90 public universities in Canada in 2026
The public universities in Canada offer accessible education to as many students as possible, with recognised programs and a strong tradition of academic research.
90 public universities
Canada has public institutions offering a wide range of programs, often with government-regulated fees and a strong tradition of academic research.
Université Sainte-Anne
Only Francophone university in Nova Scotia, dedicated to the French language and Acadian culture.
Université de Sherbrooke
Public Francophone university in Quebec recognized for cooperative programs.
Simon Fraser University
Public university in Vancouver (BC), recognized for innovation and community engagement.
University of Sudbury
Public bilingual university in Sudbury, centered on bilingualism and Northern development.
TÉLUQ University
Public Québec university entirely online, a pioneer in French-language distance education.
Thompson Rivers University
Public university in Kamloops (BC) with diverse programs and renowned international welcome.
University of Toronto
Canada’s top university, global leader in research, located in Toronto.
Trent University
Public university in Peterborough, Ontario, recognized for interdisciplinary and sustainable education.
Vancouver Island University
Public university in Nanaimo (BC) focused on practical teaching and inclusion.
University of Victoria
Public university on Vancouver Island (BC), recognized for research and sustainability.
University of Waterloo
Global leader in innovation, co-ops, and STEM in Waterloo (ON).
University of Windsor
Public university in Windsor (ON) recognized for engineering and law programs.
University of Winnipeg
Public university in Manitoba recognized for liberal arts and accessibility.
York University
Toronto’s 3rd largest university, recognized for Schulich, Osgoode, and Glendon.
Alberta University of the Arts
Alberta’s only public university dedicated to art and design, offering creative programs in Calgary.
First Nations University of Canada
A public university federated with the University of Regina, dedicated to the education and empowerment of Indigenous peoples in Saskatchewan.
Cape Breton University
Public island university in Nova Scotia, recognized for its welcome to international students.
University of Manitoba
Manitoba’s largest university, recognized for medicine, agriculture, and research.
Mount Allison University
Public liberal arts university in Sackville (NB), ranked among Canada’s best.
University of Northern British Columbia
Public university in Prince George (BC), leader in environmental and Indigenous research.
University of New Brunswick
Oldest English-language university in Canada, located in Fredericton and Saint John (NB).
Université du Québec
A public, accessible, and diverse network of 10 French-language higher education institutions across Quebec.
Université du Québec à Chicoutimi
Public regional university in Saguenay, recognized for engineering, sciences, and education programs.
Université du Québec à Montréal
A prominent French-language public university in Montreal, recognized for its academic vitality, research excellence, and strong social commitment.