Best Universities in Canada 2025 - Times Higher Education Ranking

Times Higher Education's best universities in Canada 2025

21. University of Toronto

In 1827 it began operating. Now it is recognized as the country's leading university in research and teaching at the global level. The university is located in Toronto, consisting of three campuses: St. George, Mississauga, Scarborough. On the territory of the academic buildings there is a ten-storey library, research centers, museums and sports facilities. The university is a member of the C9 Association of Universities, which includes Cambridge, Oxford and Yale.

It consists of 12 colleges where students can obtain bachelor's, master's degrees or take professional courses in the fields of humanities and social sciences, engineering, medicine and business processes. Students and staff of the university were pioneers in the study of insulin and stem cells. Also they created an artificial pacemaker and an electron microscope on the basis of research centers, and conducted successful lung and nerve transplant operations.

41. University of British Columbia

UBC is an international center for education and scientific research, regularly ranking among the top leading public educational institutions in the world, and having more than 1,000 joint research projects with industry partners. According to QS ratings, UBC will take 34th place in 2024. It consists of two campuses: in Vancouver and Kelowna. GIS Robson Square, the Knowledge Exchange Center and the GIS Center for Digital Media are located on the territory of the academic buildings.

The students who are interested in obtaining clinical education, can enroll at 80 medical institutions of British Columbia, which are supervised by the university. Additionally, the university's two regional bases in Hong Kong and India are establishing local connections and strengthening partnerships in research, studying and capacity development. During the summer, UBC conducts separate courses at the Faculty of Education. During the academic year, university students can choose any of the 350 clubs for extracurricular activities or create their own. The following activities are available for students all year round: sports, yoga, field events, concerts.

49. McGill University

The Montreal State Research University offers programs in English in 300 specialties for obtaining degrees and diplomas. The most sought—after faculties are art, natural sciences, medicine, education, engineering and management.

On average, foreign students account for 30% of all students, which is considered the highest rate among Canadian research universities. Students at this university have the highest average entrance scores in Canada, and they often receive national and international awards. The University owns 16 buildings, including residences, apartments and hotel-type accommodation for undergraduate and graduate students.

103. McMaster University     

The McMaster University, which conducts intensive research, has six academic faculties concerning business, engineering, medicine, humanities, social sciences and natural sciences. MMU houses more than 60 research centers and institutes, including United Nations University, the Institute for Water, Environment and Health.

MMU positions at the top of 100 best universities in 2023, according to ShanghaiRanking. The university infrastructure provides about 350 student organizations and cutting-edge sports facilities. The university territory is divided into three parts: the main, northern and western campuses. The main campus houses most of the academic, research and residential buildings of the university. On the north campus there are sports fields and parking, in the west there are several buildings, ground parking and more vacant land.

109. University of Alberta     

The University is among the top leading Canadian educational and research institutions, globally recognized in the fields of humanities, creativity, business, engineering and healthcare. Also it is one of the four best universities in Canada and one of the hundred best universities in the world.  The University of Alberta employs experts in areas such as healthcare, artificial intelligence, energy, food safety, environment and Earth resources, history, and the aerospace industry. 

The University consists of five campuses in two cities, offering more than 200 bachelor's degrees and 500 postgraduate educational programs. About 500 associations provide students with opportunities to pursue diverse activities, complying with their interests in free time.  Students can also obtain education in partner institutions in different countries. The university ranks second in Canada concerning the employment rate of its graduates thanks to numerous internship programs, job search and career counseling.  The Faculty of Indigenous Studies is the only one in Canada offering undergraduate programs specializing in language, culture, land and resources.

111. Université de Montréal 

This is a prestigious educational institution famous for its wide range of studying programs. The university attracts local students, and foreign applicants from different parts of the world for studying. Due to the high level of education and research, the university is constantly improving its reputation and occupies a leading position in international rankings: in 2022, it was recognized as one of the best universities in the world, positioning high in the top 150 in the world ranking, one of the six best educational institutions in Canada. Also in 2023 it was recognized as one of the best in the world and fifth in Canada according to the world's best universities ranking and the time of higher education list.

Annually, more than 11,000 students from all over the world study here, emphasizing its international importance and its demand. The university is a member of the prestigious U15 group, which includes 15 Canadian research universities, boasts 465 research units and departments, and offers students the opportunity to choose from 82 student organizations and clubs. University student teams are engaged in the following popular sports,such as rugby, golf, hockey, badminton, swimming, football, volleyball, tennis and alpine skiing. Cheerleading, athletics and cross-country running are also considered important sports represented in university sports teams and competitions.

158. University of Waterloo 

The State University of Research is located in Waterloo. Annually, about 40,000 students obtain higher education here. The university ranks first in Canada concerning practical preparation and establishing communication between students and potential employers. Employment integrated into the educational process is provided thanks to the university's partnership with 7,500 employers and companies. Velocity is the most efficient and active private equity startup incubator in Canada. The university supports the entrepreneurial spirit of students and creates more than 5,000 jobs.

The University of Waterloo has 6 faculties and 13 faculty schools managing academic programs. Membership in the U15 group, which unites Canadian universities with specialization in intensive research, confirms the status of a scientific center. Equipped with four libraries with extensive collections of books and electronic resources, including databases and e-books, the university's opportunities for study and research are unprecedented. The Student Life Center has created various organizations, circles and club facilities, providing an active environment for students.

177. University of Ottawa

This large educational center, located in the Canadian capital Ottawa, offers a wide range of studying programs divided into 10 sections, including art, education, health, science, sociology and management. The university library holds a huge amount of materials — more than 4.5 million copies! The University is a member of the Canadian group of leading scientific educational institutions U15.

In 2022, the university admitted a record 2,300 students in the French language  program. On average, about 40,000 bachelors and more than 6,000 graduate students study at the university every year. Approximately 10,000 international students from 150 countries study at the university, accounting for 26% of the total number of students. Most students live off-campus, although the university provides 11 dormitories with a variety of housing options: single and double bedrooms.

201-250. University of Calgary

The State Research University offers applicants more than 250 programs at 14 faculties, including bachelor's, Master's and doctoral (PhD) degrees. The university is one of the leading centers in Canada, and also has a membership in the U15. There are five main campuses here.

The university has graduated such famous personalities as Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, the creator of the Java language James Gosling, astronaut Robert Thirsk, Uber co-founder Garrett Camp and Lululemon Athletica founder Chip Wilson. In 2023, the university received 201-300 place in the international ranking, 8th-11th place among the leading universities in the country. The QS World University Rankings of 2024 confirmed the excellent position of U of C: it took 8th place in Canada and 182nd place in the world list of universities.

201-250. Western University

Located in London, Ontario, the university is included in 1% of the best educational institutions in the world, also is a member of the U15, which is an association of the most prestigious universities in Canada with a specialization in research. Admission to WU has one of the highest rates — 91% of successful candidates. Applicants can choose from 12 faculties and a Postgraduate School, offering professional programs in various fields: medicine, business, law and engineering. Additionally, more than 400 individual programs are available for students, combining various bachelor's, junior courses and specializations.

During 6 months from graduation, 92.3% of WU graduates find a job. The university campus provides accessibility for all graduates thanks to organizations and groups developing a program of equal access to services and infrastructure facilities for people with disabilities. Students can stay in one of the nine dormitories located on WU's main campus.

251–300. Université Laval

The University provides the favorable development of its city, obtains recognition from the world community for preparing socially oriented leaders and a global vision. The learning environment and culture here contribute to sustainable development for all generations of students. UL has 17 faculties and more than 60 departments, schools and institutes. The studying is conducted in 5 profiles: sustainable development, diploma with honors, entrepreneurship, international relations and research. There are about 600 studying programs available at all levels, including 150 distance learning programs and 2,500 online courses. More than 90% of bachelor's degree programs provide compulsory or optional internships, which are often paid.

According to the leading university ranking, it positions high in the top 20 French-speaking universities in the world.

There are 2,300 rooms in student residences at the university. The University library involves 6 million documents and thousands of electronic resources available online. The unique Apprentice Center at the University is an interdisciplinary preparation center in the field of healthcare, having status as the most modern in Canada. UL owns four of Canada's 19 advanced studies departments which are nationally recognized.

251–300. Queen’s University

It is a government research institution, which is a member of the U15 group of Canadian universities, actively engaged in scientific research. About 40 thousand students study at the university, ranking among the best institutions of higher education in the world and Canada. The staff of QU has about 4,000 employees. Applicants can choose from 92 bachelor's degrees, 125 master's and postgraduate programs. QU actively participates in international educational exchanges programs and cooperates with other leading universities of the world.

The QU infrastructure involves 17 student dormitories, the university's libraries are located in six buildings and contain 2.2 million paper works + 400,000 online resources. The Student Affairs Management Center organizes social, cultural, entertainment and recreational activities. There are 21 food outlets and 3 canteens on the university grounds. The oldest student government in the country, the QU Alma Mater Society, supports more than 200 student interest associations.

251–300. Simon Fraser University

The University has consistently been among the leading universities in Canada, specializing in research, and holds leading positions in the field of scientific research and sustainable development. SFU is a member of many national and international higher education associations, among which are the Association of Commonwealth Universities and the International Association of Universities. Membership and awards confirm the university's status as one of the leading educational institutions in the country.

8 faculties provide students with unlimited opportunities for academic research, the development of diverse skills and the choice of unique career options. One of the largest in Canada co—educational program at SFU allows foreign students to gain a practice-oriented experience during their studies. The university offers a wide range of exchange programs between local and international schools, encouraging undergraduate research, volunteering and leadership preparation.

301–350. Dalhousie University

A large public research university is a member of the U15 group, uniting universities in Canada specializing in intensive research. The university has 13 academic faculties offering more than 4,000 courses and 200 educational programs. The university owns 56 Canadian research departments — this is more than at any other university in Atlantic Canada! DU students have more than 90 exchange programs to choose from in 43 countries, and more than 2,700 students complete internships annually.

The DU campus is located near two major teaching hospitals: the IWK Medical Center and the Queen Elizabeth II Center for Medical Sciences. 23% are foreign students in the total number of students, the average score of those enrolled in the first year is 87.6%. As for extracurricular activities, students can choose from over 250 clubs and societies according to their interests. DU provides students with about 2,660 places in its residences.

351–400. University of Manitoba

UM is the largest provincial research university in the Canadian province. The University ranks in the top 500 best institutions of higher education in the world (according to ARWU) and is listed in the top 15 largest research universities in Canada. UM offers more than 100 flexible learning opportunities, including collaborations and internships, intensive preparation, Exchange and Bridge Year programs, more than 100 bachelor's degrees and almost 150 Master's programs. More than 40 UM programs provide co-education: the university has 50 partnerships with international institutions in more than 20 areas.

UM consists of 13 faculties, 4 schools and 9 colleges: the entire campus is full of modern amenities combined with historical buildings that have shaped the campus for over a century. The university offers more than 100 areas of study, making it a leader among higher education institutions in Manitoba.

351–400. University of Saskatchewan

US is one of the leading medical universities in Canada, which is famous for its scientific works and projects. The university offers over 200 educational programs in various fields: bioresources, biotechnology, business, dentistry, engineering, kinesiology, law, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, nutrition, physiotherapy and veterinary medicine.

The University is a member of the U15 group, uniting leading Canadian research universities. The Organization for Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, the industrial science and technology park Innovation Place, where private companies actively cooperate with the university work, operates on its territory. University campuses are located in three cities of the province: Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert.

351–400. University of Victoria

UVic is one of the leading universities in Canada, featured by its scientific achievements and projects. Also it regularly receives recognition and takes high positions in international rankings, such as the ranking of multidisciplinary universities in Canada by Maclean's Magazine and Times Higher Education. UVic is a member of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada — U15.

UVic offers more than 280 bachelor's and Master's degree programs. The university's campuses are located in Victoria and in nearby towns: Abbotsford and Barnaby. UVic regularly conducts international exchange programs between its students and universities, companies from different countries. The university's scientific library is considered one of the largest in British Columbia and includes three branches on campus.

351–400. York University

YU is a government research organization, considered the third largest among the universities in Canada. The university includes 11 faculties and 28 research centers. Among them, the Film Faculty is featured, as it includes the country's oldest film school. In addition to it, the Faculty of Environmental Protection and Urban Change has a status of the largest and oldest faculty of environmental studies in the country. YU offers more than 290 degree programs.

According to Maclean's Canadian magazine, the university ranked fourth in the category of Canadian general education universities in 2024.

As for extracurricular activities, more than 350 student clubs have been created on the basis of the university.

401–500. University of Guelph

U of G is a state university, which stands out among the Canadian educational institutions for its achievements in the field of scientific research and art. The focus in the studying process is made on the education of responsible and thinking citizens, therefore, students, together with staff, regularly participate in scientific research, create projects in the following areas: exact and natural sciences, arts and humanities, psychology, agriculture and veterinary medicine.

U of G teachers provide students with research opportunities in laboratories, art studios, libraries and in the field. The university also ranks leading positions in Canada in the field of agricultural sciences, allowing it to regularly position high in the top 18 of the world's best universities which specializes in science and technology concerning food. There are seven colleges on three campuses: students can obtain one of 94 bachelor's degrees, or take one of 100 master's degree programs. Also 60 distance learning options are available.

401–500. Université du Québec

The university system is the only network of public universities in the province of Quebec, with the main office of the network located in Quebec City. The structure includes ten organizations: six universities, one research institute and three higher educational institutions. U du Q offers a wide range of studying programs: more than 1000 options at the bachelor's, master's and postgraduate levels.

The percentage of university admission varies from 40 to 49%, making it relatively selective among Canadian universities. Students can use various services and opportunities during their studies: admission to the library, accommodation in a hostel, visits to sports facilities, financial assistance and scholarships, study abroad and participation in exchange programs, online courses and distance learning, administrative support.

501–600. Carleton University

CU is an English—speaking public research university located in Ottawa, consisting of six faculties and offering more than 65 degree programs. CU includes specialized educational institutions such as Arthur Kroeger College of Public Affairs, Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, Carleton School of Journalism, School of Public Policy and Administration and Sprott School of Business. The University's academic areas involves the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, the Faculty of Engineering and Design, the Faculty of Public Relations, and the Faculty of Natural Sciences.

CU is one of the ten leading universities in Canada. Also it is a member of the U15 Association, uniting Universities and Colleges of Canada, specializing in research.

One of the largest libraries in Canada, with more than 2 million volumes, is located on the university's territory. Campuses are located in Ottawa and Brentford, and additionally there are research centers in other Canadian cities and abroad. The buildings on campus, with some exceptions, are connected by a 5 km long underground pedestrian tunnel system — this is the most extensive tunnel network on the campus of a Canadian university or college. The infrastructure includes 11 student dormitories grouped together in the northwestern part of the campus and connected to a tunnel system.

501–600. Concordia University

CU is a public research university located in Montreal. The main feature is an innovative approach to education based on practice-oriented experience and interdisciplinary projects. The university is recognized as the best in North America among universities under the age of 50. Also it is a member of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada U15 and the International Association of Universities (IAU).

The university offers more than 400 bachelor's degree programs and more than 120 master's degree programs. Studying is conducted at four faculties, at the School of Postgraduate Education and colleges, centers, institutes. Popular areas for studying include art, engineering and computer science, and business. The University includes two campuses: the main one in the center of Montreal and in the Notre Dame de Grace area. To promote the health of students, two gyms are located on the university grounds: Le Gym and PERFORM Gym.

501–600. Memorial University of Newfoundland

It is the only university in Newfoundland and Labrador which has a special responsibility to the residents of the province, offering a wide range of educational programs: from classical to the most modern, more than 100 bachelor's, master's and postgraduate courses, over 90 advanced preparation courses and certification programs. You can obtain the education at five campuses or online. The University organizes more than 1,600 internships worldwide.

The university has more than 30 research centers, on the basis of which unique educational programs are conducted, having no analogues in Canada:

• a joint program in oceanography and naval architecture,

• an MBA degree in social entrepreneurship,

• comprehensive folklore programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels,

• a program for ROV operators,

• a four-year Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Atlantic Canada with a choice of acting or theatrical production.

501–600. University of Windsor

You can pursue an education here after completing a bachelor's or master's degree. Law, natural sciences, education, medicine, social work, and art are popular specializations. Now the university is actively developing research in the field of health, natural sciences and entrepreneurship.

The university provides students with accommodation in three residences on campus, and a fourth is currently under construction. The extracurricular life of students is organized by the CAW Student Center, where there is a large food court and the main bookstore of the campus. The CAW center houses student medical services, a dental office, consulting services, a photographer and a pharmacy. The Saint-Denis Center is the main sports and entertainment center for students, there are gyms and a swimming pool.

601–800. University of New Brunswick UNB

UNB is a public university, which is considered the oldest English-speaking educational institution in Canada. Also it has a status of one of the oldest public universities in North America. The university has two campuses. At UNB, you can get a bachelor's or master's degree in more than 60 disciplines, and organize continuous preparation in various fields.

UNB has 14 research departments and more than 60 research centers and institutes. In addition to it, about 75% of all educational research in the region is conducted by this university. In 2021, UNB was rated five stars in the QS World University Rankings, becoming the second university in Atlantic Canada to be awarded such a ranking. The University is especially famous for its achievements in engineering. The Faculty of Engineering, founded in the late 19th century, was the first in Canada to award degrees in this field, and today the faculty offers seven accredited engineering programs.

601–800. Ontario Tech University

OTU is a public research university in Ontario. The students are provided with the opportunity to complete an internship and make contacts with 300 partner companies. The University offers different learning formats: full-time, part-time and distance learning. OTU consists of six faculties: Business and Information Technology, Education, Engineering and Applied Sciences, Medical Sciences, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences and Humanities. In total, the university has more than 75 bachelor's degree programs and about 40 graduate programs, 30 transfer programs from college to university.

601–800. Toronto Metropolitan University

The State Research University offers more than 125 bachelor's and master's degree programs, and cooperates with 176 partner institutions in 49 countries. Also the university has 25 research departments. The University provides continuing education services. In Maclean's ranking of Canadian universities for 2023, the university positioned 8th among comprehensive universities and 19th in terms of reputation. The retention rate of first-year full-time students is on average 88%.

There are three student residences on the campus (approximately 1,144 places). The main academic library of the university is located in an 11-storey building. The campus houses the Image Center, a complex serving as a museum of photography and a School of Fine Arts with offices, cinemas and storage facilities for the university's photographic collection. The university operates Canada's largest network of university business incubators, the Zone Learning network, which includes 11 incubators focused on different sectors and business objectives.

801–1000. Lakehead University

LU is a public research university with two campuses. Its structure includes 9 main faculties, among which are engineering, health and behavioral sciences, natural sciences, medicine, and postgraduate studies. The university has 11 Canadian research departments and unique laboratories: the world-famous paleo-DNA laboratory and the Bioreparation Research Institute.

LUSU Student Union coordinates the work of associations and clubs, where everyone can join, hold multicultural and sports events.

The university offers scholarships to first—year students, who have grades above 80%. The students receive money during four years of undergraduate studies. The university can provide students with free tuition if their average grade is 95% or higher.

The infrastructure includes three types of residential premises: residences, apartments and townhouses. Additionally, there are cafeterias and canteens on site.

801–1000. University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC)

UNBC is located in a picturesque site in northern British Columbia, having a status of one of the best small universities in Canada. Here you can obtain high-quality education in bachelor's and master's degree programs covering various fields of knowledge: culture, health, economics, natural sciences and the environment.

UNBC’s largest campus is located in Prince George. However, the university has both regional campuses and satellite branches. UNBC is Canada's "Green University", committed to creating a more sustainable future.

In 2022, Maclean's magazine recognized UNBC as the best university related to the undergraduate category in Canada. UNBC took the first place in the ranking in 2015 and 2016 and is most often among the top three in its category. Nowadays, it is in the top 50 best research universities in Canada.

801–1000. University of Regina

It is a public research university, emphasizing experience-based learning and offering internships, professional practices and practical preparation in 41 programs at 10 faculties. The university has three federated colleges: CampionCollege, First Nations University of Canada, Luther College. The University prepares students in various programs, after which graduates are awarded either certificates, diplomas, bachelor's, master's or doctoral degrees.

On average, 1,200 students live on the main university campus: most rooms are designed for one person, but there are also options for double occupancy. The University annually allocates a significant portion of places for first-year students in order to help increasing the number of foreign students, for whom the accommodation issue is always acute.

1201–1500. University of Lethbridge

It is one of the leading universities in Canada, considered an advanced research institute. Also it is one of the four comprehensive academic and research universities in the province of Alberta. Ufl offers more than 150 educational programs, which are distributed across 60 departments, 7 faculties and schools. Graduates are awarded bachelor's, Master's and doctorate degrees. The university was ranked 6th among Canadian universities in Maclean's magazine's ranking for 2024.

The university territory consists of two campuses: the main building is located on the first one, as well as classrooms, lecture halls, laboratories. In 2019, Science Commons, the newest center for scientific education and research in Canada, appeared in the structure of the university. The Canadian Center for Behavioral Neuroscience (CCBN) is also located there, which became the country's first neurology department with state-of-the-art equipment.