Canada is home to 223 universities and has some of the best universities in the world. Out of the 223 Canadian universities, 30 are listed in the QS World University Rankings for the year 2023 and 31 are listed in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023. The course curriculum is comprehensive and with multiple streams of specializations in every subject, you can benefit by gaining in-depth knowledge in the course of your choice.
In this article we would be looking at the best universities for international students in Canada.
Focussed specializations also allow you, as an international student to become the master of your field and stand apart in the crowd. Studying at the right Canadian university is essential to gain the knowledge, experience and understanding in the chosen stream. This blog will be your guide to the top universities in Canada using which you can opt for the best university to pursue your education. 
Overview Of Top Canada Universities
There are two types of universities in Canada – public and private.
Public universities are funded by the Government of Canada whereas private universities operate independently. Regardless of the type of university, the quality of education remains high in all the Canadian universities.
Education system in Canada
Diploma, Graduate, undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral courses are the types of programs offered by the Canadian universities. Diploma and Graduate courses are typically for a duration of 1-3 years, whereas undergraduate is typically for 3 years, postgraduate for 2 years and PhD courses range between 1-3 years based on the course and the university you choose to study.
It’s a real challenge, we know. So, we created Connect, where like-minded aspirants can gather and discuss studying abroad.
Top 10 Universities In Canada
Canada is home to some of the best universities in the world that consistently rank high in the QS World University rankings. There are 223 universities in Canada, public and private combined, that accept applications from international students. Out of these, here are the top 10 universities in Canada:
- University of Toronto
- University of British Columbia
- McGill University
- McMaster University
- University of Montreal
- University of Alberta
- University of Ottawa
- University of Calgary
- University of Waterloo
- Western University
University of Toronto
University of Toronto is one of the best universities in Canada for international students. It is famous across the world for its research and development centres, and the research opportunities it provides to its students. So, if you are looking to pursue a course that requires extensive research, this is your go-to university in Canada.
| Type | Public |
| QS World University Ranking 2023 | 34 |
| Course Duration | 3-5 years |
| Course Offered | M.Eng in Civil B.Sc in Animal Physiology (Hon.) B.A. in Criminology |
| Average Tuition Fee | 7,71,833 INR/12,698.98 CAD–38,75,806 INR/ 63,768.77 CAD per annum |
| Location | Toronto |
University of British Columbia
University of British Columbia is one of the best universities in Canada. It is known globally for its research and teaching which is one of the reasons it ranks amongst the top 20 public universities in the world. It ranks #44 by the Shanghai Ranking for Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), #2 in Canada and #13 worldwide for its contribution in research, stewardship and outreach. So, if you intend to study a course that requires extensive research, University of British Columbia is your go-to university in Canada.
| Type | Public |
| QS World University Ranking 2023 | 47 |
| Course Duration | 3-5 years |
| Course Offered | Master of Geomatics for Environmental Management M.Eng in Leadership MBA |
| Average Tuition Fee | 35,74,017 INR/58,803.42 CAD per annum |
| Location | Vancouver |
McGill University
McGill University is one of the top 10 universities in Canada. It is the oldest medical school in Canada so if you intend to study medicine, you will benefit from the network you build at McGill University while you study here. It is the best uni in Canada for research and ranks #3 in Canada and #42 for education and research prospects.
| Type | Public |
| QS World University Ranking 2023 | 31 |
| Course Duration | 2-5 years |
| Course Offered | Master in Civil Engineering BBA MBA |
| Average Tuition Fee | 131,130 CAD/79,70,000 INR–67,128 CAD/40,80,000 INR per annum |
| Location | Montreal |
McMaster University
McMaster University is one of the top universities in Canada for international students. It is one of the four Canadian universities that rank in the top universities in the world year-on-year. It continues to remain in the top Canada universities with a graduate employability ranking of #81. As an international student, you will benefit from the international academic exchange agreements of the university.
| Type | Public |
| QS World University Ranking 2023 | 152 |
| Course Duration | 2-5 years |
| Course Offered | M.Sc in Biology MD in Biomedical engineering PhD in Anthropology |
| Average Tuition Fee | 1,286.04 CAD/ 78,164 INR–1,796 CAD/1,09,160 INR per unit |
| Location | Hamilton |
University of Montreal
University of Montreal is one of the top universities in Canada and is the second largest university in Canada. It holds a record of admitting more than 4,00,000 international students every year. It is one of the best uni in Canada as it provides job placement opportunities and networking platforms for students during their course of study. This has made it rank #37 for employability across the world.
| Type | Public |
| Course Duration | 2-5 years |
| Course Offered | Masters in Actuarial Studies Masters in Advanced Pharmacotherapy PhD in Criminology FR |
| Average Tuition Fee | 10,530 CAD/6,40,000 INR – 28,677 CAD/17,43,000 INR per annum |
| Location | Montreal |
University of Alberta
University of Alberta is one of the top universities in Canada and is one of the best universities in Canada for research. It holds the maximum number of 3M National teaching awards out of all the universities in Canada. As an international student, you will receive finest quality of education at the University of Alberta as it has more than 400 research and teaching agreements with 50 countries.
| Type | Public |
| QS World University Ranking 2023 | 110 |
| Course Duration | 3-5 years |
| Course Offered | M.Ed in Educational Psychology Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering Masters in Neuroscience |
| Average Tuition Fee | 1,331.40 CAD/80,920 INR–4,945.20 CAD/3,00,560 INR per 3-credit of course weight |
| Location | Edmonton |
University of Ottawa
University of Ottawa is one of the top universities in Canada and is one of the top 10 educational institutions for research in Canada. As an international student, you can opt to study in either English or French since it is the largest bilingual university in the world. It is one of the good universities in Canada and you can hone your skills through the cultural and artistic opportunities, sports activities and clubs at the university.
| Type | Private |
| QS World University Ranking 2023 | 237 |
| Course Duration | 3-5 years |
| Course Offered | Bachelor of Health in Population and Public Health (Hons.) Bachelor in Translational and Molecular Medicine |
| Average Tuition Fee | 1,328.89 CAD/80,780 INR– 9,346.21 CAD/5,69,000 INR per term |
| Location | Ottawa |
University of Calgary
University of Calgary is one of the best universities in Canada for international students. It is one of the top uni in Canada holding #151-200 in ARWU University Ranking, #169 in US News & World Report and #201-250 in Times Higher Education University Ranking. Several award-winning laureates are tutors at the University of Calgary so you can be assured to receive high-quality education when you study here.
| Type | Public |
| QS World University Ranking 2023 | 242 |
| Course Duration | 3-5 years |
| Course Offered | M.Eng in Civil Engineering MBA PGDM |
| Average Tuition Fee | 6,050 CAD/ 3,67,713 INR –7,750 CAD/4,71,000 INR per term |
| Location | Calgary |
University of Waterloo
University of waterloo is one of the top uni in Canada. The course curriculum is accredited by the regulatory bodies. Apart from the classroom lectures, you will benefit from lab work, field studies, hackathons, co-op programs and certificate programs during your course of studies at the University of Waterloo. It is one of the good universities in Canada as you can gain work experience under the co-op program while studying.
| Type | Public |
| QS World University Ranking 2023 | 154 |
| Course Duration | 3-5 years |
| Course Offered | Bachelor in Computing and Financial Management Bachelor in Data Science Bachelor in Nanotechnology Engineering |
| Average Tuition Fee | 16,886 CAD/10,26,300 INR–34,098.11 CAD/ 20,72,451 INR per term |
| Location | Ontario |
Western University
Western University is one of the top uni in Canada. It holds the second highest number of 3M Awards in Canada. As an international student if you want to pursue any research-oriented courses, you can opt for Western University. It has 66 Canada Research Chairs and a Canada Excellence Research Chair. So, you can be assured of premium quality of education and support through your course of education.
| Type | Public |
| QS World University Ranking 2023 | 172 |
| Course Duration | 3-4 years |
| Course Offered | Bachelor in Visual Arts Bachelor in Pathology Bachelor in Epidemiology & Biostatistics |
| Average Tuition Fee | 55,658 CAD/33,82,841 INR per annum |
| Location | Ontario |
This has equipped you with all the crucial information required to gain an understanding of the top ten universities in Canada. From the universities listed above, you can now check for the course of your choice that are offered and choose the specialization.
I hope you find this article helpful as well as interesting.
