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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Canada isn’t just home to stunningly diverse natural landscapes; it also houses a number of the world’s most renowned higher educational institutions. Some of the best universities in Canada have long beckoned both international and Canadian students, offering more than just education—they provide a gateway to groundbreaking research and transformative knowledge.
List of the Best Universities in Canada
Though the conversation could go endlessly, we’ve compiled the top eight of the best universities in Canada, according to Times Higher Education. The University of Toronto remains a top contender, with other notable institutions including:
1. University of Toronto
Founded in 1827, the University of Toronto firmly secures a top spot among the best universities in Canada for its cutting-edge innovation and research. With its three campuses—downtown Toronto, Scarborough, and Mississauga—U of T is known as the world’s largest university by student enrollment.
As a renowned academic powerhouse, U of T offers over 900 undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. It also excels in sustainability, ranked first by the QS Rankings 2025.
2. University of British Columbia
UBC is always prized for its world-leading teaching, learning, and research excellence. With two main campuses in Vancouver and Okanagan, each offers students an outstanding and supportive environment, all while being surrounded by stunning views.
Today, the university provides around 500 bachelor’s and master’s degrees across diverse fields, including liberal arts, sciences, business, and technology management, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience for its students.
3. McGill University
Located in Montreal, McGill University is one of Canada’s oldest and most prestigious institutions. With a history dating back over 200 years, McGill has consistently been recognized for its excellence in teaching and research programs across its 10 faculties and schools.
What truly sets this public university apart is its strong standing as Canada’s top medical doctoral university for the past 20 consecutive years, making it a leader in healthcare education and research.
4. McMaster University
One of the best universities in Canada, McMaster University is widely celebrated for its innovative teaching methods and research excellence, as evidenced by its three Nobel Prize winners.
The university is home to over 70 research institutes, including the Bertrand Russell Research Centre, the Biointerfaces Institute (BI), and the CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research, all of which contribute to groundbreaking advancements in various fields.
5. University of Alberta
When talking about the best universities in Canada for engineering, the University of Alberta remains a pioneer. With five campuses in two cities, each fosters a vibrant community and features state-of-the-art infrastructure to support a well-rounded learning experience across its over 400 diverse programs.
U of A has also established collaborative partnerships in research, teaching, and student exchange with global institutions like the University of Munich and the University of Western Australia.
6. Université de Montréal
Situated in the heart of Montreal, Université de Montréal is one of the top French-language universities in the world. Globally, the university is renowned for its research strengths in healthcare and artificial intelligence.
Together with its affiliated schools, HEC Montréal and Polytechnique Montréal, it has made a significant mark in Quebec’s education landscape.
7. University of Waterloo
Established in 1957, the University of Waterloo has long been an inviting institution for global students. Known for its strength in energy and fuels, Waterloo also ranks first in Canada for experiential learning and employer-student connections.
The university not only encourages students to become high-quality graduates but also empowers them to become leaders, as evidenced by the 562 startup founders who are Waterloo graduates.
8. University of Ottawa
The University of Ottawa rounds out the list seamlessly, shining for its reputation as the world’s largest bilingual university. Embracing both English and French, the university is one of the best universities in Canada for international students, as it provides them with a dynamic and inclusive learning environment.
For those passionate about health sciences, look no further than the University of Ottawa. Its affiliated hospital research institutes and 23 research centers promote cutting-edge research and provide students with ample opportunities to engage in meaningful health-related studies.
If you're planning to study abroad, Canada’s welcoming atmosphere, combined with its top-tier education system, makes it an excellent choice for students from all walks of life.
TIMES HIGHER EDUCATION | QS TOP UNIVERSITIES
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