Top 10 Universities In Canada 2025: Acceptance Rate, Courses, Ranking & Fees
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Find everything about the University of Canada acceptance rate, ranking, courses, fees, etc in this blog! Each of the universities in Canada provides high-quality education, affordable tuition fees, an inclusive environment, and post-work study opportunities. It also gives the best student experience for personal and professional growth.
Canada is one of the top study destinations in the world for its education system, quality of life, and affordability. The cost of living in Canada is more affordable than that of the UK or the US. You can even find student accommodation in Canada within a student’s budget.
Top Universities in Canada
| S.No | University Name | QS World Ranking 2025 | Acceptance Rate | Tuition Fees (CAD/year) |
| 1 | University of Toronto | 25 | 43% | 53,000 – 58,000 |
| 2 | McGill University | 29 | 46.3% | ~35,000 |
| 3 | University of British Columbia (UBC) | 38 | 52.4% | ~38,946 |
| 4 | University of Alberta | 96 | 58% | 20,000 – 21,000 |
| 5 | University of Waterloo | 112 | 53% | 11,000 – 12,000 |
| 6 | Western University | 114 | 31% | ~30,000 |
| 7 | Université de Montréal | 141 | 40% | ~20,400 |
| 8 | McMaster University | 189 | 58% | ~17,096 |
| 9 | University of Ottawa | 203 | 42% | 17,478 – 43,500 |
| 10 | Queen’s University at Kingston | 209 | 42% | ~30,000 |
1. University of Toronto
QS World University Rankings: #25
If you plan to study at the University of Toronto, the overall acceptance rate is 43%. It means a moderate percentage, and the competition among students is mild. It laid the foundation in 1827 and has evolved into one of the top universities in Canada. But that’s not it. The institution also has a global ranking and reputation as one of the best research-intensive universities in the world. More than 560,000 graduate students are studying at the University of Toronto and continue to have a positive impact around the globe.
The cost of living in Toronto is expensive, but you can find student accommodation Toronto within the student’s budget.
| Tuition Fee/Year | Popular Programs at the University of Toronto | Admissions |
| CAD 53,000 – CAD 58,000 | Applied science Engineering Management Public health | Bachelor- GPA (3+); IELTS (6+); TOEFL(100+) Master – GMAT(500+); GPA(3+); IELTS (6+); TOEFL (93+) |
2. McGill University
QS World University Rankings: #29
It is another top university in Canada for master’s and bachelor’s, ranked as the most prestigious in Canada. The acceptance rate of McGill University is 46.3%, which is moderate in terms of applications. Many international students are drawn to study at this institution, with the highest percentage of PhD students of any other University in Canada. It offers over 400 programs and excellent teachings with more than 50 research centers and institutes.
Montreal is less expensive in terms of living; you can also find affordable student accommodation Montreal.
| Tuition Fee/Year | Popular Programs in McGill University | Admissions |
| CAD 35,000 | Chemistry Medicine Biology | General- GPA (3+); GRE (321+); SAT (1460+); IB (41+);ACT (33+); GMAT (675+); IELTS (6+); TOEFL(79+) Master –GPA(3+); IELTS (6+); TOEFL (86+) |
3. University of British Columbia
QS World University Rankings: #38
If you plan to study in Canada, this is one of the top universities in Canada for MBA and other programs. The acceptance rate of the University of British Columbia is 52.4%. The institution was founded in 1915, and ever since, it’s been opening doors to students from all over the world, giving opportunities to students from more than 140 countries to study and make a global impact. The University is recognized in Canada and globally for its excellence in research and teaching. It is a Canadian University with no application fees.
The cost of living in Vancouver is expensive; nevertheless, you will find budget-friendly student accommodation Vancouver.
| Tuition Fee/Year | Popular Programs in University of British Columbia | Admissions |
| CAD 38,946.2 | Business Law Engineering Nursing | Bachelor – IELTS (6+); TOEFL(90+) Master –GMAT (650+); GRE (320+); GPA(3+); IELTS (6+); TOEFL (90+) |
4. University of Alberta
QS World University Rankings: #96
It ranks as one of the top 5 universities in Canada, founded with a vision to inspire students for a better tomorrow. The acceptance rate of the University of Alberta is around 58%, yet it has strong and fierce competition among students due to its strict selection process for admissions. If you seek to study at one of the top universities in Canada for computer science and other programs, you can check the admission requirements. With over 5 campuses, the students are across the city, including international students from all over the world.
Edmonton is the 5th most affordable place to live in Canada, which means you can easily find affordable student accommodation in Edmonton too.
| Tuition Fee/Year | Popular Programs in University of Alberta | Admissions |
| CAD 5,000 – 20,000 | Business administration Engineering Nursing and biological Agricultural sciences | Bachelor – SAT (1200+); GPA (3.3+); IELTS (6.5+); TOEFL(90+) Master –GMAT (613+); GPA(3+); IELTS (6.5+); TOEFL (88+) |
5. University of Waterloo
QS World University Rankings: #115
For those of you seeking to study at the top universities in Canada computer science and other programs, so, the University Of Waterloo is the best. The acceptance rate is 53%. It has provided education for the last 25 years and evolved into one of the most innovative institutions in Canada. Over 16,000 UG students are choosing to study at this University as it offers students alternate school and work terms. This means students get to gain experience from industry leaders of Facebook, Google, Amazon, etc, At present, there are over 35,000 international students from 120 countries.
The cost of living in Waterloo is inexpensive as compared to Toronto; the student accommodation Waterloo is also affordable in terms of pricing.
| Tuition Fee/Year | Popular Programs in University of Waterloo | Admissions |
| CAD 11,061 | Computer Science Engineering Business studies | Master –GPA(3+); IELTS (7+); TOEFL (90+) |
6. Western University
QS World University Rankings: #120
Founded with a vision to shape the students by balancing academic life with opportunities for volunteer, athletes and social engagement; thereby offering a strong community that extends even to alumni worldwide. Western University top-ranked research University in Canada with a global ranking and reputation. The discoveries made at this institution have benefited social, economic and health development in Canada and around the world. If you seek to study here, it’s best for research with an acceptance rate of 58% and a strict selection process.
London, Ontario is one of the most affordable places to live in Canada. It’s easy to find student accommodation Canada.
| Tuition Fee/Year | Popular Programs in Western University | Admissions |
| CAD 24,851.7 | Engineering Business MBA Humanities BA | Bachelor – IELTS (6+); TOEFL(83+) Master –GPA(2+); IELTS (6+); TOEFL (83+) |
7. University Of Montreal
QS World University Rankings: #159
It is one of the top universities in Canada for MS as it is a leading research institute among others. It is affiliated with HEC Montreal (business), Polytechnique Montreal (engineering) and the University of Montreal – the largest university complexes in North America. The acceptance rate at Université de Montréal is between 41 – 57% making it quite achievable for many students who want to study in Canada. There are 67,000 students and 2,300 professors and researchers. The campus is set in the best urban area of North America.
Montreal is less expensive in terms of living; you can also find affordable student accommodation Montreal.
| Tuition Fee/Year | Popular Programs in Université de Montréal | Admissions |
| CAD 20,000 to 26,000 | Health Sciences Chemistry Computer Science Economics and Politics Humanities Industrial relations Law | Bachelor – IELTS (6+); TOEFL(86+) Master –GMAT (600+); GPA(2+); IELTS (6+); TOEFL (86+) |
8. McMaster University
QS World University Rankings: #176
Known to be a world-class interdisciplinary institute in Canada holding on to the 129 traditions of fuelling inquiry, curiosity and discovery. For those of you who plan to study in Canada, this is an institution that offers the best learning with ground-breaking approaches to teaching across all disciplines of studies. The acceptance rate of McMaster University is 59%. You will be surprised to know that this is the only Canadian institute that hosts the site of a United Nations University (The Institute for Water, Environment and Health- UNU-INWEH).
The cost of living in Hamilton, Canada is less expensive than in Toronto; there is way less-priced student accommodation in Hamilton, Canada.
| Tuition Fee/Year | Popular Programs in McMaster University | Admissions |
| CAD 22,471.2 | Arts and Humanities Business and Management Engineering and Technology Life Sciences and Medicine Natural Sciences | Bachelor – IELTS (6+); TOEFL(86+) Master –GMAT (600+); GPA(2+); IELTS (6+); TOEFL (86+) |
9. University of Ottawa
QS World University Rankings: #189
This is the centre of excellence for human understanding and advancement. It is one of the 10 top universities in Canada gaining popularity among the international crowd. The institution is also gaining global recognition and is thus listed in the QS rankings. They offer various programs across all disciplines of study. The acceptance rate of the University of Ottawa is 42% making it quite hard to compete for admissions.
Ottawa is affordable when it comes to living for students; there is also low-budget student accommodation in Ottawa.
| Tuition Fee/Year | Popular Programs in the University of Ottawa | Admissions |
| CAD 25,554 | Management Biology Computer Science Business economics Engineering Microprograms | Bachelor – IELTS (6+); TOEFL(86+) Master –GMAT (570+); GPA(6+);GRE (310+); IELTS (6+); TOEFL (79+) |
10. Queen’s University at Kingston
QS World University Rankings: #193
This is one of Canada’s oldest degree-granting universities and a contemporary hub of academic research in Kingston, Canada. The acceptance rate of Queen’s University is 89%, which is higher than most of the universities in Canada. Queen’s researchers lead the way in numerous fields: cancer research, geotechnical astrophysics, art conservation, engineering, biodiversity, and clean energy technology.
Kingston, Canada, is less expensive than Toronto; student accommodation in Kingston, Canada is available at student budget-friendly prices.
| Tuition Fee/Year | Popular Programs in Queen’s University at Kingston | Admissions |
| CAD 27,513 | Advanced Human Resources Certificate Advanced Labour Relations Certificate Advanced Leadership for Social Impact Animation Theory and Practice Applied Economics | Bachelor – SAT (1200+); GPA (2+); IELTS (6+); TOEFL(88+) Master –GMAT (580+); GPA(2+); IELTS (6+); TOEFL (88+) |
Note: The tuition fee will vary depending on the programs, courses, and level of study in Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top universities in Canada for international students?
According to the QS World University Rankings 2025, the top Canadian universities for international students include:
1. University of Toronto (#21)
2. McGill University (#30)
3. University of British Columbia (#34)
4. University of Alberta (#111)
5. University of Waterloo (#112)
6. Western University (#114)
7. Université de Montréal (#141)
8. University of Calgary (#182)
9. McMaster University (#189)
10. University of Ottawa (#203)
How much does it cost to study in Canada as an international student?
Tuition fees for international students in Canada vary by institution and program. For example, the University of Toronto’s fees range from CAD 45,000 to CAD 46,000, while the University of Waterloo’s fees are approximately CAD 11,000 to CAD 12,000.
Which university is best in Canada for international students?
The University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of British Columbia are often considered the best options for international students due to their high rankings, diverse student populations, and comprehensive international support services.
Is it expensive to study in Canada?
Studying in Canada can be expensive for international students. Tuition fees typically range from CAD 11,000 to CAD 46,000 per year, depending on the program and university. Living expenses can add another CAD 10,000 to CAD 20,000 per year.
Which university in Canada is best for international students?
The University of Toronto is often ranked as the best for international students, offering extensive programs, global recognition, and strong support services. McGill University and the University of British Columbia are also top choices.
Which Canadian university accepts most international students?
While many Canadian universities have robust international communities, the University of Toronto has one of the largest international student populations, with about 36% of its student body coming from outside Canada.
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