Canada is home to some of the world’s top universities, with a reputation for academic excellence, innovative research, and a diverse student body. Whether you’re a Canadian resident looking for a top-notch education or an international student seeking a unique study abroad experience, Canada has plenty of options to choose from.
Here’s a list of best universities in Canada, along with information about their location, ranking, reputation, courses offered, and other information.
- University of Toronto
- University of British Columbia
- McGill University
- University of Alberta
- University of Waterloo
- University of Calgary
- Queen’s University
- University of Western Ontario
- University of Ottawa
- McMaster University
- University of Saskatchewan
- University of Guelph
- Dalhousie University
- Simon Fraser University
- University of Manitoba
1. University of Toronto
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Ranking: #1 in Canada (Macleans Canada University Rankings), #18 in the World (QS World University Rankings 2022)
Reputation: One of the top research universities in Canada, with a strong reputation for excellence in a wide range of fields, including business, medicine, engineering, and humanities.
Courses: Offers over 700 undergraduate and graduate programs, including professional programs in law, medicine, and business.
2. University of British Columbia
Location: Vancouver and Kelowna, British Columbia
Ranking: #2 in Canada (Macleans Canada University Rankings), #34 in the world (QS World University Rankings 2022)
Reputation: A leading research university with a reputation for excellence in areas such as environmental science, forestry, and sustainability.
Courses: Offers over 400 undergraduate and graduate programs, including a range of interdisciplinary programs that draw on UBC’s strengths in areas such as science, technology, and the arts.
3. McGill University
Location: Montreal, Quebec
Ranking: #3 in Canada (Macleans Canada University Rankings), #31 in the world (QS World University Rankings 2022)
Reputation: One of Canada’s oldest and most prestigious universities, with a strong reputation for research excellence and a diverse student body.
Courses: Offers over 300 undergraduate and graduate programs, including professional programs in law, medicine, and dentistry.
4. University of Alberta
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Ranking: #4 in Canada (Macleans Canada University Rankings), #119 in the world (QS World University Rankings 2022)
Reputation: A leading research university with a strong reputation for excellence in areas such as engineering, energy, and health sciences.
Courses: Offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs, including professional programs in law, medicine, and dentistry.
5. University of Waterloo
Location: Waterloo, Ontario
Ranking: #5 in Canada (Macleans Canada University Rankings), #166 in the world (QS World University Rankings 2022)
Reputation: A top-ranked university with a reputation for excellence in areas such as computer science, engineering, and mathematics.
Courses: Offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs, including professional programs in engineering, architecture, and environmental studies.
6. University of Calgary
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Ranking: #6 in Canada (Macleans Canada University Rankings), #233 in the world (QS World University Rankings 2022)
Reputation: A leading research university with a strong reputation for excellence in areas such as energy, health, and sustainability.
Courses: Offers over 250 undergraduate and graduate programs, including professional programs in law, medicine, and veterinary medicine.
7. Queen’s University
Location: Kingston, Ontario
Ranking: #7 in Canada (Macleans Canada University Rankings), #224 in the world (QS World University Rankings 2022)
Reputation: A top-ranked university with a reputation for excellence in areas such as business, law, and medicine.
Courses: Offers over 125 undergraduate and graduate programs, including professional programs in law, medicine, and business.
8. University of Western Ontario
Location: London, Ontario
Ranking: #8 in Canada (Macleans Canada University Rankings), #212 in the world (QS World University Rankings 2022)
Reputation: A leading research university with a strong reputation for excellence in areas such as business, health sciences, and social sciences.
Courses: Offers over 400 undergraduate and graduate programs, including professional programs in law, medicine
How to choose the right school and study program in Canada?
9. University of Ottawa
Location: Ottawa, Ontario
Ranking: #9 in Canada, #269 in the world (QS World University Rankings 2022)
Reputation: A bilingual research university with a strong reputation for excellence in areas such as law, health sciences, and social sciences.
Courses: Offers over 450 undergraduate and graduate programs, including professional programs in law, medicine, and education.
10. McMaster University
Location: Hamilton, Ontario
Ranking: #10 in Canada, #144 in the world (QS World University Rankings 2022)
Reputation: A research-intensive university with a strong reputation for excellence in areas such as health sciences, engineering, and business.
Courses: Offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs, including professional programs in medicine, nursing, and health sciences.
11. University of Saskatchewan
Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Ranking: #11 in Canada, #465 in the world (QS World University Rankings 2022)
Reputation: A leading research university with a strong reputation for excellence in areas such as agriculture, engineering, and health sciences.
Courses: Offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs, including professional programs in medicine, law, and veterinary medicine.
12. University of Guelph
Location: Guelph, Ontario
Ranking: #12 in Canada, #581-590 in the world (QS World University Rankings 2022)
Reputation: A comprehensive research university with a strong reputation for excellence in areas such as agriculture, veterinary medicine, and environmental studies.
Courses: Offers over 90 undergraduate and graduate programs, including professional programs in veterinary medicine and engineering.
13. Dalhousie University
Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia
Ranking: #13 in Canada (Macleans Canada University Rankings), #285 in the world (QS World University Rankings 2022)
Reputation: A research-intensive university with a strong reputation for excellence in areas such as health sciences, law, and ocean studies.
Courses: Offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs, including professional programs in law, medicine, and dentistry.
14. Simon Fraser University
Location: Burnaby, British Columbia
Ranking: #14 in Canada (Macleans Canada University Rankings), #314 in the world (QS World University Rankings 2022)
Reputation: A comprehensive research university with a strong reputation for excellence in areas such as business, engineering, and environmental studies.
Courses: Offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs, including professional programs in business, engineering, and health sciences.
15. University of Manitoba
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Ranking: #15 in Canada (Macleans Canada University Rankings), #551-560 in the world (QS World University Rankings 2022)
Reputation: A research-intensive university with a strong reputation for excellence in areas such as engineering, health sciences, and indigenous studies.
Courses: Offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs, including professional programs in medicine, law, and engineering.
Overall, Canada has a wide range of universities to choose from, each with its own strengths and unique features. Whether you’re looking for a research-intensive university, a comprehensive university with a strong focus on undergraduate education, or a specialized professional program, Canada has something to offer. It’s important to do your research and find the university that best fits your academic goals and personal preferences.
