There are 223 Canadaian universities; 30 of them are ranked in the highly regarded QS World University Rankings 2024, while 31 are ranked in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024.
Some of the top colleges in the world, offering a broad curriculum with a variety of specializations, are located in the country. This wide range enables overseas students to excel in their chosen fields and make a distinctive impression on the world stage.
The choice of Canadian university is essential if you want to gain extensive information and expertise in the field you want to work in.
1. The First Canada University for International Students is University of British Columbia
The first Canada university for international students, is the University of British Columbia. Founded in 1908, the University of British Columbia boasts some of the most beautiful campuses in Canada. It’s largest is in Vancouver and sits against a backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. Its second campus a few hours away is nestled in the unique Okanagan wine region.
The University of British Columbia is one of the best universities in Canada. It is known globally for its research and teaching, which is one of the reasons it ranks among the top 20 public universities in the world. It ranks #44 by the Shanghai Ranking for Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), #2 in Canada, and #13 worldwide for its contribution to research, stewardship, and outreach. So, if you intend to study a course that requires extensive research, the University of British Columbia is your go-to university in Canada
2. University of Ottawa
What better place to study than in Ottawa, the capital city of Canada? Sat on the border between Ontario and Quebec, the University of Ottawa is the largest bilingual university in the world. It was founded in 1848, and today offers more than 450 programs in French and English.
University of Ottawa is one of the top universities in Canada and is one of the top 10 educational institutions for research in Canada. As an international student, you can opt to study in either English or French since it is the largest bilingual university in the world. It is one of the best universities in Canada and you can hone your skills through the cultural and artistic opportunities, sports activities, and clubs at the university.
The University of Ottawa campus features historic buildings, is close to the famous Rideau Canal, and was named number 6 in Canada for sustainability in 2020, according to the UI Greenmetric World University Rankings.
3. University of Toronto
University of Toronto is one of the best universities in Canada for international students. It is famous across the world for its research and development centers and the research opportunities it provides to its students. So, if you are looking to pursue a course that requires extensive research, this is your go-to university in Canada.
4. McGill University
McGill University is based in Montreal, Quebec. Founded in 1821, it’s one of the most prestigious universities in Canada – and ranked 2nd in the country by QS University Rankings (31st in the world).
It is the oldest medical school in Canada so if you intend to study medicine, you will benefit from the network you build at McGill University while you study here. It is the best uni in Canada for research and ranks #3 in Canada and #42 for education and research prospects.
5. University of Manitoba
The University of Manitoba is located in Winnipeg, right in the center of Canada. It was founded in 1877 – making it the oldest university in Western Canada! The university offers more than 100 programs, and more than 20% of students are international. The University of Manitoba also has one of the largest Indigenous student populations in the country.
6. McMaster University
McMaster University is one of the top universities in Canada for international students. It is one of the four Canadian universities that rank among the top universities in the world year-on-year. It continues to remain among the top Canadian universities, with a graduate employability ranking of #81. As an international student, you will benefit from the international academic exchange agreements of the university.
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7. University of Montreal
University of Montreal is one of the top universities in Canada and is the second largest university in Canada. It holds a record of admitting more than 4,00,000 international students every year. It is one of the best uni in Canada as it provides job placement opportunities and networking platforms for students during their course of study. This has made it rank #37 for employability across the world.
8. University of Alberta
The University of Alberta is located in and around Edmonton, which is the capital city of the province of Alberta. It was also founded in 1908 and boasts 18 faculties stretched across five campuses – where students from 156 countries are enrolled.
It holds the maximum number of 3M National teaching awards out of all the universities in Canada. As an international student, you will receive the finest quality of education at the University of Alberta as it has more than 400 research and teaching agreements with 50 countries.
9. University of Waterloo
University of Waterloo is one of the top uni in Canada. The course curriculum is accredited by the regulatory bodies. Apart from the classroom lectures, you will benefit from lab work, field studies, hackathons, co-op programs, and certificate programs during your course of studies at the University of Waterloo. It is one of the good universities in Canada as you can gain work experience under the co-op program while studying.
10. Dalhousie University
Dalhousie University is a research-intensive university in Halifax, Nova Scotia. It was founded in 1818, and offers students more than 190 undergraduate and graduate programs. Like a few other universities on our list, Dalhousie University is part of the U15 – a group of 15 leading Canadian research universities. Nearly 20% of students at the school are international.
Dalhousie boasts four campuses – three in Halifax and one a couple of hours away in a town called Truro. And, the province of Nova Scotia is an excellent place for international students to call home. It’s located in the heart of the Atlantic maritime, and students here will enjoy beautiful ocean views, vibrant nightlife, great live music, and friendly people. In fact, Canadian magazine Maclean’s named Halifax the best city in Canada to live and work remotely in 2021.
