Which Canadian City is the Best for Study?

Based on a Shiksha Study Abroad poll, Toronto is the most preferred Canadian city by Indian students. Followed by Vancouver, Ottawa, and Montreal. Key factors include quality education, job opportunities, cultural diversity, and student-friendly environments in each city.

There is no doubt that Canada is a popular study destination among Indian students. A strong economy, multiple top universities and immigrant-friendly policies are the key reasons to study in Canada. There are multiple student cities in Canada, such as Toronto and Vancouver, but which city attracts them the most? To understand students’ aspirations, we conducted a poll asking, "Which Canadian City Would You Love to Study in?”.

61% of total respondents mentioned that Toronto is their first choice. The poll result is really interesting. It will help you understand the recent trends and which city in Canada students want to study in. In this article, we will break down the poll results in easy words and the reasons behind choosing the option.

Canada Student City Poll Results

A total of 433 students participated in this Shiksha Study Abroad poll. This is offering their valuable insights. With this detailed breakdown of poll results, you can understand the mood of new students, current trends and priorities among those aspiring to pursue higher education in Canada.

This result clearly shows that Toronto is the top choice as a Canadian study destination, with 61% of votes, followed by Vancouver with 17% of votes. Interestingly, the race for third and fourth place was a close call. Ottawa secured 12% of the votes, which is slightly more than Montreal's 10%.

Toronto: The Student Magnet

There are multiple factors behind the popularity of Toronto. These include its excellent educational institutions, status as an economic hub, vibrant multiculturalism, and well-developed public transport. Let's discuss each factor one by one.

1. Educational Institutions: It is known to all that Toronto is the home of Canada's most prestigious universities, such as the University of Toronto (U of T), York University, and Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University). These institutions offer multiple demanding courses in Canada, advanced research opportunities, and a high standard of teaching, making Toronto a hub for academic excellence. Check out the top universities in Toronto.
2. Status as an Economic Hub: Toronto is the financial capital of Canada. The headquarters of major banks, financial institutions, and the Toronto Stock Exchange are located in Toronto. On the other hand, due to the rapidly growing tech hub of this city is often referred to as "Silicon Valley of Canada". Beyond finance and tech, Toronto has robust sectors in media, healthcare, arts, and culture.
3. Multiculturalism Society: Toronto is cited as one of the most diverse cities in the world, where more than 200 different ethnic groups speak over 140 languages. This diversity creates a uniquely inclusive and welcoming environment for international students. As an Indian student, you will find multiple Indian communities which will make you feel at home atmosphere.
4. Well-developed Public Transport: The well-structured Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) operates an extensive network of subways, streetcars, and buses. This means international students can easily commute from one place to another. This will help students who like to commute frequently, whether they are going for part-time jobs, to roam in the city, to find internships, or in any other situation. Check out the cost of living in Toronto.

Vancouver: A Perfect Blend of Learning and Lifestyle

Total 17% of students said that they want to study in Vancouver city. Due to its unique blend of academic excellence and breathtaking natural beauty. Vancouver boasts prestigious universities like the University of British Columbia (UBC) and Simon Fraser University (SFU). Both educational institutions offer a variety of courses. Check out the top universities in Vancouver.

Consistently cited as one of the most livable cities globally, Vancouver promises a high quality of life, though prospective students should be mindful of its relatively high cost of living, especially concerning accommodation.

Ottawa: Study at the Heart of Canada

Around 12% of students said that they want to study in Ottawa, the national capital of Canada. Needless to say, Ottawa is one of the safest major cities in Canada. It provides a secure and comfortable environment for international students. However, this is not the only reason this city is chosen.

The University of Ottawa (uOttawa) and Carleton University are some of the reputed higher education institutions located in the city. Ottawa offers diverse career opportunities for international students. You can find numerous internship and job opportunities in public administration, policy, law, and related fields, as it is the national capital from where Canada's federal government operates.

Ottawa is a truly bilingual city. People here speak English and French. International students will have the opportunity to learn both languages during their studies, which will make them valuable in Ottawa's job market.

Montreal: A European Flair with Canadian Excellence

Nearly, 10% of students want to study in the universities of Montreal city. According to the QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2025, Montreal is the best student city in Canada. It holds #10th rank in the world. It is the second-largest city in Canada, with a population of 3.6 million people and the most populous city in the Canadian province of Quebec.

McGill University, Concordia University and the University of Montreal are some of the elite higher education institutes located in Canada. These universities offer a wide array of programs, strong research opportunities, and a high standard of education. Compared to other Canadian cities like Toronto or Vancouver, the cost of living in Montreal is lower. Also, the housing rent is affordable in comparison to other Canadian cities.

Best Student Cities in Canada 2026

According to QS Best Student Cities ranking 2026, Montreal is the best student cities in Canada. It ranks on 18th place in the ranking. Toronto secured 22nd rank, Vancouver is on 29th rank and Ottawa is on 80th rank in the list. Here is an overview of city-wise ranking.

In conclusion, the Shiksha Study Abroad poll indicates that most students want to study in Toronto due to various reasons. However, it's important to keep in mind that this is your decision, where you want to study and which type of course you want to pursue.

 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.