Top 10 Universities in Canada for International Students 2027

The best universities in Canada for international students in 2027 are McGill University, the University of Toronto and the University of British Columbia, which all rank in the global top 50 of the QS World University Rankings 2027.

Beyond the top three, universities such as Waterloo, Western and McMaster stand out for co-op, business and medicine, often with lower living costs than Toronto or Vancouver.

Which Are the Best Universities in Canada for International Students?

The table below shows Canada’s 10 highest-ranked universities in the QS World University Rankings 2027, published on 18th June 2026, and what each is best known for. For full QS positions for every ranked Canadian university, and how to read them, see the latest Canada university rankings.

Rankings are a useful starting point, but the best university for you depends on your subject, budget, city and career plans. The profiles below focus on what each university offers international students in practice.

What Makes Each Top Canadian University Stand Out?

1. McGill University (QS Rank 30)

McGill is Canada’s highest-ranked university in the QS World University Rankings 2027. Located in the heart of Montréal, it attracts students from more than 150 countries, offering one of the most international campus environments in North America.

McGill is particularly strong in medicine, law, chemistry and the arts, and is one of only two Canadian members of the Association of American Universities. Montréal’s lower living costs compared with Toronto or Vancouver are a practical advantage, though some daily life and part-time work is in French.

• Popular courses: Medicine, Chemistry, Law, Arts and Humanities
• Acceptance rate: Approximately 47%
• Best for: Students who want a top-ranked research university in a bilingual, more affordable city

2. University of Toronto (QS Rank 32)

The University of Toronto has the strongest academic reputation of any Canadian university in QS 2027. Its three campuses, St. George, Mississauga and Scarborough, host one of the largest and most diverse student bodies in Canada, with strong programmes across engineering, business, life sciences and psychology.

Toronto’s location in Canada’s largest city gives you unmatched access to internships and the country’s most active graduate job market. The trade-off is cost, as Toronto is one of Canada’s most expensive cities to live in.

• Popular courses: Psychology, Business, Biology, Engineering
• Acceptance rate: Approximately 43%
• Best for: Students who want Canada’s biggest job market and a globally recognised name

3. University of British Columbia (QS Rank 45)

UBC combines strong research output with campuses in Vancouver and the Okanagan, and is particularly well regarded for computer science, international economics, biology and mathematics. Its sustainability leadership is also recognised in the QS rankings.

Vancouver’s technology sector and links to the Asia-Pacific region make UBC a strong choice for graduates targeting international careers. Like Toronto, Vancouver has high housing costs, so budget carefully.

• Popular courses: International Economics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Biology
• Acceptance rate: Approximately 53%
• Best for: Students interested in tech, sustainability or Asia-Pacific careers

4. University of Alberta (QS Rank 96)

The University of Alberta in Edmonton retains its place as Canada’s fourth-ranked university, serving over 40,000 students across five campuses. It’s well regarded for engineering, agriculture, health sciences and nursing, with deep research in energy and applied health.

Alberta’s economy, driven by energy, technology and agriculture, supports graduate employment in these fields, and Edmonton is more affordable than Canada’s largest cities.

• Popular courses: Nursing, Engineering, Agriculture, Food Science and Technology
• Acceptance rate: Approximately 58%
• Best for: Students seeking a global top 100 university with lower living costs

5. University of Waterloo (QS Rank =113)

Waterloo pioneered co-operative education in Canada and runs one of the largest co-op programmes in the world, with thousands of employers across technology, engineering and the sciences. It’s one of Canada’s leading universities for computer science and engineering.

Co-op terms mean you can graduate with up to two years of paid, relevant work experience. That experience doesn’t count towards PR itself, but it makes it much easier to land a skilled job on your PGWP. Explore more jobs in Canada after graduation.

• Popular courses: Computer Science, Engineering, Geography, Physics and Astronomy
• Acceptance rate: Approximately 53%
• Best for: STEM students who want paid work experience built into their degree

6. Western University (QS Rank =142)

Western University in London, Ontario, is one of Canada’s oldest institutions and has a strong reputation in business, law, engineering and health sciences. Its Ivey Business School is known for case-study teaching and strong employer connections in Canada’s financial sector.

For students considering business or an MBA, Western offers a highly regarded option at a lower cost of living than Toronto or Vancouver.

• Popular courses: Engineering, Business, Nursing, Law
• Acceptance rate: Approximately 58%
• Best for: Business students who want a top business school outside Canada’s most expensive cities

7. Université de Montréal (QS Rank =162)

The Université de Montréal is Canada’s leading French-language research university, with a strong international profile in artificial intelligence, health sciences and social sciences. Most programmes are taught in French, so check language requirements carefully before applying.

Montréal’s lower cost of living is a practical advantage. Quebec runs its own immigration programmes, and French is usually central to eligibility, so this is a strong fit if you speak French or plan to learn it.

• Popular courses: Artificial Intelligence, Medicine, Pharmacy, Psychology
• Acceptance rate: Approximately 57%
• Best for: French-speaking students, or those interested in AI research

8. McMaster University (QS Rank =174)

McMaster in Hamilton, Ontario, is known for its problem-based “McMaster Model” of teaching, which focuses on collaborative learning and critical thinking. Its medical school is one of the most respected in Canada, and its engineering and social sciences faculties are also well regarded.

Hamilton is close to Toronto but with significantly lower living costs, giving you access to Ontario’s job market without Toronto rents.

• Popular courses: Medicine, Engineering, Business, Social Sciences
• Acceptance rate: Approximately 56.5%
• Best for: Health and engineering students who prefer hands-on, problem-based learning

9. Queen’s University at Kingston (QS Rank =179)

Founded in 1841, Queen’s is one of Canada’s oldest universities and is known for its strong alumni network and close-knit campus community. Its Smith School of Business attracts recruitment from Canada’s financial and consulting sectors.

Kingston sits between Toronto and Ottawa, and its smaller size can make the academic and social transition easier for international students.

• Popular courses: Business, Computer Science, Education
• Acceptance rate: Approximately 89%, though competitive programmes such as commerce have much higher requirements
• Best for: Students who want a traditional campus experience and strong alumni links

10. University of Ottawa (QS Rank =228)

The University of Ottawa is the world’s largest English-French bilingual university, located in Canada’s capital. Its location gives students access to the federal public service, diplomatic organisations and the Kanata North technology park.

Its co-op programmes are well established, making it a strong option for students interested in public policy, law or technology careers.

• Popular courses: Computer Science, Law, Engineering, Public Administration, Nursing
• Acceptance rate: Approximately 42 to 43%
• Best for: Students targeting public policy, law or government-related careers

Why Do International Students Choose Canada?

Beyond rankings, these practical advantages draw international students to Canada. Find out more about why international students choose Canada.

• Post-Graduation Work Permit: Graduates of eligible programmes can work for any employer for up to three years
• Routes to PR: Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs offer structured routes for graduates with skilled Canadian work experience, explained in the guide to how to get PR in Canada after study
• Welcoming environment: Large international student communities and dedicated support services at all major universities
• Work while studying: Up to 24 hours a week off campus during term, and full time during scheduled breaks

How Much Does It Cost to Study at a Top Canadian University?

International undergraduates pay an average of CAD 41,746 a year in tuition, and graduate students an average of CAD 24,028, according to Statistics Canada’s 2025/26 figures. Fees at the top universities, especially for engineering and computer science, are often well above these averages.

For your study permit, you’ll also need to show at least CAD 23,448 for a year’s living costs as a single applicant outside Quebec, and real costs in Toronto and Vancouver are usually higher. Compare the cost of living in Canada by city before you shortlist.

How Do You Apply for a Canada Student Visa?

Once you have an offer from a Designated Learning Institution, you’ll apply online for a study permit through IRCC. You’ll need your Letter of Acceptance, proof of funds, a valid passport, biometrics and, for most undergraduate students, a Provincial Attestation Letter. The Canada student visa guide explains each step.

How Can StudyIn Help You Apply to Canadian Universities?

StudyIn, formerly SI-UK, has over 20 years of experience helping international students, and our counsellors can help you build a shortlist based on your subject, budget and career goals, not just rankings. We support you through applications, scholarships, proof of funds, your study permit and pre-departure, and our service is free throughout.

Parents are welcome to join your counselling sessions to talk through costs, safety and outcomes.

FAQs

Which is the best university in Canada for international students?

McGill University is Canada’s highest-ranked university in the QS World University Rankings 2027, followed by the University of Toronto and UBC. The best choice for you depends on your subject, budget and preferred city.

Which Canadian university has the best co-op programme?

The University of Waterloo runs one of the largest co-op programmes in the world, with thousands of employer partners across technology, engineering and the sciences.

What is the easiest top Canadian university to get into?

Among Canada’s 10 highest-ranked universities, Queen’s University at Kingston has the highest overall acceptance rate at approximately 89%, though competitive programmes such as commerce and engineering need much stronger grades.

Which top Canadian universities are most affordable?

Universities outside Toronto and Vancouver, such as the University of Alberta, McMaster and Western, usually come with lower living costs, even where tuition is similar.

How do I apply to Canadian universities as an international student?

Most Ontario universities, including Toronto, Waterloo, Western, McMaster, Queen’s and Ottawa, use the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC). UBC, the University of Alberta, McGill and the Université de Montréal use their own application systems.

Can I work in Canada after graduating from one of these universities?

Yes. Graduates of eligible programmes can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit of up to three years, which can help them qualify for permanent residence through Express Entry or a Provincial Nominee Program.