The Best Undergraduate Engineering Schools in Canada for International Students

What Are The Benefits of Completing an Engineering Program?

Completing a program at one of the best engineering schools in Canada will ensure that students have the skills, abilities and experiences to establish a successful career as an engineer. For students wondering about job opportunities for engineering graduates, data from Statistics Canada shows that 94% of people who earn a Bachelor's degree in “architecture, engineering and related technologies” are employed in permitted jobs in this field within three years of graduation.

What are The Career Prospects for Engineers in Canada?

Engineering remains one of Canada's fast-growing job sectors. Reports from Engineers Canada have predicted that 100,000 engineering jobs will become available by 2025, with the retirement of existing engineers being a huge factor. Canada is even updating the Express Entry program for qualified newcomers with STEM experience. For international students looking to join this growing field, getting the right education at one of the best engineering schools in Canada can help them launch their careers in a field that needs qualified people.

What Are The Best Engineering Schools in Canada?

University of Alberta - Faculty of Engineering

Ranked one of the top five schools in Canada, the University of Alberta is a leading learning institute based in Edmonton. UofA prides itself on having the highest employment rate for graduates of any university in the country. Popular with students from over 130 countries, there are over 9,000 international students currently enrolled at UofA.

Through its Faculty of Engineering, the University of Alberta offers more than 21 different undergraduate engineering programs. These include Biomedical, Civil, Materials and Mechanical Engineering. A number of the engineering programs at UofA have been ranked the best in Canada and in the top five in the entire world. These are four-year programs leading to a B. Eng degree. UofA also offers a fifth-year co-op program, giving students a chance for on-the-job placement to gain valuable experience.

University of British Columbia - UBC Engineering

With campuses in Vancouver and the Okanagan region, students at the University of British Columbia can gain a great education in some of the most beautiful areas of Canada’s west coast. Consistently ranked one of the top three schools in the country, UBC is currently home to more than 18,000 international students from around the world.

Part of the Faculty of Applied Science, UBC Engineering offers 14 undergraduate engineering programs that lead to a Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) degree. After completing their first year, students can choose to specialize in Chemical, Electrical, Environmental and Mining Engineering along with 10 others. UBC Engineering is ranked in the top three engineering schools in Canada and the top 50 in the entire world. UBC Engineering also offers an Applied Science co-op program, which recently set new records for student placement.

University of Calgary - Schulich School of Engineering

The University of Calgary was founded in 1966 and has provided top-level education to students in Western Canada for over 55 years. The city of Calgary has been ranked among the top five most livable in the world, while UCalgary has been noted as a leader in sustainable development. There are more than 3,500 international students currently enrolled at UCalgary.

Through the Schulich School of Engineering, UCalgary students have been gaining the knowledge and tools they need to become successful engineers since 1965. The school offers undergraduate BSc (Eng) degrees with specialization in 10 different fields of engineering. These include Energy, Geometrics and Sustainable Systems Engineering. Through UCalgary’s International Student Services, the school is committed to helping students from around the world adjust to life in Canada.

McGill University - Faculty of Engineering

McGill University has a long and deserved history of academic excellence. Founded in Montreal in 1821, it has earned a reputation as one of the most prestigious schools in Canada and the world. Students have been enrolling at McGill for over 200 years to receive a comprehensive education in their field of study. Over 30% of the current student population consists of international students from 150 countries.

Founded in 1931, the Faculty of Engineering at McGill teaches students to be leaders and innovators in their field. There are a total of 12 undergraduate engineering majors, allowing students to choose which areas they wish to focus on. Engineering majors at McGill include Architecture, Bioengineering, and Materials engineering. Of all current undergrad engineering students, 30% are international students. McGill even operates a Buddy Program and other services to help international students better adjust to life in Montreal.

McMaster University - Faculty of Engineering

Founded in 1887, McMaster University has been a leading Canadian university for 136 years. Frequently ranked one of the top five universities in Canada, McMaster has a reputation for a unique approach to problem-based learning that has attracted students from all over the world.

The McMaster Faculty of Engineering has been a leading learning institute for future engineers since 1958. There are nine different engineering departments offering different undergraduate and graduate specializations, including Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Physics. McMaster runs the Engineering Co-op & Career Services, the second largest engineering co-op program in Canada, which provides students with opportunities to gain hands-on experience in leading workplaces.

University of Ottawa - Faculty of Engineering

As the largest French/English university in the world, the University of Ottawa is committed to accessible and comprehensive education. Based in Canada’s capital, students can study at a top-ranked research institute while enjoying a truly Canadian living experience. There are more than 10,000 international students at UOttawa, accounting for 26% of the total student population.

UOttawa’s Faculty of Engineering offers 12 different specializations for their undergraduate engineering programs. Students can major in Biotechnology, Civil, Mechanical Engineering and more. UOttawa Engineering offers unique research spaces on campus allowing students to pursue innovation in a world-class setting. 92% of UOttawa Engineering graduates are employed in the field within two years of graduation.

University of Toronto - Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering

Located in the centre of Canada’s largest city, the University of Toronto is ranked one of the top three schools in the country and top 40 in the entire world. With such renown, it is no surprise that there are currently more than 27,000 international students from 160 countries enrolled at UofT, accounting for over 25% of the student body.

Through the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering, UofT has been educating the next generation of leading engineers for over 150 years. It has recently been ranked the number one engineering school in Canada and in the top 25 in the entire world. There are nine different undergraduate engineering programs, including Industrial, Materials, Mineral Engineering and more. UofT Engineering has a number of different programs, co-ops and partnerships with leading organizations thato provide students with research and work opportunities in world-class facilities.

University of Waterloo - Faculty of Engineering

Known as “Canada’s innovation university”, the University of Waterloo has been offering students unique and comprehensive educational opportunities since 1959. UWaterloo is known for operating the largest post-secondary co-op program in the entire world, with more than 20,000 students enrolled to gain invaluable experience alongside rigorous in-class learning.

Waterloo Engineering is the largest engineering program in the country, with over 10,500 enrolled students in top-ranked programs. There are 15 undergraduate engineering programs, including Environmental, Geological, Nanotechnology Engineering and more. Waterloo aims to provide international students with the support they need to excel, including specific co-op resources.

Queen’s University - Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science

Founded in Kingston, Ontario in 1841, students have been coming to Queen’s University for over 180 years. It remains a top-ranked Canadian school, with over 3,500 international students from over 114 countries currently enrolled in a variety of programs.

The Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science at Queen’s has five departments offering undergraduate programs, including Civil, Chemical and Mechanical & Materials Engineering. International students can join the QSuccess Engineering International Student Mentorship Program, which will match a first-year engineering student with an upper-year student mentor who will provide support and help them adjust to life in Canada.

The goal of international students who come to Canada is to gain a quality education that will lead to a successful professional life. For people with a passion for design and a desire to complete projects that can be intricate in detail and massive in size, a career as an engineer can be both stable and rewarding. Completing a program at one of the best engineering schools in Canada will give international students the knowledge and abilities to build a career in this industry. If you’re interested in a career in engineering, speak with an education counsellor today to begin your journey.

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