TOP UNIVERSITIES IN CANADA
Canada is known internationally for its excellent education system and world-class universities. Found all throughout the country, international students have the option to study in some of the greatest academic institutions in the world.
1) Concordia University – Montreal, Quebec
Known for:
- Strong engineering and business faculties
- International exchange programs
- Athletics
FOUNDED IN 1974, Concordia University is a two-campus institution located in downtown Montreal and the residential west burrow of the city. Known for its excellent newcomer services and multiple study-abroad programs, the university is a popular destination for many international students looking to come to Canada.
Concordia University offers many degree options for both undergraduate and post-graduate students in a wide range of fields such as the arts, sciences, engineering, and business. Popular options include their sports science program, film studies, biology, and psychology programs, most of which are ranked highly among Canadian institutions.
Also, the university is well-known for its engineering and business faculties. The John Molson School of Business (JMSB) is a part of Concordia, and is known to be one of the best institutions in Canada for business, finance, and marketing-related programs.
WORK OPPORTUNITIES
A recent survey revealed that during a three month period after graduation, approximately 82% of students from a list of JMSB programs had already found employment. Also, individuals who had graduated from the Masters in Business in Administration (MBA) program were averaging 73,000$, while individuals that obtained an Executive MBA were averaging 91, 000$.
2) McGill University – Montreal, Quebec
Known for:
- Excellent academics
- Prominent research institution
- Internationally acclaimed medical school
LOCATED IN the heart of downtown Montreal, McGill University is one of Canada’s most internationally recognized universities, sporting excellent academics, diverse program options, and state-of-the-art learning facilities. For many years McGill has ranked among the top universities in the world, becoming an international staple and a coveted option for international students looking to study in North America.
McGill offers hundreds of programs, ranging from the arts and life sciences, to business and engineering. Prominent members of academia make up a large percentage of the faculty, with respected researchers and professors conducting their own research on McGill grounds. Distinguished professional programs such as medicine and law help the university stand out, with a McGill degree being able to carry its weight around the world.
#1 RANKING
McGill University has consistently ranked among the best schools in the world for many years. It is currently listed as Canada’s #1 medical school by Maclean’s Magazine 2017, and the #1 university in Canada under QS Top Universities.
3) Queen’s University
Known for:
- Strong undergraduate programs
- Excellent student life
- Sports and extracurricular activities
LOCATED in Kingston, Ontario, Queen’s University is a prominent research institution that boasts excellent academics and one of the largest campuses in the country.
Situated in the downtown core of the city, Queen’s has actively shaped the Kingston community into the student-centric city it is today. This makes it a key destination for many international students looking to study in Canada, offering a vibrant student community that is committed to a positive student experience.
4) Université de Montreal – Montreal, Quebec
Known for:
- Medical-related research
- Business
- Bilingual programs
- Diploma and certificate courses
UNIVERSITÉ DE Montreal (University of Montreal) is a French-speaking university located in Montreal, Québec. It is currently one of the oldest universities in the country and houses one of Montreal’s most iconic buildings, the Roger-Gaudry Pavillion, that rests on top of Mount-Royal and overlooks the entire city.
Université de Montreal offers more than 600 programs from 13 different faculties, with many of them being available in either French or English. Their affiliate business school, École des hautes études commerciales de Montréal (HEC), is one of the best in the province and also offers trilingual programs in French, English, and Spanish.
While it is a university, the school also specializes in a variety of certification and diploma programs, with engineering, international business, and vocational studies being the most popular.
RESEARCH INITIATIVES
UdeM is known to be one of Canada’s leading research universities, helping pioneer scientific advancements in cancerology and genetics.
5) University of Alberta – Edmonton, Alberta
Known for:
- Research in artificial intelligence and science sector
- Computer science
- Athletics
LOCATED in Edmonton, Alberta, the University of Alberta is one of Canada’s most esteemed universities and among the top post-secondary educational institutions in the world.
The school currently offers over 250 undergraduate programs and 500 graduate programs from 18 faculties. The student body is comprised of over 6,500 international students, making it a leading choice for study abroad students in Canada.
The school prides itself on being a top research institution in Canada, with a strong emphasis on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and environmental sciences. Their computer science program is one of the most acclaimed in the country, offering an impressive curriculum that allows students to interact and learn with AI-related software.
TOP INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
According to the 2016 QS World Rankings, the University of Alberta ranks in the top 100 schools in the world.
6) University of British Columbia – Vancouver, British Columbia
Known for:
- Strong academics
- Arts and cultural study programs
- Research-intensive university
LOCATED in Vancouver and Okanagan, the University of British Columbia (UBC) is one of Canada’s leading schools, offering world-class academics and boasting a consistent top 40 rank for best university in the world.
Research remains one of the cornerstones of the school, with over $600 million of funding going into both campus facilities every year. The university specializes in innovative research in the science sector, with major advancements being apparent in the biomedical, cancer, and disease fields.
7) University of Ottawa – Ottawa, Ontario
Known for:
- Bilingual programs
- Legal studies
- Large campus and housing options
THE UNIVERSITY OF OTTAWA is one of Canada’s largest universities, and is currently the largest bilingual university in the world. Because of this, there are many international students that enrol each year from over 100 different ethnic backgrounds worldwide. Students have the option to study programs in either French or English, helping cater to a large international community.
The University of Ottawa currently has the largest law school in the country, and features one of the most distinguished law programs in Canada. Students have the chance to learn both Common and Civil Law, allowing them to practice in many different countries around the world.
8) University of Toronto – Toronto, Ontario
Known for:
- Excellent academics
- Leading undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs
- Research initiatives
THE UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO is one of the most respected academic institutions in Canada, and ranks among the best universities in the world. Pioneering movements in research and education, students are provided with a quality learning environment that offers some of the best school programs in the country. Currently, there are approximately 700 programs in over 18 faculties to choose from, helping cater to a wide range of academic needs.
The University of Toronto is part of a large international community that focuses on research and innovation, with partnership institutions located in Germany, UK, India, China, and many more. This network of leading institutions provide novel advancements in a broad range of fields, helping tackle current issues in global affairs.
In 2017, Toronto ranked 7th for most innovative city of the world, with a large contribution coming from the University of Toronto and the research it conducts. Artificial Intelligence (AI) advancements have been incredibly prominent, with works helping influence not only Canada, but global markets as well.
TOP INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
According to QS University World Rankings, the University of Toronto currently ranks as the 32nd best university in the world.
9) University of Victoria – Victoria, British Columbia
Known for:
- International services
- Large campus environment
- Co-op programs
LOCATED in the capital of British Columbia, the University of Victoria is home to over 18,000 students with multiple undergraduate, graduate, and co-op education programs. International students have access to a variety of help services during their stay, with the widely popular International Commons geared towards specifically integrating international students to their new life in Victoria. There are currently over 3,000 international students that are studying at the University of Victoria, and has been climbing the rankings for best international university over the past decade.
10) York University – Toronto, Ontario
Known for:
- Science programs
- Large campus environment
- Diploma and certificate courses
YORK UNIVERSITY is located in Toronto, Ontario, and is Canada’s third largest university, with over 53,000 students across two campuses. There are currently 11 faculties that offer hundreds of programs, with many certificate/diploma programs to specialize after graduation.
The university is a leading research institution of Canada, with pioneering efforts in space programs and environmental studies. York University is currently the only school in Canada that offers both space science undergraduate and graduate degrees, and is ranked in the top 15 universities in the world for business research.
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