Studying in Canada is now the dream of many international students from across the globe, thanks to the high standard of education in Canada. Canadian universities have over time gained global recognition for good teachings and global research. Several of these institutions are highly ranked among the best institutions worldwide, and they continue to attract the best and smartest international students to their prestigious degree programs.
As part of preparation to study in Canada, international students looking to pursue a bachelor’s, master’s degree, or Ph.D. research studies should well be acquainted with such schools popular among first choice for international students.
In this article, we have compiled a long list of the first 50 most popular universities and research institutions in Canada, making mention of their popularly available scholarships and funding programs as well.
List of Top 50 Canada Universities
1.) University of Toronto
This university is located in Toronto, Canada. Established in 1827, it has an enrollment of over 40,000 students both local and international students. This university is a public research university, and the first institution of higher learning in upper Canada. Official website: www.utoronto.ca
2.) University of British Columbia
This institution is located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Vancouver British Columbia. It has an enrollment of over 30,000 students both local and international. This university is known to embrace innovation and transforms ideas into actions and has been opening doors of opportunity for people with the curiosity, drive and vision to shape a better world. Official website: www.ubc.ca
3.) McGill University
This institution was founded in 1821 and it currently has over 25,000 students. Located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Montreal, this university offers degree and diplomas in several fields of study, with the highest average entering grades of any Canadian university. Most students are enrolled in the six largest faculties namely arts, science, education, engineering and management. official website: www.mcgill.ca
4.) University of Waterloo
The University of Waterloo is located in Waterloo, Ontario and currently with a population of 30,000 students. This university was mainly established to fill the need to train engineers and technicians for Canada’s growing postwar economy. official website: www.uwaterloo.ca
5.) Simon Fraser University
The Simon Fraser university institution is located in the city of Burnaby, British Columbia. it is a large university with over 30,000 students. This research university is consistently ranked as Canada’s top comprehensive university and named to the times higher education list of 100 world universities under 50 years. Official website: www.sfu.ca
6.) University of Alberta
The University of Alberta, also known as U of A or UAlberta, is located in the city of Edmonton, Alberta. This university has a very selective admission policy based on students’ past academic records. Founded in 1908, the university has been a major economic driver in Alberta, it impacts on Alberta’s economy is estimated at $12.3 billion annually. Official website: www.ualberta.ca
7.) York University
York university is located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Toronto, with an enrollment of over 40,000 students. this university also provides academic and nonacademic facilities to both local and international students. Several of York’s programs have gained notable recognition both locally and internationally. York houses Canada’s oldest film school, which has been ranked the best in Canada. Official website: www.yorku.ca
8.) University of Calgary
This institution is located in the metropolis of Calgary, it is a large university with over 25,000 students both local and international students. This institution was founded in 1966 and it has a sponsored research revenue of $380.4 million. This institution maintains close ties to the petroleum and geoscience industry through the department of Geosciences and Schulich school of engineering. Official website: www.ucalgary.ca
9.) McMaster University
This institution is located in Hamilton, Ontario, with a population of over 20,000 students. This institution operates six academic faculties: the DE Groote school of business, engineering, health sciences, humanities , social sciences and sciences. It is a member of U15, a group of research-intensive universities in Canada. Â official websites: www.mcmaster.ca
10.) University of Montreal
University of Montreal (Universite de Montreal) was founded in 1878, and is located in the metropolis of Montreal. It has a population of over 45,000 students. It is a very popular institution in Canada and it offers more than 650 undergraduate programs, including 71 doctoral programmes. official website: www.umontreal.ca
11.) Western University
The university is ranked number 144 in the world and it is located in the medium city of London, Ontario. The western university has over 33,000 students both local and international. Founded in 1863, the first four faculties were arts, Divinity, law and medicine. official website: www.uwo.ca
12.) University of Victoria
This institution was founded in 1963 and it is located in the small city of Victoria, British Columbia. it is ranked 149 in the world, with a population of fewer than 30,000 students. This institution is home to Canada’s first and only indigenous law degree program along with dedicated research centers for indigenous and environmental law.  Official website: www.uvic.ca
13.) Queen’s University
The queen’s university is located in Kingston Ontario. Founded in 1841, this school admission rate range is 40% – 50% making this Canadian higher education organization an averagely selective institution. It has over 20,000 students both local and international. Official websites: www.queensu.ca
14.) University of Laval
This university is ranked 192 in the world and it was established in 1852. It has over 40,000 students and its selection admission policy is based on entrance examinations and previous academic records. It is located in Quebec City, Quebec. Official website: www.ulaval.ca
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15.) Toronto Metropolitan University
This university is located in the metropolis of Toronto. This institution was established in 1948 and has a large enrollment of over 20,000 students both local and international. This university operates seven academic divisions/faculties, the faculty of arts, the faculty of community services, the faculty of engineering, the faculty of science, the creative school, the Lincoln Alexander school of law, and the ted rogers school of management. Official website: www.torontomu.ca
16.) University of Guelph
This public institution was founded in 1964, and it is located in Ontario. It has a large enrollment rate of over 25,000 students. This comprehensive public research university employs 830 full-time faculty staffs as of 2019, and it offers 94 undergraduate degrees, 48graduates programs, and 6 associate degrees in many different disciplines. Official website: www.uoguelph.ca
17.) Carleton University
The Carleton university is located in Ottawa. Founded in 1942, with over 30,000 students enrolled. Its admission selection is strictly based on academic records and grades. This institution is a dynamic research and teaching institution with exciting programs and strong community of staff, faculty and students. Â Official websites: www.Carleton.ca
18.) Dalhousie University
This institution is located in the city of Halifax, nova scotia. It is a prestigious university in Canada and it was founded in 181. It is ranked 268 in the world ranking and has a large enrollment of over 15,000 students. This university offers more than 4,000 courses, and 180 degree programs in 12 faculties and is a member of the U15, a group of research-intensive universities in Canada. Â Official websites: www.dal.ca
19.) University of Saskatchewan
The university of Saskatchewan is located in Saskatchewan. This is institution was founded in 1907 and has over 20,000 students both local and international. It is ranked 278 in the world ranking. This university is one of the top research –intensive, medical doctoral universities in Canada, and is home to world leading research in area of global importance, such as water and food security and infectious disease Official website: www.usask.ca
20.) University of OttawaÂ
The university of Ottawa Canada is a highly rated institution and has a large enrollment of over 45,000 students. Founded in 1848, this university is ranked 279 in the world ranking and also provides different scholarships for both local and international students. It is located in Ottawa, Ontario. Official website: www.ottawa.edu
21.) Concordia University
This institution was founded in 1974 and it is located in the metropolis of Montreal, Quebec. It has a selective admission policy which is based on students’ past academic records and grades. It has a large enrollment rate of over 45,000 students, providing scholarship opportunities for both international and local students. Official website: www.concordia.ca
22.) University of Manitoba
The university of Manitoba was established in 1877 and it is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Canada. It is ranked 314 in the world ranking and it has over 25,000 students enrolled. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment and also scholarship programs. It is located in Winnipeg. Official website: www.umanitoba.ca
23.) Universite du Quebec a Montréal
One of the ten provincial public universities in Quebec. It was founded in 1969, and it is located in the metropolis of Montréal Quebec. It is officially recognized by the ministry of education Canada and it has a large enrollment of over 40,000 students both local and international. This French speaking institution is managed by six faculties namely: Arts, Education, communication, political science, law, science and social sciences. Official website: www.uquam.ca
24.) Memorial University of Newfoundland
This university is located in the small city of St john’s Newfoundland and Labrador. This institution is ranked 408 in the world ranking and it has over 15,000 students enrolled. it is officially recognized by the department of advanced education, skills, and labor. This university offers certificate, diploma, undergraduate, and post graduate programs, as well as online courses. Official website: www.mun.ca
25.) University of Sherbrook
This university was founded in 1954 and it has a branch campus in Longueil. It has a large enrollment of over 40,000 students both local and international, and it is ranked 566 in the world ranking. This institution is located in Sherbrook, Quebec and it is affiliated with the Christian-catholic religion. Official website: www.usherbrooke.ca
26.) University of New Brunswick
This institution is an award-winning, prestigious university in Canada. Established in 1785, it ranked 576 in the world ranking and has an enrollment range of over 10,000 students. Its scholarship program is open to international students from all around the world. Notable alumni of this university are sir john Douglas Hazen, frank McKenna, Biane higgs etc. Official websites: www.unb.ca
27.) Brock University
The brock university is located in the city of St Catherine, Ontario. It ranked 613 in the world ranking and has a branch campus in Hamilton. It has over 10,000 students both local and international and it is officially recognized by the ministry of education, Canada. This university is the only university in Canada in a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Official website: www.brocku.ca
28.) Wilfrid Laurier University
This university was founded in 1911, and it is located in the city of waterloo, Ontario. This university has a branch campus in Brantford, which is officially recognized by the ministry of training, colleges, and universities of Ontario. It has a large enrollment of over 10,000 students. Official websites: www.wlu.ca
29.) University of Windsor
The university of Windsor is ranked 675 in the world ranking and it was established in 1857. This prestigious institution is located in the city of Windsor, Ontario, and it has over 18,000 students both local and international. Its scholarship and fellowship programs are open to both local and international students. Official website:Â www.uwindsor.ca
30.) University of Regina
This university is located in the small city of Regina, Saskatchewan. Established in 1911, this prestigious university has over 13,000 students and it is accredited and officially recognized by the ministry of education. Its selective admission process is based on students’ past admission records. Official websites: www.uregina.ca
31.) University of Lethbridge
This university is ranked 790 in the world ranking and it is located in the city of Lethbridge, Alberta. this prestigious also has branch campuses in the following locations: Calgary, Edmonton. Which are officially recognized by the university of advanced education of Alberta. It has over 8,000 students both local and international. Official website: www.ulethbridge.ca
32.) British Columbia Institute of Technology
The institute is ranked 826 in the world ranking and it is located in the small city of Burnaby, British Columbia. It has a large enrollment of over 15,000 students and it offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor’s degrees in several areas of study. Official website: www.bcit.ca
33.) Ecole Polytechnique de Montréal
This institute was founded in 1873. It is one of the oldest institutes in Canada, and it is located in the metropolis of Montreal, Quebec. This institute has been officially recognized by the ministry of education. it has a small range of over 4,000 students. Official website: www.polymtl.ca
34.) University of Winnipeg
The university of Winnipeg is located in the city of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Established in 1871, this institution is ranked 938 in the world ranking and has a medium enrollment of over 8,000 students. This university also provides several academic and non-academic facilities for students. Official website: www.uwinnipeg.ca
35.) Universite du Quebec a Chicoutimi
One of the ten provincial public universities in Quebec. This institute is ranked 1005 in the world ranking and 35 in the country ranking. Established in 1969, this French-speaking university is located in the city of Chicoutimi, Quebec. It has a medium size enrollment of 6,000 students both local and international. Official websites: www.uqac.ca
36.) HEC Montreal
This institution is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the metropolis of Montreal, Quebec. Established in 1907, this institution has over 10,000 enrolled students both local and international. This university is a university business school whose reputation is to train leaders in teaching and research. Official website: www.hec.ca
37.) University of Quebec
The University of Quebec is an umbrella system of ten provincially run public universities in Quebec, Canada established in 1968. It is located in the city of Quebec. It has a large enrollment of over 40,000 students both local and international and it is accredited and officially recognized by the ministry of education. it is ranked 1082 in the world ranking and 37 in the country ranking. Official website: www.uquebec.ca
38.) Trent University
The Trent university is located in the city of Peterborough, Ontario. Founded in 1963, this university has an enrollment of over 7,000 students. This institution has a selective admission policy which is based on students past academic records and grades. Trent University is currently ranked 1141 in the world ranking and 38 in the country ranking. Official website: www.trentu.ca
39.) Acadia University
The Acadia university is ranked 1163 in the world ranking and 39 in the country. Established in 1838, this prestigious institution is located in the town of Wolf Ville, Nova Scotia, and has a small enrollment of fewer than 5,000 students both local and international. Official website: www.acadiau.ca
40.) Lakehead University
The Lakehead university is located in the city of thunder bay Ontario. Founded in 1965, this university is ranked 1223 in the world ranking and 40 in the country ranking. This institution has over 7,000 enrolled students which are pursuing a bachelor’s degree in different areas of studying. Official websites: www.lakeheadu.ca
41.) Ecole de Technologie Superieure
This institution was founded in 1974 and it is located in the metropolis of Montréal, Quebec. It ranked 1266 in the world ranking, and 41 in the country ranking. This institute is highly recognized by the ministry of education and it has over 10,000 students both local and international pursuing a pre-bachelor degrees such as diplomas, associates, etc. official website: www.etsmtl.ca
42.) Vancouver Island University
The Vancouver Island university is located in the small city of Nanaimo, British Columbia. established in 1969, this university has branch campuses in locations like Duncan, Parkville, and Powerllriver. It is ranked 1296 in the world ranking and 42 in the country ranking. It has over 15,000 students pursuing different pre-bachelor degrees. Official website: www.viu.ca
43.) Ontario Tech University
This tech university was established in 2002. It is ranked 1297 in the world ranking and 43 in the country ranking. Located in the city of Oshawa, Ontario. This institution is widely recognized and has over 10,000 students pursuing higher education degrees including bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. degrees. Official website: www.ontariotechu.ca
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44.) University of Northern British Columbia
Founded in 1990, this institution is ranked 1333 in the world ranking, and 44 in the country ranking. This university is located in the city of prince George, British Columbia. It has over 3,000 students enrolled and has a selective admission process. Official website: www.unbc.ca
45.) Kwantlen Polytechnic University
This university was founded in 1981, and it is located in the city of surrey, British Columbia. It has over 20,000 students enrolled. It is ranked 1438 in the world ranking and 45 in the country ranking. This institution provides undergraduates and vocational education including Bachelor’s degree, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates apprenticeships and citations. Official website: www.kpu.ca
46.) University of Prince Edward
This university is located in the town of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. It is recognized by the department of the workforce and advanced learning of Prince Edward Island. This institution is ranked 1458 in the world ranking and 46 in the country ranking. It has over 4,000 students enrolled, which are pursuing pre-bachelor degrees such as diplomas, and associates. Official website: www.upei.ca
47.) Thompson Rivers University
The Thompson Rivers university was established in 1970, and it is located in the city of Kamloops, British Columbia. It is recognized by the ministry of advanced education, skills, and training of British Columbia. It is ranked 1470 in the world ranking, and 47 in the country ranking. Official website: www.tru.ca
48.) Saint Mary’s University
This university is regarded as the second oldest university in Canada. Founded in 1802, this institution is located in the city of Halifax, Nova Scotia. It is recognized by the department of labor and advanced education of nova scotia. It ranked 1613 in the world ranking and 48 in the country ranking and it has over 7,000 students pursuing a pre-bachelor degree such as diplomas, and associates of foundations. Official websites: www.smu.ca
49.) OCAD University
Founded in 1876, the OCAD university is located in Toronto, Ontario. This university is ranked 49 in the country ranking, and 1633 in the world ranking. With over 4,000 students enrolled, this university is recognized by the ministry of training, colleges, and universities of Ontario. Official website: www.ocadu.ca
50.) Laurentian University
This university is located in the city of Sudbury, Ontario. It ranked number 50 in the country ranking and 1651 in the world ranking. This university is officially recognized by the ministry of training colleges and universities of Ontario. It has over 9,000 enrolled, which are pursuing higher education degrees such as bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and Ph.D. degrees. Official website:Â www.laurentian.ca
The above named 50 universities in Canada are undoubtedly among the best and most popular among international students. They are open to both local and international students to pursue a higher degree studies and award scholarships of varying amounts and degrees.