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Best Universities in Canada for International Students

Best Universities in Canada for International Students

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Planning to study in Canada? Here are top-ranked universities in Canada for international students with average tuition fees, popular programs, requirements, and more

GyanDhan
Rohit Gidwani
Updated on:  28 May 2025  | Reviewed By:  Aman  | 3.29K | 25  min read
 Canada has always been a popular destination for students seeking quality education, multiculturalism, a safe and welcoming environment, and career opportunities. According to the Canadian Council of Ministers, Canada has 223 public and private universities. Of all these Canadian universities, 30 are listed in the QS World University Rankings for 2023, and 31 are listed in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings for 2023.
 

In this blog, we will be exploring the best universities in Canada for international students, with insights into their rankings, popular programs, campuses, tuition fees, and more.

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Top 10 Universities in Canada

Tabulated below are the top-ranking universities in Canada; the rankings are determined by agencies based on factors like academic reputation, international student population, research, job opportunities, and more. While you explore these universities, interact and know more about them from experts, prospective students, and alumni by being part of the GyanDhan discussion forum.

University Name  QS Ranking 2023  THE Ranking 2023  % of International Students

McGill University

30

46

48%

University of Toronto

21

18

38.79%

University of British Columbia

34

40

28.6%

University of Alberta

111

118

18.6%

University of Montreal

141

111

14.45%

McMaster University

189

85

17.20%

University of Waterloo

112

201 - 250

40%

Western University

114

201 - 250

14.04%

University of Ottawa

203

137

25%

University of Calgary

182

201 - 250

29.07%

 

Did you know?

The University of Toronto has 40 Libraries with 11.2 million in physical holdings and 7.9 million in electronic holdings, making it 3rd third-largest library system in North America.
 

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Score requirements for the best universities in Canada

The score requirements for the best universities in Canada vary depending on the university and the program you are applying for. Generally, these universities have highly competitive admission processes and require high academic achievements and test scores. Here are some approximate score requirements for the top universities in Canada:

University Name  GRE  GMAT  IELTS  TOEFL  GPA

McGill University

675

321

6

79

3

University of Toronto

500

300

6

93

3

University of British Columbia

550

310

6

100

3

University of Alberta

613

310

6

88

3

University of Montreal

630

308

6.5

104

3.3

McMaster University

613

304

6

88

3.7

University of Waterloo

500

300

7

90

3

Western University

500

300

6

86

2

University of Ottawa

570

310

6

86

3.11

University of Calgary

500

300

6

86

3.3

 
If you want to take admission in an MS program from one of the best universities in Canada, you would need to check your bachelor’s GPA eligibility. GyanDhan understands you, and that’s why we brought to you our Grade Converter tool that allows you to convert your percentage or 10-point CGPA to GPA score with just a single click!

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Cost of studying a master's at the best universities in Canada

 University Name  Popular Programs Tuition Range (CAD)

McGill University

  • list items
    MSc in Biotechnology
  • list items
    MSc in Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • list items
    MBA

19,000 CAD - 32,000 CAD

University of Toronto

  • list items
    MSc in Computer Science
  • list items
    MEng in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
  • list items
    MASc in Electrical and Computer Engineering

6,210 CAD - 43,990 CAD

University of British Columbia

  • list items
    Master’s in Data Science
  • list items
    MEng in Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • list items
    MEng in Leadership

15,000 CAD - 30,000 CAD

University of Alberta

  • list items
    MS in Computer Science
  • list items
    MSc in Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • list items
    MS in Statistical Machine Learning

14,000 CAD - 30,000 CAD

University of Montreal

  • list items
    MS in Computer Science
  • list items
    MS in Advanced Pharmacotherapy
  • list items
    MS in Finance

30,000 CAD - 38,000 CAD

McMaster University

  • list items
    MS in Computer Science
  • list items
    MSc in Biology
  • list items
    MD in Biomedical Engineering

9,000 CAD - 25,000 CAD

University of Waterloo

  • list items
    M.Math in Computer Science
  • list items
    M.Eng in Electrical and Computer Engineering

13,000 CAD - 21,000 CAD

Western University

  • list items
    MSc in Computer Science
  • list items
    Master's in Data Analytics
  • list items
    M.Eng in Electrical and Computer Engineering

22,000 CAD - 45,000 CAD

University of Ottawa

  • list items
    MEng in Mechanical Engineering

19,000 CAD - 22,000 CAD

University of Calgary

  • list items
    MS in Data Science and Analytics
  • list items
    MS in Neuroscience

13,500 CAD - 20,000 CAD

 

 

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Cost of studying a bachelor’s at the best universities in Canada

University Name  Popular Programs  Tuition Range (CAD)

McGill University

  • list items
    B.S Architecture
  • list items
    B.Sc Nursing
  • list items
    Bachelor of Science in Nursing

30,000 CAD - 56,000 CAD

University of Toronto

  • list items
    B.Sc Computer Science
  • list items
    Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies
  • list items
    Bachelor of Arts in Industrial Relations and Human Resources

41,540 CAD - 61,350 CAD

University of British Columbia

  • list items
    Bachelor's in Biomedical Engineering
  • list items
    Bachelor's in Environmental Engineering
  • list items
    BComm in Business and Management

45,000 CAD - 50,000 CAD

University of Alberta

  • list items
    BSc in Applied Mathematics
  • list items
    B.Sc in Nursing
  • list items
    Bachelor of Science [B.S] Agricultural and Resource Economics

22,300 CAD - 30,000 CAD

University of Montreal

  • list items
    BBA
  • list items
    B.Eng in Software Engineering
  • list items
    Bachelor of Landscape Architecture

18,000 CAD - 20,000 CAD

McMaster University

  • list items
    BA Economics
  • list items
    Bachelor of Applied Science Computer Science
  • list items
    Bachelor of Health Science in Midwifery

27,000 CAD - 33,700 CAD

University of Waterloo

  • list items
    B.Sc in Computer Science
  • list items
    BA in Accounting and Financial Management
  • list items
    B.Math in Computational Mathematics

40,000 CAD - 60,000 CAD

Western University

  • list items
    BBA
  • list items
    Bachelor of Science in Nursing
  • list items
    BA in Psychology

25,000 CAD - 30,000 CAD

University of Ottawa

  • list items
    Bachelor of Commerce (Honors) in Accounting
  • list items
    BASc in Chemical Engineering (Biotechnology)

40,000 CAD - 50,000 CAD

University of Calgary

  • list items
    BS in Biomechanics
  • list items
    BA in Economics
  • list items
    Bachelor of Fine Arts [B.F.A] Visual Studies

18,000 CAD - 30,000 CAD


Apart from the cost of attendance, there are more post-arrival costs that an international student needs to consider, which is called the cost of living. The cost of living may differ between the university and the province in which it is located. A general overview of the cost of living in Canada is shown below

Expense Category Monthly Cost (CAD)

Accommodation 

400 CAD - 800 CAD

Travel 

80 CAD - 110 CAD

Food

300 CAD - 400 CAD

Entertainment

150 CAD

Health Insurance 

74 CAD

Utilities (Electricity, cooling, water, heating, garbage, internet)

75 CAD - 215 CAD

 

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Best universities in Canada in different cities

5 cities in Canada make it to the QS Best Student Cities 2023 list. These cities are known for their affordability and employer activities. Let us know some top universities for international students located in these cities:

City QS City Rank  Affordability Rank   Employer Activity Rank  Top Universities

Montreal

14

46

76

  • list items
    McGill University
  • list items
    University of Montreal
  • list items
    Concordia University

Toronto

15

27

109

  • list items
    University of Toronto
  • list items
    York University
  • list items
    Ryerson University

Vancouver

20

34

107

  • list items
    University of British Columbia
  • list items
    Simon Fraser University

Ottawa

55

103

84

  • list items
    University of Ottawa
  • list items
    Carleton University

Quebec

106

115

70

  • list items
    Laval University
  • list items
    Université du Québec


These were some of the best universities in Canada, but as mentioned earlier, there are more than 200 universities in Canada. Choosing the right one at times needs expert guidance. Book a free 30-minute free consultation call with GyanDhan and get personalized tips to shortlist the right universities for you.

 

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Frequently asked questions

What are some factors that need to be considered when deciding on a college/university to study in Canada?
 

The different things that need to be considered while choosing a university/college to study in Canada are:

  • list items What are the different courses available for the subject area you are interested in? 
  • list items The city in which the college/university is in so that you can check the quality of life and living expenses there. 
  • list items You will also need to consider any kind of language barrier in the form of teaching methods or curriculum related. 
  • list items The ranking of the university/college and the total tuition fees you would have to bear.
  • list items Job prospects that the university offers. 
  • list items International student service available. 

There are more factors that an individual can consider based on their personal requirements, these are some of the general factors that are mentioned here. 

Which is the cheapest province in Canada?
 

The cheapest province that an international student can choose to live in are Saskatchewan and Quebec.

What is the eligibility to secure admission for MS in Canada?
 

The eligibility criteria that you would need to fulfill to get an admit to a Canadian university are - 

  • list items You must be a minimum of 16 years. 
  • list items You must have scored a minimum of 3.0 on a four-point scale during your bachelor’s or a degree equivalent to it. 
  • list items Depending on the course you are being enrolled in you will be required to take either GMAT or GRE. 
  • list items You would also be required to appear for an English proficiency test and score the minimum accepted score. For IELTS it is around 7.0 and for TOEFL it is approximately 90 or more than that. 
How can I apply for top colleges for PGDM in Canada? 
 

To apply for a Canadian university you will need to follow the below-mentioned steps -

  • list items The first step is to research the desired university or college and finalize one.
  • list items Determine the application deadline and review other admission requirements.
  • list items You will need to review admission requirements, gather all the necessary documents and then take an English proficiency test.
  • list items After all this is done you need to fill out the application form that can be found on the university website. Once you fill out the form pay the application application fees. 
  • list items Submit all the required documents and track your application status. 
  • list items You will need to arrange your finances and then apply for a study permit. Once all of this is done you will be ready to attend university/college in Canada. 
Which Canadian university accepts the highest number of International students?
 

Although Canada is a country that welcomes international students, the University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of British Columbia are some of the Canadian universities that enroll a high number of international students.

Which are some of the best schools in Canada to do MBA?
 

As per QS Global MBA Rankings Canada 2023, the top MBA schools in Canada are - 

  • list items Rotman School of Management
  • list items Ivey Business School
  • list items Desautels Faculty of Management
  • list items Smith MBA at Queen's University
  • list items Sauder School of Business

Which are the top colleges in Canada?

The top colleges in Canada are as follows - 

  • list items Centennial College 
  • list items Conestoga College
  • list items Humber College
  • list items Lambton College
  • list items Douglas College

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