Best Universities in Canada: Top Schools to Study for College Ranked / Meilleures universités au Canada : classement des meilleures écoles pour étudier à l’université

Last Updated on April 13, 2025

Best Universities in Canada for 2024-2025 – Canada’s education system is a source of national pride, renowned for its exceptional quality and the global recognition of its universities. As Canadians, we should be proud of our country’s commitment to academic excellence and innovation. Canadian universities consistently rank among the top institutions worldwide, reflecting this dedication. With a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate courses, these institutions attract a growing number of international students seeking a world-class education.

Canadian universities are evaluated based on their overall global rankings, which consider research performance and ratings from the academic community both globally and within North America. This ensures that students receive an education that is not only comprehensive but also highly respected.

If you are a young, ambitious student looking for top-tier universities in Canada, this article is for you. Whether you are currently residing in Canada, planning to study as an international student, or considering migration, you will find valuable insights here.

Top 10 Universities in Canada for 2024-2025 Released

The newly released Best Global University list, compiled by U.S. News, reveal what it calls Canada’s 40 best universities, including the University of Toronto, which it put at the top of the list.

10. Western University (University of Western Ontario)

Western University is ranked #10 in Best Universities in Canada and ranked #311 in Best Global Universities with 60.0 overall global score.

Located in London, Ontario, Western University is renowned for its strong emphasis on research and academic excellence. It offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Western is particularly known for its business school, the Ivey Business School, which is one of the top business schools in Canada.

Highlights:

Here are a few highlights about Western University:

• Top 1% Worldwide: Ranked among the top 1% of higher education institutions globally.
• Research-Intensive: A founding member of the U15, a group of Canada’s most distinguished research universities.
• Diverse Programs: Offers over 400 combinations of undergraduate majors, minors, and specializations.
• Global Reach: Home to over 34,000 students from 118 countries and boasts a network of over 362,000 alumni worldwide.

Key Details

Schools are ranked based on how well they perform in relation to a range of widely accepted indicators of excellence.

9. University of Ottawa (U of O)

University of Ottawa is ranked #9 in Best Universities in Canada and ranked #218 in Best Global Universities with 64.2 overall global score.

As the largest bilingual (English-French) university in the world, the University of Ottawa offers a unique cultural and academic experience. Located in the heart of Canada’s capital, it is known for its strong programs in law, social sciences, and health sciences.

Highlights:

Here are a few highlights about U of O:

• Bilingual Education: Offers programs in both English and French, enhancing employability in the global job market.
• Research-Intensive: Member of the U15 with a research income of CA$420 million in 2022.
• Diverse Programs: Offers a wide variety of academic programs across ten faculties.
• International Community: Hosts approximately 10,600 international students from 150 countries.

Key Details

Schools are ranked based on how well they perform in relation to a range of widely accepted indicators of excellence.

7. University of Waterloo

University of Waterloo is ranked #7 in Best Universities in Canada and ranked #192 in Best Global Universities with 65.8 overall global score.

Known for its co-operative education (co-op) programs, the University of Waterloo in Ontario is a leader in engineering, computer science, and mathematics. The university has strong ties with industry, providing students with valuable work experience during their studies.

Highlights:

Here are a few highlights about University of Waterloo:

• Co-op Leader: Home to the world’s largest post-secondary co-op program.
• Innovation Hub: Known for its strong ties to the tech industry and numerous startup incubators.
• Research Excellence: Member of the U15 and recognized for its research in engineering, computer science, and health sciences.
• Global Impact: Hosts students from over 120 countries.

Key Details

Schools are ranked based on how well they perform in relation to a range of widely accepted indicators of excellence.

8. University of Calgary (U of C)

University of Calgary is ranked #8 in Best Universities in Canada and ranked #206 in Best Global Universities with 64.8 overall global

Situated in Calgary, Alberta, the University of Calgary is a comprehensive research university with a strong focus on innovation and entrepreneurship. It offers a wide range of programs and is known for its engineering, business, and health sciences faculties.

Highlights:

Here are a few highlights about U of C:

• Top Research University: Member of the U15 and recognized for its research in energy, engineering, and health sciences.
• Innovative Programs: Offers unique programs in fields such as veterinary medicine and environmental design.
• Community Engagement: Strong focus on community partnerships and experiential learning.
• Global Reach: Hosts students from over 125 countries.

Key Details

Schools are ranked based on how well they perform in relation to a range of widely accepted indicators of excellence.

6. Universite de Montreal (UdeM)

Universite de Montreal is ranked #6 in Best Universities in Canada and ranked #174 in Best Global Universities with 66.6 overall global score.

Located in Montreal, Quebec, Université de Montréal is one of the largest French-speaking universities in the world. It offers a wide range of programs and is known for its strong research output, particularly in the fields of health sciences, social sciences, and humanities.

Highlights:

Here are a few highlights about UdeM:

• Top Research University: Member of the U15 and recognized for its research in health sciences, social sciences, and humanities.
• Diverse Programs: Offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
• Bilingual Education: Offers programs in both French and English.
• Global Community: Hosts students from over 140 countries.

Key Details

Schools are ranked based on how well they perform in relation to a range of widely accepted indicators of excellence.

4. McMaster University – Hamilton

McMaster University is ranked #4 in Best Universities in Canada and ranked #127 in Best Global Universities with 69.1 overall global score.

Situated in Hamilton, Ontario, McMaster University is a leading research institution known for its innovative teaching methods and strong emphasis on experiential learning. It is home to the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, which is highly regarded for its problem-based learning approach.

Highlights:

Here are a few highlights about McMaster:

• Collaborative Learning: Known for its interdisciplinary approach to solving global challenges.
• Top 100 Worldwide: Recognized as one of the top 100 universities in the world.
• Research Excellence: Strong focus on health sciences, engineering, and business.
• Global Impact: Alumni and former students reside in 143 countries.

Key Details

Schools are ranked based on how well they perform in relation to a range of widely accepted indicators of excellence.

5. University of Alberta – Edmonton

University of Alberta is ranked #5 in Best Universities in Canada and ranked #150 in Best Global Universities with 67.7 overall global score.

Located in Edmonton, Alberta, the University of Alberta is one of Canada’s top research universities. It offers a wide range of programs and is particularly known for its engineering, business, and health sciences faculties. The university also has a strong focus on innovation and entrepreneurship.

Highlights:

Here are a few highlights about University of Alberta:

• Top 5 in Canada: Consistently ranked among the top 5 universities in Canada.
• Research Powerhouse: Receives over $620 million in annual research funding.
• Diverse Programs: Offers more than 200 undergraduate and 500 graduate programs.
• Global Recognition: Ranked among the top 100 universities worldwide.

Key Details

Schools are ranked based on how well they perform in relation to a range of widely accepted indicators of excellence.

3. McGill University – Montreal

McGill University is ranked #3 in Best Universities in Canada and ranked #56 in Best Global Universities with 75.2 overall global score.

Located in Montreal, Quebec, McGill University is one of Canada’s most prestigious universities. It is known for its strong research programs and diverse student body. McGill offers a wide range of programs and is particularly renowned for its medical school and law faculty.

Highlights:

Here are a few highlights about McGill:

• Top 50 Worldwide: Consistently ranked among the top 50 universities globally.
• Research Excellence: Member of the U15 and renowned for its research in medicine, engineering, and the sciences.
• Diverse Community: Hosts students from over 150 countries.
• Historic Campus: Located in the heart of Montreal, offering a vibrant cultural experience.

Key Details

Schools are ranked based on how well they perform in relation to a range of widely accepted indicators of excellence.

2. University of British Columbia (UBC) – Vancouver

University of British Columbia is ranked #2 in Best Universities in Canada and ranked #39 in Best Global Universities with 78 overall global score.

With campuses in Vancouver and Kelowna, UBC is one of Canada’s leading research universities. It offers a wide range of programs and is known for its strong emphasis on sustainability and global citizenship. UBC is also renowned for its beautiful campuses and diverse student body.

Highlights:

Here are a few highlights about UBC:

• Top Research University: Member of the U15 and recognized for its research in health sciences, social sciences, and humanities.
• Diverse Programs: Offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
• Bilingual Education: Offers programs in both French and English.
• Global Community: Hosts students from over 140 countries.

Key Details

Schools are ranked based on how well they perform in relation to a range of widely accepted indicators of excellence.

1. University of Toronto (U of T)

University of Toronto is ranked #1 in Best Universities in Canada and ranked #17 in Best Global Universities with 84.3 overall global score.

As Canada’s largest university, the University of Toronto is a global leader in research and teaching. It offers a wide range of programs and is known for its strong faculties in medicine, law, engineering, and business. The university has a diverse student body and is located in the heart of Canada’s largest city.

Highlights:

Here are a few highlights about U of T:

• Top 20 Worldwide: Consistently ranked among the top 20 universities globally.
• Research Powerhouse: Member of the U15 and renowned for its research in medicine, engineering, and the sciences.
• Diverse Programs: Offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
• Global Impact: Hosts students from over 160 countries.

Key Details

Schools are ranked based on how well they perform in relation to a range of widely accepted indicators of excellence.

Bonus: Other Popular Universities

York University – Toronto

York University is ranked #17 in Best Universities in Canada and ranked #466 in Best Global Universities with 55.2 overall global score.

Toronto Metropolitan University (Ryerson U)

Toronto Metropolitan University is ranked #26 in Best Universities in Canada and ranked #1055 in Best Global Universities with 41.7 overall global score.

Dalhousie University – Halifax

Dalhousie University is ranked #11 in Best Universities in Canada and ranked #352 in Best Global Universities with 58.6 overall global score.

Simon Fraser University – Burnaby

Simon Fraser University is ranked #14 in Best Universities in Canada and ranked #408 in Best Global Universities with 56.7 overall global score.

University of Victoria

University of Victoria is ranked #13 in Best Universities in Canada and ranked #385 in Best Global Universities with 57.3 overall global score.

University of Manitoba

University of Victoria is ranked #15 in Best Universities in Canada and ranked #417 in Best Global Universities with 56.5 overall global score.

Queens University – Kingston

Queens University is ranked #12 in Best Universities in Canada and ranked #359 in Best Global Universities with 58.2 overall global score.

Conclusion

Now You Know the Best Universities in Canada

All of the universities mentioned above are excellent choices for individuals who are motivated to achieve personal and academic growth. These universities offer top-notch professors, engaging educational experiences, and promising career opportunities. No matter which university you choose, you will receive a high-quality education.