30 best universities in Canada in 2026
Ranking based on the average of the three main global rankings: Shanghai (ARWU), Times Higher Education and QS.
University of Toronto
Average rank: #24
No. 1University of Toronto
Canada’s top university, global leader in research, located in Toronto.
No. 2University of British Columbia
World-top university in Vancouver, excelling in research and sustainability.
No. 3McGill University
World-renowned university in Montreal, leader in medicine, law, and research.
No. 4University of Alberta
Public university in Edmonton, leader in research, engineering, and sciences.
No. 5McMaster University
Public university in Hamilton (ON), leader in medicine, engineering, and research.
No. 6Université de Montréal
Major Francophone university in Montreal, recognized for research and HEC Montréal.
No. 7University of Waterloo
Global leader in innovation, co-ops, and STEM in Waterloo (ON).
No. 8Western University
Public university in London (ON), renowned for medicine, business, and Ivey Business School.
No. 9University of Ottawa
World’s largest bilingual university in Ottawa, recognized for law and medicine.
No. 10University of Calgary
Public university in Alberta, leader in energy, medicine, and engineering.
No. 11Queen’s University
Prestigious public university in Kingston (ON), recognized for Smith School of Business.
No. 12Simon Fraser University
Public university in Vancouver (BC), recognized for innovation and community engagement.
No. 13Dalhousie University
Public research university in Halifax, Nova Scotia, renowned for ocean sciences, medicine, and law.
No. 14University of Victoria
Public university on Vancouver Island (BC), recognized for research and sustainability.
No. 15Laval University
First Francophone university in the Americas, in Quebec City, recognized for research.
No. 16University of Manitoba
Manitoba’s largest university, recognized for medicine, agriculture, and research.
No. 17York University
Toronto’s 3rd largest university, recognized for Schulich, Osgoode, and Glendon.
No. 18University of Saskatchewan
Public university in Saskatoon, leader in agriculture and veterinary medicine.
No. 19Carleton University
Public university in Ottawa recognized for journalism, public affairs, and engineering.
No. 20University of Guelph
Public university in Ontario, leader in agriculture, veterinary medicine, and life sciences.
No. 21Concordia University
Public English-language university in Montreal, recognized for arts, engineering, and business.
No. 22Université du Québec
A public, accessible, and diverse network of 10 French-language higher education institutions across Quebec.
No. 23University of New Brunswick
Oldest English-language university in Canada, located in Fredericton and Saint John (NB).
No. 24University of Windsor
Public university in Windsor (ON) recognized for engineering and law programs.