The Canadian education system is among the best study-abroad destinations across the world, with more than half a million students flocking to the country annually. Canada, as a destination, is a good place to be, offering quality education, multicultural diversity, employment during and after studying, and easy immigration laws after studies.
Selecting where to study in Canada can sometimes be very tasking, considering the many schools and colleges spread across the country.
The Top 5 Universities in Canada for International Students
Below is a list of the 5 best Canadian universities for international students, based on global rankings, research productivity, alumni employability, co-curricular activities, supportive services, geographical characteristics, and student satisfaction.
1. University of Toronto
According to these methods, the University of Toronto remains the best university in Canada as highlighted by these rankings. As a premier research and teaching university in the heart of multicultural Toronto, and with three campuses, U of T is an international institution. It is also the most recognized Canadian university for accruing academic and corporate excellence, talent, and partnership.
For international learners, U of T provides well over 700 choices of undergraduate programs and over 700 choices of graduate programs. Regardless of whether you are interested in pursuing an engineering program, business, social sciences, humanities, sciences, music, or literally any course, you are guaranteed to find a program of your dreams. U of T also has a great Career Centre that helps students build their careers after graduation, providing them with contacts of employers and alumni from all around the world.
International students, who make up 20% of the student population, bring talented learners from 160-plus countries to the University of Toronto. The University maintains internationally focused offices on every campus to aid students in their settlement in Canada, with opportunities to engage in orientations, skill development sessions, cultural endowment, and buddy systems.
2. McGill University
McGill University is Canada’s leading university for student satisfaction, situated in the beautiful city of Montreal. The students get the chance for an unrivaled experience delivered by high-quality teaching, opportunities to take part in innovative research, and an active student life.
McGill has two campuses – the downtown campus at the base of Mount Royal and the Macdonald campus amidst forests and lakes. Between these campuses, McGill provides more than 300 programs in nearly all fields of study to more than 6,800 students from around the world. Whether you dream of majoring in architecture, nursing, social work, or psychology, you will find a suitable program at McGill.
Other than academics, the McGill student life experience can be regarded as one of the most fascinating, involving festivals, museums, music concerts, pubs, and numerous clubs for student participation. There is always something going on in and around McGill’s campuses, so boredom is never part of the equation! McGill also has an International Student Services office that helps facilitate your adjustment and daily life in Canada.
3. University of British Columbia
One of the best universities in Canada, occupying the top three rankings, UBC is established in the stunning city of Vancouver. Being located between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountain range, more so being an international research-based institution, makes it even more unique.
UBC, being a research-intensive university, has received more than CAD$600 million annually in research grants and contracts. For international students, this means a wealth of opportunities for engaging in research with the best professors. UBC also has co-op programs that enable students to integrate paid work experience into their academic studies.
Approximately 11,864 international students enroll in UBC each year, and the university is home to students from 155 nations. UBC International Student Advising offers services ranging from immigration documents to housing, placement services, and campus employment opportunities. Furthermore, with over 300 clubs on campus, you are guaranteed to make friends throughout your university experience.
4. University of Alberta
Established in 1908, the University of Alberta in Edmonton provides students from all over the world with the chance to work in one of the most progressive learning and research environments led by top experts. The campus of the University of Alberta is spread over five campuses and is known as Canada’s foremost comprehensive academic and research university, which means you will have a number of disciplines and research opportunities available under one roof. Because every field is covered in this university, from humanities to health sciences, business to engineering, you are sure to find a program that will give you a start in your intended career path.
In addition to academics, the University of Alberta has outstanding support services from the time a student applies to even six months after the student’s graduation. There is support for completing immigration documents, getting accommodation services, academic counseling, job referrals, and networking, among other services offered at the International Student Services office. However, that is not all; the university also provides over 500 courses that focus on sports and recreation activities to ensure that students stay active while meeting new people.
5. University of Waterloo
Located a few hours’ drive northwest of Toronto, the University of Waterloo is best known as Canada’s innovation hub. They have the largest school of engineering in Canada; the university is equipped with advanced research and innovation facilities such as the Quantum Nanotechnology Lab, Institute for Quantum Computing, and WatCAR specializing in self-driving cars. STEM programs are what international students seek in an institution, and the University of Waterloo provides quality academic programs and practical experience.
Waterloo was the first university in Canada to adopt the co-op form of training, integrating paid practical experience into academic programs in fields ranging from Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). According to a survey, more than 20,000 students from the university find work placements in over 5,000 companies in Canada and other parts of the globe through the available and influential co-op program of Waterloo. The co-op programs are especially advantageous to international students, as they help them earn up to two years of work experience in Canada.
Furthermore, Waterloo also offers general and special orientation at the beginning of the year, cross-cultural events by the Waterloo International Student Association, and advising for newcomers or family support services to help you feel right at home on the Waterloo campus.
