Canada has always been a hub for higher education. In 2024, the country is home to the universities that rank among the best in the world. The University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia, and McGill University stand out as the top three institutions. The appeal of studying in Canada lies not only in its high-quality education but also in its welcoming environment for national and international students. Let’s move forward and explore the top 10 universities in Canada.  

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List of Top Universities in Canada in 2024

• University of Toronto
• University of British Columbia
• McGill University
• McMaster University
• University of Alberta
• University of Montreal
• University of Waterloo
• University of Ottawa
• University of Calgary
• Western University

1- University of Toronto

The University of Toronto is a shining example of academic excellence in Canada. Founded in 1827 by royal charter, this public research university has a history spanning nearly two centuries. Originally controlled by the Church of England, it became a secular institution in 1850.

Today, the university ranks among the top universities globally. In the 2024 Best Global University Ranking, the university secured the 21st position worldwide and claimed the top spot in Canada. 

The University of Toronto comprises three campuses: the historic St. George campus located in downtown Toronto, and the satellite campuses in Scarborough and Mississauga. The institution offers a wide range of academic disciplines with more than hundreds of undergraduate and graduate programs.

The university is famous for its research and contributions to various fields. It has been the birthplace of significant innovations, such as insulin, stem cell research, the first artificial cardiac pacemaker, and the first successful lung and nerve transplants. The university has also made advancements in fields like electron microscopy, deep learning, neural networks, and multi-touch technology.

Alumni of the University of Toronto have made significant contributions to society. The list includes Prime Ministers of Canada, Governors General, foreign leaders, and justices of the Supreme Court of Canada. The university has also produced Nobel laureates, six Turing Award winners, Rhodes Scholars, and one Fields Medalist.

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2- University of British Columbia

The University of British Columbia (UBC) is Canada’s second most prestigious institution. Established in 1908, UBC is the oldest university in British Columbia. It opened its doors to students in 1915 and has since grown into a global hub for research and education. 

In 2024, UBC achieved a ranking of 41st in the World University Rankings. It is consistently recognized among the top 40 universities globally. There are two major campuses of UBC: the Vancouver campus and the Okanagan campus in Kelowna. 

The Vancouver campus is home to over 44,000 undergraduate and nearly 10,000 graduate students. The Okanagan campus, established in 2005, also attracts a diverse population eager to benefit from UBC’s esteemed education. 

The university offers a wide range of programs across various disciplines, including arts, sciences, engineering, business, and health sciences. Graduate programs are equally diverse, with options for master’s degrees, MBAs, and PhDs. UBC’s annual budget exceeds $747 million, supporting thousands of projects in various fields.

UBC’s mission to promote a global community is evident in its student body, which includes more than 20,000 international students from over 140 countries. The multicultural environment enriches the learning experience and prepares students for a globalized world.

3- McGill University

McGill University is located in Montreal, Quebec. Canada’s third top institution was founded in 1821 through a bequest from James McGill, a Scottish merchant. In the very year that McGill was granted its royal charter, a legacy that has influenced higher education for more than 200 years was established.

In 2024, McGill University is ranked 49th in the World University Rankings. McGill is particularly renowned for its research, teaching, and programs in medicine, law, and the sciences, attracting top students from around the world.

The university’s main campus is situated in the heart of Montreal. McGill also has a satellite campus, the Macdonald Campus, located in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, which specializes in agricultural and environmental sciences. Together, these campuses serve a diverse student body of over 40,000 students, with nearly 30% coming from outside Canada.

McGill offers several programs across various disciplines. Students can choose from more than hundreds of undergraduate programs and graduate programs in different disciplines, including arts, science, medicine, engineering, and law.

McGill researchers have made significant contributions to fields such as neuroscience, cancer research, and environmental science. The university’s collaborative approach encourages students to engage in projects and promote a culture of inquiry and discovery.

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4- McMaster University

McMaster University is located in Hamilton, Ontario. It is Canada’s fourth top-rated university. Established in 1887, it was originally founded as Toronto Baptist College. The university moved to Hamilton in 1930 due to a lack of facilities in Toronto. 

It was named after William McMaster, a senator and banker who provided significant funding for its establishment. Over the years, McMaster has evolved into a leading institution known for its innovative approaches to education and research.

In 2024, McMaster University is ranked 103rd in the World University Rankings. The university is a member of the U15 group, which comprises Canada’s top research-intensive universities. The university also has a smaller satellite campus, the McMaster University Medical Centre, which focuses on health sciences. 

Over 32,000 undergraduate and 5,000 graduate students are accommodated by these campuses collectively. The university offers a wide range of programs across six faculties: the DeGroote School of Business, Engineering, Health Sciences, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Science. 

McMaster is particularly famous for its medical school, which pioneered problem-based learning, a model that has been adopted by institutions worldwide.

On the other hand, the McMaster Nuclear Reactor, one of the first university-based research reactors in the British Commonwealth, plays a crucial role in medical isotope production.

5- University of Alberta

The University of Alberta is located in Edmonton. It was founded by Dr. Henry Marshall Tory in 1908, who envisioned a university that would provide quality education and contribute to the province’s development. The university has since grown into a major educational hub.

In 2024, the University of Alberta ranks 109th in the World University Rankings. The University of Alberta is also a member of the U15 group. It is known for its contributions to various fields, including health, engineering, and environmental sciences.

The University of Alberta has five campuses, with the main campus situated in Edmonton. The other campuses include the Augustana Campus in Camrose, the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry at the Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, and the South Campus, which focuses on agricultural and environmental studies. 

The university offers a comprehensive education across various disciplines. Its faculties include arts, science, engineering, business, medicine & dentistry, and education, among others. It has also made significant advancements in artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and public health. 

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6- University of Montreal

Université de Montréal (UdeM) is a prominent public research university in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Established in 1878 as a branch of Université Laval, it gained independence in 1919 and became a secular institution in 1967. The university’s main campus is situated on Mount Royal.

In the latest rankings, it holds the 111th position in the World University Rankings. UdeM operates across six campuses, including its main campus and satellite locations in Laval, Longueuil, Saint-Hyacinthe, Lanaudière, and Trois-Rivières. The extensive network includes over 34,335 undergraduates and 11,925 postgraduates.

The university offers various academic programs across 13 disciplines, including arts, sciences, medicine, law, and engineering, as well as specialized schools like Polytechnique Montréal and HEC Montréal. 

UdeM is particularly famous for its research output, with 465 research units and numerous partnerships with health institutions, contributing to an annual research income of nearly $550 million.

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7- University of Waterloo

The University of Waterloo, located in Ontario, is one of Canada’s leading institutions. It is renowned for its engineering and computer science programs. Since its founding in 1957, it has quickly changed and developed a solid reputation for innovation and research.

In global rankings, the University of Waterloo consistently performs well. As of 2024, it is ranked at 158th position worldwide. This recognition places it as a competitive choice for both domestic and international students.

The main campus in Waterloo is complemented by two additional campuses in Kitchener and Cambridge. This expansion allows the university to offer a diverse range of programs and facilities.

Waterloo’s faculties include engineering, arts, mathematics, science, and environment, among others. The university’s Computer Science and Engineering programs are highly competitive and attract top students from around the globe. It has also made achievements in emerging fields such as quantum computing and artificial intelligence. 

8- University of Ottawa

The University of Ottawa was founded in 1848. It is one of Canada’s oldest universities. Bishop Joseph Bruno Guigues founded it at first as the College of Bytown to offer multilingual education. Over the years, it evolved into an esteemed institution.

Its location in the heart of Canada’s capital offers students multiple cultural experiences. Today, the University of Ottawa is recognized as the largest bilingual university in North America. It hosts over 50,000 students across its four campuses. The main campus is situated in Sandy Hill. 

In terms of global standing, the University of Ottawa ranks at the 177th position. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. The bilingual nature of the institution allows students to study in either English or French.

Research is a pillar of the University of Ottawa’s mission. It houses around 20 research centers and institutes. The focus on research excellence has positioned the university as a leader in various fields, including photonics and mental health.

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9- University of Calgary

The University of Calgary was established in 1945 as a branch of the University of Alberta. It gained full autonomy in 1966. Since then, the University of Calgary has grown into a leading research university, recognized both nationally and internationally for its contributions to various fields.

In terms of rankings, the University of Calgary consistently ranks among the top universities in Canada and the world. As of 2024, it is positioned within the top 250 universities globally. The university operates primarily from its main campus in Calgary, but it also has a satellite campus in Doha, Qatar. 

The University of Calgary offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across various faculties. These include education, engineering, environmental design, fine arts, law, medicine, nursing, and social sciences, among others. The university is particularly famous for its unique programs in areas such as outdoor pursuits, natural resources law, and primatology. 

It also emphasizes experiential learning and provides students with opportunities for co-op placements, internships, and study abroad programs in more than 50 countries. The University of Calgary is home to almost 33,000 active students.

10- Western University

Western University is a public research university located in London, Ontario, Canada. It was founded in 1878 to provide academic excellence and promote innovation.

In 2024, the university ranks within the top 250 universities globally. Western University offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs across 12 faculties and schools to over 43,000 students. The university also operates three other campuses: Brescia University College, Huron University College, and King’s University College. 

The university is renowned for its strong programs in fields such as business, engineering, health sciences, humanities, law, and social sciences. Western’s Richard Ivey School of Business is particularly well-known, consistently ranking among the top business schools in Canada and the world.

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Conclusion

In 2024, Canada continues to host some of the world’s top universities, known for their academic excellence and research contributions. Leading the list is the University of Toronto. The University of British Columbia and McGill University also stand out. McMaster University and the University of Alberta are recognized for their contributions to health sciences and engineering. Meanwhile, the University of Montreal and the University of Ottawa also provide excellent education. The University of Waterloo, the University of Calgary, and Western University round out the list, known for their top-rated undergraduate and graduate programs. 

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