These are the top universities in Canada, according to the 2026 QS World University Rankings
Four Canadian universities have earned spots among the world’s top 100, according to a new global university ranking.
According to the 2026 QS World University Rankings, McGill has overtaken University of Toronto as the top-ranked Canadian university.
Join the Angus Reid Forum and get $5 in points
UniversityQS 2026 Global Rank
McGill University27
University of Toronto29
University of British Columbia40
University of Alberta=94
Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) are global higher education experts known for their QS World University Rankings, one of the most widely referenced international university rankings.
Top universities in Canada according to the QS World University Ranking
McGill University
Overall rank: 27
Overall score: 88.9
McGill, an English-language university in Montreal, Quebec, moved up two spots from last year’s ranking (#29), surpassing University of Toronto as Canada’s top educational institution.
The university rated particularly well in sustainability, employment outcomes, academic reputation, and employer reputation.
FactorScore
Citations per Faculty72.4
Academic Reputation98.1
Faculty/Student Ratio67.3
Employer Reputation93.5
Employment Outcomes98.9
International Faculty Ratio88.6
International Student Ratio93.5
International Research Network92.9
International student diversity69.6
Sustainability96.3
University of Toronto (U of T)
Overall rank: 29
Overall score: 88.5
The University of Toronto has been the top Canadian university in the QS World University Rankings since 2019. It has consistently been in the QS top 30 universities in the last five years, with the exception of 2023, when it was ranked in 34th place.
This year, U of T moved to 29th position, a dip from last year’s position at 25.
Like last year, it ranked number one overall in the QS world rankings for sustainability.
This year, U of T also ranked highly in academic reputation, employment outcomes, employer reputation, and international student diversity.
FactorScore
Citations per Faculty68.8
Academic Reputation100
Faculty/Student Ratio45.7
Employer Reputation99.1
Employment Outcomes99.4
International Faculty Ratio97.9
International Student Ratio97.5
International Research Network97
International student diversity98
Sustainability100
University of British Columbia (UBC)
Overall rank: 40
Overall score: 85.5
Although third on the list of top Canadian universities, UBC has fallen a few spots as compared to last year’s ranking (#38).
UBC has consistently ranked between 34th and 50th place in recent years of the QS World Rankings.
This year, it ranked fifth overall in the QS world rankings for sustainability, and also did well in other factors such as academic reputation, employer reputation and international research network.
FactorScore
Citations per Faculty70.9
Academic Reputation99.6
Faculty/Student Ratio34.7
Employer Reputation96.5
Employment Outcomes84.9
International Faculty Ratio98.5
International Student Ratio79.8
International Research Network96.6
International student diversity81.7
Sustainability98.5
University of Alberta
Overall rank: =94
Overall score: 70.1
Located in Edmonton, Alberta, this public research university moved up two positions as compared to last year’s ranking. This is the highest it’s been ranked by QS World University Rankings since 2018.
It was seen favourably in factors such as international faculty ratio, international research network, and sustainability.
FactorScore
Citations per Faculty71.5
Academic Reputation70.9
Faculty/Student Ratio44.6
Employer Reputation53
Employment Outcomes77.1
International Faculty Ratio99.4
International Student Ratio78.6
International Research Network94.5
International student diversity80.6
Sustainability90.7
How did other Canadian universities rank worldwide?
UniversityProvinceQS 2026 Rank
University of WaterlooOntario=119
Western UniversityOntario151
Université de MontréalQuebec168
McMaster UniversityOntario=173
Queen’s UniversityOntario191
University of CalgaryAlberta211
University of OttawaOntario=219
Dalhousie UniversityNova Scotia283
Simon Fraser UniversityBritish Columbia=308
York UniversityOntario333
University of VictoriaBritish Columbia=358
University of SaskatchewanSaskatchewan378
Concordia UniversityQuebec=465
Applying for a Canadian study permit
If you’re thinking about pursuing higher education in Canada as an international student, there are some things to keep in mind.
Only Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) are authorized to accept international students, so you need to choose a program from the federal government’s list of DLIs.
If you apply to your institution of choice and are accepted, you will receive a Letter of Acceptance. You will need this – plus other required documents such as proof of financial support – to apply for a study permit.
The amount of funds you as a single applicant, studying outside of Quebec will need — on top of travel and tuition costs—is $20,635 CAD. The funds you are required to present may change according to the size of your family and are also set to rise annually.
Number of family members (including the study permit applicant)Funds required (in CAD)
1$20,635
2$25,690
3$31,583
4$38,346
5$43,492
6$49,051
7$54,611
For each additional family member above 7Add $5,559
Other required documents include a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL). The process of getting this varies from province to province. It’s best to check with your DLI for details.
After submitting your application you will be issued with a temporary resident visa or an electronic travel authorization if your application has been improved.
You may need to provide your biometrics, undergo an immigration medical exam, and/or provide one or more police certificate(s).
Discover your options to study in Canada
Applying for a post-graduation work permit
A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows international students who have graduated from an eligible Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI) to gain valuable work experience in Canada.
This is an open work permit, meaning those who have it can work for any employer. They are only issued once in a student’s lifetime.
It is typically valid for a period equal to the length of the study program, up to a maximum of three years. This work experience can also count toward eligibility for permanent residency programs, such as the Canadian Experience Class under Express Entry.
Not all DLIs and programs make students eligible for PGWPs. To be eligible, students must meet general eligibility requirements in addition to requirements based on their study program.
About the QS World University Rankings
The QS World University Rankings evaluate universities around the world using a mix of academic, professional, and global impact indicators.
For the 2026 edition, QS assessed over 1,500 institutions.
The ranking is based on the following key metrics: academic reputation (30%), employer reputation (15%), faculty-student ratio (10%), citations per faculty (20%), international faculty and student ratios (5% each) employment outcomes (5%), international research network (5%), and sustainability (5%).
