If you have chosen or are still considering Canada as a study abroad destination, you have come to the right place. You will learn about the best universities in Canada for international students, as well as the reasons why you should study in the country.
Every day, Canada gains momentum among optimistic international students. Why shouldn’t it? It provides an efficient system of education, some of the world’s best universities, and low or no tuition fees schools!
Furthermore, universities in Canada offer globally recognized degrees, which means your qualifications will be valued internationally, and the skills you will gain will give you an advantage in the job market.
So, if you’re thinking about enrolling in one of the best Canada’s universities for international students, then you should keep reading!
Why study in Canada as an international student?
Canada’s economy is experiencing strong growth, rising foreign exchange reserves, and a thriving market economy with high paying jobs, among other things. With the entry of several thriving industries, it has emerged as a premier global economic hub.
Canada has also become popular with study abroad students from all over the world in the educational sector. It is highly appealing due to its forward-thinking nature, availability of easy scholarships opportunities, popularity among large multinational corporations, and the fact that English is the common language of communication. You can find out how to get available Canadian scholarships for yourself as an international student.
Canada’s educational institutions are well-known throughout the world for providing high-quality education. The incredible aspect of studying in Canada as an international student is that the cost of education in some Canadian schools is quite low in comparison to many other countries around the world.
For Masters students, you can get to find out the Requirements for Masters Degree in Canada for International Students if you want to do your masters in Canada and also checkout how you can get a scholarship for masters in Canada.
Facts about Canadian universities for international students
In Canada, 97 universities provide education in both English and French. The majority of French-speaking universities are in Quebec, but several institutions outside the province are francophone or bilingual.
Programs are available to graduating high school students on a first-come, first-served basis; however, students must maintain specific entering averages, which generally range between 65 and 85 percent, depending on the criteria set by the chosen university. On-campus housing is available at 95 percent of Canadian universities. Most include a meal plan as well as basic utilities.
Degree programs typically last three to four years, though some programs may take longer due to cooperative education (Co-op) programs or joint programs with colleges that offer practical experience.
Tuition is calculated based on program material and content, which vary in cost. Many programs begin with more general courses in the first year, followed by “program-specific courses” in the second year. Some universities, such as the University of Toronto, require admission separate from initial high school admission into specific programs based on internal first-year standards. International students can also benefit from numerous global scholarships in Canada for international students.
For students who don’t haven’t written the English proficiency exams that would enable them to study in Canada, you can study in the best universities in Canada without IELTS. This guide on how to study in Canada without IELTS will help you achieve that.
What Canadian universities are known for
Universities in Canada are well-known for their academic excellence, among other things. Studying in Canada allows you to experience all of the beauty that Canada has to offer while also earning a globally recognized qualification. Each year, top Canadian universities receive an influx of international students who have earned the right to study at some of the most prestigious universities in the world.
If you choose to study in Canada, you will not be bored; there is always something to do, regardless of your interests. Canada is a one-of-a-kind country with many families with roots from all over the world. As a result, the country has a unique blend of different cultures, foods, and interests. You will learn not only about the culture but also about people from other countries and cultures.
Whatever part of Canada you move to, there will be a variety of restaurants, nightlife, shops, and sporting activities to keep you entertained.
Best universities in Canada for international student’s entry requirements
If you do find a program at a highly rated Canadian university that matches your background, the basic requirements are as follows:
- You must have earned a graduate certificate or diploma from a recognized university.
- Filled out an application form and submitted it.
- submit a strong letter of intent.
- Have a strong resume or curriculum vitae for graduate and post-graduate studies.
- You must be able to demonstrate financial sufficiency to sponsor your program and support yourself during your study period in Canada.
- You must meet the language proficiency requirements and provide proof of your proficiency (English or French)
- Have valid and up-to-date academic credentials (including transcripts)
- Be granted a study visa.
It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all documents (e.g., transcripts, letters of recommendation, test results such as TOEFL and GRE scores) are submitted.
For intending medical students, before submitting your application to a medical school in Canada, you must understand the essential elements of the medical school requirements in Canada. No application will be considered unless it is filled out.
List of the Best Universities in Canada for international students
Below are the best universities in Canada for international students:
- McGill University
- University of Toronto
- Simon Fraser University
- Dalhousie University
- University of Alberta – Edmonton, Alberta
- University of Calgary – Calgary, Alberta
- University of Manitoba
- McMaster University
- University of British Columbia
- University of Ottawa
- University of Waterloo
- Western University
- Capilano university
- Memorial University of Newfoundland
- Ryerson University.
15 best universities in Canada for International Students
#1. McGill University
McGill University, based in Montreal, is one of the best universities in Canada for International Students, attracting thousands of international students from different countries of the world each year.
McGill University’s reputation stems from its 50 research centres and institutes, 400+ programs, rich history, and thriving global alumni network of 250,000 people.
This university offers degree programs in the following disciplines:
- Accounting and Finance
-
Human Resources Management
-
Information Technology
- Leadership and Governance
-
Public Administration and Governance
- Translation Studies
- Public Relations
-
Supply Chain Management and Logistics etc.
#2. University of Toronto
The University of Toronto is also one of the top Universities in Canada for international students. It offers over 980 programs, with a focus on communication theory and literary criticism. At the university, major scientific breakthroughs occurred, including insulin and stem cell research, the first electron microscope, and the first successful lung transplant.
This highly rated Canadian university receives the most funding of any other Canadian university due to its excellent research output.
The university is divided into three campuses, each of which houses over 18 faculties and divisions, libraries, and athletic facilities.
The University of Toronto offers degree programs in the following disciplines:
- Actuarial Science
- Advanced Manufacturing
- African Studies
- American Studies
- Animal Physiology
- Anthropology (HBA)
- Anthropology (HBSc)
- Applied Mathematics
- Applied Statistics
- Archaeology
- Architectural Studies
- Art and Art History etc.
#3. Simon Fraser University
This university is a public research institution with various campuses in Burnaby, Surrey, and Vancouver, British Columbia. Simon Fraser University happens to be the first Canadian university to receive US accreditation.
The school has international students accounting for nearly 17 percent of its total enrollment. The University has over 100 undergraduate programs and over 45 graduate programs that lead to a degree or diploma.
At Simon Fraser University, students can offer the following disciplines:
- Accounting (Business)
- Actuarial Science
- African Studies
- Anthropology
- Behavioural Neuroscience
- Biological Anthropology
- Biological Physics
- Biological Sciences
- Biomedical Engineering
- Biomedical Physiology
- Business
- Business Analytics and Decision Making
- Business and Communication
- Chemical Physics
- Chemistry
- Chemistry and Earth Sciences
- Chemistry and Molecular Biology and Biochemistry etc.
#4. Dalhousie University
Dalhousie University, located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, is also ranked among the top 250 universities in the world by the Times Higher Education magazine, making it one of the best universities in Canada for international students.
It has over 18,000 students and offers over 180 undergraduate programs.
Dalhousie University offers degree programs in the following disciplines:
- Arts & Humanities
- Social Sciences
- Law
- Engineering & Technology
- Life Sciences
- Computer Science
- Business & Economics
- Psychology and Clinical
- pre-clinical & Health, etc.
#5. University of Alberta – Edmonton, Alberta
Regardless of the cold, the University of Alberta remains one of Canada’s top universities for international students to get their academic qualification. The excellent reputation in research can compensate for the harsh winters.
The city-slick atmosphere, extensive student support services, and a world-renowned shopping mall welcome students from nearly 150 countries who come to study at the University of Alberta. Also, Grad student rates are one factor that may cause you to overlook living expenses while studying in the institution.
The University of Alberta offers degree programs in the following disciplines:
- Agricultural and Resource Economics
- Agricultural Business Management
- Animal Science
- Anthropology
- Biological Sciences
- Biomedical engineering
- Cell Biology
- Chemical Engineering
- Dental Hygiene
- Design – Engineering Route
- East Asian Studies etc.
#6. University of Calgary – Calgary, Alberta
Aside from over a hundred study programs, the University of Calgary is a top choice university in Canada for international students if you want to improve not only your academic skills but also your athletic prowess, as it is located in one of the world’s best and cleanest cities to live in.
It is a stark contrast to the rest of Canada’s weather, with an average of 333 sunny days per year. Calgary embodies all of the essential elements of Canadian hospitality, including diversity and multicultural openness.
The University of Calgary offers degree programs in the following disciplines:
- Accounting
- Actuarial Science
- Ancient and Medieval History
- Anthropology
- Archaeology
- Architecture
- Biochemistry
- Bioinformatics
- Biological Sciences
- Biomedical Engineering
- Biomedical Sciences
- Business Analytics
- Business Technology Management
- Molecular and Microbial Biology
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Communication and Media Studies.
#7. University of Manitoba
The University of Manitoba in Winnipeg provides over 90 courses to international students studying in Canada. It is the largest university in the region and is located in the heart of Canada.
Interestingly, it is also the only research-intensive university in the country, with over 100 degrees, diplomas, and certificates available.
The university has approximately 30000 students, with international students representing approximately 104 countries accounting for 13% of the total student population.
Programs offered at the University of Manitoba are as follows:
- Canadian Studies
- Catholic Studies
- Central and East European Studies
- Civil Engineering
- Classics
- Commerce
- Computer Engineering
- Dental Hygiene (BScDH)
- Dental Hygiene (Diploma)
- Dentistry (BSc)
- Dentistry (DMD)
- Drama
- Drawing
- Economics
- English
- Entomology etc.
#8. McMaster University
University of McMaster University was founded in 1881 as a result of a bequest from prominent banker William McMaster. It now oversees six academic faculties, including those in business, social science, health science, engineering, humanities, and science.
The McMaster Model, the university’s policy for an interdisciplinary and student-centred approach to learning, is followed across these disciplines.
McMaster University is recognized for its research endeavours, particularly in health science, and is regarded as one of the best universities in Canada for international students. A 780-square-meter biology greenhouse and a brain bank that houses a portion of Albert Einstein’s brain are among their first-rate research facilities.
Programs offered at McMaster University are as follows:
- Arts & Science
- Bachelor of Technology
- Business
- Chemical & Physical Sciences Gateway
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Engineering
- Environmental & Earth Sciences Gateway
- Health and Society
- Health Sciences (BHSc Honours)
- Honours Integrated Science
- Honours Kinesiology
- Humanities
- IArts (Integrated Arts)
- Integrated Biomedical Engineering
- Life Sciences Gateway
- Mathematics & Statistics Gateway
- Medical Radiation Sciences
- Medicine
- Midwifery
- Music
- Nursing
- Physician Assistant.
#9. University of British Columbia
The University of British Columbia is ranked second among the top ten Canadian universities and 34th worldwide.
This top university’s ranking was earned as a result of its reputation for research, distinguished alumni, and scholarships available to international students.
They have two campuses, one in Vancouver and one in Kelowna. Students from other countries will appreciate the fact that the Greater Vancouver Area has a much milder climate than the rest of Canada and is close to beaches and mountains.
This prestigious university has housed many notable people and produced numerous scholars and athletes, including three Canadian Prime Ministers, eight Nobel laureates, 65 Olympic medalists, and 71 Rhodes scholars.
Programs offered at the University of British Columbia are as follows:
- Business and economics
- Earth, environment, and sustainability
- Education
- Engineering and technology
- Health and life sciences
- History, law, and politics
- Languages and linguistics
- Math, chemistry, and physics
- Media and fine arts
- People, culture, society etc.
#10. University of Ottawa
The University of Ottawa is the world’s largest bilingual (English-French) university, offering courses in both languages.
International students from more than 150 countries attend this public university because it is one of the best universities in Canada for international students that provides a high-quality education while charging lower tuition fees than other Ontario universities.
At the University of Ottawa, students can offer one of the following programs:
- African Studies
- Animal Studies
- Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies
- Bachelor of Fine Arts
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting
- Biomedical Mechanical Engineering
- Biomedical Mechanical Engineering and BSc in Computing Technology
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering and BSc in Computing Technology
- Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering Option
- Chemical Engineering, Engineering Management and Entrepreneurship Option
- Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering Option.
#11. University of Waterloo
The University of Waterloo, one of the best universities in Canada for international students to study, has emerged as a pioneer in co-operative education programs. The University is dedicated to innovation and collaboration to foster a better future for Canada.
This school is well-known for its engineering and physical sciences programs, which are ranked among the top 75 in the world by Times Higher Education Magazine.
At the University of Waterloo, students have the option of choosing the program that best suits their interest, including:
- Accounting and Financial Management
- Actuarial Science
- Anthropology
- Applied Mathematics
- Architectural Engineering
- Architecture
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Science
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Biomedical Sciences
- Biostatistics.
#12. Western University
Western university is well known for its exceptional academic programs, research discoveries, and location in beautiful London, Ontario, as one of Canada’s research-intensive universities.
Western has over 400 undergraduate programs and 88 graduate programs. More than 38,000 students from 121 countries attend this mid-sized university.
The program offered at the universities are as follows:
- Business administration
- Dentistry
- Education
- Law
- Medicine.
#13. Capilano university
Capilano University (CapU) is a learning university that is driven by innovative educational approaches and thoughtful engagement with the communities it serves.
The school offers programs that serve the Sunshine Coast and the Sea-to-Sky corridor. CapU prioritizes providing a distinct university experience for students as well as promoting well-being on campus.
Capilano University students benefit from small class sizes, with an average of 25 students per class, as a primarily undergraduate university, allowing instructors to get to know their students and foster their potential. It provides nearly 100 programs.
The program offered at Capilano University are as follows:
- Film and animation
- Early childhood education and kinesiology
- Tourism managemenT
- Applied behaviour analysis
- Early childhood education.
#14. Memorial University of Newfoundland
Memorial University embraces and encourages international students to apply.
The university provides international students with specialized services such as student advising, an internationalization office, and international student groups. The university stands out as one of the best universities in Canada for international students to study.
Programs offered at the Memorial University of Newfoundland are as follows:
- Business
- Education
- Engineering
- Human Kinetics & Recreation
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- Medicine
- Music
- Nursing
- Pharmacy
- Science
- Social Work.
#15. Ryerson University
Ryerson University is yet another of Canada’s top universities for international students. It is a public urban research university in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, with a focus on innovation and entrepreneurship.
This Canadian university also has a mission to serve societal needs and a long history of community engagement. It carries out this mission by providing high-quality education in a variety of fields and levels of study.
The program available at Ryerson University are as follows:
- Accounting & Finance
- Aerospace Engineering
- Architectural Science
- Arts and Contemporary Studies
- Biology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Biomedical Sciences
- Business Management
- Business Technology Management
- Chemical Engineering Co-op
- Chemistry
- Child and Youth Care
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Creative Industries.
Best Universities in Canada for International Students Conclusion
Canada is widely regarded as one of the safest places to live and study in the world. As a student in the studying in Canada, you will definitely be exposed to a new and diverse culture in a welcoming environment.
However, as an international student, you should plan ahead of time and have adequate financial support that will be sufficient for your study program in the country.
For those going for a masters degree, you can checkout out some of the universities in Canada to get affordable masters qualification for yourself or anyone.
If you think the best universities in Canada for international students are too expensive for you to afford, then consider applying to the Free universities in Canada.
