nternationality is becoming a new criterion for students who search for a university abroad. With their multicultural environment, universities in Canada seem to keep up with these expectations and offer Bachelor’s and Master’s degree courses both in English and French.
Some of Canada’s universities and colleges reach the top of international rankings, while others impress through their facilities and academic results of students. Since Canada is split into three territories, you should pay also attention to geography when you check out the universities below.
The most international universities were chosen by an indicator that targets performance in teaching, research and its influence, international outlook and knowledge transfer. Find the universities that have the most to offer to foreign students!
Top 10 international universities by Times Higher Education
Many of the best universities in Canada are also found in the international higher education top. However, there also are some new 2021 entries you should check out below:
- University of British Columbia
- McGill University
- Concordia University Montreal
- Simon Fraser University
- University of Alberta
- University of Windsor
- Dalhousie University
- York University
- University of Regina
- University of Toronto
A List of Universities in Canada:
Nowadays, it is essential to obtain a higher education. Why? If you are qualified, many doors of opportunity will open for you and you will be equipped with the right knowledge to climb the corporate ladder of success.
The important part is choosing the best higher educational institution for your degree.
Do you want a world recognized degree that will make your resume look impressive to future employers? Canada can help you out.
26 of Canada’s universities are featured among the best in the world according to 2018 QS World University Rankings. We reveal the full list of universities where you can study in Canada, below.
Starting With the Top 10 Universities in Canada:
- University of Toronto, Toronto
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver
- University of Waterloo, Waterloo City
- McGill University, Montréal City
- Simon Fraser University, Greater Vancouver
- University of Alberta, Edmonton
- York University, Toronto
- Queen’s University, Kingston
- University of Calgary, Calgary City
- University of Victoria, Victoria
The Remaining Top Universities Where You Can Enroll to Study in Canada:
- McMaster University, Hamilton
- Western University, London
- Université de Montréal, Montréal
- Université Laval, Quebec City
- Laval University, Quebec City
- Ryerson University, Toronto
- University of Guelph, Guelph City
- University of Ottawa, Ottawa
- Concordia University, Montréal
- Dalhousie University, Halifax
- Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal
- University of Manitoba, Winnipeg
- Memorial University of Newfoundland, St.John’s
- University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon
- University of New Brunswick, Fredericton
- Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke
Need more options? Here are other great Canadian Universities to choose from:
- Brock University: St. Catharines
- Wilfrid Laurier University: Waterloo
- University of Regina: Regina
- University of Windsor: Windsor
- British Columbia Institute of Technology: Burnaby
- Université du Québec à Chicoutimi: Chicoutimi
- University of Lethbridge: Lethbridge
- University of Winnipeg: Winnipeg
- HEC Montréal : Montréal
- Lakehead University: Thunder Bay
- Université du Québec: Quebec City
- École Polytechnique de Montréal: Montréal
- Trent University: Peterborough
- Vancouver Island University: Nanaimo
- University of Prince Edward Island: Charlottetown
- Acadia University: Wolfville
- École de Technologie Supérieure: Montréal
- Ontario Tech University: Oshawa
- University of Northern British Columbia: Prince George
- Thompson Rivers University: Kamloops
- Kwantlen Polytechnic University: Surrey
- St. Francis Xavier University: Antigonish
- Mount Allison University: Sackville
- Saint Mary’s University: Halifax
- Mount Royal University: Calgary
- OCAD University: Toronto
- Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières: Trois-Rivières
- Laurentian University: Sudbury
- Université de Moncton: Moncton
- Mount Allison University: Sackville
- Mac Ewan University: Edmonton
- Northern Alberta Institute of Technology: Edmonton
- Bishop’s University: Sherbrooke
- SAIT Polytechnic: Calgary
- Trinity Western University: Langley
- Nipissing University: North Bay
- Brandon University: Brandon
- Capilano University: North Vancouver
- Mount Saint Vincent University: Halifax
- Université du Québec à Rimouski: Rimouski
- Royal Roads University: Victoria
- Cape Breton University: Sydney
- Royal Military College of Canada: Kingston
- Université du Québec en Outaouais: Gatineau
- Algoma University: Sault Ste. Marie
- Yorkville University: Fredericton
- The King’s University College: Edmonton
- The University of Western Ontario: London
- Canadian Mennonite University: Winnipeg
- École Nationale d’Administration Publique: Quebec City
- Université de Saint-Boniface: Winnipeg
- St. Thomas University: Fredericton
- Concorida Unviversity of Edmonton: Edmonton
- University of King’s College: Halifax
- University Canda West: Vancouver
- The King’s University: Edmonton
- College of North Atlantic: Stephenville
- Emily Carr University of Art and Design: Vancouver
- Quest University Canada: Squamish
- Ambrose University: Halifax
- University of Lethbridge: Calgary
- Redeemer University College: Ancaster
- Université Sainte-Anne: Pointe-de-l’Église
- Luther College at the University of Regina: Regina
- First Nations University of Canada: Regina
- University of Regina: Regina
- Crandall University: Moncton
- Kingswood University: Sussex
- Université de Hearts: Hearst
- Collège Universitaire Dominicain: Ottawa
- Nicola Valley Institute of Technology: Merritt
Cheap Master Degrees in Canada
1. Memorial University of Newfoundland
- Location: St. Johns, Newfoundland
- Tuition: $3,222
- Degree Programs: Large variety of Master’s and Doctorate programs both in person and online, in fields of Humanities & Social Sciences, Professional Programs, Interdisciplinary Programs, and Sciences
2. University of Northern British Columbia
- Location: Prince George, British Columbia
- Tuition: $3,297
- Degree Programs: MBA, MSc, MEd, MEng, MScN, MSW, Graduate Certificates, and Doctorate programs
3. University of Calgary
- Location: Calgary, Alberta
- Tuition: $3,693
- Degree Programs: Offers course-based and research-based Master’s and Doctorate degrees in a variety of subjects
4. Simon Fraser University
- Location: Burnaby, British Columbia
- Tuition: $3,743
- Degree Programs: Variety of graduate programs in Applied Sciences, Arts & Social Sciences, Business, Communication, Art & Technology, Education, Environment, Health Sciences, and Science
5. University of Saskatchewan
- Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
- Tuition: $4,358
- Degree Programs: Over 80 Master’s and Doctorate degrees. Specializing in research and medical fields
Tuition-Free Universities in Canada for International Students
University of the People is accredited by an American accrediting institution, and is suitable for all international students including Canadian students. This fully online university offers a variety of tuition-free programs ranging from Associate, Bachelor’s, and Master’s degrees in Business, Computer Science, Education and Health Science.
Canadian universities may have low tuition fees, but you can’t beat the tuition-free rates offered by UoPeople. While the flexibility of an online degree offers the chance to study anytime and anywhere you want.
Cost of Living in Canada for Students
As with most large countries, the cost of living varies drastically across the expansive nation of Canada. According to the Canadian Rental Housing Index, many large metropolis areas are unaffordable, however there are still some areas left in which one can live on a student budget.
Source: Pexels
Here’s a breakdown on the average costs a student can expect to find in Canada (in $CAD):
- Basic lunch & drink: $18
- Monthly rent in 45 sq m furnished studio: $1,160
- Monthly utilities: $102
- Monthly internet: $54
- Monthly public transport: $109
- Monthly gym membership: $59
- Pair of jeans: $72
- Private doctor visit: $93
- Toothpaste: $2.62
- Cappuccino: $5.05
Note: The Canadian government requires that an applicant show proof of having $10,000 CAD on top of tuition for a student visa, however you will likely need more.
Funding and Support for International Students
While studying in Canada may save you on tuition fees, you may still want to consider applying for funding and scholarships. There are plenty of scholarships and grants available to international students, and even scholarships exclusively for students from specific countries. Check out these top tips to apply for scholarships for international students.
How to Apply to Canadian Universities
As an international student, your application to a Canadian university will have special requirements. In addition to the typical student application including letters of recommendation, resume and educational history, you may also be asked to provide the following:
- Proof of finances
- English proficiency
- International application
- Passport information
- A translated copy of your transcript
Remember that you will also need a student visa to study for longer than six months in Canada. The application can be done online and costs $150 CAD. The government of Canada will ask for proof of finances, proof of health and general well-being, proof of no criminal record, and your university acceptance letter. It is recommended that you begin your student visa application as soon as you receive acceptance into the Canadian university.
Source: Pexels
All in all, studying in Canada as an international student will gain you a reputable internationally recognized degree and you may save money as well! If you are still not convinced and also looking to study in the states, check out these 7 affordable U.S. universities for international students.