Updated at: 07-04-2023 - By: Eden Wise

Overview

In Canada, you can study at some of the best universities in the world. According to the World University Rankings 2023 published by Times Higher Education, 31 Canadian universities are ranked among the best in the world.

Canada is a great place for international students to get a top-notch education, with seven universities ranking in the world’s top 200.

The cost of higher education in Canada is lower than in the United States, and there are fewer hoops to jump through to become a permanent resident after graduation.

When it comes to the quality and prestige of the research they produce, the University of Toronto and the University of British Columbia stand out as two of the best universities in Canada.

Any university in Canada will have a sizable international student and faculty body due to the widespread reputation of Canadian universities for their promotion of a global perspective through the recruitment of international students and faculty and the encouragement of international collaborations.

Best Universities In Canada

Best universities in canada

University of Calgary

The University of Calgary dropped 13 spots this year, but it’s still in the top 10 in Canada at #9. The international faculty indicator, where the university excels most, places it at 212th in the world, contributing to its overall ranking of joint 246th.

The University of Calgary, which began in 1944 as the Calgary campus of the University of Alberta, is now a fully autonomous institution serving more than 33,000 students across five distinct locations.

Western University

Western University

This year, Western University moves up the global university rankings by eight spots, placing it at joint 203rd. Western University, founded in 1878, is one of the best research universities in Canada. Its more than 38,000 students come from 121 different countries. Citations per faculty and employer reputation are both strong areas in which the university excels.

McMaster University

McMaster University has fallen four spots this year to 144th in the world university rankings. McMaster University’s highest global ranking is eighthy-three on the international faculty indicator. The university’s medical school in Hamilton, Ontario, is widely recognized as among the best in the country.

University of British Columbia

Moving on to the top 3, the University of British Columbia has risen six spots this year to take the 45th spot in the world and the third spot in Canada. The University of British Columbia, which seeks to embrace innovation and challenge the status quo, is ranked 28th in the world for the academic reputation indicator.

University of Montreal

Language of instruction at the University of Montreal is primarily French.

About 25% of the student body is comprised of those from outside the country.

With more than 36,000 students, the University of Montreal is the second largest university in Canada.

There is a student government that speaks for both undergrads and grads, and three sororities and fraternities with which it is affiliated.

Both first-year and graduate students can live on campus year-round.

Carabins teams compete in badminton, Canadian football, and hockey, among other sports, and enjoy a great deal of popularity among university students.

Ten former premiers of Quebec, including Pierre Trudeau, are graduates of the university.

McGill University

McGill University

McGill University attracts students from over 150 different countries.

In 1821, the school’s foundation was laid.

Downtown Montreal, at the foot of Mount Royal, is home to the main campus. Freshmen are given the option of living on the beautiful campus.

McGill University established the first medical school in the country in 1829, and it continues to rank highly in international comparisons of educational quality for clinical disciplines.

The university has over 31,000 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in its various degree programs.

The Career Planning Service, the Office for Students with Disabilities, and the Academic Advising Service are just a few of the many services available to students.

Leonard Cohen, the singer-songwriter, and William Shatner, the actor, are both McGill alums. This university has produced more Rhodes Scholars than any other in Canada.

University of Toronto

According to the World University Rankings 2023, the University of Toronto is the only Canadian university to make the top 20.

Five Canadian prime ministers and authors Michael Ondaatje and Margaret Atwood are among the school’s illustrious alums. Ten Nobel laureates have some connection to the school.

The University of Toronto follows the same collegiate model as other top institutions in the United Kingdom, such as Oxford and Cambridge. Each of the seven universities has its own rich history and traditions.

About a quarter of the student body comes from other countries.

The university is regarded as among the best in the world in the field of medicine, and it offers more than 700 bachelor’s degrees and 200 master’s degrees.

Students at the university’s three campuses can choose from more than a thousand different clubs and organizations.

University of Ottawa

University of Ottawa

Ottawa, Canada’s capital, is an excellent location for academic pursuits. The University of Ottawa, located on the international boundary between Ontario and Quebec, is the world’s largest bilingual university. It has been around since 1848 and currently broadcasts over 450 shows in both French and English.

In 2020, the University of Ottawa ranked sixth in Canada for sustainability on the UI Greenmetric World University Rankings, and its campus features historic buildings and is located near the famous Rideau Canal.

The university has recently built a black box theater and an advanced STEM complex, among five other cutting-edge facilities and research labs.

Dalhousie University   

Located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Dalhousie University is a research institution. Established in 1818, it now provides more than 190 majors and concentrations for its undergraduate and graduate students. Dalhousie University, like a few others on our list, is one of Canada’s top research institutions and a member of the U15. Almost twenty percent of the student body comes from other countries.

There are four campuses in total: three in Halifax and one in Truro, a couple of hours away. Nova Scotia is a wonderful province for international students to settle in. Beautiful ocean views, a thriving nightlife, excellent live music, and a welcoming community await students at this Atlantic maritime center. In fact, in 2021, Maclean’s magazine ranked Halifax as the best city in Canada for telecommuters.

University of Manitoba  

Winnipeg, in the geographic center of Canada, is home to the University of Manitoba. It’s the oldest school in Western Canada, having opened its doors in 1877. More than 20% of the student body is comprised of international students, and the university offers more than 100 different majors. One of the largest percentages of Indigenous students in Canada attends the University of Manitoba.

Winnipeg’s downtown also hosts a world-class health sciences center, and the university’s main campus is home to 60 buildings across 692 acres. Smartpark Research and Technology Park is located there as well, and is a thriving center of innovation in fields like information and communications technology (ICT), engineering, and health and biotechnology.

University of Alberta

Alberta School of Business, University of Alberta

The University of Alberta jumped 16 spots to 110th worldwide in the 19th edition of the QS World University Rankings, thanks to notable improvements in key indicators of international reputation. As a result, Alberta is now ranked higher in the region than the University of Montréal.

Several key metrics have improved, contributing to the rise in the rankings, including academic reputation (up three places to 139th), employer reputation (up eleven places to 181st), and citations per faculty member (up twenty places to 237th). In terms of faculty-to-student ratio, the University of Arkansas rose 21 places.

University of Waterloo 

The University of Waterloo is ranked number seven in Canada but only number 154 in the world by the QS World University Rankings for 2023.

The Faculty Student Ratio ranking, where the University was placed, was very low at only 7 out of 100 possible points. Meanwhile, positive outcomes in all other metrics also played a role this year.

When looking at the International Faculty Ratio, International Student Ratio, and International Research Network, the University of Waterloo did exceptionally well.

Waterloo also scored highly (88/100) in the category of Employment Outcomes.

University of Calgary

The University of Calgary has dropped from last year’s ranking of tenth in Canada to this year’s ranking of 242.

The University of Chicago did best in the categories of international faculty ratio and international research network (each worth 10% of the total grade), and did worst in the categories of faculty to student ratio and academic reputation (each worth 40% of the total grade). The University of Chicago averaged a 39 out of a possible 100 points.

Brock University

Brock University

Brock University is a top Canadian institution, and its campus is one of the most beautiful in the country. During their time at the school, international students have access to a wide variety of clubs, extracurricular activities, and even some exclusive sporting opportunities.

Studying abroad is a great way for international students to gain experience in their field of interest. The programs are modernized with the future in mind. A special group is on hand from the moment new students set foot on campus until they feel completely at home there.

If you’re looking to develop as a student and a person, Brock is one of your best options in Canada. International students in their first year at American universities can take advantage of a program called “Mentorship Plus,” which pairs them with upperclassmen who can help them settle in quickly. Furthermore, the campus is monitored by security guards around the clock.

It’s a nice gesture that volunteers are willing to show you around and help you carry your bags around. The on-campus housing options are awesome because they can be tailored to any taste. International students have access to a townhouse, single and shared rooms, and campus buildings with a classic design.

Cape Breton University

Nova Scotia’s government has invested $54 million into improving the province’s infrastructure, research, and healthcare, making it one of the best universities in Canada in terms of enrollment of international students. Additionally, a cutting-edge research facility will be constructed to address scientific and technological issues on a global scale.

Cape Breton Island’s natural splendor enhances the already breathtaking campus landscape. The campus community is thriving, making it a great place to meet people and make friends for life.

International students from more than 55 countries attend Cape Bruton University, making it one of the best in Canada and a great place to meet interesting people and form lasting friendships.

As an international student, you will be exposed to new cultures and traditions. There is a dedicated first-year advising center where you can get help in many different areas.

Royal Roads University

It is one of the best schools in Canada, and its faculty and students work together to promote climate change awareness and sustainability in a variety of ways. There is widespread agreement that climate change is a serious problem around the world, so efforts like these from Canadian universities are greatly appreciated.

If you are an international student planning to study business administration in Canada, consider Royal Roads University. They can tailor their education to their schedule, and they can focus on a wide range of subjects.

The university offers a wide variety of clubs and social events where international students can meet people who share their interests and values. You can form your own club or participate in existing ones. In addition, you can meet other students from different courses by participating in in-person or online events like coffee house chats. Student visas, post-graduation work permits, and temporary residence visas are all things this university can help international students with.

University Canada West

QS Stars gives University of Canada–West five stars, making it one of the best universities in Canada for international students. Almost all of UCW’s MBA graduates find jobs in their field within a year of graduation, a remarkable statistic.

The cost of living in Vancouver, where this school is located, is relatively low. Renting off-campus allows you to pool resources with other students. A variety of housing options are made available to international students through their network of partners.

It is one of the best universities in Canada for providing international students with the education and training they need to enter the workforce immediately after graduation. Additionally, career assistance programs can help you improve your job-hunting strategies.

If a student from another country needs help with their English writing or speaking skills, a writing coach is available. An international student is only required to take a language test if there are valid concerns about their language skills.

FAQs

How long does it take to get accepted into a university in Canada?

Once an application is submitted, it often goes through several rounds of review within the university. However, after at least a month from when you submitted your application, you should hear back about your admission status.

Which is the cheapest university in Canada for Indian Students?

Athabasca University has the lowest tuition fees in Canada, ranging from $1,625 to $17,250 per year.

Is it hard to get into university in Canada?

Although some Canadian universities are considered highly competitive and selective, getting into university in Canada is easier than in the US.

Is university in Canada expensive?

Canada offers a low cost of living, making it an attractive destination for international students. Tuition in Canada typically ranges from $20,000 to $30,000.

Conclusion

For many students, Canada is an excellent choice for post-secondary education.

Possible advantages of studying in Canada include lower costs, a shorter program, a different grading system, and exposure to a variety of cultural practices.

When comparing the global rankings of the best universities in the United States and Canada, the United States generally comes out on top.

The real question is not how highly ranked a university is, but rather whether or not it is the best fit for you.