Top Public Universities in Canada 2025

Thinking about studying at one of Canada’s top public universities in 2025? You’re in the right place! Whether you’re dreaming of a big city campus like the University of Toronto or the rich traditions at Queen’s, Canada offers world-class education, diverse student communities, and strong post-graduation opportunities. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top-ranked public universities, covering key details like popular programs, tuition fees, global rankings, and what makes each school unique. Ready to find your perfect Canadian campus match? Let’s get started!

Top Public Universities in Canada

1. University of Toronto

Founded in 1827, the University of Toronto (U of T) is Canada’s largest and most prestigious university. With over 97,000 students enrolled across its three campuses—St. George (Downtown Toronto), Mississauga, and Scarborough—U of T offers a vibrant and inclusive learning environment. Among these, nearly 27,000 are international students from 159 countries, making U of T a global education hub.

U of T provides over 700 undergraduate and 200 graduate programs, excelling particularly in areas like Computer Science, Engineering, Medicine, Business, and Psychology. The university also boasts the largest academic library system in Canada, with 44 libraries offering unparalleled academic resources. It’s ranked 25th globally in the QS World University Rankings and 21st by Times Higher Education (THE) in 2025. Following are the key details of University of Toronto:

2. University of Waterloo

Founded in 1957, the University of Waterloo (UWaterloo) is one of Canada’s top universities, celebrated for its co-operative education (co-op) programs. These programs let students alternate between classroom learning and paid work experience, often graduating with up to two years of relevant job experience. With a student population of over 41,000, UWaterloo is especially well-known for its strengths in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, and Environmental Studies.

International students make up a significant part of the student body, comprising 18% of undergraduates and 42% of graduate students. UWaterloo is a global player, ranked 115th in the QS World University Rankings and 163rd by Times Higher Education in 2025. Below are the key details of University of Waterloo:

3. McGill University

Founded in 1821, McGill University is one of Canada’s oldest and most distinguished universities, located in the culturally rich city of Montreal, Quebec. Home to approximately 40,000 students, McGill has a diverse community where international students make up nearly 30% of the population—roughly 12,000 learners from all over the world. The university offers over 400 programs spanning disciplines such as Medicine, Law, Engineering, and Arts. The university is ranked 29th globally by QS and 45th by Times Higher Education in 2025, highlighting its status as a world-class institution. Following are the key details of McGill University:

5. University of Western Ontario

Founded in 1878, the University of Western Ontario, widely known as Western University, is a leading Canadian institution located in the charming city of London, Ontario. The university is home to over 42,000 students, including more than 5,000 international students from 126 countries, creating a vibrant, multicultural learning environment.

The 1,200-acre campus, nestled along the Thames River, features stunning Gothic-style architecture, modern research facilities, libraries, and athletics complexes. In the 2025 global rankings, Western placed 120th in QS and within the 201–250 band in the Times Higher Education rankings, showcasing its strong academic and research performance. Below are the key details of University of Western Ontario:

6. University of Ottawa

Founded in 1848, the University of Ottawa (uOttawa) is Canada’s capital university and the world’s largest bilingual (English-French) post-secondary institution. Located in Ottawa, Ontario, this university is home to over 42,000 students, including around 7,000 international students from all over the world.

It’s especially known for standout programs in Social Sciences, Law, Engineering, and Health Sciences, blending academic depth with real-world relevance. In the 2025 global rankings, uOttawa is placed 230th by QS and 162nd by Times Higher Education, reflecting its strong global reputation and research output. Following are the key details of University of Ottawa (uOttawa):

7. Queen’s University

Founded in 1841, Queen’s University is located in the city of Kingston, Ontario. Home to approximately 31,000 students, Queen’s has a strong global presence, with over 3,000 international students from more than 100 countries. The university is especially recognized for top-tier programs in Engineering, Business, Health Sciences, and the Arts and Humanities.

In the 2025 world university rankings, Queen’s ranks 240th in the QS World University Rankings and falls within the 251–300 band in Times Higher Education, reflecting its academic strength and impact on global scholarship. Following is the key details Queen’s University:

Conclusion

Canada’s public universities continue to shine on the global stage—and for good reason! With top-tier academics, exciting student experiences, and globally recognized degrees, each school on this list offers something special. From the tech-forward co-op programs at Waterloo to the bilingual brilliance of uOttawa, your future is full of possibilities. Use this guide to compare, explore, and take the next step toward your Canadian education dream.

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