The top 10 universities in Canada for international students

Canada is one of the most popular destinations for international students, offering high-quality education and excellent opportunities for professional development. With world-class universities offering an array of courses, facilities and fees, it's no wonder international students choose to pursue their studies in Canada.

In this guide, we have listed the top 10 universities in Canada for international students.

1. University of Toronto

The University of Toronto is one of the oldest universities in Canada and is located in Toronto, Ontario. The university was founded in 1827 and is the largest university in the country by enrolment. The university spans three campuses: St. George, Scarborough, and Mississauga. It has a student population of over 80,000, making it the third-largest university in North America.

The university is renowned for its research excellence, with nine Nobel laureates and over 1,000 research projects each year. It boasts the highest number of research publications of any Canadian university and is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities.

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with faculty and staff from over 160 countries. It is ranked one of the top universities in the world and is home to some of the best-known names in the fields of medicine, law, engineering, and business.

2. McGill University

McGill University is a research-intensive university located in Montreal, Quebec. It was founded in 1821, making it the oldest university in the province. The university has a student population of over 40,000, making it the third-largest university in Canada.

McGill is renowned for its academic excellence, with over 250 undergraduate and graduate programs, and is consistently ranked one of the top universities in the world. It is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is home to some of the best-known names in the fields of medicine, law, engineering, and business.

The university boasts a diverse student population and faculty from over 150 countries, and its research excellence is reflected in the over 1,000 research projects conducted each year. McGill is also home to some of the best-known names in the world of arts and culture, including the Montreal Symphony Orchestra and the National Ballet of Canada.

3. University of British Columbia

The University of British Columbia (UBC) is one of Canada's leading research and teaching institutions. It is located in Vancouver, British Columbia and has two campuses, the Vancouver campus and the Okanagan campus in Kelowna. UBC offers over 300 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, continuing education, professional development and certificate programs.

The university strives to provide a well-rounded learning experience for its students. It offers world-class academically rigorous programs that combine theory and practice, allowing students to develop strong research skills and make meaningful connections between their academic studies and the real world. UBC also provides a diverse range of extracurricular activities, including clubs, sports teams, and volunteer opportunities which help foster an engaged community on campus.

UBC also has numerous research partnerships, both domestically and abroad. These collaborations help UBC stay on the cutting edge of research worldwide. It is home to several innovative research institutes such as TRIUMF, a particle accelerator; the Institute for Computing, Information and Cognitive Systems (ICICS); and the Centre for Drug Research & Development (CDRD).

4. University of Alberta

The University of Alberta (U of A) is a public research university located in Edmonton, Alberta. Founded in 1908, it is the oldest university in Alberta and one of Canada's top-ranked universities. It offers over 400 undergraduate and graduate programs across 18 faculties, including the Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Science, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, and Faculty of Education.

The University of Alberta is well known for its research, with a wide range of research fields ranging from the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences to engineering, technology and business disciplines. It is home to a number of research institutes and centers, including the Alberta Ingenuity Centre for Machine Learning, the Institute for Space Science, Technology and Research (ISSTAR), and the Institute of Aboriginal Peoples' Studies.

The University of Alberta has some of the best facilities in Canada. Its library system includes the award-winning Walter C. Mackenzie Health Sciences Library, which houses one of Canada's largest collections of health science information. Other facilities include a state-of-the-art recreation centre and more than 300 computer labs throughout the campus.

5. University of Ottawa

The University of Ottawa is a public research university located in Ottawa, Ontario. It is the largest bilingual university in the world, with more than 50,000 students. Founded in 1848, it offers over 450 programs in 10 faculties, including Arts, Social Sciences, Science, Business, Education, Engineering, Health Sciences, Medicine, Law, and Telfer School of Management.

Its main campus is located in the heart of downtown Ottawa, and it has two satellite campuses in nearby Gatineau and St. Jerome. It is home to a number of prestigious research centres and institutes and has a strong international presence, with exchange programs and partnerships with universities in over 80 countries.

The University of Ottawa also offers students a vibrant campus life with hundreds of clubs and student organizations, sports teams that compete at both the provincial and national levels, and a wide range of cultural activities, including music events, theatre performances, art shows and more.

6. University of Waterloo

The University of Waterloo is a public research university in Waterloo, Ontario. Founded in 1957, it is one of Canada's leading universities, with a reputation for excellence in research and teaching. It is home to more than 36,000 students and offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs in six faculties, including Applied Health Sciences, Arts, Engineering, Environment, Mathematics, and Science.

The University of Waterloo is renowned for its forward-thinking and innovative approach to education and is home to several leading research centres and institutes. It is also a co-operative education leader and offers students a wide range of co-op and internship opportunities. The university also has a vibrant student life, with many clubs, organizations, and activities.

7. University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is a public research university located in Calgary, Alberta. Founded in 1966, it is one of Canada's leading universities, with a reputation for excellence in research and teaching. It is home to more than 30,000 students and offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs in 14 faculties, including Arts, Education, Engineering, Health Sciences, Kinesiology, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Science, and Veterinary Medicine.

The University of Calgary has earned an impressive reputation for its innovative research initiatives, producing more than $360 million in sponsored research each year. It is home to some of the world's leading researchers in fields such as nanotechnology, cancer therapy and artificial intelligence.

With over 190 clubs and organizations on campus – from environmental activism to cultural groups and recreational sports – students can immerse themselves in the vibrant campus life while finding their niche in the university community. It also hosts a number of events throughout the year, including international conferences, music concerts and world-class speakers.

8. McMaster University

McMaster University is a public research university located in Hamilton, Ontario. It was established in 1887 and is one of the four founding universities of the University of Toronto. It has six faculties: health sciences, engineering, business, humanities, social sciences, and science. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in these faculties.

The university has several research centres and institutes, such as the McMaster Institute for Energy Studies, the McMaster Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and the McMaster Nuclear Reactor. It also provides world-class health care through its medical school and affiliated hospitals such as Juravinski Cancer Centre.

McMaster University is a member of the U15, a group of 15 major research-intensive universities in Canada. It is also a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities and the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada.

9. York University

York University is a public research university located in Toronto. Founded in 1959, it is the third-largest university in the country and has eleven distinct faculties offering over 2,700 undergraduate and graduate programs. York University's main campus is situated on the northern border of Toronto, and its two satellite campuses are located in Markham and Vaughan.

The university houses seven libraries which house over 4 million volumes of materials, as well as housing a variety of centres for learning such as 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 is renowned for its research excellence and has achieved notable breakthroughs such as the discovery of a new species of dinosaur, the creation of artificial intelligence to help detect breast cancer 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 university in British Columbia, Canada. It is located on Burnaby Mountain and has three campuses in Burnaby, Surrey, and Vancouver. It is the first Canadian research university to be established outside of Ontario. SFU was founded in 1965 and has since grown to become one of Canada's leading research universities.

Simon Fraser University is home to over 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students and over 2,000 faculty members. It offers a wide range of degree programs in arts, business, sciences, humanities, and social sciences. It is home to numerous research centres, institutes, and labs, which focus on areas such as energy, health, and the environment. SFU is also home to the Centre for Digital Media, which focuses on interactive media, animation, game design, and digital media production.

SFU also hosts various cultural events, speakers, and performances throughout the year. SFU's commitment to sustainability has earned it numerous awards, such as the Greenest University Award. The university is committed to reducing its carbon footprint while also promoting ecological literacy and supporting sustainable development.

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Each of these universities has a great selection of degree programs, excellent academic credentials and plenty of resources to help foreign students make the most out of their time at these institutions. With its world-renowned reputation, Canada is an ideal destination for any international student looking to study abroad and further pursue their dreams.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best universities in Canada for international students?

Some of the best universities in Canada for international students are the University of Toronto, McGill University, the University of British Columbia, the University of Alberta, the University of Ottawa, and more.

Where is the University of Toronto located?

The university was founded in 1827 and is located in Toronto, Ontario. It spans three campuses: St. George, Scarborough, and Mississauga.

When was McGill University founded?

McGill University was founded in 1821, making it the oldest university in the province.

What are the different innovative research institutes at the University of British Columbia?

The University of British Columbia is home to several innovative research institutes such as TRIUMF, a particle accelerator; the Institute for 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 university in British Columbia, Canada. It is located on Burnaby Mountain and has three campuses in Burnaby, Surrey, and Vancouver.