One of the easy ways to get into Canada is via a study visa to read at one of the most prestigious universities in the world. Yes, Canadian universities are among the best in the world and they offer all disciplines you may want to go for. However, out of the hundreds of universities in Canada, this article lists some of the best ones you should consider first.
These Canadian universities accept applications from foreign students and treat them warmly throughout their stay. Ensure to apply through the universities’ websites and do not give in to any third-party assistance (unless recommended by the school authority). More so, as an international student studying in Canada, you can option a work permit and do some side gigs.
Best Universities to Study in Canada as an International Student
1. University of Toronto (U of T)
The Toronto province is one of the most prominent provinces of Canada; the University of Toronto (U of T) was founded in 1827 and has emerged among the top best universities in the world concurrently. The University of Toronto is Canada’s leading institution of learning, discovery, and knowledge creation.
More than 900 programs are offered at the University of Toronto, and the course study duration is between 3 to 5 years. If you’re a research freak, you’d want to further your studies at U of T – the school is notable for its research prowess and has raised many notable personalities that contribute positively to the world at large.
2. University of British Columbia (UBC)
The University of British Columbia was founded in 1908; it is one of the oldest in the country and boasts some of the most beautiful campuses – with the Vancouver campus being the largest and most important. UBC is a credible university that offers a wide variety of courses of interest for international students.
Similar to the U of T, the UBC is also regarded as one world’s best research universities, ranked number three in Canada and 45th globally by the QS World University Rankings. Also, the University of British Columbia is notably North America’s most international university, which means it is one of the universities that accept international students the most.
3. University of Alberta (UofA)
Ranking among the top 5 best universities in Canada, and located in Edmonton, the University of Alberta is one of the best to read as an international student. It was founded in 1908 by Alexander Cameron Rutherford, who was the first premier of Alberta, and Henry Marshall Tory, the university’s first president.
As a public research university, there are over 300 programs you can apply for at the University of Alberta. The university has about 18 faculties divided into schools – each teaches different courses/subjects. Application to the University of Alberta is available from the school’s official website.
4. McGill University
Quebec universities typically have the lowest tuition fees, and McGill University is located in the region. McGill University ranks as one of the best choices for international students looking to study any of the 200+ courses and programs offered by the institution. The affordable tuition fees make it a great choice for most foreigners.
The university is named after a successful Quebecer merchant, James McGill; it was established way back in 1813 – apparently, this is one of the oldest Canadian universities, and it’s still in the spotlight. Statistics show that over 30 percent of students at McGill University are international students. McGill University has produced notable alumni, including the likes of William Shatner, Alan Emptage, and Justin Trudeau.
5. University of Montreal
Université de Montréal is a French-only institution; to qualify, you must attain a particular score in French language tests. Notwithstanding, the institution has departments that offer bilingual programs, which means you can apply to those departments if you primarily speak English. This university is a great choice for international students who would want to further their French studies. There are many international students currently undergoing various programs at the University of Montreal.
6. McMaster University
Going on with this list, McMaster University is one of the worthy mentions you should know about. It is an ideal choice for any international student who wants to attend a Canadian institution. McMaster University is a public research university located in Hamilton, Ontario province.
The institution was established as far back as 1881 and has since remained in the top positions. It runs six academic faculties: business, health science, social science, humanities, engineering, and natural sciences. The university follows the “McMaster Model” across its six disciplines. Thanks to the considerably low tuition, McMaster University is one of the best choices for international students.
7. University of Manitoba
The estimated annual cost of studying at the University of Manitoba is $22,020 for international students. Currently, the university has over 29,000 undergraduates across the various disciplines it offers. It is one of Canada’s top research institutions to produce globally-known scholars living all over the world.
While studying at the University of Manitoba, you can take a tour through the province of Manitoba and visit some of the most fascinating spots in the country. The minimum requirement for getting accepted into this university is a Senior School Certificate issued by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) – this is for West African countries.
8. Concordia University Montreal
Still, looking for the best universities to study in Canada as an international student? Concordia University is a great choice. It is an English-language public research university in Montreal, Quebec – established in 1974. Also, this institution is one of the top three universities in Quebec that teaches its students using English as the primary language of instruction.
Concordia University Montreal is a comprehensive institution that offers a wide variety of courses; so, whatever discipline you want to apply for is most likely being offered in this school. International students are warmly welcomed into Concordia University Montreal, and the tuition fees are competitive.
9. University of Windsor
The University of Windsor is a student-focused university that warmly accommodates international students across many disciplines: Business, Law, Education, Engineering, Human Kinetics, Nursing, and Social Work. This institution is located in Windsor, Ontario, and has approximately 12,000 full-time and part-time undergraduate students and 4,000 graduate students.
International students are expected to have a CGPA of at least 3.0 to qualify and further a course at the University of Windsor. The tuition fees are competitive and the cost of living in Windsor is relatively low. You’d have a great time at the University of Windsor as an international student.
10. York University
This popular world-class university located in Toronto is one of the best for an international student looking to save on tuition fees. York University or YorkU is a leading modern, multi-campus, urban University. It is the third-largest university in Canada with approximately 55,700 students, 7,000 faculty and staff, and over 325,000 alumni worldwide. Well, you’re required to have a 4.0 GPA to get YorkU’s 120-credit Honours BA degree. But if you have a lower GPA, you can continue with the 90-credit BA degree (3 years).
Conclusion
These are the best universities to study in Canada as an international student. They offer competitive tuition fees and many disciplines. You should compare the offerings and fees of these universities and decide which one is best for you.
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