Are you planning to study abroad and want to learn about reputable and quality universities in Canada to choose the most suitable school? Based on the ranking of universities in Canada according to QS Rankings 2026, here are the TOP 15 highly rated Canadian universities for academics, career opportunities, and the international environment.

QS World University Rankings, THE Ranking 2026 are two of the most prestigious Canadian and global university rankings – based on criteria such as academic reputation, employer reputation, number of scientific citations, faculty/student ratio, and degree of internationalization. This is a reliable reference that makes it easy for you to compare and choose a university in Canada that suits your future goals.

You may be interested in: Information about the education system in Canada

Start your study journey in Canada

As you embark on your journey to study in Canada, you will be immersed in a dynamic higher education environment where student support is always a top priority. This is evident in the impressive undergraduate student retention rate, which regularly exceeds the 80% mark, along with a graduation rate of over 70% within six years. These impressive numbers are a testament to the dedication of Canadian universities to building a comprehensive support system, ensuring international students are well-equipped and receive dedicated guidance to succeed in their education.

Global University Rankings

To choose the right learning environment when studying in Canada, referring to universities in Canada through prestigious rankings is a step not to be missed. QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education (THE) both provide a clear view of the academic reputation, quality of training and growth opportunities at each university.

Based on the latest data from QS and THE 2026, we've compiled a list of the top universities in Canada, making it easy to compare and find the right one for your academic goals. Contact the IDP study abroad team for free support during the application preparation process.

Top Universities in Canada in 2026 according to THE rankings

The Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings is another prestigious global ranking system that provides a comprehensive view of universities based on core tasks such as teaching quality, research strength, knowledge transfer and international outlook. Let's explore the top universities in Canada according to THE World University Rankings 2026 with IDP!

Top Universities in Canada in 2026 according to QS rankings

QS World University Rankings is one of the most widely referenced and influential university ranking systems in the world. The system evaluates universities based on a variety of criteria, including academic reputation, employer reviews, and research impact. Let's explore the top universities in Canada according to the QS World University Rankings 2026!

1. McGill University

Overview:

• Ranking: #30 in the world and #2 in Canada (QS World University Rankings 2026)

• Address: Montreal, Quebec

McGill University – the "Harvard of the North" – is one of the leading universities in Canada, with a global reputation for the quality of training and research. The university has more than 40,000 students from 150 countries, providing an international and dynamic academic environment.

McGill stands out in disciplines such as Medicine, Science, Engineering, Administration, and the Arts, with its outstanding research program and world-class faculty. Many alumni have won Nobel Prizes and have held senior leadership positions in Canada and internationally.

Read more:

• How much does it cost to study in Canada?

2. University of Toronto

The University of Toronto is ranked #2 in Canada and #29 worldwide according to QS Ranking 2026.

With a long history dating back to 1827, the University of Toronto is Canada's leading university, consistently leading the rankings of universities in Canada and among the top universities in Canada. With more than 700 undergraduate and 200 postgraduate programs, UofT stands out in the fields of Science & Engineering, Architecture, Arts, Pharmacy and Dentistry.

The university owns the 3rd largest library in North America, a system of modern facilities and a team of world-renowned lecturers. More than 40% of international students choose to study here because of the outstanding quality of teaching and wide career opportunities.

The University of Toronto is also home to many leaders, prime ministers and Nobel laureates, contributing to its position in the list of the best Canadian universities today.

3. University of British Columbia

Ranking: #3 in Canada and #40 in the world (QS World University Rankings 2026) Address: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

The University of British Columbia (UBC) is one of the leading universities in Canada, with a global reputation for research, creativity, and innovation. With more than 200 undergraduate programs and nearly 300 graduate programs, UBC is strong in the fields of Science – Engineering, Business, Social Sciences, Politics, and Sustainable Environment.

The university has the 2nd largest library in Canada, the TRIUMF laboratory – the world's leading particle physics center, and modern facilities for learning and research.

UBC boasts a prestigious alumni network that includes many Canadian prime ministers, Rhodes scholars, and Olympic champions, contributing to the university's position in the 2026 Canadian university rankings.

4. University of Alberta

Ranking: #4 in Canada and #94 in the world (QS World University Rankings 2026) Address: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

The University of Alberta is one of the top universities in Canada, renowned for its research, applied science, and technological innovation. The university has more than 200 undergraduate programs and 18 departments, with a strong focus on Science, Engineering, Health and Humanities.

With more than 36,000 students from 130 countries, UAlberta offers a dynamic and multicultural learning environment. The university is consistently ranked among the top universities in Canada for its outstanding quality of education and impressive achievements in the fields of sports, mining and nursing.

The University of Alberta is also home to many prestigious alumni, including Canadian Prime Ministers, Nobel Prize-winning scientists, and international leaders, confirming the university's position in Canadian university rankings.

5. University of Waterloo

Ranking: #5 in Canada and #119 in the world (QS World University Rankings 2026)

Address: Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

McMaster University is one of the top universities in Canada, with a global reputation for the quality of research and teaching in the fields of medicine, engineering, and social sciences. The university has more than 31,000 students, of whom international students account for more than 17%, creating a dynamic and culturally diverse learning environment.

McMaster is known for his problem-based learning approach, pioneering medical education, and health research. The university is also part of the U15 group, an alliance of Canadian research-intensive universities.

Thanks to its excellent teaching quality and continuous innovation orientation, McMaster is consistently ranked among the top universities in Canada

6. Western University

Ranking: #6 in Canada and #114 in the world (QS World University Rankings 2026)

Address: London, Ontario, Canada

Western University is one of the top universities in Canada, standing out for its strengths in business, medicine, science, and engineering. The university offers more than 400 undergraduate programs and a variety of dual degree options that help students shorten their study time to just 5 years.

In particular, Ivey Business School – Western's business school – is rated in the top 2 in the world after Harvard University in terms of practicality and quality of teaching through case studies.

The Western campus is known as one of the most beautiful campuses in North America, with a large library system serving a variety of disciplines. Thanks to the quality of training and the ideal learning environment, Western University always maintains its position in the rankings of the most prestigious universities in Canada.

7. Université de Montréal

Ranking: #7 in Canada and #168 in the world (QS World University Rankings 2026)

Address: Montreal, Quebec, Canada Website: www.umontreal.ca

Université de Montréal (UdeM) is one of the top universities in Canada, particularly prominent in the fields of Medicine, Aeronautical Engineering, Telecommunications, Energy, and Finance. The university currently offers more than 600 undergraduate and postgraduate programs, attracting more than 38,000 students, including 9,000 international students from more than 150 countries.

UdeM is the 3rd largest research university in Canada, and a world leader in teaching systems entirely in French. The university has 18 state-of-the-art libraries and many leading research centers such as the International Center for Criminology, the Institute for Immunology & Cancer Research, and the Cyberjustice Research Laboratory.

8. McMaster University

Ranking: #8 in Canada and #173 in the world (QS World University Rankings 2026)

Address: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

McMaster University is one of the top universities in Canada, with a global reputation for the quality of research and teaching in the fields of medicine, engineering, and social sciences. The university has more than 31,000 students, of which international students account for more than 17%, creating a dynamic and culturally diverse learning environment.

McMaster is known for his problem-based learning approach, pioneering medical education and health research. The university is also part of the U15 group, an alliance of Canadian research-intensive universities.

Thanks to its excellent teaching quality and continuous innovation orientation, McMaster is consistently ranked among the top universities in Canada and among the most prestigious Canadian universities in the world.

9. Queen's University at Kingston

Ranking: #9 in Canada and #191 in QS Rankings 2026

Address: Kingston City, Ontario, Canada

Academic Programs: Queen's University includes a wide range of faculties such as Arts & Sciences, Education, Engineering & Applied Sciences, Health Sciences, Law, Public Policy and Business (Smith School of Business).

Tuition fee: About $7,000 – $8,000/semester (equivalent to 163 – 187 million VND).

Highlights: As a member of the UC15 Canada intensive research group, Queen's University owns many renowned research centres such as the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory and the Centre for Human Mobility Research. The university has also produced many Nobel Prize winners, Turing, and Rhodes Scholars.

10. University of Calgary

• Ranking: 211th in the QS Rankings in 2026.

• Address: Calgary City, Alberta Province, Canada

Academic Programs: One of the top universities in Canada, the University of Calgary is a member of the UC15 Canadian group of intensive research institutions. The university comprises 14 faculties, offering approximately 250 curricula to around 33,000 students from around the world, and welcomes over 1,000 international students each year. Outstanding fields trained at the school include: health, energy, technology, and health engineering.

University Highlights: As of 2017, the University of Calgary owns 360 new innovative inventions and 169 scientists. This is also the school that Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and astronaut Robert Thirsk attended.

Tuition fees: The tuition fee of the University of Calgary ranges from about 18,000 CAD/year (about 330 million VND).

11. University of Ottawa

Address: 550 St. Cumberland, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Ranking: #219 in QS World University Rankings 2026

The University of Ottawa is the world's largest bilingual English-French university and one of the top universities in Canada. The university offers more than 350 undergraduate programs in a variety of fields such as Economics, Science, Engineering, Medicine, and Humanities.

Highlights

• UC15 member of Canada, with an emphasis on international research and experience.

• Notable Alumni: Wayne Angell, Merritt Cramer Mechem.

• University of Ottawa degrees are recognized worldwide

12. Dalhousie University

Overview:

• Ranking: Ranked 283rd in the QS Rankings in 2025.

• Address: 6299 South St., Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Dalhousie University is a member of UC15 Canada, a collection of leading research universities in Canada. The university offers more than 200 major programs and 80 minor programs in a variety of fields such as Science, Engineering, Medicine, Law, Agriculture, and Business.

Currently, Dalhousie University has more than 19,000 students from 115 countries, of which 24% are international students, creating a multicultural and dynamic learning environment. It is an ideal choice for students who want to study in Canada in a quality and open academic environment.

Dalhousie University has state-of-the-art facilities including 5 libraries. In particular, Killam Memorial Library is the largest library in Atlantic Canada with more than 1 million books and more than 40,000 journals.

13. Simon Fraser University

Address: 8888 University Dr, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada

Ranking: 308th in the QS World University Rankings 2026

Simon Fraser University (SFU) offers more than 130 academic programs across 8 major faculties, including the Faculty of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Education, Beadie School of Business, Faculty of Science, Faculty of Environment, and Faculty of Technology & Media Arts.

Simon Fraser University (SFU) is one of Canada's leading universities, SFU is known for its hands-on academic programs and internship opportunities at major corporations such as HSBC, BMO, KPMG, and Coca-Cola. The university focuses on multidisciplinary training, encouraging students to develop research skills and global thinking.

14. York University

Ranked #14 in Canada and #333 in the world according to the QS World University Rankings 2026, York University is one of Canada's top universities because of its large size, diverse academic programs and dynamic international environment. Located in Toronto – Canada's vibrant economic and cultural center, York offers students a wide range of opportunities for study, internships and career development.

The school stands out for its leading strengths in business (Schulich School of Business), law (Osgoode Hall Law School), social sciences and communication. York's programmes are always geared towards developing critical thinking, creativity and leadership skills, making students ready to integrate and shine in a global workplace.

Today, York University has more than 55,000 students from 170 countries, creating a multicultural and open academic community. In addition, the university owns a global network of more than 360,000 alumni, including many prominent entrepreneurs, academics and leaders, affirming York's solid position among the top Canadian universities.

15. University of Victoria (UVic)

Address: 3800 Finnerty Rd, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

Ranking: #358 in QS World University Rankings 2026

The University of Victoria (UVic) stands out for its leading research areas such as Health Sciences, Data and Network Systems, Environment, Marine Sciences, Mathematics, and Indigenous Studies. The university offers more than 200 diverse training programs, combining theory and practice.

The University of Victoria (UVic) is one of the leading universities in Canada, UVic is highly regarded for its global research and innovation. The school has been home to many well-known leaders and professionals such as Andrew J. Weaver, Rona Ambrose, and Jeff Mallett.

If you’re ready to chase your goals—whether it's studying in Toronto, exploring the vibrant cultural scene while living in Montreal as a student, or pursuing your academic dreams in any other Canadian city—tap the button below for free guidance, and we’ll help you get to a top institution.