Many students have a dream of studying at a university in Canada, thanks to its top-notch education, great opportunities, and wonderful living conditions. So, which Canadian universities stand out for their academic excellence? Are there any that rank among the best in the world? What are the requirements to secure admission? You can find all the answers you need on our blog!
An Overview of the Top Universities Around the Globe and the Rankings of Canadian Institutions 2025
Scroll down for the full list of the best universities in Canada
| Canada Rank 2025 | World University Rank 2025 | World University Rank 2024 | University | City | Province |
| 1 | 21 | 21 | University of Toronto | Toronto | Ontario |
| 2 | 41 | 41 | University of British Columbia | Vancouver | British Columbia |
| 3 | 45 | 49 | McGill University | Montreal | Quebec |
| =4 | =116 | =103 | McMaster University | Hamilton | Ontario |
| =4 | =116 | =109 | University of Alberta | Edmonton | Alberta |
| 6 | 125 | =111 | Université de Montréal | Montreal | Quebec |
| 7 | =163 | =158 | University of Waterloo | Waterloo | Ontario |
| 8 | =191 | =177 | University of Ottawa | Ottawa | Ontario |
| =9 | 201–250 | 201–250 | University of Calgary | Calgary | Alberta |
| =9 | 201–250 | 201–250 | Western University | London | Ontario |
Canada boasts several of the world’s leading universities. According to the Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings 2025. 33 institutions from Canada rank among the best globally.
How do I apply or get into Canadian Universities?
International students can apply for various intakes in Canada by following these steps:
Step 1: Conduct preliminary research on the universities you wish to apply to. Familiarize yourself with their fees, deadlines, and other relevant information.
Step 2: Review the admission requirements for international students, which may include language proficiency tests, minimum credit scores for your desired degree or program, and an application letter to the university.
Step 3: Submit all necessary documents, including a certified copy of your diploma or certificate, an updated CV (if applicable), language test results not older than one year for English or French, and proof of funds to demonstrate that you can support yourself and any accompanying family members during your studies. If you are applying for a Ph.D. or Master’s program, you will also need to provide two letters of academic reference, along with previous employment letters, if required.
Step 4: Once your application is reviewed by the university, you will receive an offer letter or an acceptance letter for admission to a Canadian university.
Step 5: Afterward, apply for your student visa to Canada, ensuring you show sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay. You will also need to obtain a medical certificate if you plan to study in Canada for more than six months.
Which university in Canada has the lowest tuition fee for International Students?
I would say currently none of the universities have low tuition fees, but there are a couple of universities whose tuition fees are less than other universities. You have to keep in mind the living expenses and other expenses while studying at Canadian universities. Here are 10 budget-friendly universities in Canada for international students:
- Brandon University, Manitoba
- Canadian Mennonite University, Manitoba
- Memorial University of Newfoundland, Newfoundland and Labrador
- Concordia University, Quebec
- University of Saskatchewan
- University of Windsor
- University of Alberta
- Dominican University College
- Cape Breton University, Cape Breton
- Mount Saint Vincent University, Nova Scotia
Top university’s admission requirements
1. The University Of Toronto
The University of Toronto is often seen as the toughest university to get into in Canada, but you’ll be happy to know that it actually has a higher acceptance rate than you might expect! When it comes to international students, it stands out as one of the top choices in the country. It has consistently earned its place among the best universities in North America and currently sits at an impressive 21st in global rankings. Plus, it’s Canada’s largest university, with over 84,000 students making it a vibrant and diverse community!
Popular Courses:
Master’s Degree in Psychology (MA)
Bachelor’s Degree in Materials Science
Bachelor’s Degree in Human Biology
Statistical Sciences
Master’s Degree in Immunology
Bachelor’s Degree in Actuarial Science
Master’s Degree in Sociology
Management
University Of Toronto Entrance Entry Requirements
Though the University of Toronto is one of the hardest universities to get into in Canada, with moderately selective acceptance rates, its admission requirements are strict. Let’s look at the exact admission requirements for UG and PG courses:
| Category | UG & PG Admission Requirements |
| Application Portal | Online application |
| Application Fee | 180 CAD (11,008 INR) |
| GPA Requirement | 80%-95% (Varies according to course) |
| Academic Requirement | Personal profile | SOP for Canada | Self-reported grades form |
| English Proficiency Test Scores | UG: IELTS: 6.5 (6.0 band score) | TOEFL iBT: 100 (22 in writing) PG: TOEFL iBT: 93 (22 in writing/speaking) | IELTS: 7.0 (6.5 band score) |
2. University Of British Columbia
The University of British Columbia is a top choice for admission, featuring a competitive Bachelor of Commerce program. As the oldest university in British Columbia, it consistently ranks among Canada’s top three and is known for its challenging admission process.
Popular Courses:
- Master of Science in Computer Science. Duration
- Master of Science in Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
- MSc in Business Administration in Finance
- Full-Time MBA
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
University Of British Columbia Entry Requirements
Keeping track of application deadlines is vital to avoid mistakes and seize admission opportunities. To help with this process, here are some details regarding admission to The University of British Columbia:
3. University Of Waterloo
Waterloo University, often dubbed the “MIT of Canada,” offers diverse programs and boasts the world’s largest paid cooperative education program for valuable real-world experience. Renowned for academic excellence, it is one of the hardest Canadian universities to enter, attracting eager learners.
Popular Courses:
- Master of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
- Master of Mathematics- Computer Science
- Bachelor of Computer Science
- Master of Applied Science in Chemical Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Optometry
University of Waterloo Admission Requirements
The University of Waterloo has a rigorous admissions process. To enhance their prospects of gaining admission, applicants must demonstrate outstanding academic performance and fulfil all the mandated eligibility criteria.
4. University Of Alberta
The University of Alberta ranks fifth in Canada and is among the top 150 globally. It offers the best nursing program and strong offerings in petroleum engineering, geology, forestry, and paleontology. Though not the hardest to enter, students must maintain a 3.0 GPA to stay competitive.
Popular Courses:
- M.B.A
- M.S Computer Science – Statistical Machine Learning
- M.B.A Business Analytics
- M.B.A Finance
- M.Eng Electrical and Computer Engineering
University Of Alberta Entry Requirements
The University of Alberta offers over 500 graduate courses across 250 specializations and 300 research areas. Its undergraduate programme includes over 200 Bachelor’s and 48 honours degrees across 14 faculties, covering fields such as science, engineering, business, education, and medicine. Entry requirements follow.
| Details | Graduate Admissions | Undergraduate Admissions |
| Application Fee | CAD 135 | CAD 125 |
| Academic Requirements | Undergraduate Degree | High school grades, Course descriptions for postsecondary courses completed outside of Canada |
| GPA or Aggregate | 3.0 (85%) | 2.0 0r 75% |
| English Language Proficiency | IELTS: 6.5 (6.0 in each section) TOEFL-IBT: 90 (21 in each section) |
TOEFL: 90 IELTS: 6.5 75%+ in Standard 12th English |
| Standardized Test Scores | GMAT: 550+ GRE: 310 | LSAT: 161 MCAT: 128 DAT: 68 |
5. Carleton University
This is the university where I graduated from Technological Innovation Management (Business Analytics). Carleton University, in Ottawa, boasts a prime location, advanced research facilities, and competitive undergraduate programs. It offers 22 of Canada’s most challenging programs in arts, sciences, humanities, and engineering.
Popular Courses:
- M.B.A
- Master of Computer Science
- Bachelor of Engineering [B.Eng], Software Engineering
- Bachelor of Science [B.S], Economics
- M.Arch
Carleton University Admission Criteria
Carleton University maintains a highly selective admission process, with an acceptance rate of only 21%. It is one of the lowest acceptance rate universities in Canada. While most undergraduate programmes require a minimum aggregate score of 70%, certain competitive courses may demand a higher average of 85% or above.
Admission to graduate programmes necessitates a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (equivalent to 85%). Prospective applicants to Carleton University are advised to aim for an aggregate score that exceeds the minimum requirements, as this enhances their chances of receiving equal consideration during the admission evaluation process.
| Details | Undergraduate Requirements | Graduate Requirements |
| Application Portal | OUAC Portal | Carleton360 Portal |
| Application Fee | CAD 100 | CAD 110 |
| Academic Requirements | Official Transcripts of all previously attended institutions. | Bachelor’s degree |
| GPA or Aggregate | 70% equivalent | 3.0 or 85% |
| English Proficiency | IELTS 6.5 | IELTS 6.5 |
Here is a list of the best colleges you can consider as an international student.
If you’re considering Canadian colleges as an international student, you might want to take a look at the list below. These colleges are among the best in terms of location and tuition fees.
| 1. Seneca College – Toronto, Ontario |
| 2. George Brown College – Toronto, Ontario |
| 3. Humber College – Toronto, Ontario |
| 4. Centennial College – Toronto, Ontario |
| 5. Langara College – Vancouver, British Columbia |
| 6. British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) – Burnaby, British Columbia |
| 7. Durham College – Oshawa, Ontario |
| 8. Fanshawe College – London, Ontario |
| 9. Sheridan College – Oakville, Ontario |
| 10. Algonquin College – Ottawa, Ontario |
| 11. Conestoga College – Kitchener, Ontario |
| 12. Vancouver Community College (VCC) – Vancouver, British Columbia |
| 13. Niagara College – Welland, Ontario |
| 14. Cambrian College – Sudbury, Ontario |
| 16. Lambton College – Sarnia, Ontario |
| 17. Mount Royal University – Calgary, Alberta |
| 18. Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) – Calgary, Alberta |
| 20. Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) – Halifax, Nova Scotia |
Q: What is the hardest university to get into in Canada?
A: The hardest university to get into in Canada is often considered to be McGill University due to its competitive admission requirements and high academic standards, making it one of the top universities in Canada.
Q: What factors contribute to the university rankings in Canada?
A: University rankings in Canada are influenced by various factors including academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty/student ratio, research output, and international diversity among students and faculty.
Q: Which Canadian universities are known for their research programs?
A: Some of the top research universities in Canada include the University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of Alberta, which are recognized for their contributions to research and innovation.
Q: Are there any public research universities in Canada that rank in the top 100 globally?
A: Yes, several public research universities in Canada, such as the University of Toronto and the University of British Columbia, are ranked among the top 100 universities globally in various international rankings.
Q: What is the significance of the QS World University Rankings for Canadian universities?
A: The QS World University Rankings provide a globally recognized evaluation of universities, and Canadian institutions often feature prominently due to their quality of education, research capabilities, and global outlook.
Q: How does the ranking of universities in Canada affect international students?
A: The ranking of universities in Canada significantly impacts international students as higher-ranked universities often offer better resources, networking opportunities, and recognition in the job market, making them more attractive for study.
