Top 10 Best Universities in Canada for International Students

Updated on 01 April, 2024

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad abroad Editorial Team

Studying at globally acclaimed universities in Canada is a popular option for international students in many countries. This is because the best universities in Canada offer diverse courses, globally acknowledged degrees, and vibrant campuses alike. 

International students apply to the top MBA universities in Canada and also top universities in Canada for master’s courses in large numbers. A large number of students also check out the best engineering universities in Canada, since the construction and architecture sectors are booming in the country. Canada offers a diverse and multicultural environment, coupled with excellent public infrastructure and attractive job prospects for skilled graduates. In short, to study abroad in Canada does provide plenty of opportunities.

Check Eligibility to Study in Canada

Recommended Reads:

Top Universities in Canada for MS Masters in Pharmacy in Canada Education System in Canada
Summer Intake in Canada Masters in Economics in Canada MS in MIS in Canada
Spring Intake in Canada Master of Education in Canada MBA in Marketing in Canada
Winter Intake in Canada Construction Management in Canada MS in Computer Science in Canada
MS in Mechanical Engineering in Canada Student Visa for Canada Reasons to study at Yorkville University

Best Universities in Canada

A closer look Here’s taking a closer look at the top 10 most reputed universities in Canada.

Canada Rank QS Global Ranking 2022 Name of Institution
1 26 University of Toronto
2 27 McGill University
3 46 University of British Columbia
4 111 Université de Montréal
5 126 University of Alberta
6 140 McMaster University
7 149 University of Waterloo
8 170 Western University
230 University of Ottawa
10 235 University of Calgary

Source- QS Global Ranking 2022

University of Toronto

Founded in 1827, the University of Toronto now has almost 60,000 students enrolled in over 700 undergraduate and 200 postgraduate degree programs. It is best known for its research and medical programs, and within the market, it has made a remarkable presence. The Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering, and Law are the mark of excellence here.

Type of University Public
Fees CAD 25000 to CAD 63000 approx
Duration

Undergraduate 4-6 Years

Graduate 1-3 Years

Popular Courses B.E/B.Tech., BBA, BSc, MA, MIM, MBA, MS, MASc, M.Arch.
Average salary CAD 82000 – CAD 222000 approx
Scholarship
  • K.C. Mahindra Scholarships For Post-Graduate Studies Abroad
  • Hani Zeini Scholarship
  • Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarships
  • Western Union Foundation Global Scholarship Program
  • Microsoft Tuition Scholarship
  • Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship
  • Ravi Sankaran Inlaks Fellowship Programme (Masters)
Eligibility Requirements TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, GMAT

McGill University

Established in 1821, McGill University is among the topmost medical science universities. Students across 150 countries study here making it diverse and distinguished. Doctoral research in the field of medicine is their USP, along with more than 400 programs through its around 60 research centers.

It has some notable contributions in the area of science and technology.

 Mark J. Poznansky (Research Scientist), John Ralston (Canadian Actor), Julie Payette (Former Governor General of Canada) are among notable alumni of this university. 

Type of University Public
Fees CAD 18000 to CAD 55000 approx
Duration

Undergraduate 3-4 Years

Graduate 1-3 Years

Popular Courses BBA, B. Sc, MBBS, BE/BTech, MA, MS, MIM, M.Arch, MBA/PGDM, MIM
Average salary CAD 70000 – CAD 111000 approx
Scholarship
  • K.C. Mahindra Scholarships For Post-Graduate Studies Abroad
  • Hani Zeini Scholarship
  • Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarships
  • Western Union Foundation Global Scholarship Program
  • Microsoft Tuition Scholarship
  • Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship
  • Ravi Sankaran Inlaks Fellowship Programme (Masters)
Eligibility Requirements PTE, TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, GMAT

University of British Columbia

The University of British Columbia was founded in the year 1908 and is a research-oriented institute. Spread across two campuses in Vancouver and a second in Okanagan, it has centres for Interactive Research in Sustainability, Plant Research, Performing Arts etc. Departments comprise the Faculty of Law, Science, Arts, Dentistry, etc offering professional and market-oriented courses to students in order to pace with the changing dynamics of the world.

Notable and distinguished alumnus like Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister of Canada), Monica Lam Computer Scientist), William Gibson (Writer), and David Suzuki (Geneticist and Broadcaster) decorate the hall of fame for the university.

Type of University Public
Fees CAD 9130 – CAD 98020 approx
Duration

Undergraduate 4 Years

Graduate 9 Months to 2 Years

Popular Courses BBA, BSc, BE/BTech, MA, MIM, MS, MBA/PGDm, MASc, ME/MTech
Average salary CAD 65000 – CAD 17000 approx
Scholarship
  • K.C. Mahindra Scholarships For Post-Graduate Studies Abroad
  • Hani Zeini Scholarship
  • Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarships
  • Western Union Foundation Global Scholarship Program
  • Microsoft Tuition Scholarship
  • Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship
  • Ravi Sankaran Inlaks Fellowship Programme (Masters)
Eligibility Requirements GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, PTE, IELTS

Université de Montréal

Founded in 1878, in Public research-oriented University in Canada. It is among the best research institutes in the country and has alumni working in various vertices from business, government, academic, etc. Approximately 10000 international students are currently on campus which makes it a place of diversity and inclusion.

!3 faculties and institutes are there which have departments of Science, Engineering, Business and Management, Music, Humanities, Health, and Natural sciences etc constituting around 600 programs.

Type of University Public
Fees CAD 15700 – CAD 28000 approx
Duration

Undergraduate 3 Years

Graduate 2 Years

Popular Courses BA, BSc, MA, MIM
Average salary CAD 37000 – CAD 111000 approx
Scholarship
  • UdeM Exemption Scholarship for International Students,
  • K.C. Mahindra Scholarships For Post-Graduate Studies Abroad,
  • Hani Zeini Scholarship,
  • Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarships,
  • Western Union Foundation Global Scholarship Program,
  • Microsoft Tuition Scholarship,
  • Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship,
  • Ravi Sankaran Inlaks Fellowship Programme (Masters)
Eligibility Requirements GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, PTE, IELTS
Trending Blogs for Studying in Canada
Do’s and Dont’s of Applying for a Canadian Student Visa Accommodation for Indian Students in Canada
Best City for International Students in Canada Ontario Trillium Scholarship 2023

University of Alberta

It was founded in 1908, and is a public university concentrated on research-oriented courses. It has a leading market, and professional and academic programs which give its students a robust understanding of the subject.

 Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Engineering and Alberta School of Business are among the 18 faculties of the University.

It does have several athletic and professional development programs. Joe Clark(Former Prime Minister of Canada), John Bell (Physicist), Ahad Raza Mir (Actor), and Rona Ambrose (Former Health Minister of Canada) are some famous personalities and notable alumni of this university making its presence remarkable.

Type of University Public
Fees CAD 8220 – CAD 39500 approx
Duration

Undergraduate 4 Years

Graduate 9 Months to 2 Years

Popular Courses BSc, BE/BTech, BBA, MEM, MS, MBA/PGDM, MA
Average salary CAD 42000 – CAD 91000 approx
Scholarship
  • University Scholarship for International Students
  • K.C. Mahindra Scholarships For Post-Graduate Studies Abroad
  • Hani Zeini Scholarship
  • Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarships
  • Western Union Foundation Global Scholarship Program
  • Microsoft Tuition Scholarship
  • Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship
  • Ravi Sankaran Inlaks Fellowship Programme (Masters)
Eligibility Requirements GMAT, GRE, TOEFL, PTE, IELTS

McMaster University

Established in 1887, It comprises four regional campuses, having various courses from departments like Health science, social Science, Arts, Humanities, Engineering, Science and Business. It has international students from more than 120 countries around the globe.

There are around 70 research institutes on the campus. Its alumni include Nobel laureates, actors, scientists etc.

Type of University Public
Fees CAD 11400 – CAD 58300 approx
Duration

Undergraduate 3-5 Years

Graduate 8 months to 2 Years

Popular Courses BBA, BSc, BE/BTech, MBBS, MIM, ME/MTech, MBA, MASc, MIM, PGDM
Average salary CAD 53000 – CAD 119000 approx
Scholarship
  • K.C. Mahindra Scholarships For Post-Graduate Studies Abroad
  • Hani Zeini Scholarship
  • Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarships
  • Western Union Foundation Global Scholarship Program
  • Microsoft Tuition Scholarship
  • Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship
  • Ravi Sankaran Inlaks Fellowship Programme (Masters)
Eligibility Requirements GRE, GMAT, IELTS, TOEFL, PTE

University of Waterloo

It is among the top universities in Canada with more than 100 programs to offer in Engineering, Math, Science, Social Science, Business and Management, Health etc.

It offers courses that are future-driven and market-oriented which impacts along with that it has the world’s first co-operative program for paid internships which can be included as a work experience. Around 200000 people have graduated since its inception in 1957.

Type of University Public
Fees CAD 17000 – CAD 66000 approx
Duration

Undergraduate 4-5 Years

Graduate 1-2 Years

Popular Courses B.Sc., BBA, BE/BTech, ME/MTech, MIM, MASc, M.Pharma, M.Arch
Average salary CAD 63000 – CAD 183000 approx
Scholarship
  • University of Waterloo International Student Entrance Scholarship
  • K.C. Mahindra Scholarships For Post-Graduate Studies Abroad
  • Hani Zeini Scholarship
  • Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarships
  • Western Union Foundation Global Scholarship Program
  • Microsoft Tuition Scholarship
  • Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship
  • Ravi Sankaran Inlaks Fellowship Programme (Masters)
Eligibility Requirements GRE, GMAT, IELTS, TOEFL, PTE

Western University

Western University, established in 1878, is one of Canada’s best research-oriented universities that has collaborated on integrated research programs with numerous universities and research institutes. It collaborates with government agencies and businesses on multiple research and development projects.

Neuroscience, materials and biomaterials, social innovation, environmental sustainability and green energy, child and youth development, wind engineering and natural disaster mitigation, and planetary science and exploration are areas where Western University allows research.

On its campus, Western University maintains a lively atmosphere. Students have plenty of opportunities to recharge their batteries.

Type of University Public
Fees CAD 13000 – CAD 75000 approx
Duration

Undergraduate 3-5 Years

Graduate 1-3 Years

Popular Courses B.Sc., BBA, BE/BTech, ME/MTech, MIM, MASc
Average salary CAD 69000 – CAD 258000 approx
Scholarship

Western University Scholarship,

K.C. Mahindra Scholarships For Post-Graduate Studies Abroad

Hani Zeini Scholarship

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarships

Western Union Foundation Global Scholarship Program

Microsoft Tuition Scholarship

Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship

Ravi Sankaran Inlaks Fellowship Programme (Masters)

Eligibility Requirements GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, IELTS, PTE

University of Ottawa

The University of Ottawa was established in the year 1848 and is a renowned public research university in Canada. It is situated in downtown Ottawa featuring around 400 programs both in undergraduate and graduate sections.

Arts, Law, Education, Social science, Medical science as well as Commerce are among specialized branch of study in the university,

It has a strong network of alumni comprising 195000 including Trent Franks (Former United States Representative and Businessman), Samantha Bee (Television Host, Actor, Comedienne), Wayne D. Angell (Economist and American Politician) and Michele Lemont (Sociologist).

Type of University Public
Fees CAD 25000 – CAD 54000 approx
Duration

Undergraduate 4 Years

Graduate 1-2 Years

Popular Courses BBA, BSc, BE/Btech, MBA, MA, MEM, MIM, MASc, MS
Average salary CAD 41000 – CAD 124000 approx
Scholarship

President Scholarship for International students,

Chancellor Scholarship for International students,

K.C. Mahindra Scholarships For Post-Graduate Studies Abroad

Hani Zeini Scholarship

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarships

Western Union Foundation Global Scholarship Program

Microsoft Tuition Scholarship

Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship

Ravi Sankaran Inlaks Fellowship Programme (Masters)

Eligibility Requirements IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, GRE, GMAT

 

University of Calgary

The University of Calgary offers around more than 250 programs across 5 campuses. Its campus comprises 85 research centres and institutes.

It was established in the year 1944 and has students from nearly 155 countries with around 191000 alumni including the likes of Hiromi Goto (Writer), Warren Kinsella (Lawyer and Author), Stephen Harper(American Author) and Robert Thirsk (Astronaut, Engineer and Physician) and Kristina Groves (Canadian Speed Skater).

Type of University Public
Fees CAD 5900 – CAD 25750 approx
Duration

Undergraduate 4 Years

Graduate 10 months to 2 Years

Popular Courses MS, MIM, MBA, Executive MBA, M.Engineering, M.Sc, M.Mus, M.Des/MFA, PhD in Design
Average salary CAD 53000 – CAD 148000 approx
Scholarship
  • University of Calgary International Scholarship
  • K.C. Mahindra Scholarships For Post-Graduate Studies Abroad
  • Hani Zeini Scholarship
  • Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarships
  • Western Union Foundation Global Scholarship Program
  • Microsoft Tuition Scholarship
  • Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship
  • Ravi Sankaran Inlaks Fellowship Programme (Masters)
Eligibility Requirements GRE, GMAT, IELTS, TOEFL, PTE

BBA in Canada

upGrad Abroad offers a cost-effective BBA in Canada in collaboration with Trinity Western University. You can pursue a 4 Years degree from Canada which also enables you up to 24 months Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP). For more details visit our website.

Study and Settle in Canada – Fix a Free Appointment Now

Also Read:

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Top Universities in Canada?

University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, McGill University, and University of Ottawa are some of the top universities.

 

 


 

What are the eligibility requirements in top universities?

Eligibility criteria requires you to have exams GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, IELTS and PTE depending upon the university and course.

 

 


 

Are scholarships available for international students?

Yes, there are various scholarships available for international students like Erasmus Mundus, Western Union Scholarship, Microsoft Tuition Scholarship etc. among others.

 

 

 


 

Did you find this article helpful?

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad abroad Editorial Team

We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education process for all. Our diverse experience as journalists, content writers, editors, content strategists, and marketers helps create the most relevant and authentic blogs for our readers.

See More

Refer Your Friend & Earn upto ₹40000

Help your friend upgrade to a Global Career and earn rewards together.