Canada is perfect for international students. It is not only affordable but also fantastic for student life. It is an opportunity to experience some of the best years of your life! Most importantly, Canada has many well-regarded universities on the research and business level. They all have pros and cons, but here’s a list to help you make up your mind.
What are the best universities for international students in Canada?
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- University of Toronto
- McGill University
- University of British Columbia
- McMaster University
- University of Alberta
- University of Ottawa
- University of Waterloo
- Queen’s University
- Western University
- Simon Fraser University
1. University of Toronto
The University of Toronto is the best in Canada and ranks 18th most prestigious worldwide. In the last year, 77 500 students attended this school, 26% of which were international students from around 160 countries. They are very proud of their cosmopolitan and multicultural cohorts of students.
UofT offers more than 700 undergraduate degrees and 200 postgraduate degree programs. They consider medicine, business, engineering, humanities, and education their strengths. It was UofT students who discovered insulin and stem cell research and the invention of the electron microscope. Five former prime ministers and 10 Nobel laureates have attended this university, showcasing its prestige. The author Margaret Atwood is also a well-known alumni of theirs. They also have a dynamic school life with many organizations and strong sports teams (with an ice-hockey team!).
Located in Toronto (Ontario), UofT has a beautiful campus with its historical architecture and plenty of green space. Toronto is Canada’s business capital and a major international center for finance and business. It is also the third-largest hub for film and television production.
UofT was founded in 1827 due to the fusion between Victoria University, Trinity College, St. Michaels College, and University College. It was home to the first LGBTQ+ association (UofT Homophile Association) in 1969.
2. McGill University
McGill University is also an excellent choice for international students. UofT and McGill are fighting each other for first place as the best Canadian university. It is ranked 46th in the world. They have around 32 300 students annually, and 30% are international students from over 150 countries. It receives the highest proportion of international students of any other Canadian university. It is known for its research programs and international student community.
It offers more than 300 different programs. Students from McGill have won more national and international awards, such as the Rhodes Scholarships, than any other Canadian university. McGill students also have excellent academic and work reputations. The university values real-world learning and offers many internship opportunities for its students.
McGill offers good support for international students, such as immigration support, buddy programs, and other resources, including on-campus health clinics. McGill’s degrees are valued worldwide. It also has a vibrant community with over 250 clubs and associations, design teams, and volunteer opportunities.
Located in Montreal (Quebec), McGill has the most fun campus. Montreal is consistently ranked among the ten best student cities in the world and is very safe. The rental prices are some of the most affordable in North America. Montreal is cheap, diverse, creative, and bursting with culture! It is an important city in aerospace, tech, artificial intelligence, pharmaceuticals, and video game development. McGill has 12 Nobel laureates and three prime ministers as alumni.
3. University of British Columbia
The University of British Columbia is the 40th best university in the world and receives around 56 500 students every year. 34% of them are international students. UBC, located in Vancouver (British Columbia), is known for its stunning campus and excellent academic programs. It has three former prime ministers, including the first female prime minister Kim Campbell as alumni. David Suzuki, a well-known environmentalist, also attended UBC.
UBC offers around 500 degrees at the Bachelor’s and Master’s levels. It has launched more than 1,300 research projects over the years. It has the second-biggest research library in Canada, with more than 7 billion publications. UBC students can try activities like skiing, aviation, and archaeology. It has a botanical garden on its campus!
Founded in 1908, UBC is one of the oldest universities in Canada. It was formally known as McGill University College of British Columbia and changed its name along the way. It was initially concentrated on medicine, theology, and law and proliferated in the 20th century.
4. McMaster University
McMaster University is the 85th in the world and receives around 26 500 students yearly. 20% of its students come from the international from about 137 countries. It has consistently ranked in the world’s top 100, being one of the only four Canadian universities to have done so. Located in Hamilton (Ontario), McMaster is known for its medical school and health sciences programs. It is a one-hour drive from Toronto and a one-hour flight from New York City, Washington D.C., and Chicago.
Its most renowned schools are medical, engineering, business, humanities, social sciences, and science. You can participate in an international exchange program as a student since it has 70 agreements with different universities. It also is the only Canadian host site of a United Nations University.
5. University of Alberta
Based in Edmonton (Alberta), the University of Alberta is recognized for its research-intensive programs and intense focus on innovation. It ranked 118th best in the world and receives 32 500 students annually, with 28% international students.
Established in 1908 in Edmonton (Alberta), the University of Alberta campus has around 50 blocks across the city. Edmonton is Alberta’s capital and home to the world’s second-biggest fringe theatre festival and a folk music festival. The university has the South Campus that focuses on agricultural research. It also has a residential learning environment for liberal arts and sciences, an hour’s drive in rural Camrose.
The University of Alberta is well-known for its paleontology research and has world-famous dinosaur experts. It is the only Canadian university that offers a program in native studies, where you learn an indigenous language, culture, and history. It also has a French faculty that teaches all sorts of classes. The university has many sports clubs and 14 varsity teams. It is home to the Canadian women’s national basketball team. Alberta has produced one Nobel Laureate and four justices of the supreme court of Canada, including a chief justice.
6. University of Ottawa
Located in Ottawa (Ontario), the University of Ottawa is a bilingual institution offering programs in English and French. It is ranked 137th worldwide and receives 36 700 students yearly, of which 24% are international students. uOttawa runs Canada’s 5th largest co-op program with a 96% placement rate. Its French Immersion program is also one of the best in the country. Because of their coop and internship opportunities, around 90% of our students participate in hands-on learning.
UOttawa is known for its research in photonics, vascular and cardiovascular health, brain and mental health, Francophonie, public policy, and social justice. It offers over 550 undergraduate and graduate programs and 10 faculties and disciplines. It is also a member of the U7 International Alliance. University of Ottawa ranks 6th among the most environmentally friendly universities in Canada.
The university is based in downtown Ottawa, near many international organizations, including dozens of NGOs, embassies, and consulates. Ottawa consistently ranks as one of the best cities in the world in which to live because of its cultural diversity and cost of living. Since it is the capital of Canada, you have the parliament and many historical museums around the university. You will also be able to enjoy outdoor activities such as kayaking, canoeing, and over 250 kilometers of outdoor trails nearby.
7. University of Waterloo
Situated in Waterloo (Ontario), this university is renowned for its co-op education programs and strengths in engineering and technology. It receives 34 400 students every year, and 23% of them are international students. It is ranked in the top 250 in the world.
The university has six faculties: arts, engineering, environment, health, mathematics, and science. The university offers more than 100 programs, including biotechnology, data science, digital arts, health, robotics, and sustainability, under the umbrella of business or environmental programs.The University of Waterloo has 200 student clubs and over 7,000 co-op opportunities. It is a perfect program to have hands-on experience. The university also gives alternative learning programs, including professional courses, part-time studies, and exchange programs. It has four libraries, with more than one million books between them.
8. Queen's University
Based in Kingston (Ontario), Queen’s is a well-respected university with a strong emphasis on undergraduate education. It is considered one of the 300th best universities in the world and receives 26 500 students every year. 17% of them are international students. They are known for their research in physics, cancer research, geoengineering, data analytics, surveillance studies, social science, and mental health. The university taught 5 Nobel laureates. The university is near Lake Ontario and contains the most extensive collection of works by Rembrandt in Canada.
9. Western University
Situated in London (Ontario), Western University is known for its research initiatives and graduate programs. It is ranked the best 250th university in the world. They receive 30 000 each year, of which 22% are international students. The university has 400 undergraduate and 150 graduate programs. Western University is renowned for its beautiful campus, greenery, and buildings. London is located two hours from Toronto.
10. Simon Fraser University
Located in Burnaby (British Columbia), Simon Fraser University is known for its strong commitment to research and community engagement. It is considered one of the 300th best universities in the world and receives 27 000 students every year, with 31% of international students. It has 8 faculties and has one of Canada’s fastest-growing research institutions. It publishes 2,600 journal articles on average, with over 40% published in the top 10% of journals.
The university is one of Canada’s top universities for innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, and industrial application. It was ranked first globally for its commitment to sustainable cities and communities and third in Canada for its dedication to climate action.
When looking for schools in Canada, you should look at the aid provided by the university for international students, such as visa accompaniment, residence, and financial assistance. It is also essential to look at the different websites to help make up your mind. You can also look at the opinions of students online. Additionally, when considering which university is the best fit for you, it’s essential to research specific programs, faculty, campus culture, location, and other factors that align with your academic and personal interests. Always verify the latest rankings and information since rankings can change over time.