Colleges in Canada: Universities, Rankings, Subjects and Top Programs

Colleges in Canada are a top choice for international students due to the presence of global top-ranking universities, employment opportunities and relatively lower cost of living. The top three universities in Canada are ranked among top 100 international schools and institutions worldwide. These continue to attract the academically elite to their highly respected and prestigious degree programs offered at various levels of education.

Canada is ranked as one of the safest nations in the Global Peace Index. With 96,000 public universities, 15,000+ study programs offered and Post Graduation Work Permit Program (PWPP) that allows students to work in the country for up to three years after completion of their graduation, Canada is one of the top study abroad destinations in the world. The most popular undergraduate courses in Canada for Indian students are information technology, engineering, hospitality management, medicine and Health Care, business development, media and journalism, psychology and actuarial Science.

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Canada has 3 of the top 20 best student cities in the world: Montreal, Vancouver, and Toronto. Additionally, Students from around the world ranked Canada as 2nd most welcoming country for international students. Top Canadian universities are considered more affordable as compared to other popular study destinations like the UK and US. The average cost for an undergraduate degree is 32,000 CAD (19.15 L INR), while postgraduate courses can cost as low as 8,000 CAD (4.79 L INR).

Top Colleges in Canada by Ranking

Canada is home to over 28 globally recognized universities in the world (QS World Rankings 2023). Canadian Universities provide high academic standards and rigorous quality control. Each top university in Canada is ranked at a certain level with the help of careful analysis of various parameters. A score is designated based on the university's performance in a specific sector. Here is a list of the top ranking Colleges in Canada listed as per QS 2023 rankings.

Top Colleges in Canada by Province

Canada has been one of the most desired destinations for students who aspire to study abroad and build their careers. Here are the top colleges in Canada according to different provinces in Canada:

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Top Colleges in Canada for Undergraduate Programs

Colleges in Canada for undergraduate programs offer rigorous background in research and development training, and the top courses to study in Canada include Computer Science & IT, Management, Engineering, Healthcare, and Social Sciences. The average annual fee for the undergraduate program is 13,000 CAD to 20,000 CAD (7.95 L INR to 12.23 L). Over the past decade, foreign students have been flocking to study in Canada, especially from Asian countries like India and China. Currently, the number of students holding Canada student visa is around 650,000. Undergraduate courses with top Canadian universities last for four years.

Here is a list for some of the top colleges in Canada for Undergraduate Programs:

Here are some popular undergraduate courses in Canada:

Top Colleges in Canada for Masters Programs

Colleges in Canada for Masters Programs is either a course-based program or a thesis-based program for higher studies in Canada. However, there are some Canadian universities offering it as a mixture of two. The average tuition fee for Masters in Canada ranges from 20,000 CAD to 30,000 CAD (12.2 L INR to 18.3 L INR) annually. The median salary after Masters in Canada is estimated to be around 169,000 CAD (INR 93 lakhs).

Here is a list of top universities in Canada for pursuing masters degree programs along with the basic fees of pursuing masters with these universities.

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Top Colleges in Canada for MBA

Colleges in Canada for MBA offer courses in the field of executive leadership, general management, Marketing, Finance, Accounting, Economics, Investment/ Insurance, International Business, Supply Chain Management, Technology Management, Healthcare Management, Entrepreneurship, Transportation Management, among others. With more than 50 universities and colleges, and as per QS rankings, there are 10 MBA universities in Canada that rank in the Top 200 list. Graduates can work in the field of Brand Management, Business Design, Consulting, Financial Reporting and Analysis, Funds Management, General MBA, Global Management, Innovation and Entrepreneurship. The average MBA salary in Canada is 64,440 CAD (39.4 L INR) per year or 33.05 CAD (2,020 INR) per hour.

Also see: MBA in Finance in Canada

Colleges in Canada for PG Diploma

Colleges in Canada offer PG Diploma Courses in Canada which is a career-oriented course and a shorter version of a postgraduate degree that is usually offered at community colleges and SPP colleges in Canada. The cost of studying PG diploma courses in Canada ranges from 8,000 to 20,000 CAD (5 lakhs to 12 lakhs INR). Depending on the industry/sector of choice you can make around 35,000 to 90,000 CAD (21 lakhs to 55 lakhs INR) a year after completion of your PG Diploma from Canadian Colleges.

Here are the top Colleges in Canada for PG Diploma courses:

Colleges in Canada for PhD Courses

Colleges in Canada offer PhD courses in subjects like economics, engineering, data science, physics, biology, computing sciences, medical, finance, management, agricultural and forestry, applied sciences, environment and earth sciences and social sciences. Ph.D. in Canada allows international students to profit from the high-tech education and placement facilities offered at Canadian universities and work with leading experts. The cost of pursuing a PhD degree will vary, not only because each university will charge you differently but also because there are numerous TA (Teaching Assistantships) and RA (Research Assistantships) you can avail of. With a doctorate degree from Canada, you can earn as much as 140,000 CAD(85.64 L INR) per year. Students can get that amount reduced as they have the option to avail scholarships for PhD in Canada.

Listed below are top Canadian universities as per their Times Higher Education rankings 2022 along with the fees of pursuing PhD courses:

Explore PhD courses offered in different provinces:

Colleges in Canada Admission Requirements

University of Toronto

• Applicants will normally have achieved a standing considerably higher than the minimum of at least a mid-B (75%) in the final year.
• Successful completion of full-year courses in calculus, intermediate microeconomics, intermediate macroeconomics, and statistics.
• English proficiency requirements: IELTS: 7.0 (6.5 band score) | TOEFL: 93 (22 in writing/speaking)
• LOR
• Scholarship letters (if any

University of British Columbia

• Have a strong undergraduate academic record, especially in economic theory, statistics, and econometrics, with at least one year of calculus.
• Have an additional study of calculus and linear algebra.
• Resume
• Statement of Purpose
• Letter of recommendation.

McGill University

• The minimum acceptable CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) is 3.0 out of a possible 4.0, which is equivalent to “B” on a letter scale, or at least a 3.2/4.0 over the last two years of study.
• Must have taken two terms of calculus, one term of matrix algebra, and statistics.
• Updated Resume
• Proof of finance availability
• Statement of Purpose

McMaster University

• A GPA of 3.0 or higher is required.
• GRE Scores and IELTS/TOEFL/Duolingo Scores are required.
• University transcripts.
• Statement of Purpose
• Resume
• Three strong letters of recommendation

Western University

• Applicants must possess a BA i.e. four-year degree from an accredited university.
• The program requires at least a 78% overall average in the last two full-time years of the undergraduate degree.
• Candidates with a 3-year general degree are not eligible.
• Letter of recommendation
• English Proficiency Test Scores: IELTS 6.5 | TOEFL: 80 or above
• Resume

University of Waterloo

• A bachelor’s degree in following subjects are essential:
  • Advanced Functions (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
  • Calculus and Vectors (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
  • Chemistry (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
  • Physics (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
  • English (ENG4U) (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
• Resume
• Statement of Purpose
• English Proficiency Test Scores: IELTS 6.5 | TOEFL: 90 or above
• Letter of Recommendation

Simon Fraser University

• Applicants must hold a credential deemed academically equivalent to a four-year bachelor's degree in engineering or a related discipline.
• First Class/Division 1 (65%) or Very Good (8 on a 10-point scale)
• English Proficiency Test Scores: IELTS 6.5 | TOEFL: 90 or above
• Resume
• Statement of Purpose
• Letter of recommendation.

University of Alberta

• An undergraduate degree with an admission GPA of at least 3.0 on the 4- point scale from the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution.
• Resume
• Statement of Purpose
• English Proficiency Test Scores: IELTS 6.5 | TOEFL: 90 or above
• Letter of Recommendation

University of Montreal

• Candidates require very good mathematical skills.
• Have obtained a grade-point average at the graduate level of at least 3.3 out of 4.3 or the equivalent.
• Demonstrate good knowledge of French, English and any other language deemed necessary for their research.
• Letter of recommendation
• English Proficiency Test Scores: IELTS 6.5 | TOEFL: 80 or above
• Resume

University of Calgary

• University transcripts
• LORs
• English Proficiency Test Scores: IELTS: 6.5 | TOEFL: 90
• Minimum GPA : 4.0/9.0
• Minimum overall college aggregate 73%.
• Statement of Purpose
• Updated Resume

How to choose Universities?

The educational system in Canada is known for providing world-class education, excellent infrastructure, cultural diversity, and work opportunities that attract a huge influx of students. Educational system in Canada is known for its quality, research, welcoming environment and affordability. Once you have decided which university you want to study in, start searching for the best universities offering that course. After the shortlisted universities, try to analyze how much is the return of investment, including, rankings, job opportunities, fees, course structure, research opportunities, etc. After that, use tools like University Comparer, to have comparison between universities shortlisted. Before finalizing, look at your budget, and the location of the university, and the student profiles of students who graduated to give an idea on how the career of the students who graduated from the university of your choice were.

After that, fill the application form, pay the application fees, wait for the university's decision, and if you have received an offer, you can proceed with the application for a student visa.

FAQs

Ques.Is it cheaper to study in Canada or the USA?

Ans. On average, Canadian university tuition fees are 27% more economical than tuition fees at US universities. However, tuition fees are not the only factor to consider. The cost of living is also a lot lower in Canada.

Ques.Are Scholarships available for international students?

Ans.Yes, each university offers financial assistance for the need- based students. You must check the portal of the university to verify your eligibility.

Ques.What are important documents required for a Canada Visa application?

Ans.You need to prepare important documents like the following for canada visa application:

• Valid Passport.
• Attested copies of 10th, 12th and Degree certificates.
• Academic references – 2.
• Employer references – 2.
• SOP (Statement of Purpose)
• Certificates of extracurricular achievements.
• An acceptance letter from your education institution.
• Proof of payment.

Ques.How many hours can you work for a part time job in Canada as a student?

Ans.International students are allowed to work for no more than 20 hours per week off-campus during their academic term

Ques. How much is the average salary offered after graduating from Canada?

Ans.The average graduate salary in Canada is 59,777 CAD (36.56 L INR) per year or 30.66 CAD (1,875 INR) per hour. Entry-level positions start at 45,817 CAD (28.02 L INR) per year, while most experienced workers make up to 81,145 CAD (49,79 L INR) per year.