Top 10 Universities in Canada for International Students in 2025

Canada boasts a stellar reputation for hosting some of the world's premier universities, consistently securing top positions in the esteemed QS World University ranking. The nation is home to 223 universities, encompassing both public and private institutions, all of which welcome applications from international students.

Among this diverse array, the following stand out as the Top 10 Universities in Canada, showcasing the country's commitment to excellence in higher education.

University of Toronto is a research-intensive public university in Toronto, Ontario. It was established in 1827 as King's College, the first higher education institution in Upper Canada. The university is highly appreciated and one of the top ranked universities in Canada at 21st position by the QS world ranking. It has campuses in Mississauga, St. George, and Scarborough.

The University of Toronto has a strategy to focus on three areas to achieve its 2030 goals: City Building, International Partnership, and Transformative Education. It believes in preparing its students for success through an outstanding global education rooted in excellence, inclusion, and learning communities. Some of the top courses to study at U & T are:

• Agricultural Sciences

• Arts and Humanities

• Biology

• Biochemistry

• Health

McGill University, founded in 1821, is a research-focused public university based in Montreal, Quebec. It is one of the top ranked universities in Canada, placed at 30th position in the world for its overall performance by the QS world ranking. 30% of the total number of students at the university are international students from 150 countries. It is known for attracting the brightest students from across the world.

McGill University has a mission to improve learning, knowledge creation, and knowledge dissemination by offering the best education, conducting research and scholarly activities that meet the highest international standards, and providing services to the community. Some of the top courses available at McGill University for international students are:

• Chemistry,

• Medicine,

• Biology,

• Engineering

It is a public university established in 1908. The university is in British Columbia, with two campuses near Vancouver and Kelowna. The QS world ranking organisation places the university at 34th globally.

UBC believes in embracing innovation and transforming ideas into action. It is a leading centre for research, teaching, and learning. The university has invested around 773.7 million in 10,218 research projects. The university is home to around 70,000 students with a strong community of over 375,000 alumni from 160 countries.

Moreover, the UCB is committed to a more inclusive and diverse community. List of best courses to study at British Columbia:

• Inter-professional Continuing Education

• Master of Business Administration

• Community and Regional Planning

• Engineering Leadership

• Geomatics for Environmental Management

The University of Alberta is a public university in Edmonton, Alberta. It is one of the top universities in Canada and is known for its excellence in education and research.

The University of Alberta is ranked 111st in the QS world ranking list in the year 2024. It has five campuses across two cities. Currently, the university has a proud community of around 40,061 students from 156 countries. The University of Alberta is recognised worldwide for its top courses, including:

• Humanities, Sciences

• Creative Arts

• Business

• Engineering

• Health Sciences

The University of Waterloo, founded on 1st July 1957, is a public university based in Ontario. It started its journey with 72 engineering students and is now teaching to more than 42,000 students annually. The University of Waterloo is ranked 112nd in the QS world ranking list in the year 2024.

Waterloo offers excellent job opportunities through its co-op courses. Through advanced planning and research, the university ensures that its students get the most out of their education. Some of the top courses available at the University of Waterloo for international students are:

• Artificial Intelligence

• Chemical Engineering

• Chemistry

• Civil Engineering

• Computer Science 

• Condensed Matter Physics

Western University is a public university established on March 7, 1878. According to the QS world ranking, the university is ranked 114th in the world. It is considered Canada’s most beautiful university with all modern facilities. It has a proud community of 43,352 students, including more than 4,759 international students from 129 countries.

Moreover, the university has a 92.5% employment rate 6 months after graduation. Below are the most chosen courses at Western University:

• Mass Communication and Media

• IT & Software

• Law

• Medicine & Health Sciences

Established in 1878, Montreal is a public research university in Quebec. The university is highly appreciated by the QS world ranking and is ranked 141st globally. Also, it is ranked 1^st in Quebec. The university motivates its students to excel and helps change the world by embracing innovation and diversity.

With continuous hard work, the university aims to achieve its 2030 goal to create, disseminate, and harness knowledge in service of the common good. Some of the top courses to study at the University de Montreal are:

• Artificial Intelligence

• Business and Management

• Engineering

• Humanities & Social Sciences

Also, Read: Top Courses to Study in Canada

The University of Calgary is a research-excellent public university located in Alberta. It is established in 1944 as the Calgary branch of the University of Alberta. It became a separate educational institution in 1966.

The University of Calgary is one of Canada’s top comprehensive research universities. The QS world ranking organisation places the university at 182nd globally. The university aims to offer its students a high-quality education experience and prepare them for future success. It is home to around 33,000 students worldwide, contributing to Calgary’s vibrant energy and diversity. List of best courses to study at British Columbia:

• Architecture

• Chemical Engineering

• Business Technology Management

• Kinesiology

• Energy Management

McMaster University is a research-intensive public university in Ontario. Founded in 1887, it’s one of the oldest universities in Canada. According to the QS world ranking, the university is ranked 189th globally.

McMaster has four regional campuses in different locations, i.e. Downtown Hamilton, Burlington, Kitchener-Waterloo, and Niagara. It is widely known for its quality of research. The university has over 70 research centres and institutions. The university has the vision to offer the best student experience. Below are the most chosen courses at McMaster University:

• Medical

• Humanities

• Nursing

• Social Sciences

Also, Read: Upcoming Intakes in Canada

The University of Ottawa is a research-intensive public university in Ontario, founded in 1848. The University of Ottawa is often referred to as the U of O. The QS world ranking organisation placed the university in the 203rd position in the world for its overall performance.

Ottawa is teaching around 42,000 students worldwide, promoting cultural diversity at the campus. It has an employment rate of around 97% for its graduates. Moreover, the university invests around 60 million CAD annually in scholarships. Ottawa strives to have sustainability integrated into daily life on campus. It is recognised worldwide for its top courses, including:

• Teaching & Education,

• Law,

• Accounting & Commerce.

• Business & Management Studies

• Arts (Fine/ Visual / Performing)

Also, Read: Canada May Intake

To conclude, Canada is an exceptional destination for international students, offering top-tier universities with diverse programs. From the prestigious University of Toronto to the research-focused McGill University, the country provides a multicultural environment, high-quality education, and ample opportunities for personal and academic growth, making it an ideal study-abroad choice.

If you wish to study in Canada in the upcoming intake, you may contact our expert counsellors at any branch of Meridean Overseas Education Consultants (MOEC). You can also take free online counselling through our website. Our expert counsellors will provide the best guidance and support for the admission and visa process. For more information or any queries, mail us at application02@meridean.org or call us at our toll-free no. 1800-1230-00011.

Q. Which university is best in Canada for international students?

Ans. The University of Toronto consistently ranks as the best in Canada for international students, offering a world-class education and diverse academic opportunities.

Q. Which university has the highest visa rate in Canada?

Ans. The University of British Columbia has Canada's highest visa approval rate, providing a smooth process for international students to obtain study visas.

Q. Which city in Canada is best for international students?

Ans. Montreal is considered the best city in Canada for international students, renowned for its vibrant cultural scene, affordable living, and top-notch universities like McGill.

Q. Is Vancouver better than Toronto?

Ans. Comparing Vancouver and Toronto depends on preferences; Vancouver offers stunning natural beauty, while Toronto boasts a bustling urban environment. Both cities have reputable universities and diverse student experiences.

Q. Which university in Canada gives full scholarships for international students?

Ans. The University of Waterloo is known for providing full scholarships to international students, easing financial burdens and promoting academic excellence.