAD per year |
| Average Master’s Tuition Fee | $18,000 CAD per year |
| Average PhD Tuition Fee | $10,000 CAD or less per year |
| Top University in Canada | University of Toronto |
Best Universities in Canada
Canada offers many globally recognized universities known for high-quality education and strong international connections. With diverse international students and faculty, Canadian campuses foster a global community. Over 90% of students are satisfied with their education, and 95% recommend Canada as a top study destination.
Malekpour Institute, with its outstanding track record in visa acquisition, can assist those eager to study in Canada in the important matter of immigration to Canada. In this section, we will introduce some of the universities in Canada:
-
University of Toronto
The University of Toronto, originally founded by the Church of England, is Canada’s oldest university and a top global institution. It comprises 12 unique colleges and has pioneered Canada’s first university press, forestry faculty, and a $1 billion endowment. The university is known for groundbreaking research in literary criticism, computer science, and stem cell therapy.
Its historic campus features impressive North American architecture. Offering over 700 undergraduate and 200 graduate programs, UofT serves 60,000+ full-time students, with 15% international. Notable alumni include five Canadian prime ministers and Nobel Prize winners.
-
University of British Columbia
The University of British Columbia (UBC), the oldest university in the province, is highly competitive with campuses in Vancouver and Kelowna. The Vancouver campus features scenic views, botanical gardens, and a renowned arts centre. UBC offers scholarships like the Donald E. Wrang International Scholarship for students from conflict zones.
The university is linked to seven Nobel laureates, 69 Rhodes Scholars, and 65 Olympic medalists. It hosts Canada’s largest cyclotron at TRIUMF, a leading particle physics lab. UBC has 12 faculties in Vancouver and 7 in Kelowna, plus a joint program with Sciences Po in Paris. Over 50,000 full-time students study at UBC, with 25% international. Notable alumni include three Canadian prime ministers, including Justin Trudeau.
-
McGill University
McGill University, founded in 1821 and located in downtown Montreal, is Canada’s only member of the Global Forum of University Leaders, joining 26 top global universities. Known for its beautiful grey limestone campus, McGill ranks among the world’s most scenic universities. It established Canada’s first medical school in 1829 and is highly ranked for medical programs. With over 300 programs, McGill enrolls 40,000+ students from 150 countries, making it one of Canada’s most diverse universities. Notable alumni include Leonard Cohen and William Shatner. McGill has the highest number of Rhodes Scholars in Canada and admits students with the nation’s highest average scores.
-
University of Alberta
The University of Alberta, founded in 1908, has four campuses in Edmonton and contributes $12.3 billion annually to Alberta’s economy. It enrolls around 40,000 students from 150 countries. The university features Canada’s first School of Public Health and the only School of Indigenous Studies.
It is known for strong programs in pedology and offers popular online courses. Its extensive museum and library hold over 17 million artifacts and 12 million books. Notable alumni include Prime Minister Joe Clark and Nobel laureate Richard E. Taylor.
-
Université de Montréal
The University of Montreal is Canada’s largest francophone university and second largest overall, with over 50,000 students, 25% of whom are international. Its main campus is on Mont Royal, featuring a historic Art Deco tower. About 74% of students are undergraduates. The university offers active sports programs with teams called the Carabins. Notable alumni include top business leaders, innovators in nuclear energy and quantum cryptography, and 10 premiers of Quebec.
-
Adler University Canada
Adler University, named after the famous psychologist and physician Alfred Adler, was founded in 1952. This university has two campuses, with the main campus located in Chicago and the other in British Columbia. Graduate and doctoral programs are offered at Adler University.
The tuition costs for the doctoral program are CAD 38,000, and for the master’s program, CAD 36,000, with an IELTS requirement of 6.5 for admission to this university. If your language certificate is 6, you will have one language prerequisite course. Below you can see some of the most important programs offered at these two levels.
| Field of Study | Degree Level |
|---|---|
| Criminal Psychology | Master’s |
| Rehabilitation Counseling | Master’s |
| Health and Sports Psychology | Master’s |
| Mental Health and Clinical Counseling | Master’s |
| Trauma Stress Psychology | Doctorate (PhD) |
| Military Clinical Psychology | Doctorate (PhD) |
| Behavioral Medicine and Primary Care Psychology | Doctorate (PhD) |
| Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychology | Doctorate (PhD) |
-
University of Waterloo Canada
The University of Waterloo, located in Waterloo, Ontario, is known for its strengths in engineering, mathematics, and technology. This university has the largest co-op program in the world, providing valuable work experience and industry connections for students. The University of Waterloo‘s commitment to experiential learning and applied research prepares students for successful careers in a rapidly changing global economy.
-
Mount Royal University Canada
Mount Royal University Canada, located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, is a reputable public university that has been active since 1910. This university is recognized for offering over 100 different academic programs in various fields, including arts, sciences, business, health, and engineering.
Students from all over the world come to Mount Royal University to take advantage of its excellent educational facilities, friendly environment, and good job opportunities. This university is recognized as a leading and prestigious educational center in Canada and offers its students unique opportunities for learning, research, and personal growth.
Public Universities in Canada by Province
Studying at public universities in Canada can be very cost-effective as these universities have relatively low tuition fees, which can significantly reduce student expenses. The public universities in Canada by province are as follows:
Public Universities in Alberta
- University of Alberta
- University of Calgary
Public Universities in British Columbia
- University of British Columbia
- Simon Fraser University
- University of Victoria
Public Universities in Manitoba
- University of Manitoba
Public Universities in Nova Scotia
- Dalhousie University
- Saint Mary’s University
- Mount Saint Vincent University
Public Universities in Ontario
| University of Toronto | Wilfred Laurier University |
| York University | Ontario University of Technology |
| University of Ottawa | University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) |
| Queen’s University | Western University |
| Ryerson University | Lakehead University |
| University of Waterloo | Laurentian University |
| Carleton University | University of Windsor |
| McMaster University | University of Guelph |
| Trent University | Brock University |
Public Universities in New Brunswick
- University of New Brunswick
Public Universities in Newfoundland and Labrador
- Memorial University of Newfoundland
Public Universities in Prince Edward Island
- University of Prince Edward Island
Public Universities in Quebec
| University of Montreal | University of Quebec in Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT) |
| Concordia University | University of Quebec in Chicoutimi (UQAC) |
| University of Laval | Ecole des Technologies supérieurs (ÉTS) |
| McGill University | Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS) |
| University of Quebec in Trois-Rivières (UQTR) | Université du Québec (UQ) |
| University of Quebec in Montreal (UQAM) | University of Quebec in Rimouski (UQAR) |
Public Universities in Saskatchewan
- University of Saskatchewan
- University of Regina
Private Universities in Canada
The landscape of private post-secondary institutions in Canada is relatively limited compared to public universities. Some of the private universities in this country include Quest University Canada, Atlantic School of Theology, Tyndale University, and Algoma University. However, the Brampton campus operated by Algoma University, which is a public university located in Ontario, is managed as a private institution.
List of Universities in Canada at Different Levels
Canadian universities cover various educational levels. In this section, we will introduce the best universities in Canada across different educational levels.
-
Universities at Bachelor’s Degree in Canada
These universities include both private and public universities, as well as Canadian colleges that accept students at the undergraduate level:
| St. Francis Xavier University Gerald Schwartz School of Business | |
|---|---|
| Canadian Southern Baptist Seminary & College | Yorkville University |
| College of the Rockies | Memorial University, Grenfell Campus |
| Fairleigh Dickinson University, Vancouver Campus | NSCAD University – Nova Scotia College of Art and Design |
| LaSalle College Vancouver | University of Regina |
| Peter B. Gustavson School of Business at the University of Victoria | Université Sainte-Anne |
| Royal Roads University | Carleton University Undergraduate |
| University Canada West (UCW) | Faculty of Management – Laurentian University |
| Whistler Adventure School | Fanshawe College |
| Yorkville University | Humber College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning |
| Canadian Mennonite University | OCAD University |
| University of Manitoba | Trent University |
| Crandall University | Université de Hearst |
| St. Stephen’s University | University of Toronto Faculty of Information |
| Yorkville University | Westford University College |
| Université Du Québec En Outaouais (UQO) | Yorkville University |
| University of Saskatchewan, Edwards School of Business | University of Prince Edward Island |
| University of Saskatchewan | Bishop’s University |
-
Universities at Master’s Degree in Canada
Many of the universities listed in the previous section also accept students at the master’s level. In this section, we will introduce some Canadian universities offering master’s programs, including private universities, public universities, and Canadian colleges:
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
|---|---|
| The Centre for Digital Media – The CDM | Vancouver Career College |
| Vancouver School of Theology | Inter-Dec College |
| Ecole Supérieure Ouverte à Distance | LaSalle College Montreal |
| Unitelma Sapienza | Université de Montréal Law Faculty |
| CDI College | Reeves College |
| NBCC | University of Guelph Guelph – Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics |
| The University of New Brunswick-Saint John, Faculty of Business | University of Guelph – Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics |
| Saint Mary’s University | Faculty of Education University of Ontario Institute of Technology |
| Adler | Durham College |
| Cambrian College | Stafford |
| Max the Mutt College of Animation, Art & Design | |
-
Universities in Canada at PhD Degree
In this section, we will introduce universities for PhD in Canada.
| University of Lethbridge | Peter B. Gustavson School of Business at the University of Victoria |
| University of British Columbia – Faculty of Applied Science | University of Toronto Faculty of Information |
| McGill University, Desautels Faculty of Management | Nipissing University |
| Royal Roads University | Telfer School of Management |
| McGill University, Desautels Faculty of Management | |
Ranking of Reputable Universities in Canada
In this section, we will examine the credibility of Universities in Canada from an international perspective. This issue is important because the higher the reputation of the university where the student studies, both in the world and in Canada, the higher the chances of employment after graduation. Below are the names of the top universities in Canada:
| National Rank | Global Rank | University Name | City |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 25 | University of Toronto | Toronto |
| 2 | 29 | McGill University | Montreal |
| 3 | 38 | University of British Columbia (UBC) | Vancouver |
| 4 | 96 | University of Alberta | Edmonton |
| 5 | 115 | University of Waterloo | Waterloo |
| 6 | 120 | Western University | London |
| 7 | 189 | University of Ottawa | Ottawa |
| 8 | 190 | University of Victoria | Victoria |
| 9 | 193 | University of Calgary | Calgary |
| 10 | 219 | McMaster University | Hamilton |
| 11 | 266 | University of Montreal | Montreal |
| 12 | 272 | Carleton University | Ottawa |
| 13 | 276 | Université de Sherbrooke | Sherbrooke |
| 14 | 281 | Queen’s University | Kingston |
| 15 | 289 | Simon Fraser University | Burnaby |
Fields of Study at Universities in Canada
Canada, with over 100 universities, educational centers, and colleges offering more than 15,000 courses in various fields and levels, is an attractive destination for study applicants from around the world. Below, we will introduce popular fields of study at Canadian universities:
- Medical field
- Civil Engineering field
- Petroleum Engineering field
- Dental field
- Computer Engineering field
- Chemical Engineering field
- Nursing field
- Electrical Engineering field
- MBA field
- Pharmacy field
- Architectural Engineering field
- Art field
- Psychology field
- Industrial Engineering field
- Architecture field
- Law field
- Mechanics field
Best Universities in Canada for Medicine
Canada has several universities that offer education in the field of medicine. These universities are among the best in the world. Here, we mention some of the best Universities in Canada for studying medicine:
- University of Toronto
- McGill University
- University of British Columbia
- McMaster University
- University of Montreal
- University of Alberta
- University of Calgary
- University of Ottawa
- Queen’s University
- Western University
Best Universities in Canada for Computer Science
In Canada, there are over 20 universities that offer education in computer science and have a high level of global standards, which enables graduates of this field to achieve the highest level of scientific ability and easily find jobs in their preferred job market. Below, we introduce the best Canadian universities for studying computer science:
- University of Toronto
- University of Waterloo
- University of British Columbia
- University of Montreal
- University of Alberta
- McGill University
- Simon Fraser University
- McMaster University
- Concordia University
- University of Ottawa
Website of Universities in Canada
Most Universities in Canada have a very high standard, which is one of the main reasons why many international applicants choose Canada as their final destination for study. You can view the list of universities and educational institutions recognized by the Canadian Immigration Department, or IRCC, here. Below, we have provided some Universities in Canada along with their websites.
| University Name | Global Ranking | City & Province | University Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto | 6 | Toronto, Ontario | utoronto.ca |
| McGill University | 39 | Montreal, Quebec | mcgill.ca |
| University of British Columbia | 34 | Vancouver, British Columbia | ubc.ca |
| University of Montreal | 118 | Montreal, Quebec | umontreal.ca |
| University of Alberta | 199 | Calgary, Edmonton, Alberta | ualberta.ca |
| McMaster University | 144 | Hamilton, Ontario | mcmaster.ca |
| University of Waterloo | 179 | Waterloo, Ontario | uwaterloo.ca |
| Western University | 170–200 | London, Ontario | uwo.ca |
| University of Ottawa | 279 | Ottawa, Ontario | uottawa.ca |
| Queen’s University | 239 | Kingston, Ontario | queensu.ca |
| University of Calgary | 200–250 | Calgary, Alberta | ucalgary.ca |
| Dalhousie University | 291 | Halifax, Nova Scotia | dal.ca |
| Université Laval | 250–300 | Quebec City, Quebec | ulaval.ca |
Easiest Universities in Canada for Admission
Acceptance rates in Canadian universities vary yearly based on applicants, programs, and competition. However, some universities are known for being more accessible, including Memorial University of Newfoundland, University of Manitoba, University of Regina, University of Prince Edward Island, and University of Moncton. These schools generally offer higher acceptance rates compared to more competitive institutions. Always check each university’s specific admission criteria, as rates can differ by program and faculty.
Universities in Canada Offering Scholarships
Many Canadian universities offer scholarships to both domestic and international students. Some of the top universities in Canada known for providing scholarships include:
- University of Toronto
- University of British Columbia
- McGill University
- University of Alberta
- McMaster University
- University of Ottawa
- University of Waterloo
- University of the West
- Simon Fraser University
- Queen’s University
These universities offer various scholarships, including merit-based scholarships, need-based scholarships, and scholarships for specific fields of study. Additionally, there are also government-funded scholarships and external scholarship opportunities available for international students pursuing studies in Canada.
Visiting the official websites of these universities and reviewing their scholarship offerings, as well as consulting with admissions and financial aid offices for the latest information on available scholarships and application procedures, is highly important.
Frequently Asked Questions about Universities in Canada
- What percentage of students at the University of Toronto are international?
About 15% of the students at this university are international students.
- Which is the best university in Canada?
The University of Toronto ranks first in Canada and 23rd globally.
- Which Canadian university is internationally recognized in medical fields?
McGill University holds a significant rank in global medical fields.
- How does the university’s reputation affect employment?
The higher the reputation of the university where the student studies in the world and in Canada, the greater the chances of employment after graduation for the student.
Conclusion:
Universities in Canada are globally recognized for their high ranking, strong credibility, and academic excellence. Many institutions have ties with U.S. universities, enabling possible student exchanges. To learn more about studying at top Canadian universities at all educational levels, contact Malekpour Institute for free expert consultation. You can also leave your questions in the comments section for a prompt response.





