In this article, we will be looking at some of the top universities in Canada. If you wish to study at a good university abroad, this will be an excellent choice. This list includes some of the best institutions Canada has to offer; they were selected based on the following factors;
- Primarily delivering courses in a face-to-face, non-distance education format
- They possess a suitable Canadian higher institution organization that has chartered, licensed, or accredited you.
- Providing at least four-year undergrad (bachelor) or postgrad (master’s) degrees
- Popularity among international students.
With the release of the latest QS World University Rankings 2022 earlier this year, Canada’s reputation as one of the best places for international students to come and get their university degrees was reinforced once more.
Top 15 Canadian Universities
- Dalhousie University
- University of Calgary
- Ryerson University
- McGill University
- University of Alberta
- University of Montreal
- Simon Fraser University
- University of New Brunswick
- University of British Columbia
- University of Waterloo
- Concordia University Montreal.
- The University of Windsor.
- York University.
- The University of Regina.
- The University of Toronto.
According to the Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings 2020, Canada, popularly known as “The True North,” is home to some of the world’s best institutions. Several educational institutes provide outstanding educational options. If you’re an international student interested in studying in Canada, you may select from various programs and degrees.
Is Canada suitable for international students?
Yes, Canada offers a fantastic learning experience for international students from all over the world. Canadian Institutions are often ranked as one of the finest countries globally, and it is now the top country in the world in terms of quality of life. Studying in Canada will provide you with a globally recognized education from some of the world’s best instructors and academics. Your experience will influence your life, whether you choose to study in one of our vast, bustling cities or on a small campus in a warm, inviting community.
What are the Advantages of studying in Canada?
In this section, we will be examining the benefits of studying in Canada. They include the following;
1. There is a high demand For A Younger Workforce
When examining the nature of Canada’s workforce, there is a high demand for young educated students, who are seen as critical to the country’s future development. In other words, Canada encourages overseas students to become permanent citizens who can contribute to the country’s growth and study there.
2. Serene learning Environment
On the Global Peace Index, Canada is ranked 6th out of 172 countries in peace, quiet, and friendliness. In nature, Canadians are culturally and racially friendly. However, the safety of all students, especially international students, is a top priority at Canadian colleges.
3. Post-Graduate Work Permit
Students who finish a two-year program are entitled to a three-year post-graduate work visa. One advantage of studying in Canada is the post-graduate work visa program, which permits international students to work in Canada three years after graduation. Students from Australia, the United States, and Germany have significantly shorter processing times.
4. Low Fees
One of the most crucial factors that students consider when deciding where to study abroad is the cost of living. By many measures, Canada is a considerably more affordable place to pursue your academic objectives than the United Kingdom or the United States.
5. Scholarship Programs available
For international students, Canada offers a variety of high-quality higher education options. Students can apply for and easily qualify for a number of scholarships to get a large source of financing and study for a fraction of their tuition payments.
6. Support in your career
International students can easily obtain permits for on-campus and off-campus part-time work. Students can apply for work permits if they want to work longer hours. International students can also take advantage of a variety of attractive professional options. Universities in Canada have connections to over 5,000 global partnership agreements that might help overseas students create their professions.
7. Home to diverse cultures and backgrounds
People of all countries and ethnic backgrounds live in Canada, making it a multicultural society. Students who choose to study in Canada will never have to worry about culture shock or missing their family back home because there are numerous student societies for various nationalities, including Asian, Arab, Indian, and others. Furthermore, Canada is unquestionably a gastronome’s heaven, with an endless range of cuisines readily available on-campus and in city centres.
What are the disadvantages of studying in Canada?
Let’s look at the downsides of studying in Canada. They include the following;
1. Healthcare services
Although Canada is one of the countries having widespread healthcare, it is not free. Using the healthcare system, you must pay monthly or annual premiums. On the other hand, international students are eligible for free health insurance or the Medical Care Plan (MCP) if they are enrolled in a program that lasts at least 12 months.
2. Climate
The climate in Canada varies depending on where you are. Students from warm countries may find it difficult to acclimate during the winters, as the average temperature in summer is 35° C and in winter it is -25° C. Winter can extend up to six months at times, with temperatures as low as -30 degrees Celsius. However, as previously said, it is contingent on your location and ability to adjust to new circumstances.
3. Tuition fee
Even though Canadian universities offer a variety of financial aid to students, studying in Canada can be costly due to the Canadian dollar’s substantial value.
Top 10 Canadian Universities and Everything You Need To Know About Them
1. Dalhousie University
Dalhousie University, one of Canada’s oldest universities, was founded in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in 1818 by George Ramsay, ninth Earl of Dalhousie and Lieutenant-Governor General of Nova Scotia. Ramsay founded Dalhousie College to create a universally accessible educational institution. Dalhousie University was founded in the mid-1860s and now serves over 18,000 students across 12 faculties with over 180 university degree programs. Dalhousie University is unique in that it has an agricultural campus with a working farm, 1,000 acres of research fields, and several gardens and greenhouses, making it one of the best universities in Canada.
2. University of Calgary
The University of Calgary is one of Canada’s top research-intensive universities, with over 27,000 students participating, including 5,000 foreign undergraduates. In addition to the four campuses in Calgary, there is one in Qatar. UCalgary has a high graduate employment rate of 91.1 percent and a 95 percent undergraduate retention rate. Art history, accounting, energy management, French, philosophy, and zoology are just a few of the over 250 programs available to students. This college is also recognized for its cutting-edge research in energy, mental health, diseases, and prolonged illnesses.
3. Ryerson University
SFU, established in 1965, has campuses in Vancouver, Surrey, and Burnaby, providing international students with various study options on the west coast. Burnaby and Surrey are great options for those who want to attend Canadian colleges without paying the high rents found in Vancouver. Surrey and Burnaby are located along the Fraser River, while Vancouver faces the Pacific Ocean. The business school and the faculty of communication, art, and technology are the most prominent features of SFU.
4. McGill University
According to Times Higher Education, McGill University is ranked third in Canada and 42nd worldwide. In addition, McGill is the only Canadian university represented in the Global University Leaders Forum of the World Economic Forum.
McGill University is well-known for its medical school, which established Canada’s first faculty of medicine and drew international students to its iconic campus. All of the original buildings were made of local grey limestone, which gives them a distinct look. McGill University is one of three English-language universities in Quebec, with over 300-degree programs and over 31,000 students from 150 countries.
5. University of Alberta
The University of Alberta is a top-tier public institution with over 40,000 students and five campuses, located in Edmonton, Alberta’s capital. North Campus, the main campus, is about 50 city blocks long. The University of Alberta offers over 200 undergrad and 500 bachelor’s degree programs.
In addition, because one-fifth of the academic body is worldwide, programs such as the English Language School and the Bridging Program are available to assist students whose first language is not English. Over 400 prestigious schools and institutions around the world have research and teaching ties with the institution.
6. University of Montreal
The only French-speaking university in the top five, this university is located in the architecturally stunning city of Montreal, with its main campus on the slopes of Mont-Royal. Undergraduate studies typically enroll 74% of the student population. This institution is known for its sports, especially badminton, football, and hockey. In addition, the University of Montreal is well-known for its large number of business graduates and graduates who have made significant contributions to scientific research.
7. Simon Fraser University
SFU, established in 1965, has campuses in Vancouver, Surrey, and Burnaby, providing international students with various study options on the west coast. Burnaby and Surrey are great options for those who want to attend Canadian colleges without paying the high rents found in Vancouver.
Surrey and Burnaby are located along the Fraser River, while Vancouver faces the Pacific Ocean. This same business school and the faculty of communication, art, and technology are the most prominent features of SFU.
8. University of New Brunswick
The first institution was built in Fredericton, followed by a second campus in Saint John in 1964. This institution is exceptional in that it has offices in the Caribbean and Beijing and two small satellite campuses in Moncton and Bathurst, New Brunswick. This school has approximately 11,400 students enrolled.
9. University of British Columbia
Three Canadian Prime Ministers and eight Nobel Laureates have attended this prestigious institution. The University of British Columbia has 64,798 students, including 17,225 international students from more than 160 countries. According to the UCB website, UBC provides a conducive environment for research and funds over 9500+ projects with $669.1 million in research funding. In addition, the university is ranked 37th in the world by Times Higher Education.
10. University of Waterloo
The University of Waterloo, founded in 1957, is best known for its research and development. The school near the Canada-US border in Waterloo has 32,000 pupils, including nearly 6,000 foreign undergraduates. Waterloo’s co-op curriculum, which enables students to research and work in alternate terms, is particularly intriguing. This option is available in more than 120 undergraduate programs.
11. Concordia University Montreal.
Acceptance Rate 58.4%
Concordia University is located in the dynamic and multicultural city of Montreal. It is North America’s top-ranked university, founded in 1974, has enrolled over 51,000 students each year thanks to its unique approach to experiential learning and cross-functional research.
The university’s John Molson School of Business is frequently ranked among the top 10 Canadian and global business schools. In addition, in the International Professional Classification of Higher Education Institutions, Concordia was placed sixth in Canada and 229th globally.
Some of the notable alumni of Concordia University are Mohan Munasinghe -Vice-Chair of the Nobel Peace Prize-winning Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Barbara Davidson – Pulitzer Prize and Emmy Award-winning photographer and filmmaker, Steven Cojocaru – Fashion maven, Former Governor General of Canada – Georges Vanier and a host of others.
12. The University of Windsor.
The University of Windsor is a comprehensive, student-centred university with nearly 15,000 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in a variety of programs, including several academic programs such as Law, Business, Engineering, Education, Nursing, Human Kinetics, and Social Work.
The University of Windsor has been a forward-thinking community since 1963, bringing people together to study, learn, teach, and serve.
The university has demonstrated its core research interests of automotive, environmental, social justice, and international trade study through its faculties and independent schools.
The University has about 12,000 undergraduate students, both full-time and part-time, and 4,000 graduate students. The institution was founded in 1962 by the provincial government and has since graduated over 135,000 students.
13. York University
York University was established in 1959. It has roughly 55,700 students, 7,000 teachers and staff, and over 325,000 alumni globally, making it Canada’s third-largest university.
With cross-disciplinary programming, creative course design, and experiential education opportunities, York is known for pushing teaching and research excellence. They are a community connected by a strong sense of purpose and passion to tackle real-world challenges.
Several of York’s programs have received widespread national and international acclaim. York is home to Canada’s oldest film school, which is also one of the best in the country.
The tuition fee for York University are:
Out-of-state tuition -7,758 CAD,
International tuition – 26,978.4 CAD
The alumni of York University have over time left indelible marks in the sands of time.
Annemarie Morais – internationally acclaimed award-winning filmmaker (How She Move).
Michael Redhill – award-winning poet, playwright, and novelist, the editorial board of Coach House Press.
Ellen Bialystok – award-winning psychologist, winner of the Killiam Prize.
14. University of Regina
The University of Regina is known for its academic and research prowess both nationally and globally. When you choose to study at the University of Regina, you’re not only obtaining a great education; you’re also collaborating with a school that genuinely cares about your success.
When compared to any other Canadian university, it has the largest percentage of international students. As a result, you will have the opportunity to interact with people from other cultures.
Internships, professional placements, and practicums, as well as cooperative education placements, are available in 41 programs at the University of Regina, which is known for its emphasis on experiential learning.
The undergraduate fee at the University of Regina cost 8,492.3 CAD.
15. University of Toronto
The University of Toronto was established in 1827 as a public university. Around 80% of its pupils are enrolled in undergraduate programs. The school has three campuses in and around Toronto: St. George, Mississauga, and Scarborough.
The University of Toronto is home to thousands of international students from more than 160 countries and regions. China, India, and the United States were the leading countries of origin for non-Canadian students last year.
However, International students pay a higher tuition rate.
The university provides over 200 masters and doctoral programs in addition to 700 undergraduate programs.
Insulin, which was developed in the early 1920s by researchers at the University of Toronto, is one of the university’s key innovations. The Banting and Best Diabetes Centre at the university is named after two of these researchers, one of whom went on to earn the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his work.
The tuition fee for the University of Toronto is; 6,590 CAD,
International tuition – 45,690 CAD
How much does a four-year degree cost in Canada?
The estimated yearly annual college tuition for undergrad degree international students in 2019/20, according to Statistics Canada, is CA$29714 (US$22,500). Humanities courses are the least expensive (costing an average of $5,542), while engineering and medicine are the most costly (costing an average of CA$21,717 (US$16,446) for dentistry and $14,162 (US$10,724) for treatment.
How can I get a full scholarship in Canada?
To qualify for a scholarship in Canada, all you have to do is follow the following steps.
- Obtain a master’s or doctoral degree while enrolled in a graduate program
- For the academic year you apply, you must be enrolled in full-time studies for at least two terms.
- You must have a valid student visa.
- Attend a school in Ontario that is a member of the program.
What grades do you need to get a scholarship in Canada?
You will be eligible for an entrance scholarship to SSU if you have an average of 80 percent or higher in high school. SSU uses your best five university preparation courses from grade 12 to calculate an average.
Does Canada give scholarships to international students?
As an international student, you can also get access to scholarships. To assist praiseworthy international students in funding their studies, Canadian academic institutions and colleges offer a variety of scholarship money. Aside from that, the Government of Canada and public and private institutions offer numerous scholarships, grants, and bursaries. Check the validity and criteria, as well as the deadline, before applying for any of these scholarships.
Why should I choose Canada for study?
- Are you looking for reasons to study in Canada? Here are some reasons;
- There are over 90 public universities in the United States that offer over 15,000 programs.
- According to the QS World University Rankings 2021, it is home to ten of the top 250 universities in the world.
- According to QS Best Student Cities 2019, Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver are among the best student cities in the world.
- Universities in Canada are known for world-class international research and development
- have institutions at least one international degree held by 40% of the teaching staff.
Are universities in Canada free?
Locals and international students do not have equal access to universities and colleges in Canada. They are, however, subsidized, allowing students to pay a lower tuition fee. Subsidies for education differ by province, and institutions may charge different fees for Canadians from different provinces and international students.
Even though college and university education is not free, the subsidy helps local and international students afford it. An undergraduate degree in Canada costs an average of CA$6,463 (roughly US$4885) per year, while international students pay an average of CA$14,000 (roughly US$10,581) per year.