It is a known fact that Canada is one of the best countries to study. So, if you are planning to study abroad, choosing from the best private and public universities in Canada is an ideal option.
Canadian universities are known for academic excellence and are consistently ranked among the top 1% of universities in the world. According to the US. News 2021 Best Countries for Education rank, Canada is the fourth best country to study.
Canada is a bilingual country (English-French) located in North America. Students study either French, English, or both. As of 2021, there are 97 universities in Canada, offering education in English and French.
Canada has about 223 public and private universities, according to the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC). Out of these universities, we have compiled a list of the 40 best private and public universities.
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Private vs Public Universities in Canada: Which is better?
To choose between private and public universities, you need to consider some factors to make the right decision.
In this section, we will discuss these factors and you will gain an overview of how to choose the right type of university.
Below are the factors to consider:
1. Program offerings
Most private universities in Canada offer fewer academic majors than public universities. Public universities have a wider array of program offerings.
Students who are undecided about the major they want to pursue can choose public universities over private universities in Canada.
2. Size
Generally, public universities are bigger than private universities. Student body population, campus, and class size are usually bigger at public universities. A larger class size prevents one-on-one interaction between students and professors.
Private universities, on the other hand, have smaller campuses, class sizes, and student bodies. Smaller class size promotes faculty-student relationships.
Public universities are recommended for students who are independent learners and private universities are better for students who need extra supervision.
3. Affordability
Public universities in Canada are funded by either provincial or territorial governments. Due to government funding, public universities in Canada have low tuition rates and are very affordable.
Private universities, on the other hand, have high tuition rates because they are mainly funded with tuition and other student fees. However, private, not-for-profit universities are an exception to this.
The explanation above shows that public universities in Canada are less expensive than private universities in Canada. So, if you are looking for affordable universities, then should go for public universities.
4. Availability of Financial Aid
Students in both public and private universities are eligible for federal financial aid. Private universities may be more expensive to attend, but they offer a lot of scholarships to help students cover the high tuition fees.
Public universities also offer scholarships and work-study programs. Students who wish to work while studying can consider public universities because they offer work-study programs and co-op programs.
5. Religious Affiliation
Most public universities in Canada have no formal affiliation with any religious institutions. On the other hand, most private universities in Canada are affiliated with religious institutions.
Private universities affiliated with religious institutions may incorporate religious beliefs into teaching. So, if you are a secular person, you may be more comfortable attending a public university or a non-religious affiliated private university.
40 Best Universities in Canada
In this article, we will expose you to:
20 Best Private Universities in Canada
Private Universities in Canada are higher education institutions, not owned, not operated, or funded by the Canadian government. They are funded by voluntary contributions, tuition and student fees, investors, etc.
There are a small number of private universities in Canada. Most private universities in Canada are owned by or affiliated with religious institutions.
Below is a list of the 20 best private universities in Canada:
- Trinity Western University
- Yorkville University
- Concordia University of Edmonton
- Canadian Mennonite University
- The King’s University
- Northeastern University
- Fairleigh Dickinson University
- University Canada West
- Quest University
- University of Fredericton
- Ambrose University
- Crandall University
- Burman University
- Dominican University College
- Saint Mary’s University
- Kingswood University
- St. Stephen’s University
- Booth University College
- Redeemer University
- Tyndale University.
Note: This list includes satellite campuses and branches in Canada for universities based in the United States.
1. Trinity Western University
Trinity Western University is a private Christian liberal arts university located in Langley, British Columbia, Canada. It was founded in 1962 as Trinity Junior College and was renamed Trinity Western University in 1985.
Trinity Western University offers undergraduate and graduate programs at three main locations: Langley, Richmond, and Ottawa.
2. Yorkville University
Yorkville University is a private for-profit university with campuses in Vancouver, British Columbia, and Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
It was founded in Fredericton, New Brunswick in 2004.
Yorkville University offers undergraduate and graduate programs on-campus or online.
3. Concordia University of Edmonton
The Concordia University of Edmonton is a private university located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. It was established in 1921.
The Concordia University of Edmonton offers undergraduate, master’s, graduate diplomas, and certificate programs. It offers a student-focused education in the liberal arts and Sciences and various professions.
4. Canadian Mennonite University
Canadian Mennonite University is a private Christian university located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. It was founded in 2000.
Canadian Mennonite University is a comprehensive liberal arts university that offers undergraduate and graduate programs.
5. The King’s University
The King’s University is a private Canadian Christian university located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. It was established in 1979 as The King’s College and was renamed The King’s University in 2015.
The King’s University offers bachelor’s programs, certificates, and diplomas, as well as online courses.
6. Northeastern University
Northeastern University is a global research university with campuses in Boston, Charlotte, San Francisco, Seattle, and Toronto.
The campus located in Toronto was established in 2015. The Toronto campus offers master’s programs in Project Management, Regulatory Affairs, Analytics, Informatics, Biotechnology, and Information Systems.
7. Fairleigh Dickinson University
Fairleigh Dickinson University is a private not-for-profit, nonsectarian university with several campuses. Its newest campus opened in 2007 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
FDU Vancouver Campus offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of fields.
8. University Canada West
University Canada West is a business-oriented university located in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It was established in 2004.
UCW offers undergraduate, graduate, preparatory programs, and micro-credentials. Courses are offered on campus and online.
9. Quest University
Quest University is a private liberal arts university located in beautiful Squamish, British Columbia. It is Canada’s first independent, not-for-profit, secular liberal arts and science university.
Quest University offers only one degree:
- Bachelor of Arts and Sciences.
10. University of Fredericton
University of Fredericton is a private online university located in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada. It was established in 2005.
The University of Fredericton offers fully-online programs designed for working professionals, who want to advance their careers and upgrade their education with minimal disruption to their work and personal life.
11. Ambrose University
Ambrose University is a private Christian university located in Calgary, Canada.
It was founded in 2007 when Alliance University College and Nazarene University College were merged.
Ambrose University offers degrees in arts and sciences, education, and business. It also offers graduate-level degrees and programs in ministry, theology, and biblical studies.
12. Crandall University
Crandall University is a small private Christian liberal arts university located in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada. It was established in 1949, as the United Baptist Bible Training School and was renamed Crandall University in 2010.
Crandall University offers undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs.
13. Burman University
Burman University is an independent university located in Lacombe, Alberta, Canada. It was established in 1907.
Burman University is one of the 13 Adventist universities in North America and the only Seventh-day Adventist University in Canada.
At Burman University, Students have 37 programs and degrees to choose from.
14. Dominican University College
Dominican University College (French name: Collége Universitaire Dominicain) is a bilingual university located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Established in 1900, Dominican University College is one of the oldest university colleges in Ottawa.
Dominican University College has been affiliated with Carleton University since 2012. All degrees granted are conjoint with Carleton University and students have an opportunity to enroll in classes on both campuses.
Dominican University College offers undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs.
15. Saint Mary’s University
Saint Mary’s University is a private university located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. It was founded in 1802.
Saint Mary’s University offers a range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional development programs.
16. Kingswood University
Kingswood University is a Christian University located in Sussex, New Brunswick, Canada. It traces its root back to 1945 when Holiness Bible Institute was established in Woodstock, New Brunswick.
Kingswood University offers undergraduate, graduate, certificate, and online programs. It was created to offer programs focuses on preparing students for Christian ministry.
17. St. Stephen’s University
St. Stephen’s University is a small liberal arts University located in St. Stephen, New Brunswick, Canada. It was founded in 1975 and chartered by the province of New Brunswick in 1998.
St. Stephen’s University offers several programs at undergraduate and graduate levels.
18. Booth University College
Booth University College is a private Christian university college rooted in the Salvation Army’s Wesleyan theological tradition.
The institution was established in 1981 as a Bible College and received University College status in 2010 and officially changed its name to Booth University College.
Booth University College offers rigorous certificate, degree, and continuing studies programs.
19. Redeemer University
Redeemer University, previously known as Redeemer University College is a Christian liberal arts university located in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
The institution offers undergraduate degrees in a variety of majors and streams. It also offers different non-degree programs.
20. Tyndale University
Tyndale University is a private Christian university located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It was founded in 1894 as Toronto Bible Training School and changed its name to Tyndale University in 2020.
Tyndale University offers a wide range of programs at the undergraduate, seminary, and graduate levels.
20 Best Public Universities in Canada
Public universities in Canada are higher education institutions that are funded by either provincial or territorial governments in Canada.
Below is a list of the 20 best public universities in Canada:
- University of Toronto
- McGill University
- University of British Columbia
- The University of Alberta
- University of Montreal
- McMaster University
- Western University
- The University of Calgary
- University of Waterloo
- The University of Ottawa
- University of Manitoba
- Laval University
- Queen’s University
- Dalhousie University
- Simon Fraser University
- University of Victoria
- The University of Saskatchewan
- York University
- University of Guelph
- Carleton University.
21. University of Toronto
University of Toronto is a world-leading research-intensive university located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It was established in 1827.
University of Toronto offers more than 1,000 programs of study, which include undergraduate, graduate, and continuing studies programs.
22. McGill University
McGill University is a research-intensive university located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Established in 1821 as McGill College and the name was changed to McGill University in 1865.
McGill University offers more than 300 undergraduate programs, 400+ graduate and postdoctoral programs, as well as continuing education programs offered online and on-campus.
23. University of British Columbia
University of British Columbia is a public university with campuses in Vancouver, and Kelowna, British Columbia. Established in 1915, the University of British Columbia is one of the oldest universities in British Columbia.
University of British Columbia offers undergraduate, graduate, and continuing and distance education programs. With about 3,600 doctoral and 6,200 master’s students, UBC has the fourth largest graduate student population among Canadian universities.
24. University of Alberta
University of Alberta is a public university with four campuses in Edmonton and a campus in Camrose, plus other unique locations across Alberta. It is the fifth largest university in Canada.
The University of Alberta offers more than 200 undergraduate and more than 500 graduate programs. U of A also offers online courses and continuing education programs.
25. University of Montreal
University of Montreal (French name: Université de Montréal) is a public university located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The language of instruction at UdeM is French.
University of Montreal was established in 1878 with three faculties: theology, law, and medicine. Now, UdeM offers more than 600 programs in several faculties.
University of Montreal offers undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral studies, and continuing education programs. 27% of its students are enrolled as graduate students, one of the highest proportions in Canada.
26. McMaster University
McMaster University is a research-intensive university located in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. It was founded in 1887 in Toronto and relocated to Hamilton in 1930.
McMaster University offers undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education programs.
27. Western University
Western University is a public university located in London, Ontario, Canada. Founded in 1878 as The Western University of London Ontario.
Western University offers more than 400 combinations of undergraduate majors, minors, and specializations, and 160 graduate degree programs.
28. University of Calgary
The University of Calgary is a public research university with four campuses in the Calgary area and a campus in Doha, Qatar. It was founded in 1966.
UCalgary offers 250 undergraduate program combinations, 65 graduate programs, and several professional and continuing education programs.
29. University of Waterloo
University of Waterloo is a public university located in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. It was established in 1957.
The University of Waterloo offers over 100 undergraduate programs and more than 190 master’s and doctoral programs. It also offers professional education courses.
30. University of Ottawa
University of Ottawa is a bilingual public research university located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. It is the largest bilingual (English-French) university in the world.
The University of Ottawa offers more than 550 undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as professional development programs.
31. University of Manitoba
University of Manitoba is a research-intensive university located in Manitoba, Canada. Founded in 1877, the University of Manitoba is western Canada’s first university.
The University of Manitoba offers more than 100 undergraduate, over 140 graduate, and extended education programs.
32. Laval University
Laval University (French name: Université Laval) is a French-language research university located in Quebec, Canada. Founded in 1852, Laval University is the oldest French-language university in North America.
Laval University offers more than 550 programs in numerous fields. It also offers more than 125 programs and more than 1,000 courses offered entirely online.
33. Queen’s University
Queen’s University is a research-intensive university located in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. It was established in 1841.
Queen’s University offers undergraduate, graduate, professional, and executive education programs. It also offers a wide range of online courses and several online degree programs.
34. Dalhousie University
Dalhousie University is a research-intensive university located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. It also has satellite locations in Yarmouth and Saint John, New Brunswick.
Dalhousie University offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. At Dalhousie University, there are over 200 degree programs across 13 academic faculties.
35. Simon Fraser University
Simon Fraser University is a public university with three campuses in British Columbia’s three largest cities: Burnaby, Surrey, and Vancouver.
SFU offers undergraduate, graduate, and continuing studies programs across 8 faculties.
36. University of Victoria
University of Victoria is a public university located in British Columbia, Canada. Founded in 1903 as Victoria College and received degree-granting status in 1963.
The University of Victoria offers more than 250 undergraduate and graduate programs across 10 faculties and 2 divisions.
37. University of Saskatchewan
University of Saskatchewan is a research-intensive university located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. Founded in 1907 as an agricultural college.
The University of Saskatchewan offers undergraduate and graduate programs in over 180 fields of study.
38. York University
York University is a public research university located in Toronto, Canada. Founded in 1939, York University is one of Canada’s largest universities by enrollment.
York University offers undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education programs across 11 faculties.
39. University of Guelph
University of Guelph is a research-intensive university located in Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
U of G offers more than 80 undergraduate, 100 graduate, and postdoctoral programs. It also offers continuing education programs.
40. Carleton University
Carleton University is a public university located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. It was established in 1942 as Carleton College.
Carleton University offers 200+ undergraduate programs and several graduate programs at the masters and doctoral levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Public Universities in Canada Free?
There are no tuition-free universities in Canada. However, public universities in Canada are subsidized by the Canadian government. This makes public universities less expensive than private universities.
How much does it cost to study in Canada?
Compared to many countries, studying in Canada is very affordable. According to Statistics Canada, the average tuition fee for Canadian undergraduate students is $6,693 and the average tuition fee for international undergraduate students is $33,623.
How much does it cost to live in Canada while studying?
The cost of living in Canada depends on your location and spending habits. Larger cities like Toronto and Vancouver are more expensive to live in. However, the annual cost of living in Canada is CAD 12,000.
Are International Students in Canada eligible for Scholarships?
Both private and public universities in Canada offer several scholarships to international students. The Canadian government also offers scholarships to international students.
Can I work in Canada while studying?
Students in Canada can work part-time during the academic session and full-time during holidays. Universities in Canada also offer work-study programs.
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- Top 10 Best Colleges in Canada for International Students
- List of the 20 Best Government Colleges in Canada
- Top 10 Universities in Canada without IELTS
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- 20 Universities in Canada with Scholarships for Students.
Conclusion
Canada is one of the top study destinations for students who want to study abroad. A lot of international students are attracted to Canada because studying in Canada comes with a lot of benefits.
Students in Canada enjoy high-quality education, scholarships, a wide variety of programs to choose from, a safe learning environment, etc. With these benefits, Canada is definitely a good choice for students who are looking forward to studying abroad.
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