Top 50 Universities and Scholarships 2024 in Canada

Top 50 Universities and Scholarships 2024 in Canada

Many international students worldwide aspire to study in Canada due to its excellent education system. Canadian universities have earned global acclaim for their quality teaching and extensive research efforts. A number of these institutions consistently rank among the top worldwide, making them a magnet for the brightest and most talented international students who seek enrollment in their esteemed degree programs.

In preparation for studying in Canada, international students who intend to pursue bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. research programs should familiarize themselves with the universities that are highly sought after by international students as their top choices.

Within this article, we’ve assembled an extensive list of the top 50 universities and research institutions in Canada, highlighting the scholarships and funding opportunities they commonly offer.

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List of Top 50 Canadian Universities:

1. University of Toronto: Situated in Toronto, Canada, this university, founded in 1827, boasts a diverse student body of more than 40,000, comprising both local and international students. It holds the distinction of being the inaugural institution of higher education in Upper Canada. You can find further information on their official website: www.utoronto.ca.
2. University of British Columbia: Situated in the urban environment of Vancouver, British Columbia, this institution boasts a student body exceeding 30,000 individuals, encompassing both local and international students. Renowned for its commitment to innovation, it translates concepts into tangible achievements and offers opportunities to individuals driven by curiosity, ambition, and the aspiration to contribute to a brighter future. For more details, please visit their official website at www.ubc.ca.
3. McGill University: Established in 1821, this institution presently boasts an enrollment exceeding 25,000 students. Nestled within the urban landscape of Montreal, this university provides a wide array of degree programs and diplomas across various fields of study and is distinguished by having the highest average entrance grades among Canadian universities. The majority of students pursue their education within the institution’s six largest faculties, which include arts, science, education, engineering, and management. You can find further information on their official website: www.mcgill.ca.
4. University of Waterloo: Situated in Waterloo, Ontario, the University of Waterloo currently enrolls a student population of 30,000. Its primary purpose upon establishment was to address the demand for training engineers and technicians to support Canada’s burgeoning postwar economy. For additional details, please visit their official website: www.uwaterloo.ca.
5. Simon Fraser University: Simon Fraser University is situated in Burnaby, British Columbia, and is classified as a large institution with an enrollment exceeding 30,000 students. This research university consistently earns recognition as Canada’s premier comprehensive university and has the distinction of being included in the Times Higher Education list of the top 100 world universities under 50 years of age. You can find more information on their official website: www.sfu.ca.
6. University of Alberta: Situated in Edmonton, Alberta, the University of Alberta, often referred to as U of A or UAlberta, maintains a highly discerning admission policy that primarily considers students’ prior academic achievements. Established in 1908, this university has played a pivotal role in Alberta’s economic landscape, with an estimated annual impact of $12.3 billion on the province’s economy. For more information, please visit their official website: www.ualberta.ca.
7. York University: Situated in the bustling metropolis of Toronto, York University boasts an impressive enrollment of over 40,000 students. This institution offers a range of academic and non-academic resources to cater to both local and international students. Notably, several of York’s programs have garnered acclaim on both local and global scales. Additionally, it is home to Canada’s oldest film school, which has earned the distinction of being ranked as the best in the country. For more information, you can visit their official website at www.yorku.ca.
8. University of Calgary: Situated in the bustling city of Calgary, this is a sizable university with an enrollment exceeding 25,000 students, comprising both local and international scholars. Established in 1966, the institution boasts a sponsored research revenue of $380.4 million. It maintains strong connections with the petroleum and geoscience industries through its Geosciences department and Schulich School of Engineering. For further information, you can visit their official website at www.ucalgary.ca.
9. McMaster University: Situated in Hamilton, Ontario, this institution boasts an enrollment of more than 20,000 students. It encompasses six academic faculties, including the DE Groote School of Business, Engineering, Health Sciences, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Sciences. Additionally, it holds membership in U15, a collective of research-intensive universities in Canada. For more information, you can visit their official website at www.mcmaster.ca.
10. University of Montreal: Established in 1878, the University of Montreal (Université de Montreal) is situated in the vibrant metropolis of Montreal. With an enrollment exceeding 45,000 students, it ranks among Canada’s highly sought-after institutions. It provides an extensive array of academic options, offering over 650 undergraduate programs and 71 doctoral programs. For additional information, please visit their official website at www.umontreal.ca.
11. Western University: Ranked at the 144th position globally, Western University is situated in the mid-sized city of London, Ontario. With a student body exceeding 33,000, it includes both local and international scholars. Established in 1863, the university’s initial four faculties encompassed Arts, Divinity, Law, and Medicine. For more details, you can visit their official website at www.uwo.ca.
12. University of Victoria: Founded in 1963, this institution is situated in the modest city of Victoria, British Columbia. It holds the 149th position globally and has an enrollment of fewer than 30,000 students. Distinguished as the sole host of Canada’s inaugural Indigenous law degree program, it also boasts specialized research centers dedicated to Indigenous and environmental law. You can find further information on their official website at www.uvic.ca.
13. Queen’s University: Situated in Kingston, Ontario, Queen’s University was established in 1841. The school maintains an admission rate ranging from 40% to 50%, positioning it as a moderately selective Canadian higher education institution. It enrolls more than 20,000 students, comprising both local and international scholars. For additional information, you can visit their official website at www.queensu.ca.
14. University of Laval: Ranked at 192nd globally, this university was founded in 1852. With a student population exceeding 40,000, its admission policy relies on entrance examinations and prior academic records. Situated in Quebec City, Quebec, you can access further information on its official website at www.ulaval.ca.
15. Toronto Metropolitan University: Situated in the bustling metropolis of Toronto, this university was founded in 1948 and boasts a substantial enrollment of more than 20,000 students, hailing from both local and international backgrounds. The university is organized into seven distinct academic divisions or faculties, including the Faculty of Arts, the Faculty of Community Services, the Faculty of Engineering, the Faculty of Science, the Creative School, the Lincoln Alexander School of Law, and the Ted Rogers School of Management. For further information, please visit their official website at www.torontomu.ca.
16. University of Guelph: Established in 1964, this publicly funded institution is situated in Ontario. It boasts a substantial enrollment exceeding 25,000 students. As of 2019, this comprehensive public research university employs 830 full-time faculty members and provides a diverse array of academic offerings, including 94 undergraduate degrees, 48 graduate programs, and 6 associate degrees spanning various disciplines. For more information, you can visit their official website at www.uoguelph.ca.
17. Carleton University: Carleton University is situated in Ottawa, having been established in 1942, and currently enrolls over 30,000 students. Its admission process places a strong emphasis on academic records and grades. This institution is a vibrant hub of research and education, offering engaging programs and fostering a close-knit community of faculty, staff, and students. For more information, please visit their official website at www.Carleton.ca.
18. Dalhousie University: Situated in the city of Halifax, Nova Scotia, this esteemed Canadian university, founded in 1818, enjoys a prominent reputation. It holds a global ranking of 268 and enrolls a substantial student body exceeding 15,000. The university offers an extensive curriculum, featuring over 4,000 courses and 180 degree programs across 12 faculties. It is also a proud member of U15, a consortium of research-intensive universities in Canada. You can find further information on their official website at www.dal.ca.
19. University of Saskatchewan: The University of Saskatchewan is situated within the province of Saskatchewan. Established in 1907, it boasts a diverse student population exceeding 20,000, comprising individuals from both local and international backgrounds. Globally, it holds the 278th position in university rankings. This institution stands as one of Canada’s premier research-intensive, medical doctoral universities, renowned for its groundbreaking research in areas of global significance, including water and food security, as well as infectious diseases. For additional information, please visit their official website at www.usask.ca.
20. University of Ottawa: The University of Ottawa in Canada is widely recognized for its excellence and boasts a substantial student body, with an enrollment exceeding 45,000. Established in 1848, this university holds the 279th position in global rankings and offers a range of scholarships to both local and international students. It is situated in Ottawa, Ontario. For more details, please visit their official website at www.ottawa.edu
21. Concordia University: Established in 1974, this institution is situated in the bustling city of Montreal, Quebec. Its admission policy is discerning, relying on students’ prior academic records and grades. With a significant enrollment exceeding 45,000 students, it offers scholarship opportunities to both local and international students. You can find further information on their official website at www.concordia.ca.
22. University of Manitoba: Founded in 1877, the University of Manitoba stands as one of Canada’s oldest and most esteemed institutions. Globally, it holds the 314th position in university rankings, boasting an enrollment exceeding 25,000 students. The university warmly welcomes international students for enrollment and encourages them to explore available scholarship programs. It is located in Winnipeg. For more details, please visit their official website at www.umanitoba.ca.
23. Universite du Quebec a Montréal: This institution is among the ten provincial public universities in Quebec. Established in 1969, it is situated in the bustling metropolis of Montreal, Quebec. It holds official recognition from the Ministry of Education in Canada and boasts a substantial enrollment, with over 40,000 students, including both local and international scholars. As a French-speaking institution, it is overseen by six faculties: Arts, Education, Communication, Political Science, Law, and Science, along with Social Sciences. You can find more information on their official website at www.uquam.ca.
24. Memorial University of Newfoundland: Situated in the modest city of St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, this university holds the 408th position in global rankings and boasts an enrollment of more than 15,000 students. It has earned official recognition from the Department of Advanced Education, Skills, and Labor. This institution provides a diverse range of academic offerings, including certificate, diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate programs, along with the option of online courses. For further information, please visit their official website at www.mun.ca.
25. University of Sherbrook: Established in 1954, this university also operates a branch campus in Longueuil. With a significant enrollment exceeding 40,000 students from both local and international backgrounds, it holds a global ranking of 566. This institution is situated in Sherbrook, Quebec, and maintains an affiliation with the Christian-Catholic religion. For more information, you can visit their official website at www.usherbrooke.ca.
26. University of New Brunswick: This esteemed institution is a renowned university in Canada, known for its accolades and recognition. It was founded in 1785 and currently holds the 576th position in global university rankings. With an enrollment range that exceeds 10,000 students, it offers scholarship opportunities to international students from across the globe. Distinguished alumni from this university include notable figures such as Sir John Douglas Hazen, Frank McKenna, and Brianne Higgs, among others. You can access further information on their official website at www.unb.ca.
27. Brock University: Brock University is situated in St. Catharines, Ontario, and holds the 613th position in global university rankings. Additionally, it operates a branch campus in Hamilton. This institution has an enrollment of more than 10,000 students, comprising both local and international scholars, and is officially acknowledged by the Ministry of Education in Canada. Unique among Canadian universities, Brock is located within a UNESCO biosphere reserve. For more information, please visit their official website at www.brocku.ca.
28. Wilfrid Laurier University: Established in 1911, this university is situated in Waterloo, Ontario. It also operates a branch campus in Brantford, officially acknowledged by the Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities of Ontario. With a substantial enrollment of more than 10,000 students, it offers a diverse range of academic programs. For further details, you can visit their official website at www.wlu.ca.
29. University of Windsor: The University of Windsor holds the 675th position in global university rankings and was founded in 1857. This esteemed institution is situated in Windsor, Ontario, and boasts an enrollment of more than 18,000 students, including both local and international scholars. Its scholarship and fellowship opportunities are accessible to students from both local and international backgrounds. For additional information, please visit their official website at www.uwindsor.ca.
30. University of Regina: Situated in the compact city of Regina, Saskatchewan, this esteemed university was founded in 1911. It boasts an enrollment of more than 13,000 students and holds accreditation and official recognition from the Ministry of Education. Its admission process is discerning, primarily relying on students’ previous academic records. For more information, please visit their official website at www.uregina.ca.
31. University of Lethbridge: Ranked at the 790th position in global university rankings, this institution is situated in Lethbridge, Alberta. This esteemed university also operates branch campuses in Calgary and Edmonton, all of which are officially recognized by the University of Advanced Education of Alberta. It enrolls more than 8,000 students, including both local and international scholars. For further details, please visit their official website at www.ulethbridge.ca.
32. British Columbia Institute of Technology: This institute holds the 826th position in global university rankings and is situated in the modest city of Burnaby, British Columbia. It boasts a substantial enrollment, with over 15,000 students, and provides a variety of courses and programs that lead to officially recognized higher education degrees, including bachelor’s degrees in various fields of study. You can find more information on their official website at www.bcit.ca.
33. Ecole Polytechnique de Montréal: Established in 1873, this institute ranks among Canada’s oldest and is situated in the bustling metropolis of Montreal, Quebec. It holds official recognition from the Ministry of Education and maintains a relatively small enrollment of just over 4,000 students. For further information, please visit their official website at www.polymtl.ca.
34. University of Winnipeg: The University of Winnipeg is situated in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Founded in 1871, this institution holds the 938th position in global university rankings and has a moderate enrollment of more than 8,000 students. It also offers various academic and non-academic resources for its student body. For more information, please visit their official website at www.uwinnipeg.ca.
35. Universite du Quebec a Chicoutimi: As one of the ten provincial public universities in Quebec, this institution holds the 1005th position in global university rankings and ranks 35th within the country. Founded in 1969, this French-speaking university is situated in Chicoutimi, Quebec. It maintains a moderate-sized enrollment of 6,000 students, including both local and international scholars. For additional details, please visit their official website at www.uqac.ca.
36. HEC Montreal: This non-profit public higher education institution is situated in the bustling metropolis of Montreal, Quebec. Founded in 1907, it boasts an enrollment of over 10,000 students, encompassing both local and international scholars. This university is renowned as a premier business school with a distinguished reputation for cultivating leaders in the fields of teaching and research. For more information, please visit their official website at www.hec.ca.
37. University of Quebec: The University of Quebec comprises a consortium of ten publicly funded provincial universities in Quebec, Canada, established in 1968. It is situated in the city of Quebec and has a substantial enrollment of more than 40,000 students, including both local and international attendees. This institution holds accreditation and official recognition from the Ministry of Education, and it ranks 1082nd globally and 37th within the country. For further information, please visit their official website at www.uquebec.ca.
38. Trent University: Trent University is situated in Peterborough, Ontario. It was established in 1963 and currently enrolls more than 7,000 students. The university follows a discerning admission policy that primarily considers students’ previous academic records and grades. In global rankings, Trent University holds the 1141st position, and it is ranked 38th within the country. For additional information, please visit their official website at www.trentu.ca.
39. Acadia University: Acadia University holds the 1163rd position in global university rankings and is ranked 39th in the country. Founded in 1838, this esteemed institution is situated in the town of Wolfville, Nova Scotia. It maintains a relatively small enrollment, with fewer than 5,000 students, encompassing both local and international scholars. For more information, please visit their official website at www.acadiau.ca.
40. Lakehead University: Lakehead University is situated in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Established in 1965, this university holds the 1223rd position in global rankings and ranks 40th within the country. It boasts an enrollment of over 7,000 students who are pursuing bachelor’s degrees across various fields of study. For further information, please visit their official website at www.lakeheadu.ca.
41. Ecole de Technologie Superieure: Established in 1974, this institution is situated in the bustling metropolis of Montreal, Quebec. It holds the 1266th position in global rankings and is ranked 41st in the country. This institute enjoys high recognition from the Ministry of Education and has a student body exceeding 10,000, including both local and international students pursuing pre-bachelor degrees such as diplomas and associates. For more information, please visit their official website at www.etsmtl.ca.
42. Vancouver Island University: Vancouver Island University is situated in the compact city of Nanaimo, British Columbia. Founded in 1969, this university extends its reach with branch campuses in locations such as Duncan, Parksville, and Powell River. It holds the 1296th position globally and ranks 42nd in the country. The university enrolls more than 15,000 students who are pursuing various pre-bachelor degrees. For additional details, please visit their official website at www.viu.ca.
43. Ontario Tech University: Founded in 2002, this technological university holds the 1297th position in global rankings and ranks 43rd within the country. It is situated in Oshawa, Ontario, and enjoys widespread recognition. The institution boasts an enrollment of more than 10,000 students who are pursuing higher education degrees, including bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. degrees. For more information, please visit their official website at www.ontariotechu.ca.
44. University of Northern British Columbia: Established in 1990, this institution holds the 1333rd position in global rankings and ranks 44th within the country. Situated in Prince George, British Columbia, this university has an enrollment of more than 3,000 students and follows a discerning admission process. For further details, please visit their official website at www.unbc.ca.
45. Kwantlen Polytechnic University: Established in 1981, this university is situated in Surrey, British Columbia. With an enrollment exceeding 20,000 students, it holds the 1438th position in global rankings and ranks 45th within the country. This institution offers a wide array of educational opportunities, including undergraduate and vocational education, encompassing bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, apprenticeships, and citations. For more information, please visit their official website at www.kpu.ca.
46. University of Prince Edward: Situated in the town of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, this university holds recognition from the Department of Workforce and Advanced Learning of Prince Edward Island. It ranks at the 1458th position globally and is ranked 46th within the country. The institution boasts an enrollment of more than 4,000 students who are pursuing various pre-bachelor degrees, including diplomas and associates. For further information, please visit their official website at www.upei.ca.
47. Thompson Rivers University: Founded in 1970, Thompson Rivers University is situated in Kamloops, British Columbia. It enjoys recognition from the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills, and Training of British Columbia. The university holds the 1470th position globally and is ranked 47th within the country. For more information, please visit their official website at www.tru.ca.
48. Saint Mary’s University: Established in 1802, this university is celebrated as the second oldest in Canada. It is situated in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and holds recognition from the Department of Labour and Advanced Education of Nova Scotia. The university ranks 1613th globally and stands 48th within the country. With an enrollment of over 7,000 students pursuing pre-bachelor degrees such as diplomas and associates of foundations, it offers diverse educational opportunities. For further information, please visit their official website at www.smu.ca.
49. OCAD University: Established in 1876, OCAD University is situated in Toronto, Ontario. The university is ranked 49th in the country and holds the 1633rd position globally. With an enrollment of over 4,000 students, it is recognized by the Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities of Ontario. For more information, please visit their official website at www.ocadu.ca.
50. Laurentian University: Situated in Sudbury, Ontario, this university holds the 50th position in the country ranking and is ranked 1651st globally. It enjoys official recognition from the Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities of Ontario. With an enrollment of over 9,000 students pursuing various higher education degrees, including bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. degrees, it offers a diverse range of academic opportunities. For further information, please visit their official website at www.laurentian.ca.

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The universities listed above, comprising the top 50 in Canada, undeniably stand as some of the finest and most sought-after institutions by international students. They welcome both local and international scholars to pursue higher education and provide various scholarships with varying degrees and amounts of support.