Canada is a favorite study destination for international students, offering world-class education, a welcoming culture, and great career opportunities. Public universities here rank among the best, with quality programs, and strong global recognition.
In this blog, we’ll explore the Top 10 Public Universities in Canada and why they’re great choices for your study abroad journey.
Table Of Content
1Are Public Universities in Canada free?2Top 10 Public Universities in Canada3Conclusion4Frequently Asked Questions
Are Public Universities in Canada Free?
No, public universities in Canada are not completely free for international students. While Canadian students benefit from government support that lowers their tuition, international students pay full fees.
On average, undergraduate programs can cost between CAD 20,000–45,000 per year, while graduate programs range from CAD 15,000–30,000 per year.
In addition, students should plan for living expenses, usually CAD 12,000–20,000 annually, along with health insurance, books, and other fees. The cost may also vary depending on the institution and the course students choose to pursue.
The good news is that many universities in Canada offer scholarships, awards, and research assistantships that can help with the cost of studying. With careful planning, international students can find great value in Canada Education and its high-quality public universities.
Top 10 Public Universities in Canada
Canada has some of the world’s top public universities, attracting students from everywhere. They offer strong programs, great research opportunities, and a welcoming campus life.
The top 10 public universities in Canada are:
1. University of Toronto
2. University of British Columbia
3. McGill University
4. McMaster University
5. University of Alberta
6. Université de Montréal
7. University of Waterloo
8. University of Ottawa
9. University of Calgary
10. Western University
Now, let’s take a closer look at each university in detail:
1. University of Toronto
Founded in 1827, the University of Toronto is a top public research university in Toronto, Ontario. It has over 70,000 students from 160+ countries and is well known for research, scholarships, and career opportunities.
| Location | 27 King’s College Circle, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A1, Canada |
| Ranking | #1 in Canada, Top 30 globally (QS 2025) |
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2. University of British Columbia (UBC)
Founded in 1908, UBC is a top-ranked public research university with campuses in Vancouver and Kelowna. Students from around the world come here for its strong research, innovative programs, and wide range of courses.
| Location | Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (Main Campus) |
| Ranking | #2 in Canada, Top 40 globally (QS 2025) |
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3. McGill University
Established in 1821, McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, is known for academic excellence and a diverse student community. It is highly respected, especially in health and engineering fields.
| Location | 845 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 0G4, Canada |
| Ranking | #3 in Canada, #27–#45 globally (QS/THE 2025) |
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4. McMaster University
Founded in 1887, McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, is one of the leading public universities in Canada. It is research-focused and well-known for health sciences and interdisciplinary programs.
| Location | 1280 Main St W, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4L8, Canada |
| Ranking | #4 in Canada, Top 100 globally (QS 2025) |
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5. University of Alberta
Established in 1908, the University of Alberta in Edmonton is known for engineering, health sciences, and environmental studies.
| Location | Edmonton, Alberta, Canada |
| Ranking | #5 in Canada, top 100 globally (QS 2025) |
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6. Université de Montréal
Founded in 1878, Université de Montréal is a leading French-language university in Montreal, famous for health sciences and humanities.
| Location | Montreal, Quebec, Canada |
| Ranking | #6 in Canada, top 150 globally (QS 2025) |
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7. University of Waterloo
Established in 1957, the University of Waterloo in Ontario is globally recognized for its In Demand Courses in Canada such as engineering, computer science, and co-op programs.
| Location | Waterloo, Ontario, Canada |
| Ranking | #7 in Canada, top 150 globally (QS 2025) |
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8. University of Ottawa
Founded in 1848, the University of Ottawa is one of the leading Public Universities in Canada. It is a bilingual (English/French) institution known for its strong programs in law, social sciences, and health.
| Location | Ottawa, Ontario, Canada |
| Ranking | #8 in Canada, top 250 globally (QS 2025) |
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9. University of Calgary
Established in 1966, the University of Calgary is recognized for business, engineering, and health sciences.
| Location | Calgary, Alberta, Canada |
| Ranking | #9 in Canada, top 200 globally (QS 2025) |
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10. Western University
Founded in 1878, Western University in London, Ontario, focuses on business, health sciences, and social sciences.
| Location | London, Ontario, Canada |
| Ranking | #10 in Canada, top 200 globally (QS 2025) |
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Conclusion
Canada has some of the world’s top public universities, offering great education, research opportunities, and a welcoming environment for international students. Many of these institutions also provide scholarships to study in Canada, making quality education more accessible. The universities on this list provide strong programs and open doors to exciting global careers.
Choosing the right university depends on your field of study, budget, and goals, but any of these top 10 can give you a rewarding study abroad experience. You can visit the Canada.ca website to learn more about courses, tuition, scholarships, and how to apply.
