Because of the high quality of education, research projects, infrastructure, faculty members, and a diverse range of engaging study options, Canadian universities are consistently ranked among the finest in the world. Every year, thousands of students from all over the world go to Canada to pursue their dreams of studying abroad.
Top 50 Best Universities in Canada in 2024
Below are the Top 50 Best Universities in Canada in 2024:
1. University of Toronto
Founded in 1827, this University in Toronto, Canada, has a varied student body of over 40,000 students, including both local and international students. It has the distinction of being Upper Canada’s first higher education institution. More information is available on their official website, www.utoronto.ca.
2. University of British Columbia
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia, this University has a student body of over 30,000 people, including both local and international students. It is well-known for its devotion to innovation, transforming ideas into actual accomplishments, and providing opportunities to individuals motivated by curiosity, ambition, and the desire to contribute to a better future. Please visit their official website at www.ubc.ca for more information.
READ ALSO: Top Canada Scholarships For International Students 2024
3. McGill University
Founded in 1821, this University now has a student population of around 25,000. This University, nestled within the urban setting of Montreal, offers a diverse range of degree programs and certificates in a variety of disciplines of study and is characterized by having the highest average entrance grades among Canadian universities. The majority of students study in one of the six largest faculties at the University, which include arts, science, education, engineering, and management. More information is available on their official website, www.mcgill.ca.
4. University of Waterloo
Located in Waterloo, Ontario, the University of Waterloo now enrolls 30,000 students. When it was founded, its major goal was to meet the demand for training engineers and technicians to serve Canada’s booming postwar economy. For further information, please visit their official website at www.uwaterloo.ca.
5. Simon Fraser University
Simon Fraser University is a big institution in Burnaby, British Columbia, with an enrollment of over 30,000 students. This research institution is consistently recognized as Canada’s greatest comprehensive University, and it is included in the Times Higher Education ranking of the top 100 international universities under the age of 50. More information is available on their official website, www.sfu.ca.
6. University of Alberta
Located in Edmonton, Alberta, the University of Alberta, also known as U of A or UAlberta, has stringent admissions criteria that prioritizes students’ prior academic achievements. Since its inception in 1908, this University has played a significant part in Alberta’s economic environment, with an estimated yearly economic effect of $12.3 billion. Please visit their official website at www.ualberta.ca for further information.
7. York University
York University, located in the busy metropolis of Toronto, has an amazing enrollment of over 40,000 students. This institution provides a variety of academic and non-academic resources to both domestic and international students. Notably, numerous of York’s programs have received national and international recognition. It is also home to Canada’s oldest film school, which has been regarded as the best in the country. Visit their official website at www.yorku.ca for additional information.
READ ALSO: York University International Students Scholarship Program 2023/2024
8. University of Calgary
Located in the bustling city of Calgary, this large University has over 25,000 students, including both local and international researchers. The institute, which was founded in 1966, has a sponsored research revenue of $380.4 million. Through its Geosciences department and Schulich School of Engineering, it maintains significant ties with the petroleum and geoscience industries. Visit their official website at www.ucalgary.ca for more information.
9. McMaster University
Located in Hamilton, Ontario, this University has around 20,000 students enrolled. The DE Groote School of Business, Engineering, Health Sciences, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Sciences are among its six academic faculties. It is also a member of U15, a Canadian consortium of research-intensive universities. Visit their official website at www.mcmaster.ca for additional information.
10. The University of Montreal (Université de Montréal)
The University of Montreal (Université de Montréal) was founded in 1878 and is located in the dynamic metropolis of Montreal. With over 45,000 students enrolled, it is one of Canada’s most sought-after universities. It offers approximately 650 undergraduate programs and 71 PhD degrees, giving students a wide range of academic opportunities. Please visit their official website at www.umontreal.ca for more information.
11. Western University
Western University is located in the mid-sized city of London, Ontario, and is ranked 144th in the world. It has around 33,000 students, including both local and international scholars. The University’s first four faculty, established in 1863, were Arts, Divinity, Law, and Medicine. For additional information, please visit their official website at www.uwo.ca.
12. University of Victoria
The University of Victoria was founded in 1963 and is located in the small city of Victoria, British Columbia. It is ranked 149th in the world and has fewer than 30,000 students enrolled. It is notable for being the sole host of Canada’s first Indigenous law degree program, as well as having specialized research centers dedicated to Indigenous and environmental law. More information is available on their official website, www.uvic.ca.
13. Queen’s University
Queen’s University was founded in 1841 in Kingston, Ontario. The school’s admission rate ranges between 40% and 50%, classifying it as a moderately selective Canadian higher education institution. It has around 20,000 students, including both local and international scholars. Visit their official website at www.queensu.ca for more information.
14. University of Laval
Founded in 1852, this University is ranked 192nd in the world. With almost 40,000 students, its admittance criteria are based on entrance exams and prior academic achievements. More information can be found on its official website, www.ulaval.ca, which is located in Quebec City, Quebec.
15. Toronto Metropolitan University
Located in the busy metropolis of Toronto, this University was formed in 1948 and currently has over 20,000 students from both local and international backgrounds. The institution is divided into seven distinct academic departments or faculties, which include the Arts Faculty, Community Services Faculty, Engineering Faculty, Science Faculty, Creative School, Lincoln Alexander School of Law, and Ted Rogers School of Management. Please visit their official website at www.torontomu.ca for more details.
16. University of Guelph
The University of Guelph was founded in 1964 and is a publicly financed institution in Ontario. It has a large enrollment of almost 25,000 students. As of 2019, this comprehensive public research university employs 830 full-time faculty members and offers a wide range of academic programs, including 94 undergraduate degrees, 48 graduate programs, and six associate degrees in a variety of areas. Visit their official website at www.uoguelph.ca for additional information.
17. Carleton University
Founded in 1942, Carleton University is located in Ottawa and today enrolls over 30,000 students. Its admissions approach prioritizes academic records and grades. This University is a thriving hub of research and education, with exciting programs and a close-knit community of faculty, staff, and students. Please visit their official website at www.Carleton.ca for more information.
18. Dalhousie University
This prestigious Canadian University, founded in 1818, is located in the city of Halifax, Nova Scotia. It has a global ranking of 268 and a student body of around 15,000 students. The curriculum at the institution is broad, with approximately 4,000 courses and 180 degree programs spread across 12 faculties. It is also a proud member of U15, a Canadian collaboration of research-intensive universities. More information is available on their official website, www.dal.ca.
19. University of Saskatchewan
The University of Saskatchewan is located in Saskatchewan. It was founded in 1907 and now has a varied student body of over 20,000 people from both local and international backgrounds. It is ranked 278th in the world in terms of university rankings. This University is one of Canada’s finest research-intensive medical doctoral universities, famous for breakthrough research in global issues like water and food security, as well as infectious illnesses. Please visit their official website at www.usask.ca for further information.
20. University of Ottawa
The University of Ottawa in Canada is internationally regarded for its excellence and has a sizable student body, with over 45,000 students enrolled. This University, founded in 1848, is ranked 279th in the world and offers a variety of scholarships to both domestic and international students. It is located in the city of Ottawa, Ontario. Please visit their official website at www.ottawa.edu for more information.
21. Concordia University
Concordia University was founded in 1974 and is located in the bustling city of Montreal, Quebec. It has a strict admittance procedure that is based on students’ prior academic records and grades. With over 45,000 students enrolled, it provides scholarship possibilities to both domestic and international students. More information is available on their official website, www.concordia.ca.
22. University of Manitoba
The University of Manitoba, founded in 1877, is one of Canada’s oldest and most prestigious educational institutions. It is ranked 314th in the world in terms of university enrollment, with about 25,000 students. The University welcomes overseas students and invites them to investigate various scholarship options. It can be found in Winnipeg. Please visit their official website at www.umanitoba.ca for more information.
23. Universite du Quebec a Montréal
The Universite du Quebec a Montréal is one of Quebec’s ten provincial public universities. It was founded in 1969 and is located in the busy metropolis of Montreal, Quebec. It has official status from Canada’s Ministry of Education and a large enrollment of over 40,000 students, including both local and international scholars. It is a French-speaking institution with six faculties: Arts, Education, Communication, Political Science, Law, Science, and Social Sciences. More information is available on their official website, www.uquam.ca.
24. Memorial University of Newfoundland
Located in the little town of St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, this University ranks 408th in the world and has over 15,000 students enrolled. The Department of Advanced Education, Skills, and Labour has given it official recognition. This University offers a wide range of academic programs, including certificate, diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate degrees, as well as online courses. Please visit their official website at www.mun.ca for more details.
25. University of Sherbrook
This University was founded in 1954 and has a sister campus in Longueuil. It has a strong enrollment of over 40,000 students from both local and international backgrounds and is ranked 566 globally. This institution is located in Sherbrook, Quebec, and is affiliated with the Christian-Catholic faith. Visit their official website at www.usherbrooke.ca for additional information.
26. University of New Brunswick
The University of New Brunswick is a prestigious Canadian university known for its achievements and reputation. It was formed in 1785 and presently ranks 576th in the world’s university rankings. With over 10,000 students enrolled, it provides scholarship possibilities to international students from all around the world. Among the noteworthy alumni of this University are Sir John Douglas Hazen, Frank McKenna, and Brianne Higgs, among others. More information is available on their official website, www.unb.ca.
27. Brock University
Brock University is located in St. Catharines, Ontario, and ranks 613th in the world’s university rankings. In addition, it has a branch campus in Hamilton. This University boasts over 10,000 students, including both local and international scholars, and is officially recognized by Canada’s Ministry of Education. Brock University is unique among Canadian universities in that it is located within a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Please visit their official website at www.brocku.ca for more information.
28. Wilfrid Laurier University
This University was founded in 1911 and is located in Waterloo, Ontario. It also has a branch campus in Brantford that is legally recognized by the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities. It has a large enrollment of over 10,000 students and offers a wide range of academic programs. For more information, please visit their official website at www.wlu.ca.
29. University of Windsor
Founded in 1857, the University of Windsor ranks 675th in the world’s university rankings. This prestigious University is located in Windsor, Ontario, and has over 18,000 students, including both local and international scholars. Scholarships and fellowships are available to students from both local and international backgrounds. Please visit their official website at www.uwindsor.ca for more information.
30. University of Regina
The University of Regina was founded in 1911 and is located in the small city of Regina, Saskatchewan. It has about 13,000 students enrolled and is accredited and officially recognized by the Ministry of Education. Its admissions process is stringent, concentrating heavily on candidates’ previous academic credentials. Please visit their official website at www.uregina.ca for more details.
31. University of Lethbridge
Located in Lethbridge, Alberta, this institution is ranked 790th in global university rankings. This prestigious University also has branch campuses in Calgary and Edmonton, all of which are accredited by the University of Advanced Education of Alberta. It has around 8,000 students, including both domestic and international scholars. Please visit their official website at www.ulethbridge.ca for more information.
32. British Columbia Institute of Technology
Located in the small town of Burnaby, British Columbia, this institute is ranked 826th in the world. With approximately 15,000 students enrolled, it offers a wide range of courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees, including bachelor’s degrees in a variety of disciplines of study. More information is available on their official website, www.bcit.ca.
33. Ecole Polytechnique de Montréal
This institute was founded in 1873 and is located in the busy metropolis of Montreal, Quebec. It has official Ministry of Education recognition and a relatively small enrollment of just over 4,000 students. Please visit their official website at www.polymtl.ca for more details.
34. University of Winnipeg
Winnipeg, Manitoba, is home to the University of Winnipeg. This college, founded in 1871, is ranked 938th in global university rankings and has a moderate enrollment of more than 8,000 students. It also provides its students with a variety of academic and non-academic resources. Please visit their official website at www.uwinnipeg.ca for more information.
35. Universite du Quebec a Chicoutimi
As one of Quebec’s ten provincial public universities, this institution ranks 1005th in worldwide university rankings and 35th in the country. This French-language university was founded in 1969 in Chicoutimi, Quebec. It has a moderate enrollment of 6,000 students, which includes both local and international scholars. Please visit their official website at www.uqac.ca for further information.
36. HEC Montreal
Located in the bustling metropolis of Montreal, Quebec, this non-profit public higher education institution. It was founded in 1907 and now has over 10,000 students, including both local and international scholars. This University is well-known as a prominent business school with a long history of producing leaders in the disciplines of teaching and research. Please visit their official website at www.hec.ca for further details.
37. University of Quebec
Founded in 1968, the University of Quebec is a consortium of ten publicly financed provincial universities in Quebec, Canada. It is located in Quebec City and has a large enrollment of over 40,000 students, including both local and international students. This University has Ministry of Education certification and formal recognition, and it ranks 1082nd internationally and 37th within the country. Please visit their official website at www.uquebec.ca for more information.
38. Trent University
Trent University is a university in Peterborough, Ontario. It was founded in 1963 and today has over 7,000 students enrolled. The University has stringent admissions criteria that take into account candidates’ previous academic records and ratings. Trent University is placed 1141st in the world and 38th in Canada in the national rankings. Please visit their official website at www.trentu.ca for more details.
39. Acadia University
Acadia University is placed 1163rd in global university rankings and 39th in Canada. This prestigious institution was founded in 1838 in the hamlet of Wolfville, Nova Scotia. It has a relatively small enrollment of less than 5,000 students, which includes both local and international scholars. Please visit their official website at www.acadiau.ca for more information.
40. Lakehead University
Lakehead University is a public university in Thunder Bay, Ontario. This University, which was founded in 1965, is ranked 1223rd in the world and 40th in the country. It has about 7,000 students enrolled who are pursuing bachelor’s degrees in a variety of disciplines of study. Please visit their official website at www.lakeheadu.ca for more information.
41. Ecole de Technologie Superieure
This institution was founded in 1974 and is located in the busy metropolis of Montreal, Quebec. It is now ranked 1266th in the world and 41st in the country. This institute has high Ministry of Education recognition with a student body of over 10,000, comprising both local and international students seeking pre-bachelor degrees such as diplomas and associates. Please visit their official website at www.etsmtl.ca for more details.
42. Vancouver Island University
Vancouver Island University is located in Nanaimo, British Columbia. This University, which was established in 1969, has branch campuses in Duncan, Parksville, and Powell River. It is ranked 1296th in the world and 42nd in the country. The University has around 15,000 students enrolled in various pre-bachelor degrees. Please visit their official website at www.viu.ca for more information.
43. Ontario Tech University
Founded in 2002, this technological University is ranked 1297th in the world and 43rd in Canada. It is located in Oshawa, Ontario, and is well known in the area. The University has over 10,000 students enrolled who are seeking higher education degrees such as bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. degrees. Please visit their official website at www.ontariotechu.ca for more details.
44. University of Northern British Columbia
Established in 1990, this University is ranked 1333rd in the world and 44th in Canada. This University, located in Prince George, British Columbia, has over 3,000 students and a stringent admissions process. Please visit their official website at www.unbc.ca for further information.
45. Kwantlen Polytechnic University
This University was founded in 1981 in Surrey, British Columbia. With an enrollment of more than 20,000 students, it is ranked 1438th in the world and 45th in the country. This University provides a diverse range of educational possibilities, including undergraduate and vocational education, as well as bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certifications, apprenticeships, and citations. Please visit their official website at www.kpu.ca for more details.
46. University of Prince Edward
Located in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, this University is accredited by the Prince Edward Island Department of Workforce and Advanced Learning. It is ranked 1458th on a global scale and 46th within the country. The school has around 4,000 students enrolled who are pursuing various pre-bachelor degrees such as diplomas and associates. Please visit their official website at www.upei.ca for further details.
47. Thompson Rivers University
Thompson Rivers University was founded in 1970 and is located in Kamloops, British Columbia. It is recognized by British Columbia’s Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills, and Training. The University is ranked 1470th in the world and 47th in the United States. Please visit their official website at www.tru.ca for more information.
48. Saint Mary’s University
Founded in 1802, this University is the second oldest in Canada. It is located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and is recognized by the Nova Scotia Department of Labour and Advanced Education. The University is ranked 1613th in the world and 48th in the country. With nearly 7,000 students pursuing pre-bachelor degrees such as diplomas and associates of foundations, it provides a wide range of educational options. Please visit their official website at www.smu.ca for more details.
49. OCAD University
OCAD University was founded in 1876 in Toronto, Ontario. The University is ranked 49th in the country and 1633rd in the world. It is accredited by the Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities of Ontario and has over 4,000 students enrolled. Please visit their official website at www.ocadu.ca for more details.
50. Laurentian University
Located in Sudbury, Ontario, this University is ranked 50th in the country and 1651st globally. It is officially recognized by the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities. It offers a varied range of academic possibilities to its nearly 9,000 students seeking various higher education degrees, including bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. degrees. Please visit their official website at www.laurentian.ca. For more details.
FAQs
What is the number 1 university in Canada?
The University of Toronto holds the distinction of being the nation’s oldest University. Since its founding in 1827, it has produced thousands of graduates who are now working in various capacities all throughout the world.
How much does it cost to attend University in Canada?
Tuition fees in Canada vary depending on the program and University you choose. As an international student, you can expect to pay between $20,000 to $50,000 per year for an undergraduate degree. Graduate and professional degrees will be higher, ranging from $35,000 to $100,000 per year.
Conclusion
There is no denying that the universities that are highlighted above, which are in the top 50 in Canada, are among the most prestigious and highly sought-after educational establishments for students from other countries. Scholars from both the local community and from other countries are encouraged to pursue higher education through the provision of a variety of scholarships that range in terms of the amount of financial help they offer.
With good grades and strong extracurricular activities, you have a shot at winning funding that can cover a large chunk of your tuition. Be sure to start your scholarship search early, as some have application deadlines in the fall prior to starting University.
