Did you know Canada is home to over 100 public universities that offer 15,000+ study programs? Moreover, top-ranked public universities offer world-class education in various fields of study. So, if you are planning to pursue your higher studies in Canada, here’s what you must know about the best public colleges in Canada for international students.

Key Highlights

• Public universities in Canada: A brief overview
• List of public universities in Canada
• McGill University
• University of Toronto
• University of British Columbia
• University of Alberta
• University of Montreal
• University of Waterloo
• Western University
• University of Ottawa
• University of Calgary
• Dalhousie University
• Admission requirements in public universities in Canada for international students

Public universities in Canada: A brief overview

Public universities are government-funded universities that employ modern teaching methods to enhance students’ domain knowledge. International students seek admission to these universities for post-graduate, doctoral and other programs.

List of public universities in Canada

McGill University: McGill University, one of the top public universities in Canada, offers over 400 study programs via its 50 research centres and institutes. It offers post-graduate and doctorate-level study programs in subjects like Chemical Engineering, Business Analytics, and Architecture, to name a few.

Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings 2023	1
Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2023	3
Total students (Fall 2022)	~39,000

 

University of Toronto: University of Toronto is one of the best public research universities around the globe. It has three campuses: St. George, Mississauga, and Scarborough. The leading academic institution offers over 300 graduate programs in Management, Engineering, Health Sciences, etc.

QS Rankings 2023	2
THE Rankings 2023	1
Total students (Fall 2021-22)	~97,000

 

University of British Columbia (UBC): UBC is a world-leading academic centre of teaching, learning, and research. It offers professional courses, exchange programs, joint academic coursework, and distance-education study programs via its two campuses: Okanagan and Vancouver.

QS Rankings 2023	3
THE Rankings 2023	2
Total students	Vancouver: ~58,000 (28.6%  international students) Okanagan: 11,000+ (21.8% international students)

 

University of Alberta: It is the fifth-largest university and one of the best public universities in Canada. It offers 500+ graduate programs in 250 areas of specialisation and 300 research areas. Arts, Science, Agriculture and Life & Environmental Sciences are some popular streams to study here.

 

QS Rankings 2023	4
THE Rankings 2023	6
Total students	40,000+ from 156 countries

 

University of Montreal: University of Montreal and its two affiliated schools, Polytechnic and HEC Montreal, is the leading academic institution of research and higher education in Quebec. It offers post-graduate courses in streams like Economics, Computer Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, etc.

QS Rankings 2023	5
THE Rankings 2023	5
Total students	66,000+ (10,000 foreign students)

 

University of Waterloo: If you are planning to pursue post-graduate courses in Computer Science, Engineering or Mathematics, the University of Waterloo is for you. Over 5,800 students are enrolled in graduate programs, out of which 40% are international students from 84 countries.

QS Rankings 2023	7
THE Rankings 2023	9
Total students	42,000+

 

Western University: Western University is considered among the top 1% of universities in the world. The university offers 88 graduate degree programs, including professional master’s and interdisciplinary programs.

QS Rankings 2023	8
THE Rankings 2023	10
Total students	~43,000 students (including ~4,700 international students from 129 countries)

University of Ottawa: The University of Ottawa is known as the world’s largest bilingual (English-French) university. The university offers three types of master’s degree programs: course-based master’s degree (10-12 months), master’s course with research paper (12 to 18 months), and master’s program with thesis (24 months).

QS Rankings 2023	9
THE Rankings 2023	7
Total students	47,000+

 

University of Calgary: The prestigious University of Calgary offers over 250 study programs (65 graduate programs) at affordable tuition fees. The university is highly respected in the employment market as it has a graduate employment rate of 94%.

QS Rankings 2023	10
THE Rankings 2023	8
Total students	33,000+

Dalhousie University: Dalhousie University offers a unique, collaborative and interactive learning environment to students. The academic institution offers over 200 degree programs across 13 academic faculties.

QS Rankings 2023	12
THE Rankings 2023	14
Total students	20,000+ (24% international students)

Academic requirements in public universities in Canada for international students

• Academic transcripts (higher secondary certificate, diploma certificate and bachelor’s degree))
• Be ready with Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) score.
• Submit the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Testing of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score
• Curriculum Vitae
• Statement of Purpose
• Letters of Recommendation
• A valid passport

 

So, if financial constraints are stopping you from planning your academic journey to Canada, opt for a study loan for abroad programs. At Avanse Financial Services, we offer an education loan for Canada and other destinations with benefits like quick loan sanctions, 100% finance, and flexible repayment options. To get your queries resolved, contact us today!