Best universities in Canada 2025

Canadian universities have gained popularity among foreign students.due to the following factors:

• Global recognition: A diploma from a Canadian university is  respected and recognized worldwide.
• Pathway to citizenship: After graduation, students are provided with diverse employment opportunities, allowing them to obtain permanent residency and citizenship.
• Practical knowledge: Educational process stipulates giving practical knowledge for students and its applying in practice.

Arnold I. Szepesi

Global Direct Sales Manager in EHL Hospitality Business School

What should be considered first when choosing a university?

It depends on the student' s criteria for himself/herself mostly. Smapse advises you to take several rankings and compare them with each other, plus take into account the tuition fees, the location of the university and its campus, the percentage of graduates' employment. You should also research where graduates continue their studies or work after graduation.

When entering, students can choose curriculum according to their personal future goals and preferences. System of higher education involves the following stages:

• Bachelor's degree

• Master’s degree

• PhD

Tuition fee varies from 10,000 to 25,000 CAD per academic year.The variations in cost of studying  are stipulated by the following factors:

• University ranking and prestige,

• Educational programs available,
• Location.

Foreign students have an opportunity to enter more than 100 higher education institutions in Canada, offering a wide array of specialties.

Before making a final decision on the educational institution, please pay attention to:

• Cost: it is mostly stipulated by the educational program chosen.

• Location: While the level of teaching remains consistent, the accommodation cost can vary, given  the university's location. For instance, diplomas from Toronto and Ottawa universities are equally esteemed, but living costs differ.

• Employment opportunities: It's advisable to explore job opportunities during your studies. Most Canadian universities offer campus-based employment in libraries, cafeterias, etc., helping reduce tuition and living expenses.

• Application deadlines: While the application period is generally similar across institutions, minor variations can make a difference.

The best universities in Canada are very popular among foreign students. These top-tier Canadian universities are committed to producing academically adept professionals while also promoting student research initiatives.

Moreover, graduation from Canadian universities allows students to continue education in a postgraduate program. At the same time, foreign students can face some challenges, which include significant cost of studying and difficulties in employment.

1. Firstly, students select a university, which complies with your future goals and preferences. There is no unified list of requirements towards applicants. All depends on the university chosen. Canadian universities' intakes begin in September, and close applications in January or May.
2. Prepare necessary documents, which usually include transcript of records, letters of recommendation, a motivation letter, test scores such as IELTS or TOEFL. Additionally, other specific documents can be required depending on the chosen educational program such as portfolios, undergoing interviews, or supplementary application forms.
3. Foreign students can submit applications online, using the universities' official websites or centralized application systems, depending on the province. For example, the Ontario Universities' Application Center (OUAC) is a hub for applications to universities in Ontario.
4. Pay the application fee.
5. Monitor your application status on an application portal or through email notifications and respond promptly to any requests for additional information or interviews.

Taking into account the competitive nature of Canadian universities, it's recommended to apply to several educational institutions. Thus, you significantly increase the chances of successful enrolment.

To enter Canadian universities, foreign applicants should adhere to a comprehensive approach stipulating careful selection, timely preparation of documents, and compliance with deadlines.

The foreign students are offered diverse undergraduate programs, which are divided into general or specialized.

Upon completing a bachelor program, graduates obtain knowledge and qualifications, which are required for getting a job in the chosen field, or further studies. The students gain up to 60 educational credits at the end of each academic year.

Types of Undergraduate Degrees:

• Bachelor of Arts,
• Bachelor of Science,
• Bachelor of Engineering,
• Bachelor of Business Administration,
• Bachelor of Commerce.

The curriculum stipulates:

• A solid foundation in scientific knowledge and methods,
• Skills required for successful career in a changing world,
• Ability to use broad approaches to searching solutions to problems.

The course duration is 3 years long, the intensive degree with honors is 4 years, and the course of medical sciences is 3-5 years. The structure of bachelor's programs uses a more flexible approach: you can choose to study two areas of interest at once as part of a combined program or add a secondary subject to your main course.

Also, the development of the following useful skills is provided:

• Presentation,
• Writing skills,
• Research.

Canadian undergraduate programs expand students' intellectual horizons and open great opportunities for further career growth.

Pursuing higher education is also possible in Canadian colleges. This type of institutions makes an emphasis on professional application of skills and knowledge, which correspond to the modern globalized market. Most colleges have their own admission requirements, but share a commone feature – foreign students are required to have a good knowledge of English or French.

3-year undergraduate programs that colleges offer:

• Degree in Foreign Languages, History, Psychology, Sociology,
• Bachelor of Management,
• Degree in Physics, Geography, Chemistry, Environment, Biochemistry, Mathematics, and Statistics,
• Bachelor of Applied Science, Computer Security.

Students gain valuable skills while studying on real world cases which is possible through cooperation with the business sector, and industry. College curriculum takes into account requirements of employers from various sectors of the economy. Students can complete internships, co-op programs, and join workplaces that provide rewarding experiences.

Colleges have the following extra options:

• Transfer to Canadian universities,
• Internships,
• Academic and applied degree programs.

A certificate or diploma of higher education is awarded to college graduates.

Having a part-time job allows students to earn extra money, and gain experience of working in the preferred industry. Compliance with the following conditions will allow you to get a part-time job:

• You have a valid study permit,
• You study full-time, at an accredited educational institution upon completing studies at a school or professional program in Quebec,
• You have received a certificate, diploma or degree from a vocational school (program duration is 6 months or more).

In the case of eligibility with requirement for working, students can work:

• Up to 20 hours per week during semesters,
• Over 20 hours during holidays and vacations,
• Obtain part-time jobs on the campus.

A Canadian college degree opens the doors of international companies to receive a well-paid job. The country has launched a post-graduation work permit program (PWPP) allowing graduates to be employed in Canada. By attending this program, students can apply for permanent residence in Canada. The duration of permit is 3 years, although there is an opportunity to change the type of employment at any time. To participate in the program, you must obtain a diploma from an educational institution (no matter of its type), which has obtained recognition from the local government or one of the provinces. You have 90 days to apply.

Studying at a Canadian university is not free of charge for foreign students. At the same time, students have an opportunity to reduce the cost of studying.  Scholarships, grants and part-time jobs are the ways to mitigate the financial burden. At most universities, you can apply for scholarships and grants at the time of university application or after being admitted.

Various types of scholarships are offered for international students:

• David Johnston-Lebowitz Foundation International Experience Award in Canada,
• President's World Leaders Scholarship for International Students,
• International scholarship for admission to the master's program,
• Concordia University Entrance Scholarship, University of Edmonton,
• International Baccalaureate Scholarships at the University of Alberta,
• VISTA PhD at York University in Canada,
• Postdoctoral Fellowships,
• Merit Scholarship for International Students,
• ESL Scholarships for International Students at the University of Saskatchewan.

Also, each university has other various financial support programs which take into account:

• Academic performance,
• Sports achievements,
• Creative talent.

The higher education system in Canada is constantly evolving to meet the needs of a changing world. It is possible thanks to the government and educational authorities' development of new strategies, while educational institutions are constantly improving their programs, increasing the quality.

It is possible to get higher education in Canada in:

• Colleges
• Universities.

Higher education programs offer:

• Certificate programs that last for 1 year,
• Diploma programs– 1-2 years,
• Advanced diploma – 2-3 years,
• Bachelor's degree – 4 years,
• Master's degree – 1-2 years,
• Doctor's degree – 4-7 years.

Canada organizes diverse short-term courses for foreign students.  In the case of interest, it is required to enter specialized Canadian  colleges and universities. Deciding on pursuing education at top universities, foreign students get many advantages: experienced professors and renowned academics teach here, various student societies and events are organized. Small size universities are attractive, as they focus on specific directions — engineering, humanities, and others.

For students interested in mastering the language skills in English or French, Canadian universities provide the following options: 

• Intensive language learning courses,
• Classes in a group and one-to-one,
• Summer courses.

Additional lessons can be organized for improvement of writing and speaking skills.

Foreign students are offered diverse options to obtain skills  in technical and professional areas:

• Agriculture,
• Media and Journalism,
• Engineering technologies,
• Environment,
• Business & Finance,
• Medicine,
• Interior design,
• Hotel Management,
• Computer Science and IT,
• Languages and art and much more.

Without completed undergraduate studies, applicants cannot enter a master's degree. Studying at this stage lasts 1-2 years. The structure of master's programs varies, which is stipulated by the goal: preparing for employment or for admission to doctoral programs.
The following degrees are awarded at Canadian universities:

• Master of Science (MSc),
• Master of Arts (MA),
• Master of Business Administration (MBA),
• Master of Engineering (MEng),
• Master of Fine Arts (MFA).

Obtaining a doctoral degree (PhD) in Canada provides several advantages, one of which is being more budget friendly than in the United States. Every year, more than 200 thousand specialists from abroad receive a PhD degree at Canadian universities. The course duration varies from 3 to 7 years. Enrollment is possible after completing a bachelor's and master's degree.

An MBA in Canada is a great way to earn an internationally recognized degree. Following an MBA program bears much cost, howere upon graduation, graduates can count on a high salary - from $80,000-250,000 / year.

Canada higher education -statistics

Cost of living in Canada

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