Check the best universities to study in Canada

Canada is popular worldwide for its high-quality education, which is affordable as well as globally recognised. Beyond academics, Canada provides a high standard of living, making it a preferred destination for students seeking a well-balanced lifestyle. The country is known for its diverse culture, safety, and welcoming environment, ensuring that international students feel at home.

Moreover, Canada offers rewarding post-study work opportunities, allowing graduates to gain valuable international work experience in some of the world’s fastest-growing industries. With its thriving job market, strong economy, and favourable immigration pathways, Canada sets the stage for students to build a successful career and future.

Why study in Canada?

Canada continues to stand out as a popular country to study among Indian students because of the following reasons:

  • Affordable tuition fees with hands-on experiential learning integrated into studies.

  • Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) available for up to 3 years after graduation.

  • Job-focused programs in STEM, transportation, agri-food, and other high-demand sectors.

  • Open work permit for spouses of Master’s degree students.

  • Paid Co-op and Internship opportunities, allowing students to gain practical work experience alongside studies.

  • Average hourly wages in Canada have increased by 7.3%, reaching $27.25 in 2024.

  • Part-time work rights of up to 24 hours per week on or off campus for international students.

  • A wide range of scholarships available at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

  • Strong pathway to Permanent Residency (PR) after course completion.

Difference between a college and a university

A university offers a range of bachelor’s and master’s degrees programs, while colleges offer diploma courses. The university focuses on a research-based curriculum but a college has courses that emphasise practical training and skill development.

In a university, if you opt for a particular course, you will be taught everything related to it. Whereas in college your course will be specific to one specialisation.

University gives a more holistic overview of the course and colleges are more inclined towards the shortest and most relevant courses specific to employment.

QS World University Rankings (Canada) 2025

S.No.

Institution

QS Ranking 2025 (Globally)

1

University of Toronto

25

2

McGill University

29

3

University of British Columbia

38

4

University of Montreal

159

5

University of Alberta

96

6

McMaster University

176

7

University of Waterloo

115

8

Western University

120

9

University of Ottawa

189

10

University of Calgary

198

THE World University Ranking (Canada) 2025

S.No.

THE Rankings 2025

University

1

21

University of Toronto

2

41

University of British Columbia

3

45

McGill University

4

116

McMaster University

5

116

University of Alberta

6

125

Université de Montréal

7

163

University of Waterloo

8

191

University of Ottawa

9

201–250

University of Calgary

Macleans University Rankings 2025

Rankings 2025

University

1

Simon Fraser University

2

University of Victoria

3

University of Waterloo

4

Carleton University

5

York University

6

University of Guelph

7

Memorial University of Newfoundland

8

University of New Brunswick

9

Toronto Metropolitan University

10

Concordia University

11

Wilfrid Laurier University

12

Université du Québec à Montréal

13

University of Regina

14

Brock University

15

University of Windsor


Not sure which university or college is right for you? Let IDP’s experts simplify your decision with personalised guidance.

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