At Remitly, we’re here to support your long term goals. We know that choosing a university is a major life decision for prospective students and their families. If you live in Canada or are moving there for your studies, you can rest easy knowing that it’s a world-renowned destination for higher education. Plus, it’s known for its quality of life and diverse culture.
In this article, we’ll provide a clear and straightforward guide to the best universities in Canada. Use this guide to understand what makes top-ranked Canadian universities unique, gain insight into the specific strengths of institutions—like academic offerings and research opportunities—and find tips on what factors to consider when choosing a school.
How are universities ranked?
If you’re thinking about the best universities in any given country, a few key names probably come to mind. A school’s reputation is largely based on university rankings. These universal lists present schools that are the best a country has to offer. Typically, they are based on a few different factors:
- Academic reputation
First and foremost, schools are judged based on the quality of their teaching and research. Sometimes, academic reputation is also influenced by how difficult it is to gain admission to a school and how popular it is with applicants.
- Employer reputation
All successful academic institutions prepare their students for life after school. But the employment outcomes of graduates and factors like their starting salaries contribute to the employer reputation of a given university.
- Student-to-faculty ratio
This refers to how many students are present at a university compared to how many teachers. Typically, lower student-to-faculty ratios are valued because they allow for greater student contact with and access to professors and teaching staff.
- Citations per faculty
The number of studies and papers that a university’s tenured faculty is publishing speaks to the institution’s research impact. The more citations the faculty has per year, the greater the importance of the university’s research.
- International student and faculty ratios
When a university has a large community of international students, it shows that the school has strong global appeal. Having an international student body creates diversity, providing more perspectives and social-emotional learning opportunities for students.
There are a few longstanding and well-known ranking systems for universities. For example, QS World University Rankings, Maclean’s, and Times Higher Education usually set the bar for the most sought after universities in Canada.
When a college appears on one of these lists, it builds credibility—and, oftentimes, popularity. In this article, we’ll explore some of the top universities in Canada by taking a look at what makes each one exceptional.
A closer look at the best universities in Canada
According to Times Higher Education, the top four universities in Canada in 2025 are University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, McGill University, and University of Alberta, in that order.
Here, we’re going beyond the ranking to dive into what keeps each of these universities at the top of the list.
University of Toronto
Ranked as the best college in Canada, University of Toronto is home to some of the world’s top faculty, students, alumni, and staff.
- Location: Toronto, Ontario
Located one northwestern shore of Lake Ontario, this university is close to the Canadian border with the US and nestled between the states of Michigan and western New York.
- Known for
The University of Toronto is a global leader in research and innovation. The university offers strong programs in medicine, law, engineering, and humanities.
- Why it stands out
Attending University of Toronto makes you a part of a vast network of students and alumni. The school is located in Canada’s largest city, so it’s no surprise that the student body reflects the urban diversity. The location also lends to unparalleled opportunities for internships and career opportunities.
University of British Columbia (UBC)
The University of British Columbia is a public research university with multiple campuses and is ranked as the second best university in Canada.
- Location: Vancouver & Kelowna, British Columbia
Located in the southwest of Canada, UBC’s main Vancouver campus is situated on the mainland’s Burrard Peninsula, close to the Pacific Ocean, while its Okanagan campus sits further inland, in Kelowna, a growing city situated on Okanagan Lake
- Known for
UBC has breathtaking campuses and a population of students and teachers who are deeply invested in sustainability research. The university also offers top-tier programs in business, science, and international relations.
- Why it stands out
If you’re looking for a school that combines academic rigor with an exceptional quality of life, look no further than UBC. The West Coast Canadian culture, marked by deep reverence for Indigenous cultures and history, multiculturalism, and a connection to nature is part of the experience at this school.
McGill University
Although you’ll hear French around campus, McGill is an English-language university, ranked number three in Canada.
- Location: Montreal, Quebec
The second largest city in all of Canada, Montreal is located in the east of the country. Montreal is due north of the US states of New York and Vermont.
- Known for
McGill has a prestigious medical school, law program, and a strong emphasis on research. The university is home to a large population of international students.
- Why it stands out
Attending school in Quebec offers a unique multicultural experience. In this province, the official language is French or, more specifically, the Quebecois dialect. The bilingual nature of this school attracts international and globally-minded students, lending to McGill’s global reputation for academic excellence.
University of Alberta
A top four college in Canada, University of Alberta is home to 40,000 students in a wide variety of programs.
- Location: Edmonton, Alberta
The most inland location on our list, Edmonton is located on the North Saskatchewan River.
- Known for
The university is a main economic driver for Alberta province. The school’s academic strengths are energy research, artificial intelligence, and health sciences.
- Why it stands out
At the University of Alberta, you’ll receive a world-class education with a more affordable cost of living. This makes it a great choice for anyone who is on a budget or who considers their higher education a financial investment. Beyond the rankings: choosing the right university for you
Although the rankings are a great starting point for your college search, what makes a university “the best” is subjective. At the end of the day, the university where the offerings and opportunities align with your personal and career goals is the best one for you.
Here are a few factors to consider as you continue your higher education exploration.
Program and specialization
If you already know what you want to study or what career path you’d like to pursue in the future, ensure that the universities where you’re applying offer the right programs. When possible, seek out universities that specialize in your desired course of study.
If you’re unsure about what you’d like to study, that’s okay. University is a time to explore your interests. Look for schools that offer multiple programs that interest you.
Campus culture and size
After considering your course of study, think about what you want your daily life to look like while you’re in university. Do you prefer a large, bustling urban campus or a smaller, tight-knit community?
Looking at the extracurricular activities that a university offers is also important. Are there clubs and affinity groups that interest you? Do the values and mission statement of the university align with your own personal values? Checking in on these factors can help ensure that you feel welcome and supported at university.
Location and cost of living
You might also consider factors like cost of living, dorms and off-campus housing, and public transportation options. Is it important for you to be able to travel home easily? Are you looking to save money by avoiding purchasing plane tickets? The answers to these questions can help influence your decision.
Keep in mind that the weather around Canada can vary drastically. Considering the climate and how much winter you’re willing to handle is another factor to keep in mind.
Co-op and internship opportunities
Look into the alumni outcomes of the universities in which you’re interested. Are alumni employable? Do they fill jobs that you’d be interested in yourself?
Speaking to advisors about the university’s industry connections and work-integrated learning programs can help to ensure that your studies provide a solid foundation for your future career.
Spotlight on specialized programs
University is not a one-size-fits-all situation. If you already have a deep interest in a specific or specialized field, you might consider applying to institutions that are known for these programs.
University of Waterloo
Although this university is not a top five contender in Canada overall, the University of Waterloo is a strong choice for students specifically interested in computer science and engineering. In fact, when considering rankings specific to engineering, this university does break into the top five. Researching based on your program of interest is worth it!
McMaster University
McMaster University is a leader in health sciences. If you’re looking to get into medicine, this is a great school to look into. McMaster also focuses on a hands-on, problem-solving learning approach.
Your path to higher education in Canada
Regardless of what your future academic aspirations are, Canada offers many excellent universities. While rankings are a good starting point, ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual priorities and what kind of experience you’re looking to have.
Consider factors like program fit, campus life, and career opportunities when comparing universities. If possible, visit the campuses of the schools you’re interested in applying to. If you can’t make it there in person, explore university websites, attend virtual open houses, and reach out to current students to make an informed decision. Happy learning!
FAQs
Do Canadian colleges offer scholarships or financial aid?
Yes, Canadian colleges offer financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants, and bursaries. Funding is provided by either the federal government, provincial government, educational institutions, or private organizations.
If you’re an international student interested in studying in Canada, you can apply for scholarship opportunities through EduCanada.
What are the general entry requirements for Canadian universities?
To apply to a university in Canada, you’ll need to provide a secondary school diploma or equivalent with strong academic results. You’ll also need to show proof of English and/or French language proficiency.
University applications request official academic transcripts in addition to supplementary documents and the official application forms. Refer to your target school for more information about specific application requirements.
Can I change my major?
Yes, you can change your major at Canadian colleges and universities, but the process and requirements vary from institution to institution. Sometimes, a formal change of program application is required, involving academic prerequisites and GPA requirements.
If you’re an international student studying in Canada, changing your course of study requires you to update your study permit with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to correctly reflect your academic program.
Is it possible to transfer from one university to another in Canada?
Yes, it is possible to transfer between universities in Canada. However, it is not guaranteed and you’ll have to go through a transfer application process. If you’re thinking about transferring universities, talk with your academic advisor and explore the transfer requirements at your target university.