What are Canada’s Top Universities?
Many international students want to study at top Canadian universities. They rely on QS and THE rankings to help them decide if they want McGill, Toronto, UAlberta or some other university they have been introduced to. And while world rankings can be important, all of Canada’s universities are top-notch. Why do I say that? Because Canada ranks tops as far as education is concerned. It ranks #3 as having the best education in the world.
So, whether an international student decides to go to UAlberta or Windsor, to Thompson Rivers or Memorial, all these universities will give you a top-notch education that is recognized in Canada and worldwide.
Having said that, rankings do have their place in deciding which university an international student wants to attend, therefore some of Canada’s best universities are listed here.
Canada’s Top 10 Universities
Below is a list of Canada’s best universities based in order according to MacLean’s Magazine’s ranking system. In the list, we see a large variant in rank for QS, THE and CWUR and even when compared to how MacLean’s ranks Canadian universities. An analysis of the table suggests that different criteria might be used by the different organisations to determine university ranks. So then, the next question might be, how important is rank and how does a student determine which Canadian university is best to study at?
Values taken from QS, THE, CWUR and MacLean’s
The University of Toronto offers a multitude of programs and has some excellent scholarship opportunities for international students. If you can afford it, U of Toronto is worth considering. It has lately been ranked as # 1 by global employers as their graduates prove to be excellent workers.
The University of British Columbia (UBC) also has a wide range of programs at both the undergraduate and graduate level. Studying in Canada at UBC can be a dream come true. International scholarships are available, but tuition is higher than some other institutions. The university is in Vancouver which has a strong economy.
University of Waterloo, along with UofT, boasts the largest co-op program in Canada so depending on which faculty you study in; you will get a solid practical experience to the theory you study in the classroom. U of Waterloo is worth checking out.
The University of McGill offers programs in both English and French, therefore an international student does not need to fear about learning French for university. Tuition is less than any of the top 10 Canadian universities thus studying abroad in Canada can be affordable. Learning a bit of French can help you navigate the streets of Montreal when out shopping or dining with friends.
McMasters is noted for innovation and discovery and is among Canada’s top research-intensive universities. If you want to hone up on your critical thinking and analysis skills, this is a university for you as they specialise in problem-solving learning.
The University of Alberta is one of the most affordable high-ranking universities and has excellent scholarship opportunities for international students. It has 11 faculties and over 200 undergraduate programs and over 500 graduate ones. Studying in Canada at the University of Alberta will prepare you well for the workforce.
Queens University in Kingston is a great university where students can learn, work, and grow in a supportive community. Students are encouraged to care about their physical and mental health, both of which are important for academic success. With their many academic programs and extracurricular activities, make sure to consider studying in Canada at Queens.
Western University is in London, Ontario, a city in Canada that boasts a Thames River. How cool is that? Western is one of Canada’s research-intensive university and their Ivey School of Business is one of the top business schools in North America.
The University of Montreal is the second largest university in Canada and has many faculties and programs to choose from. It also has an affordable tuition rate. Classes are in either French or English but a little knowledge of French when you are out in the city will do you well.
Simon Fraser University ranks among Canada’s top 15 research universities and their School of Computing Science is among the best in the world. It is recognised for its software development training so if you are a student who wants to work in Software, Simon Fraser should be on your study in Canada destination list.
And while I have discussed these top universities, there are other top universities in Canada. Trent University is Ontario’s #1 undergraduate university and #1 for scholarships in Ontario universities. St Francis Xavier is Canada’s top undergraduate university. The University of Northern British Columbia is in the world’s top for the category under 50 years old universities. From this, one can gather that there is more than one way to rank a university and know its worth.
Now, with so many options, how does a student choose the best university to study at in Canada?
How to Choose the Best University?
Points you want to consider when choosing a university that is perfect for you should include the following:
Programs – does the university have the program you want? Which universities offer journalism, agriculture (not all do)? Which universities have excellent paid Work Experience programs like those at Waterloo or the University of Alberta? Finding the right program should be your first consideration when finding a study in Canada destination.
Finances - tuition, cost of living and scholarships must be considered. Tuition rates across Canada differ, as do scholarships offered and cost of living. Vancouver and Toronto have the highest cost of living, yet they host two of the world’s best universities. Hence, you need to weigh all factors.
Location – Are you a person who likes a quiet life and would be happy in a smaller community where everyone knows you by name. Then maybe you want to study at St Francis Xavier or Memorial University. If you like the night life, then universities in Vancouver and Toronto need to be considered. If you like scenery and want to explore Canada’s beautiful landscape then Thompson Rivers University located between the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Ocean might be the place to study in Canada. If warm weather is important, then the University of Windsor might be your study in Canada destination.
Job Market is also important. Although a student can move after graduation there are benefits to staying in the same province. BC has a strong economy in software, Information Technology and Business, Ontario for Business and Finance. Winnipeg is a major transportation hub, Alberta and Saskatchewan are strong in oil and gas and agriculture. So knowing the job market is equally important. You should consider what industry is important around you and are you taking a relevant program for those industries. After all, you want to work once you graduate.
Conclusion
My recommendation is to not get hung-up on rank, unless back home rank is prestigious. I know if you are from Pakistan, it is a matter of pride that a mother or father can say, “My son is studying in Canada at the University of Waterloo.” Or if you plan on coming back to Pakistan to work and live, having a degree from a university that is a household name is important. But if this isn’t important, consider all the other factors I have pointed out above and enjoy your study in Canada experience at a university that meets your profile, your budget and your goals.
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