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Canada University Rankings 2027
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McGill University is Canada’s highest-ranked university in the QS World University Rankings 2027, placing 30th in the world, followed by the University of Toronto in 32nd and the University of British Columbia in 45th. The 2027 edition includes 30 Canadian universities, though around two-thirds fell compared with last year.
Use this page to see where each Canadian university ranks, what changed in 2027, and how to read the rankings when you compare universities.
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Canada University Rankings 2027
The QS World University Rankings 2027 feature 30 Canadian universities, making Canada one of the most represented countries in the table. The rankings assess institutions on academic reputation, employer reputation, research output, international outlook, and sustainability.
Canada’s three leading universities, McGill, Toronto, and UBC, all sit within the global top 50. Rankings are a useful starting point, but your course, budget, and career plans should shape your final shortlist.
Which Canadian Universities Rank Highest in QS 2027?
McGill University is the highest-ranked university in Canada for the second year in a row, placing 30th in the world. The University of Toronto follows in 32nd and the University of British Columbia in 45th. The table below shows the 10 highest-ranked Canadian universities in the QS World University Rankings 2027.
| Canada Rank | University | QS World Rank 2027 | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | McGill University | 30 | Montréal, Quebec |
| 2 | University of Toronto | 32 | Toronto, Ontario |
| 3 | University of British Columbia | 45 | Vancouver, British Columbia |
| 4 | University of Alberta | 96 | Edmonton, Alberta |
| 5 | University of Waterloo | =113 | Waterloo, Ontario |
| 6 | Western University | =142 | London, Ontario |
| 7 | Université de Montréal | =162 | Montréal, Quebec |
| 8 | McMaster University | =174 | Hamilton, Ontario |
| 9 | Queen’s University at Kingston | =179 | Kingston, Ontario |
| 10 | University of Ottawa | =228 | Ottawa, Ontario |
To compare these universities on subject strengths, acceptance rates and costs, explore the best universities in Canada for international students.
What Changed for Canada in the QS Rankings 2027?
The 2027 edition was a challenging year for Canadian universities, with around two thirds of ranked institutions falling compared with last year. McGill held on to first place in Canada but slipped three places to 30th, while Toronto also fell three places to 32nd and UBC dropped five places to 45th.
The University of Ottawa entered Canada’s top 10 for the first time, replacing the University of Calgary. These shifts are small at the top, so the leading universities remain strong choices for international students.
How Should You Use University Rankings?
QS scores universities on factors such as academic reputation, employer reputation, research citations, international outlook, and sustainability, so an overall rank tells you about reputation and research rather than teaching or student experience. To get the most out of the rankings:
- Check subject rankings: A university’s position in your subject often matters more than its overall rank
- Look at the trend: Compare positions over three years rather than reacting to a single year’s rise or fall
- Treat close positions as similar: A gap of a few places reflects small differences in scores, not a real difference in quality
- Combine with practical factors: Weigh rankings alongside cost, location, co-op options and PGWP eligibility
How Do Canadian Universities Rank by Subject?
QS publishes separate subject rankings each spring, and the University of Toronto was Canada’s highest-ranked university across all five broad subject areas in the 2026 edition. Canadian universities with a strong reputation in key fields include:
- Medicine and health sciences: McGill University and the University of Toronto
- Computer science and artificial intelligence: University of Waterloo, University of Toronto, and Université de Montréal
- Engineering: University of Waterloo and the University of British Columbia
- Business and MBA: Rotman (Toronto), Ivey (Western), and Desautels (McGill)
- Psychology and social sciences: University of British Columbia and the University of Toronto
Are Canadian Colleges Included in University Rankings?
No. Global rankings such as QS only rank universities, so Canada’s public colleges and polytechnics don’t appear in these tables. When comparing colleges, employer links, co-op options and PGWP eligibility are better guides than any league table, so compare community colleges in Canada for international students on those factors instead.
Full Canada University Rankings 2027 Table
Use the table below to explore all ranked Canadian universities. Select any university to view its full profile, including entry requirements and campus details.
Apply to a Top Canadian University With StudyIn
Rankings tell you part of the story, but the right university for you depends on your subject, budget and career plans. StudyIn has over 20 years of experience helping international students, and our counsellors can help you build a balanced shortlist that uses rankings alongside the factors that matter most to you. Our service is free throughout.
We support you through the full application cycle, from course selection and university applications to your study permit, Provincial Attestation Letter where required, and pre-departure preparation. Book a free counselling session to plan your application for 2027 entry.
FAQs
Which is the number one university in Canada in 2027?
McGill University is the top-ranked university in Canada in the QS World University Rankings 2027, placing 30th in the world. It is the second year in a row that McGill has ranked ahead of the University of Toronto.
How many Canadian universities are in the QS World University Rankings 2027?
The QS World University Rankings 2027 include 30 Canadian universities. McGill, Toronto, and UBC all rank within the global top 50.
What is the difference between a college and a university in Canada?
Canadian colleges focus on career-oriented diplomas, certificates, and applied degrees, while universities award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Global rankings such as QS only include universities.
What are the most affordable top universities in Canada?
Universities outside Toronto and Vancouver, such as the University of Alberta and the University of Regina, often offer lower tuition and living costs. The University of Alberta also ranks 96th in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2027.
Do rankings affect my Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?
No. PGWP eligibility depends on your institution being a Designated Learning Institution and on your programme meeting IRCC’s requirements, not on its ranking. Graduating from a highly ranked university can still strengthen your job applications in Canada.
Which Canadian university ranks highest for engineering?
The University of Toronto was Canada’s highest-ranked university for engineering and technology in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026. The University of British Columbia and the University of Waterloo also rank strongly, and Waterloo is known for its large co-op programme.
How much money do international students need to study in Canada?
For study permit applications submitted on or after 1st September 2026, a single applicant outside Quebec must show at least CAD $23,448 for living expenses. This is in addition to first-year tuition fees and travel costs.
Do master’s students need a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)?
No. From 1st January 2026, master’s and doctoral students at public institutions are exempt from the PAL requirement. Most undergraduate and college applicants still need one.