This guide lists the best 10 universities in Canada for international students. Canada is a popular destination for international students due to its high-quality education and outstanding opportunities for professional growth. With world-class universities offering a variety of courses, facilities, and fees, it is not surprising that international students choose to study in Canada.
According to a survey conducted by the Canadian Bureau For International Education, the top three reasons international students choose Canada, are:
• The quality of the Canadian education system;
• Canada’s reputation as a tolerant and non-discriminatory society; and
• Canada’s reputation as a safe country.
In this article, we present a ranking of universities based on the following criteria:
- The proportion of international students: Having a diverse student body has been shown to benefit both the university and its students.
- The percentage of full-time faculty (professors, TAs, etc.) that are from outside Canada.
- The reputation of a university among employers is a complex statistic, although it can be “simply” defined as the number of employers who name that university as one of the best in the country.
- Academic standing: the fame and respect a university enjoys around the world.
- Universities all over the world are ranked.
- The university’s location is crucial as universities in areas celebrated for their openness and acceptance of people of all backgrounds would benefit.
List of the Best 10 Universities in Canada for International Students
1. University of Toronto
The University of Toronto, located in Toronto, Ontario, is one of the best 10 universities in Canada for international students and one of the earliest universities in Canada. The university was established in 1827 and is the nation’s largest by enrolment. Three campuses comprise the university: St. George, Scarborough, and Mississauga. It has more than 80,000 students, making it the third-largest university in North America.
The university is renowned for its academic excellence, having produced nine Nobel laureates and more than one thousand research projects annually. It is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and has the most research publications of any Canadian university.
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The university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programmes taught by faculty and staff from more than 160 countries. It is home to some of the most well-known names in the fields of medicine, law, engineering, and business, and is ranked among the top universities in the globe.
2. McGill University
McGill University is one of the best 10 universities in Canada for international students, a research-intensive institution. It was established in 1821, making it the province’s earliest university. The university has over 40,000 students, making it the third-largest institution of higher education in Canada.
McGill has over 250 undergraduate and graduate programmes and is consistently ranked among the best universities in the world for its academic excellence. It is a member of the esteemed Association of American Universities and is home to some of the most renowned names in medicine, law, engineering, and business.
The university has a diverse student body and faculty from more than 150 countries, and its research excellence is reflected in the more than 1,000 research projects conducted annually. McGill is also home to some of the most recognisable names in arts and culture, such as the Montreal Symphony Orchestra and the National Ballet of Canada.
3. University of British Columbia
The University of British Columbia (UBC) is also one of the best 10 universities in Canada for international students and one of the top research and education institutions in Canada. It has two campuses, the Vancouver campus and the Okanagan campus in Kelowna, and is located in Vancouver, British Columbia. The University of British Columbia offers more than 300 undergraduate and graduate degree programmes, as well as continuing education, professional development, and certificate programmes.
The university endeavors to provide its students with a well-rounded education. It provides world-class academically rigorous programmes that combine theory and practice, enabling students to develop strong research skills and make significant connections between their academic studies and the real world. Additionally, UBC offers a variety of extracurricular activities, such as organisations, sports teams, and volunteer opportunities, which foster an engaged campus community.
UBC also has numerous domestic and international research partnerships. These collaborations allow UBC to remain at the forefront of global research. It is home to a number of innovative research institutes, including the TRIUMF particle accelerator, the Institute of Computing, Information, and Cognitive Systems (ICICS), and the Centre for Drug Research and Development (CDRD).
4. University of Alberta
Alberta University is among the best 10 universities in Canada for international students, and it is located in Edmonton. University of Alberta (U of A) was established in 1908, making it the oldest university in Alberta and one of the top-ranked institutions in Canada. It provides over 400 undergraduate and graduate programmes across 18 faculties, including the Faculty of Arts, the Faculty of Science, the Faculty of Engineering, the Faculty of Law, the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, and the Faculty of Education.
The University of Alberta is renowned for its research, which spans from the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences to disciplines in engineering, technology, and business. It is home to several research institutes and centres, such as the Alberta Ingenuity Centre for Machine Learning, the Institute for Space Science, Technology and Research (ISSTAR), and the Institute for Aboriginal Peoples’ Studies.
The University of Alberta has some of Canada’s finest facilities. Its library system includes the prestigious Walter C. Mackenzie Health Sciences Library, which houses one of Canada’s largest health science information collections. In addition, the campus features a state-of-the-art recreation centre and more than 300 computer laboratories.
5. University of Ottawa
Without doubt, University of Ottawa is one of the best 10 universities in Canada for international students. The University of Ottawa in Ottawa, Ontario, is a public research university. It is the world’s largest bilingual university, with over 50,000 students. It was established in 1848 and offers over 450 programmes across 10 faculties, such as Arts, Social Sciences, Science, Business, Education, Engineering, Health Sciences, Medicine, Law, and Telfer School of Management.
It has two satellite campuses in nearby Gatineau and St. Jerome in addition to its primary campus in the heart of downtown Ottawa. It has a significant international presence with exchange programmes and partnerships with universities in more than 80 countries.
The University of Ottawa offers students a vibrant campus life with hundreds of clubs and student organisations, athletics teams that compete at both the provincial and national levels, and a vast array of cultural activities, including music events, theatre performances, art exhibitions, and more.
6. University of Waterloo
The University of Waterloo is located in Ontario, it is a public research institution and one of the best 10 universities in Canada for international students. It is one of Canada’s premier universities, with a reputation for excellence in research and instruction. It offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate programmes in six faculties, including Applied Health Sciences, Arts, Engineering, Environment, Mathematics, and Science. It is home to more than 36,000 students.
The University of Waterloo is renowned for its forward-thinking and innovative approach to education and is home to a number of prestigious research centres and institutes. It is also a leader in cooperative education and provides students with a vast array of co-op and internship opportunities. Additionally, the university has a thriving student life with numerous societies, organisations, and activities.
7. University of Calgary
University of Calgary is a public research institution located in Alberta, and is among the best 10 universities in Canada for international students. It is one of Canada’s most prestigious universities, with a reputation for excellence in research and instruction. It offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate programmes across 14 faculties, including Arts, Education, Engineering, Health Sciences, Kinesiology, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Science, and Veterinary Science.
Each year, the University of Calgary generates more than 360 million dollars in sponsored research, earning it an impressive reputation for its innovative research initiatives. It is home to some of the world’s foremost experts in disciplines such as nanotechnology, cancer therapy, and artificial intelligence.
With more than 190 clubs and organisations on campus, including environmental activism, cultural groups, and recreational sports, students can immerse themselves in campus life and discover their niche within the university community. In addition, it accommodates a variety of events throughout the year, including international conferences, musical performances, and lectures by renowned speakers.
8. McMaster University
McMaster University is an Ontario-based public research institution located in Hamilton. One of the four founding universities of the University of Toronto, it was founded in 1887. Health sciences, engineering, business, humanities, social sciences, and science are its six faculties. In these faculties, the university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programmes.
There are numerous research centres and institutes at the university, including the McMaster Institute for Energy Studies, the McMaster Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and the McMaster Nuclear Reactor. In addition, its medical school and affiliated institutions, such as the Juravinski Cancer Centre, provide world-class health care.
McMaster University is a member of Canada’s U15, a consortium of 15 research-intensive universities. Additionally, it is affiliated with the Association of Commonwealth Universities and the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada.
9. York University
York University is a public research institution located in Toronto. It was founded in 1959 and is the nation’s third-largest university, with eleven distinct faculties and more than 2,700 undergraduate and graduate programmes. The primary campus of York University is located on the northern border of Toronto, with two satellite campuses in Markham and Vaughan.
The university is home to seven libraries containing more than four million volumes of material, as well as a number of learning facilities, including the Centre for Research on Latin America & the Caribbean (CERLAC), the Centre for Refugee Studies (CRS), and the Institute for Social Research (ISR).
York University’s research achievements include the discovery of a new dinosaur species, the creation of artificial intelligence to aid in breast cancer detection, and the development of innovative research techniques that have contributed to advancements in fields such as sustainability, climate change, and urban planning.
10. Simon Fraser University
Simon Fraser University (SFU) is a public research institution located in British Columbia, Canada. It has campuses in Burnaby, Surrey, and Vancouver. It is located on Burnaby Mountain. It is the first Canadian research university outside Ontario. SFU was established in 1965 and has since grown to become one of the top research universities in Canada.
Over 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students and over 2,000 faculty members attend Simon Fraser University. It provides numerous degree programmes in the arts, business, sciences, humanities, and social sciences. Numerous research institutions, institutes, and laboratories focusing on energy, health, and the environment are located there. The Centre for Digital Media, which focuses on interactive media, animation, game design, and digital media production, is also located at SFU.
Throughout the year, SFU also hosts numerous cultural events, lecturers, and performances. Numerous distinctions, such as the Greenest University Award, have been bestowed upon SFU in recognition of its commitment to sustainability. The university is dedicated to reducing its carbon footprint, promoting ecological literacy, and supporting sustainable development.
Conclusion
Each of these universities offers an extensive range of degree programmes, outstanding academic credentials, and an abundance of resources to help international students maximise their time at these institutions. Canada is the ideal destination for international students who wish to study abroad and pursue their ambitions further.
FAQs
What are the best universities in Canada for international students?
The University of Toronto, McGill University, the University of British Columbia, the University of Alberta, the University of Ottawa, and many others are among the finest universities in Canada for international students.
Where is the University of Toronto located?
It was established in 1827 and is located in Toronto, Ontario. It includes St. George, Scarborough, and Mississauga campuses.
When was McGill University founded?
McGill University was established in 1821, making it the oldest university.
What are the different innovative research institutes at the University of British Columbia?
The University of British Columbia is home to a number of innovative research institutes, including the TRIUMF particle accelerator, the Institute of Computing, Information, and Cognitive Systems (ICICS), and the Centre for Drug Research & Development (CDRD).
Where is Simon Fraser University located?
Simon Fraser University (SFU) is a public research institution located in British Columbia, Canada. It has campuses in Burnaby, Surrey, and Vancouver. It is located on Burnaby Mountain.
