Best Universities in Canada 2025: Ranking & Courses
The list of these top 10 universities in Canada is based on their ranking in QS and THE ranking. This list will be helpful for those Indian students who are planning to study in Canadian universities but have less knowledge about these educational institutions.
Top Universities in Canada: Canada is one of the most prominent educational hubs in North America and the world. The excellent education system, English language curriculum, top-ranked universities in the world, etc. attracts international students to study in Canada. Canadian universities offer a wide range of full-time degree programs recognized all over the world that make it the perfect choice to study abroad. Additionally, Students from around the world ranked Canada as 2nd most welcoming country for international students. In this article, we will provide details about the best universities in Canada.
Many Indian students enrol in the top universities in Canada to complete their degrees in undergraduate, postgraduate, and other doctorate programs. With a strong educational system, state-of-the-art education institutes, reasonable tuition fees relatively lower cost of living, and a country with endless possibilities, Canada has become a major destination for international students looking for higher education overseas. Below, we have covered information on some of the top universities for Indian students in Canada. Students must also read the Canada Student Visa Guide for details on the Canada student visa.
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Related Read: Best Colleges in Canada
Why Study at the Best Universities in Canada?
Before we move on to the top universities in Canada, let us look at some of the benefits of studying at the best universities in Canada:
- Quality of Education: The educational system of Canadian universities is of the highest calibre, and there are numerous options for faculty research and first-rate facilities. Numerous institutions are among the best in the world for disciplines like science, business, and engineering. You will receive an education that will help you achieve your job objectives.
- Job Prospects: Since Canadian degrees are respected worldwide, they provide access to both domestic and international employment opportunities. Exposure to a diverse environment while in school is highly valued by many employers. In the global job market, you will have a competitive advantage.
- Post-Study Work and Canada PR: You can be qualified for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Programme after graduating from a Canadian university, which gives you the opportunity to earn important Canadian job experience. Your profile will be improved by this work experience for citizenship and permanent residency.
Top Ranking Universities in Canada
The table given below provides the Canada university ranking according to various ranking indices:
| Universities |
QS World University Ranking 2025 |
THE Ranking 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| 29 |
49 |
|
| 25 |
21 |
|
| 38 |
41 |
|
| 96 |
=109 |
|
| 159 |
=111 |
|
| 176 |
=103 |
|
| 115 |
=158 |
|
| 120 |
201-250 |
|
| 189 |
177 |
|
| 193 |
251-300 |
It is crucial to remember that personal preferences, academic interests, and professional objectives ultimately determine which university a student attends. Before making a choice, it is advised to explore several universities and their programme offerings.
1) McGill University
Home to over 10,000 international students who constitute over 30 percent of the student demographics, it speaks volumes about McGill University’s popularity among students worldwide. The university is often touted as one of Canada’s best-known institutions of higher learning and one of the leading research-intensive universities in the world. With state-of-the-art facilities and a renowned school of staff, the university works hard to provide international undergraduate, graduate, visiting, and exchange students with a host of academic and non-academic services and resources to make their stay at the university a memorable experience. McGill University comprises eleven faculties and eleven schools, covering everything from law to music, to religious studies.
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
- Faculty of Arts
- School of Continuing Studies
- Faculty of Dentistry
- Faculty of Education
- Schulich School of Music
- Faculty of Medicine
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2) University of Toronto
Established in 1827, the University of Toronto boasts the best teaching and research faculties across North America. The university’s engineering school and law faculty are appreciated for their excellence among its other faculties. In addition, its medical programs and research performance are praiseworthy by the highest industry standards. A daily feature among the top-ranked universities worldwide, the college boasts of nurturing some of the best minds. Some of the popular courses pursued at the University of Toronto are:
- International Foundation Program
- Arts and Science, St. George campus
- Applied Science and Engineering
- Medical Radiation Sciences
- Kinesiology and Physical Education
- Daniels Faculty of Landscape, Architecture, and Design
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3) University of British Columbia
The University of British Columbia is one of the best universities in Canada that follows dynamic teaching methods combined with modern facilities to educate students. The university boasts an excellent student-faculty ratio of 11:1. Students from more than 162 countries are studying at the university, which also provides students with a diverse environment. Popular subjects offered by the University of British Columbia include:
- Mineral and mining engineering
- Sports-related subjects
- Geography
4) University of Alberta
The University of Alberta offers a plethora of over 200 undergraduate programs across 18 faculties among international students and is home to 400 research laboratories. The university that is home away from home to its students is tailored with thirteen on-campus residences providing a haven for students to study. Students can also participate in over 450 student clubs and groups in the university during their time in Alberta. Every year the university offers over $28 million (CAD) to students in scholarships, awards, and financial support. Many programs in the university offer students paid co-op work or internship placements, both in Canada and in other countries. Popular faculty include:
- Arts
- Engineering
- Pharma and Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Law
- Business
- Sports and Education, among others
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5) University of Montreal
The University of Montreal was founded in 1878 and delivers high-quality education to students. The University of Montreal and its affiliated schools, HEC Montreal and Polytechnique Montreal, are one of the best higher education institutions in Quebec. The university has constantly held high rankings with almost 69,000 students, of which 10,000 belong to international communities. The university offers nearly 600 programs across its 13 schools. In addition, the university has performed well in research and athletics both. The top faculties and schools are:
- Arts and Science
- Law
- Medicine
- Polytechnique Montreal
- HEC Montreal
- Education
6) McMaster University
McMaster University was established in 1887. It has been ranked in the top 80 universities in the world by various ranking indices. Since its inception, the University has grown by leaps and bounds to house more than 70 research institutes and more than 31,000 students. The University campus is comfortable and provides excellent academic and networking opportunities to its students. Top faculties and schools at McMaster University include:
- Business
- Engineering
- Health Sciences
- Humanities
- Science
- Social Sciences
7) University of Waterloo
The University of Waterloo finds its beginnings in the year 1957 with it started with 74 engineering students. The University has been ranked at 158th position on the QS World University Rankings 2024. The University is now home to more than 42,000 students and has an alumni base of more than 220,000 graduates. The University of Waterloo provides its high-quality academic programmes through its following faculties:
- Arts
- Engineering
- Environment
- Health
- Mathematics
- Science
One of the reasons why Canada is a favourite study destination for international students wanting to study overseas is its promising post-study work options. Most Canadian universities have a cell called a Career Services Center, which helps you get jobs and helps you prepare for interviews.
The on-campus recruitment is always driven by student interest. Companies that recruit through the University do not offer a job directly. What they offer is an internship or co-op. Companies like to see your work for a few months before they hire you full-time for work opportunities/ jobs in Canada.
That's all about the Canada university ranking. It shows the country's academic excellence, research innovation, and student experience
For help with university applications, students seeking to study abroad can contact our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors. The comments section below allows candidates to contact us as well.
Best Universities in Canada FAQs
Q. Which is the best course to study in Canada?
A. Top courses to study in Canada for international students are:
- MBA
- Computer Science and IT
- Business & Finance
- Engineering Management
- Agricultural Science
- Biosciences
Finding the ideal fit for your educational and professional aspirations requires study into various colleges' course offerings, admission standards, and tuition costs. Many Canadian institutions also offer co-op and work-study programmes, which can be advantageous for developing a professional network in Canada and acquiring real-world experience.
Q. Which are the top undergraduate (UG) courses to study in Canada?
A. Below mentioned are the top five undergraduate courses in Canada
- Engineering
- Information technology
- Business management
- Pharmacy technician
- Hospitality management
The best UG course to take ultimately depends on personal preferences, aptitude, and professional objectives. It is critical to examine various colleges' undergraduate course offerings, admission standards, tuition costs, and financial aid policies. Read more about the top 5 UG courses in Canada here
Q. Which are the top postgraduate (PG) courses to study in Canada?
A. Below mentioned are the top five postgraduate courses in Canada
- Business Management
- Hospitality Management
- Health Science
- Science and Engineering
- Information Technology
The ideal PG course to take, however, ultimately depends on personal preferences, aptitudes, and professional objectives. Finding the greatest fit for your academic and career goals requires research into various universities' PG course options, admission standards, tuition costs, and scholarship programmes. Read about studying top postgraduate courses in Canada in detail here
Q. Which jobs are in demand in Canada?
A. Following jobs are in high demand in Canada.
- Registers Nurse
- College or Vocational Instructor
- Business Management Consultant
- Project Manager
- Software Engineer
- Information systems analysts
- Physiotherapy Assistant
The most sought-after jobs, however, might change over time as a result of the employment market's ongoing evolution. When deciding which career and educational path to pursue in Canada, it is crucial to investigate the current work market trends and evaluate your unique abilities and interests.
Q. Which is the cheapest course in Canada for international students?
A. Depending on the university and programme, international students' least expensive course in Canada varies. However, certificate and diploma programmes in disciplines including information technology, business, hospitality, and engineering technology are some of the most reasonably priced types of programmes available to overseas students in Canada. To select a programme that falls within your budget, it is critical to explore various colleges, their programme options, admission requirements, and tuition costs. Additionally, several Canadian colleges provide financial aid and scholarships to international students, which helps lower the cost of tuition. Read about some of the cheapest bachelor's and master's courses in Canada here
Q. Which is the top university in Canada?
A. The University of Toronto is considered to be Canada's top university by a number of publications and rankings. It is regarded among the top 50 institutions in the world and has routinely been named the greatest university in Canada. The University of British Columbia, McGill University, and the University of Montreal are just a few of the finest universities in Canada. It is crucial to remember that the selection of a university ultimately depends on personal preferences, academic interests, and professional objectives. Before making a choice, it is advised to explore several universities and their programme offerings.
Q. Which are the most valuable degrees in Canada?
A. Some of the most valuable degrees to study in the best colleges in Canada for international students are:
- Finance
- Software Engineering
- Business Administration
- Civil Engineering
- Nursing
- Geosciences
However, the worth of a degree might change depending on personal factors including geography, sector, and employment demand. When evaluating the worth of a certain degree, it is crucial to look at the current employment market trends as well as your own personal abilities and interests.
Q. What are the top universities in Canada?
A. According to the QS World University Rankings 2025, these are the Canada University ranking:
- University of Toronto
- McGill University
- University of British Columbia
- Univrsity of Alberta
- University of Waterloo
Q. Is it expensive to study in Canada?
A. Depending on the university, programme of study and location, the cost of studying abroad in Canada can change. In general, studying in Canada is thought to be more affordable than other well-known study abroad locations like the United States and the United Kingdom. Depending on the programme and university, tuition costs might range from roughly C$7,000 to C$50,000 annually. Budgeting for the cost of studying in Canada also requires taking into account additional costs including lodging, food, travel, and health insurance.
Q. Can I study in Canada for free?
A. There are no tuition-free universities in Canada, however, there are numerous scholarships available for the best colleges in Canada for international students. International students may be eligible for financial aid and scholarships from Canadian universities, which can help with costs. Additionally, some colleges waive the application price. For international students, some Canadian provinces, including Quebec, offer programmes with reasonable tuition fees. Budgeting for the cost of studying in Canada requires careful consideration of all expenses and a thorough investigation of all available possibilities.
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- Universities in Canada172 Universities
- Universities in USA1052 Universities
- Universities in Australia121 Universities
- Universities in UK177 Universities
- Universities in Ireland32 Universities
- Universities in New Zealand70 Universities
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