Let us talk about the best universities in Canada today. Wondering if you’ll get through? Don’t worry, you can consult trained Student Mobility Experts in our team who can get you through.
Canada’s universities have always gained a wide reputation for good teaching and excellent research. Canadian universities rank highly among international schools and institutes around the world, and they continue to attract the brightest minds to their respected and prestigious degree programs. All of these top-ranked colleges, universities, law schools, medical schools, and engineering schools have extensive global reputations and continue to be top-ranked schools for international students. To get into some of the best universities in the world for a bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. degree, you should definitely consider Canada as a destination for the best rankings and the widest reputation.
Do you know?
Canada has seen exponential growth in the number of Indian students year after year. According to Statistics, in 2021, 621,565 international students hold study permits for various levels of study. The number of international students in Canada studying only in higher education institutions is currently 388,782 students.
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To make it easier for you, we have created a quick guide to everything you need to know about the best universities in Canada.

Why study in Canada?
You have many options when it comes to choosing a course and institution in Canada. Universities in Canada have developed some of the best programs in the world when it comes to technology and innovation.
Top reasons to study in Canada:
- It is a high-tech country with a strong focus on world-leading research and development
- Enjoy a safe, welcoming environment and a high standard of living
- Two main languages are spoken, English and French, giving you the opportunity to develop your language skills
- Natural wonders abound – from incredible hardwood forests to mountain ranges, rivers and lakes
- It is one of the best places in the world to live, with excellent healthcare, employment opportunities and a stable government.
Top 10 best universities in Canada
Canada is home to 10 of the world’s top 250 universities. Post-secondary colleges in Canada range from small universities with intimate learning environments to large, research-intensive universities with world-class reputations. Top Canadian universities are considered more affordable compared to other popular study destinations such as the UK and the US. The average cost of an undergraduate degree is CAD 32,000 (~INR 19.15 lakhs). PG courses can cost as low as CAD 8000 (~INR 4.79 lakhs).
These universities are gaining popularity due to their good teaching and excellent research centers. Each best university in Canada is ranked at a certain level through a careful analysis of various parameters. The rating is assigned based on the university’s performance in a specific sector.
Here is the list of top Canada Colleges and Universities:
University | US News Ranking |
University of Toronto | 16 |
University of British Columbia | 35 |
McGill University | 51 |
McMaster University | 133 |
University of Alberta | 135 |
University of Montreal | 151 |
University of Calgary | 169 |
University of Ottawa | 199 |
University of Waterloo | 199 |
Western University | 294 |
About best 5 universities in Canada
In this section, we will discuss the top 5 above-mentioned best universities in Canada:
University of Toronto
The University of Toronto is a public institution that was founded in 1827. It is one of the best universities in Canada. About 80 percent of students study at the undergraduate level and more than 60 percent of undergraduate students. Thousands of international students from more than 160 countries and regions attend the University of Toronto.
Popular courses – Master of Nursing [M. N], Master of Architecture [M. Arch], Master of Engineering [M. Eng.], Mechanical and Industrial Engineering; Master of Engineering [M. Eng.], Electrical and Computer Engineering, Bachelor of Science [B. Sc], Data Science; Master of Business Administration [M.B.A]; Master of Management [M. Mgmt.], Analytics; Master of Science M. Scc], Computer Science; Bachelor of Business Administration [B.B.A]; Bachelor of Commerce [B. Com]
Cost of studying – International students planning to study at the University of Toronto can estimate an average tuition fee of INR 35-40 lakhs. The cost of living in Toronto is around INR 2.11 lakhs. This includes accommodation, food, electricity, internet, insurance, transport, and other personal expenses. The cost of accommodation varies depending on the location of the accommodation and the lifestyle of the candidate.
University of British Columbia
The University of British Columbia was founded in 1908 and opened in 1915. It is a public university in the Canadian state of British Columbia. The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a center for teaching, learning, and research. The University of British Columbia is among the top 20 public universities in the world.
Popular Courses – Bachelor of Science [B.Sc], Data Science; Master of Science [M.Sc], Data Science; Bachelor of Commerce [B.Com], Business Technology Management; Master of Engineering [M.Eng], Mechanical Engineering; Master of Law [L.L.M]; Master of Architecture [M.Arch]; Master of Business Administration [M.B.A]; Master of Science [M.Sc], Business Analytics; Bachelor of Arts [B.A]/Master of Management [M.Mgmt]; Master of Science [M.Sc], Computer Science; Master of Science in Nursing [M.S.N]; Master of Business Administration [M.B.A], Professional
Cost of Studying – As an Indian student, you will spend between 6,000 and 34,000 CAD per year, depending on the program. To help students financially, many top UBC scholarships are offered, such as the Karen McKellen International Leadership Award, Dean’s Scholarships for Postgraduate Admissions, the Vantage One Excellence Award, and others.
McGill University
Founded in 1821, McGill University is Montreal’s oldest and another best university in Canada. It is a public university that takes its name from the Scottish merchant James McGill. Research into the nature of radioactivity by Nobel Prize winner Ernest Rutherford was conducted at McGill University.
Popular Courses – Master of Engineering [M.Eng], Electrical and Computer Engineering; Master of Information Studies [M.I.St.]; Master of Business Administration [M.B.A]; Master of Engineering [M.Eng], Mechanical Engineering; Master of Engineering [M.Eng], Electrical Engineering; Master of Science [M.Sc], Computer Science; Master of Engineering [M.Eng], Chemical Engineering; Master of Applied Science [M.ASc], Biotechnology; Master of Engineering [M.Eng], Aerospace Engineering; Bachelor of Engineering [B.Eng], Computer Engineering; Bachelor of Science [B.Sc], Architecture
Cost of Studying – Tuition fees at McGill University vary greatly depending on the type of program. Tuition fees for international students range from USD 18,000 to USD 50,000 (~INR 13.4-37.4 lakh). The Ph.D. degree is the highest-paying degree at McGill University with an average salary of $118,000 per year.
McMaster University
Founded in 1887, McMaster University is one of Canada’s oldest and most popular universities. It is home to more than 1,000 full-time teachers and employs more than 11,000 people. In 2019, Research Info recognized McMaster as the university with the most research-intensive work.
Popular Courses – More than 100 programs are taught at McMaster University. The most popular courses at McMaster University are engineering and science programs, especially at the graduate level.
Cost of Studying – The average cost of attending one academic year at the university is around CAD 10,000 excluding tuition fees. The cost of attendance is based on a variety of variables that include tuition, books and materials, type of accommodation and meal plan, travel, and personal expenses.
University of Alberta
The University of Alberta in Edmonton is one of the best universities in Canada. Founded in 1908, this public research university offers more than 200 undergraduate programs and 500 graduate programs.
Popular Courses – Master of Science [M. Sc], Chemical Engineering; Executive Master of Business Administration [E.M.B.A]; Master of Business Administration [M.B.A], International Business; Master of Business Administration [M.B.A], Finance; Master of Science [M.Sc], Physics; Master of Science [M.Sc], Mechanical Engineering; Master of Science [M.Sc], Electrical and Computer Engineering; Master of Arts [M.A], Economics and Finance
Cost of Studying – Tuition at the University of Alberta for undergraduate programs: CAD 29,500 – 47,314, Master’s programs with non-standard fees (MBA, MA, MA): CAD 5,110 – 28,281, non-dissertation graduate programs: CAD 1,864, $30 for three courses and Masters (dissertation) programs and Ph.D. 8700 CAD. Applicants can learn more about the cost of studying at the University of Alberta on our University of Alberta Courses and Cost page.
10 Best Universities for BBA in Canada
Here is the list of 10 popular universities in Canada for BBA:
- University of Toronto
- University of Alberta
- University of Waterloo
- Dalhousie University
- Simon Fraser University
- University of Saskatchewan
- York University
- Concordia University
- University of Guelph
- Memorial University of Newfoundland
Best Universities in Canada for MBA
Following are the 10 best universities in Canada for MBA:
- Toronto (Rotman)
- Queen’s (Smith)
- Western (Ivey)
- McGill (Desautels)
- York (Schulich)
- UBC (Sauder)
- Alberta School of Business
- Concordia (John Molson)
- HEC Montréal
- Dalhousie University
6 Best Computer Science Universities in Canada
There are several computer science colleges in Canada, and sometimes it is not easy to find the best among them. Based on the QS world rankings, we have compiled a list of the best colleges in Canada for computer science:
- University of Toronto
- University of Waterloo
- University of British Columbia
- McGill University
- University of Montreal
- University of Alberta

5 Best Engineering Universities in Canada
There are around 50+ engineering universities in Canada. Following are the 5 best universities in Canada for engineering:
- University of Toronto
- McGill University
- The University of British Columbia
- University of Alberta
- McMaster University
7 Best Universities in Canada for MS
Take a look at the best universities in Canada for Master’s degrees for international students.
- University of Toronto
- McGill University
- University of British Columbia
- Université de Montréal
- University of Alberta
- McMaster University
- University of Waterloo
8 Best Universities for Psychology in Canada
Let us share a list of some of the top-ranked universities in Canada and the courses offered below:
- University of Toronto
- University of British Columbia
- McGill University
- Université de Montréal
- Simon Fraser University
- McMaster University
- University of Alberta
- University of Ottawa
13 Best Law Universities in Canada
Let’s check out the top-ranked Law colleges in Canada.
- Toronto University
- McGill University
- British Columbia University
- York University
- Montreal University
- Alberta University
- Ottawa University
- Dalhousie University
- Queen’s University of Kingston
- Calgary University
- Western Ontario University
- Laval University
- Victoria University

15 Best Architecture Universities in Canada
Below is a list of universities/colleges in Canada for Architecture courses:
- University of British Colombia
- University of Toronto
- McGill University
- University of Waterloo
- Carleton University
- Université de Montréal
- Ryerson University
- University of Calgary
- Université Laval
- Dalhousie University
- McMaster University
- University of Lethbridge
- University of Manitoba
- University of Guelph
- Athabasca University
8 Best medical Universities in Canada
Listed below are the best medical colleges in Canada:
- University of Manitoba
- University of Western Ontario
- Queen’s University
- Canadian Mennonite University
- University of Waterloo
- Trinity Western University
- University of the Fraser Valley
- University of Calgary
Epilogue
So, there you have the top-ranking Canadian colleges and universities. Canada is also known as the land of lilies or the land of maple. It’s a beautiful country with one of the harshest climates, though. Swathes of students have been traveling recently to the country from our tropical warm land of India. Getting accustomed is difficult, however, you will get to experience one of the best education systems in the world and the top-class infrastructure in Canada.
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Talk to our study abroad experts to know yourself in and out! We have helped several brilliant but confused minds to select their most-suited career choices. We have helped many students like Anjana Prasanna who was not very confident about her capabilities. Later with the help of career guidance and moral support from our study abroad experts she got an offer from King’s College London! We have also helped several brilliant but confused minds like Aayush, and Tapan to select their most-suited career choices.
Also Read:
- Study in Canada
- MBA in Canada
- Canada Student Visa Process & Requirements
- Scholarships for Indian Students in Canada
- Medical Colleges in Canada
- What is PGWP Canada: Eligibility, Duration, and Much More
- A Guide to universities in Canada
- How to reach colleges abroad?
- EduCanada – Info on International scholarship opportunities for non-Canadians
- Waiting to be a Scholarship Awardee?
- Top 50 Scholarships for Indian Students
- Top Scholarships for Class 10 Student
- Scholarships to Study Abroad for Indian Students
- Diploma Courses in Canada
- Best Engineering Colleges in Canada
- Popular PG Diploma Courses in Canada
FAQs
Canada is home to 10 of the world’s top 250 universities. Here is the list of top Canada Colleges and Universities: University of Toronto; University of British Columbia; McGill University; McMaster University; University of Alberta; University of Montreal; University of Calgary; University of Ottawa; University of Waterloo; Western University. These top Canadian universities are considered more affordable compared to other popular study destinations such as the UK and the US.
The best MS universities for MS in Canada are the University of Toronto; McGill University; University of British Columbia; Université de Montréal; University of Alberta, etc.
University of Waterloo; McGill University; University of Alberta; and University of Toronto are some of the best universities for mechanical engineering in Canada.
You will need to invest a lot of time and effort in research to choose the right university in Canada for your master’s degree. Here are some steps you should consider before choosing a university – university rankings, types of higher education institutions in Canada, admissions requirements and course requirements; and course syllabus, etc.
As an international student, studying in Canada is more value for money as the average cost of tuition is much lower than in the US. At the same time, the quality of higher education in both countries is approximately the same.

Anushree has 4+ years of experience in the career counseling industry as a Content Writer. She has also worked as a Social Media Marketing Expert for a startup and Content Quality Analyst for Publishing and E-learning Industry. She has done her Master’s in Commerce and PGDM in Finance & Trade and Marketing & HR, but she is currently following her passion for writing.