Universities in Canada

Canada is an attractive destination for international students due to the high quality of its education and welcoming attitude towards foreign students.

Canada is host to several of the world’s finest universities, with over 30 universities featuring in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024.

The types of universities and colleges

Many of the largest, highest ranking universities in Canada, such as the University of Toronto, University of British Columbia and McGill University, are public research universities, which are universities owned by the state, with a focus on research output.

Canada also offers international students the choice of private universities, such as University Canada West and Yorkville University.

In total, there are 140 universities in Canada that are authorized to issue degrees.

Where are Canadian universities based

Canada is a vast country, in fact it is the second largest country in the world. As a result, there is great diversity in the location of universities in Canada, and therefore the experience on offer for the international student.

For nature lovers, the University of British Columbia is surrounded by countryside and the sea, whilst Quest University is set amongst valleys of forest and mountains. For city dwellers, there are urban based universities such as Ryerson University, Toronto Metropolitan University and York University in Toronto. From urban centres in Ontario and British Columbia to institutions in the Prairies, Atlantic Canada, and the North, Canada has something for everyone.

The top universities in Canada

Canada has 8 universities in the top 200 worldwide universities according to the Times Higher Education world university rankings 2024, including the University of Alberta, McGill University and the University of Toronto.

Read our article about the top Canadian universities to learn more.

Tuition languages

In Canada, English and French are the official co-languages, and as such, it is possible to learn in both English and French at many universities in Canada. For example, the University of Ottawa is the largest bilingual university in the world, where students can pursue a degree in either French or English, or even study in both languages.

This represents a unique opportunity for international students, in that it is possible to immerse yourself in two cultures and languages whilst you study in one location. Do note that if you intend to study in either French or English, or both, that you will have to ensure that you meet language requirements for your chosen course.

See below for a list of universities and higher education providers in Canada. Click on universities you are interested in below to read more and to see which courses are available for international students.

If you want to learn more about studying in major cities in Canada, read our articles about universities in Toronto and Vancouver.

Read more about studying in Canada as an international student.