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 du Québec à Rimouski
Public regional university in Bas-Saint-Laurent, specializing in marine sciences, education, and regional development.
Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
Public Francophone university in the UQ network, recognized for research and innovation in Mauricie.
Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue
Public regional university in Québec, recognized for research on the North, resources, and Indigenous communities.
Université du Québec en Outaouais
Public bilingual university near Ottawa, offering programs in social sciences, management, and computer science.
Lakehead University
Public university in Northern Ontario, recognized for research and Northern programs.
Laurentian University
Public bilingual university in Sudbury, Ontario, leader in mining research and Indigenous studies.
McGill University
World-renowned university in Montreal, leader in medicine, law, and research.
McMaster University
Public university in Hamilton (ON), leader in medicine, engineering, and research.
Memorial University of Newfoundland
Largest university in Newfoundland and Labrador, accessible and maritime-focused.
Toronto Metropolitan University
A public university in Toronto, Ontario, renowned for its career-focused and applied academic programs.
NSCAD University
Public art and design school in Halifax, a pioneer in artistic education in Atlantic Canada.
OCAD University
Public art and design university in Toronto, a pioneer in artistic education in Canada.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Public polytechnic university in the Vancouver metropolitan region (BC).
Queen’s University
Prestigious public university in Kingston (ON), recognized for Smith School of Business.
Ontario Tech University
Public university in Oshawa focused on technology, engineering, and applied sciences.
Western University
Public university in London (ON), renowned for medicine, business, and Ivey Business School.
Wilfrid Laurier University
Public university in Waterloo and Brantford, recognized for its business school and co-op programs.
Yukon University
Canada’s first Northern university, offering programs tailored to the North in Whitehorse.