Best Performing Arts Universities in Canada 2025 – QS World University Rankings

Best performing arts universities in Canada 2025 - QS World University rankings

1. McGill University

MGU is a leading public institution located in the city of Montreal, Government Quebec, Canada. Its history began in 1821. Today McGill University occupies 4th place according to US News & World Report, and positions 78th in the academic ranking of universities in the world.

About 39,000 students study at McGill University, of which about 70% are Canadians. The student ratio for each teacher is 13:1. MGU is proud of its graduates - among them are 12 Nobel Laureates, three astronauts, three former Prime ministers of Canada. The university is represented by several campuses, including the main one, located in downtown Montreal, and the McDonald Campus. 

Theatrical arts education at MGU is provided at the Faculty of Arts and Humanities: it offers a bachelor's degree program in humanities, which includes the study of theater arts and other theater-related disciplines. This is an opportunity to receive a comprehensive education in the field of theater arts, developing creative and analytical skills.

2. University of Toronto

A public research university is located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Founded in 1827, the University of Toronto is now considered one of the most prestigious universities both in Canada and around the world. It consists of 12 colleges offering a wide range of educational programs, with more than 94,000 students and 26,000 doctoral students enrolled. The University of Toronto is famous for its sports teams, community events and a student campus occupying ten streets in the middle of Toronto.

The University of Toronto consistently occupies high positions in the world rankings of higher education institutions, including the Times Higher Education, Newsweek and Forbes. The university has been graduated notable persons among whom are Arthur Shavlov, Bertram Brockhouse, John Polanyi.

The University of Toronto has a Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies program, providing an opportunity to obtain a master's degree in theater arts. This educational course focuses on three key aspects: drama theory, drama and theater history. In addition, students have the opportunity to study acting and modern approaches to theater practice.

3. University of British Columbia

UBC is one of the Canadian leading institutions of higher education, located in Vancouver. Founded in 1908, UBC is now part of the prestigious Group of Eight association and positions in the top twenty universities in the world according to QS World University Rankings 2023. UBC provides education to over 64,000 students from more than 145 countries around the world.

UBC offers a wide choice of educational programs from undergraduate to doctoral studies. The university is globally known for its innovative research and development, and active involvement in international scientific and educational activities. UBC cooperates with more than 300 universities and organizations around the world, providing students and scientists with the opportunity to participate in joint projects and share experiences. Among famous UBC graduates are the country's 23rd Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, IT leader Yael Cohen and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Bjarni Tryggvason.

UBC offers a four-year bachelor's degree program in Theater. The course stipulates initial preparation in acting, technical theater and other aspects of theatrical art, with a close focus on theater studies, history studies, drama and theater methods.

4. Montreal University

MU is included in a number of historical universities with a century-old history that maintain a high level of education quality in the new century. The university is located in the city of Montreal, Quebec. Founded in 1878, MU now provides students with a choice of about 100 educational courses at various levels in two languages: English and French. In total, about 59,000 students are enrolled in MU every year, of which 15% are foreign citizens from 145 countries.

MU is considered one of the world leaders, receiving recognition and high positions in global and local rankings: QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education World University Rankings. MU is a member of two university associations: U15 in Canada and IAU internationally. Among graduates and faculty are Nobel laureates, politicians, scientists and cultural figures, including former Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau.

The Master's degree programs in Art and music at MU are designed with current trends in the art world in mind. Undergraduate courses combine theoretical, historical and practical approaches, encouraging a variety of forms of artistic expression.

5. York University

It is a large public educational institution located in Toronto, Ontario. Approximately 54,000 students are studying at York University, and the teaching staff makes up about 7,000 teachers and other personnel.

York University offers a variety of studying forms, including full-time and part-time formats for bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in philosophy. York University has 10 faculties, including several schools and a bilingual college. The university is a member of the research group of Canadian Universities and the University-150 group. Also it has gained popularity thanks to its research centers and institutes: The Institute for Sustainable Development, the Center for Islamic Studies and the Center for Health Research. Among the university graduates are former Canadian Prime Minister Kim Campbell, writer Michael Ondatje and Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry Adrian Poor.

York University has a unique School of Arts, Media, Performing Arts and Design, which is the only institute in Ontario specializing in teaching students in the field of aesthetic arts.