Among the 97 public universities in Canada and dozens of private educational institutions and colleges, it is important to note that all of these universities are considered among the top universities in Canada and meet the highest global standards in terms of education quality and the credentials awarded by them. However, there are a few factors that prospective students should consider when choosing a university in Canada.
These factors include which universities in Canada are the best, which universities have an easier admission process, and which universities are better for Iranian students and, more generally, for international students. It is also important to consider which universities rank higher in the Canadian university rankings. To learn more about these aspects and studying in Canada, stay with us until the end of this article by Elm Vira.

Introduction to the Top Universities in Canada
As you may know, Canada has always been recognized as a migrant-friendly country, and its ability to offer residency and citizenship opportunities has attracted many individuals to study there. According to a survey by ICEF Monitor, over 90% of graduates from the top universities in Canada were satisfied with the services provided and intended to stay in the country.
These two factors, along with the high rankings of Canadian universities, have made studying in Canada a valuable opportunity for eligible individuals. Additionally, choosing the right university will lead to more services and higher satisfaction. In this article, we will introduce the list of the top universities in Canada.
- University of British Columbia
The University of British Columbia (UBC) is one of the top universities in Canada and a public institution located in the heart of British Columbia. Established in 1915, it is the oldest university in the province. UBC has two campuses, one in Vancouver and the other in Kelowna, with the Vancouver campus hosting about 85% of the university’s students. Currently, UBC has over 68,000 students from more than 140 countries, and its global alumni network reaches 370,000 individuals.
The academic calendar for both campuses includes two terms, winter, and summer, with English being the primary language of instruction. The university boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including the National TRIUMF Particle Physics Laboratory, the second-largest research library in Canada with over 7 million resources, and a Japanese botanical garden. The presence of eight Nobel laureates, 71 Rhodes Scholars, and 65 Olympic medalists at UBC further enhances its reputation and ranking among Canadian universities.

- Top Universities in Canada: University of Toronto
Whenever someone intends to introduce the top and most renowned universities in Canada, it is unlikely that the University of Toronto will not be mentioned. Founded in 1827, this university was initially under the influence of the Church of England. It was the first university established in the northern Canadian colonies and شconsisted of seven separate colleges. Approximately 80% of students at the University of Toronto are enrolled in undergraduate programs, which take place across its three campuses: St. George, Mississauga, and Scarborough.
This educational institution is also the largest university in Canada and has achieved significant milestones such as the first university press in Canada, the discovery of insulin, and the identification of stem cells. It holds a strong position in the rankings of Canadian universities. The University of Toronto offers over 700 undergraduate programs and 200 graduate programs. With more than 630,000 graduates from 190 countries, it showcases the high quality of its educational offerings.
- McGill University
Another top university in Canada is McGill University, which ranks second in the Canadian university rankings. Its prestigious status has attracted thousands of international students from 150 countries, and McGill has the highest number of doctoral students in Canada. This reputation is due to its remarkable history, over 50 research centers and institutes, more than 400 academic programs, and a network of 250,000 students and alumni.
Founded in 1821 in Quebec, Canada, McGill has two campuses, one in Montreal and the other in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, located about 20 miles apart. Despite the presence of French-speaking students (about 20%) and Montreal being a bilingual city, the language of instruction at McGill is English.
Notable alumni from McGill include Leonard Cohen (famous Canadian singer-songwriter) and William Shatner (actor, writer, and musician). McGill has produced a significant number of Rhodes Scholars, further adding to its reputation as a prestigious institution in Canada.

- Top Universities in Canada: University of Alberta
The University of Alberta is consistently ranked among the top universities in Canada. Established in 1908 in Edmonton, the main campus of the university spans 50 blocks and is home to 150 different buildings. It’s worth noting that due to the presence of French-speaking citizens in Edmonton, courses in arts, sciences, education, business, engineering, nursing, natural resource conservation, and environmental sciences are offered in French at the Faculté Saint-Jean.
The university’s prestigious status is further solidified by facilities such as the National Institute for Nanotechnology and the Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology. These factors have contributed to attracting the best experts from around the world, with 7,000 international students from 150 countries. The university’s notable alumni include a Nobel laureate, four justices of the Supreme Court of Canada (including the Chief Justice), and 68 Rhodes Scholars.
- McMaster University
McMaster University, located in Hamilton, Ontario, is another prominent Canadian institution that ranks well both in Canada and globally. Founded 134 years ago on a 121-hectare campus, the university is renowned for its strong educational and research traditions, having produced three Nobel Prize winners among its alumni.
McMaster consists of six main divisions: Engineering, Medicine, Humanities, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, and the DeGroote School of Business. The university’s primary language of instruction is English, and alongside its formal programs, it also offers a unique interdisciplinary program in science and arts, where around 60 students enroll each year.
- University of Montreal: Ranking and Achievements
Ranked 5th among Canadian universities and 88th globally, the University of Montreal (Université de Montréal in French) is a French-language institution located in Montreal, Quebec. Founded in 1878, the university offers 600+ academic programs across 16 faculties. It is also home to several research departments and centers, including MILA, one of the world’s top research hubs in artificial intelligence.
The University of Montreal boasts over 66,000 students, with more than 10,000 of them being international students, representing over 15% of the student population. The acceptance rate at the university is approximately 44%.

- University of Ottawa
Ranked 7th in Canada and 162nd globally, the University of Ottawa is a bilingual institution (English and French) located in Ottawa, Ontario. Originally founded in 1861 as a college, it became a university in 1866. The University of Ottawa is home to the largest law faculty in Canada and boasts an impressive graduate employment rate of 97%.
With 10 faculties offering over 550 academic programs, the university is renowned for its engineering, medical, and social sciences programs. The university has over 42,000 students, with more than 7,000 international students from 150 countries, making up nearly 17% of the student body. The university has an acceptance rate of about 30%.
- University of Waterloo
Ranked 9th in Canada and 228th globally, the University of Waterloo was established in 1959, with its main campus in Waterloo, Ontario, and three additional campuses in Cambridge, Kitchener, and Stratford (UK). Waterloo has 4 affiliated colleges and offers 6 faculties with over 100 programs.
Waterloo is known for its strong focus on innovation and research, with over 41,000 students, including 13,000 international students, making up nearly 32% of the total student population. The acceptance rate is approximately 53%.
- Simon Fraser University
Simon Fraser University ranks 10th in Canada and 232nd globally. Located in British Columbia, it has three campuses in Vancouver, Burnaby, and Surrey. Founded in 1965, Simon Fraser University has 8 faculties and enrolls over 37,000 students, with nearly 7,000 international students making up around 19% of the student body. The acceptance rate is 63%.

- University of Calgary
Ranked 8th in Canada and 225th globally, the University of Calgary was founded in 1966 and is located in Calgary, Alberta. The university has two campuses, with the main campus situated in the northwest of the city and a smaller campus closer to downtown Calgary.
As one of Canada’s top universities, the University of Calgary offers 14 faculties and over 160 academic programs. With more than 35,000 students, it has a strong international presence, with over 7,000 international students making up about 20% of the student body. The university has a competitive acceptance rate of 15%.
Top Accredited Canadian Universities According to the Ministry of Science of the Islamic Republic of Iran
The quality of education at a university is essential, but so is the credibility of its degree. Therefore, before choosing one of the best universities in Canada, it is important to check the accreditation of its degree. Below is the latest list of accredited universities in Canada, categorized by excellent, good, and average rankings.
Category A (Excellent) – Top Canadian Universities:
- Dalhousie University
- Laval University
- McGill University
- McMaster University
- Polytechnique Montreal
- Queen’s University
- Simon Fraser University
- University of Alberta
- University of British Columbia
- University of Calgary
- University of Guelph
- University of Manitoba
- University of Montreal
- University of Ottawa
- University of Saskatchewan
- University of Toronto
- University of Victoria
- University of Waterloo
- Western University
- York University
Category B (Good) – Good Canadian Universities:
- Brock University (only Physical Education degrees)
- Carleton University
- Concordia University
- HEC Montreal
- Lakehead University
- Memorial University (Newfoundland)
- Ryerson University
- The University of Quebec (except for the TELUQ campus)
- University of Northern British Columbia
- Ontario Institute of Technology
- University of Regina
- Université de Sherbrooke
- University of Windsor
- Wilfrid Laurier University (only Business and Management degrees)
Category C (Average) – Average Canadian Universities:
- Bishop’s University
- Brandon University
- Capilano University
- Fairleigh Dickinson University
- Laurentian University
- Mount Allison University
- Nipissing University
- Ontario College of Art and Design University
- Royal Roads University
- Saint Francis Xavier University
- University of Lethbridge
- University of Winnipeg
- Thompson Rivers University
- Trent University
- University of Moncton
- University of Prince Edward Island
- Vancouver Island University

Summary
Choosing the best university from the top universities in Canada for studying can be challenging, as there are various criteria to consider. This article aimed to present a list of Canada’s best universities based on factors like rankings, scholarships, ease of admission, academic programs, tuition fees, and overall university rankings. Considering the advantages of studying in Canada and the excellent facilities offered by its universities, pursuing education in this country is highly recommended for students looking to study abroad. If you have any questions about studying in Canada, you can contact us by submitting a request form for a free consultation with our experts at Elm Vira.
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