Top universities in Canada

Canada has a well-established position among the world’s leading study destinations. The most popular Canadian provinces for international students are Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec, which between them are home to many of the top universities in Canada.

For those looking to study at an elite university in one of the world’s most developed nations, applying to study in Canada can be an attractive option. A total of 26 universities in Canada feature in the QS World University Rankings® 2019, of which three are in the world’s top 50, with 11 more making the world’s top 300 – a feat matched only by a handful of other nations.

The two highest Canadian entries are the University of Toronto (28th) and McGill University (33rd), located in Toronto and Montréal respectively (the two largest cities in Canada). Also ranked within the global top 220 are the University of Alberta, McMaster University, Université de Montréal, the University of Waterloo, and Western University.

Higher education in Canada

Undergraduate degrees in Canada can take either three or four years to complete, depending on the university. Postgraduate degrees last between one and three years to complete, depending on the type of degree. Different types of higher education providers in Canada include: universities (which carry out research and provide both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees), community colleges and technical, applied arts or applied science schools (which grant certificates, diplomas, associate’s degrees and bachelor’s degrees).

As universities in Canada are managed by provincial governments, you’ll find there will be slight differences in how education is carried out. Quebec, in particular, is markedly different to the rest of Canada, with different term times and length of study. For instance, students finish secondary school a year early and must take a mandatory pre-university General and Vocational College (CEGEP) course, essentially eliminating the freshman year of university. Check with your chosen institutions for specific details.

Studying a master’s or PhD? To find out about studying in Canada at graduate level, get your free online copy of the QS Top Grad School Guide.

Fast Facts

• Federal parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy
• Made up of ten provinces and three territories
• Official head of state is UK monarch (currently Queen Elizabeth II), who appoints a governor general (currently David Johnston)
• Head of government is Prime Minister (currently Justin Trudeau)
• Capital city: Ottawa
• Largest city: Toronto
• Official languages: English and French (French is spoken mostly in Quebec province)
• Major religion: Christianity
• Currency: 1 Canadian dollar = 100 cents
• Total landmass of approximately 3,855,100 square miles – the world’s second biggest country
• Main exports: Machinery and equipment, automotive products, minerals such as zinc, uranium, gold, nickel and lead among others, metals and plastics, forestry products, agricultural and fishing products, energy products
• Quebec is world’s largest producer of maple syrup (three-quarters of global output), while 80% of the world’s maple syrup comes from Canada.
• Most popular sport: ice hockey, with lacrosse, curling and Canadian football also popular
• Time zone: varies from UTC-3.5 to UTC-8, changing to UTC-2.5 to UTC-7 during summer months
• Internet domain: .ca
• International dialing code: +1

List Of Universities and Colleges in Canada:

1              University of Toronto

2              The University of British Columbia

3              University of Alberta

4              Humber College

5              Memorial University of Newfoundland

6              George Brown College

7              University of Waterloo

8              York University

9              McGill University

10           University of Victoria

11           Centennial College

12           University of Windsor

13           University of Calgary

14           McMaster University

15           Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology

16           Concordia University

17           Conestoga College

18           Dalhousie University

19           University of Ottawa

20           University of Saskatchewan

21             University Canada West

22             Ryerson University

23             Western University

24             Georgian College

25             Queen’s University

26             Canadore College

27             Thompson Rivers University

28             University of Manitoba

29             Niagara College Canada

30             Simon Fraser University

31             Lambton College

32             University of Guelph

33             Langara College

34             University of Regina

35             Fanshawe College

36             Cambrian College

37             Carleton University

38             Durham College

39             University of Northern British Columbia

40             Lakehead University

41             St. Clair College

42             Loyalist College

43             Kwantlen Polytechnic University

44             St. Lawrence College

45             Douglas College

46             University of Winnipeg

47             Brock University

48             Sheridan College

49             Ontario Tech University

50             Algonquin College

51             Capilano University

52             Trent University

53             Cape Breton University

54             Fleming College

55             Columbia College

56             HEC Montreal

57             University of New Brunswick

58             University of Montreal

59             Vancouver Island University

60             Laval University