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Top 15 Public Universities In Canada for Indian Students

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Ruchi Khanted
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It's no surprise that many overseas students pick Canada as their destination for higher education. 28 Canadian universities are featured in the QS World University Rankings 2023. The country offers great quality and variety, with 15,000 academic programs offered by 96 public universities in Canada. Apart from the traditional in-class lectures, public universities employ a variety of practical teaching and training methods. 

It includes research-based projects, internships, group activities, one-on-one mentoring, etc. This helps you implement the concepts you learn, thereby making you stand out in employability assessments.

This blog details the top Canada public colleges wherein you can choose to pursue the course of your choice. 

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Why Study in a Canadian Public University?

Before moving to a place it is important that you find the exact reasons. Why should you move out of India and to Canada? There are many good universities here as well, but several factors make Canadian universities a better choice. Here is a list of some of the top reasons why choose a Canadian university:
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  • Diverse programs: The public universities in Canada offer a wide range of programs ranging from Earth sciences to engineering and data analytics.

  • Post-study work permits: As an international student from India you will have various Post-study work opportunities in healthcare, technology, engineering, etc in Canada. 

  • Part-time job: As a Canadian student, you will be allowed to have a part-time job that includes up to 24 hours of work per week and even full-time work during semester breaks.

  • Research Opportunities: Top universities like McGill, the University of Toronto, and the University of British Columbia are known for providing cutting-edge research opportunities to students.

List of 15 Top Public Universities In Canada

Top public universities in Canada are University of Toronto, McGill University, University of British Columbia and University of Waterloo.

Don’t worry, here is a list of the top 15 Canadian public universities that might just be the right one for you:

  • University of Toronto
  • McGill University
  • University of British Columbia
  • University of Waterloo
  • Western University
  • University of Ottawa
  • Queen’s University
  • Dalhousie University
  • York University
  • University of Windsor
  • Trent University
  • University of Manitoba
  • University of New Brunswick
  • University of Regina
  • Thompson Rivers University 

Here is an in-depth overview of these public universities in Canada:

1. University of Toronto

The University of Toronto is one of the top universities in the world for research opportunities driven to create and innovate. This multi-campus university provides education to over 93,000 students with over 23,000 international students and also offers 980 programs at the graduate and undergraduate levels. International students who are willing to study in the best public universities in Canada will have the opportunity to learn from work with outstanding thought leaders through a multidisciplinary network of teaching and research faculty.

University of Toronto World Ranking 2025

25

Popular programs

MS in Computer Science, History of Art, Bachelor in Biotechnology, etc. 

Tuition Fee

CAD 61,720 (INR 36.9 lakhs)

2. McGill University

McGill University is Canada's top-ranked university known for offering the best medical institutes in Canada. It offers different undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various subjects, such as business analytics, biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, architecture, chemistry, and anthropology. The university claims to have 400+ programs through its 50 research centers and institutes.

McGill University World Ranking 2025

29

Popular programs

MS in Engineering, MS in Computer Science, etc. 

Tuition Fee

CAD 34,164.27 (INR 20 lakhs)

3. University of British Columbia

The University of British Columbia has more than 9,000 funded research projects and over 4 lakh alumni from 160 different countries. The institute has over 1,000 industry partners and 1,336 research contracts and agreements with government and non-profits. The institute is also known for its diverse environment and extracurricular activities like clubs, sports, and more. 

QS World Ranking (2025)

38

Popular programs

BS in Design and arts, MS in Engineering, MS in Nursing, etc. 

Tuition Fee

CAD 38,946.2 (INR 23.3 lakhs)

4. University of Waterloo

The University of Waterloo is one of the first universities in the world to give undergraduate students access to state-of-the-art computers. It is one of the top public universities in Canada offering 100 undergraduate degrees along with 190 graduate programs with an excellent academic syllabus and goes the further mile to make sure its students are well-prepared to challenge the unsettling tasks of the real world.

QS World Ranking (2025)

115

Popular programs

MS in Mechanical Engineering, MS in Architecture, etc. 

Tuition Fee

CAD 73,000 (INR 43.7 lakhs)

5. Western University

Western University is one of the affordable public universities in Canada that focuses on research-oriented tasks and has united with different universities and institutes for integrated programs. The university permits research in areas including musculoskeletal health, sustainability and green energy, child and youth development, neuroscience, global health equity and social innovation, and wind engineering, among others. 

Western University World Ranking 2025

120

Popular programs

BS in Humanities, MS in Computer Science, MS in Civil Engineering, etc. 

Tuition Fee

CAD 63,385.21 (INR 38 lakhs)

6. University of Ottawa

The University of Ottawa is a public university in Canada for international students offering a wide variety of academic programs through its multiple faculties which are well-regarded for their quality of education and ranking in respective fields including faculty of science, faculty of engineering, faculty of law, faculty of health sciences, Telfer school of management and among others. The university has approximately 8,332 international students from 150 countries, accounting for 30% of the student population.

University of Ottawa World Ranking 2025

189

Popular programs

BS in Arts, MS in Engineering, MS in Management, etc. 

Tuition Fee

CAD 24,200 (INR 14.5 lakhs)

7. Queen’s University

Queen’s University is one of the top universities in Canada, with a total number of 25,260 students from over 100 countries. It is highly opted for public relations courses in Canada.  It offers many undergraduate degree programs, over 125 graduate courses, and more than 140 online courses in its 8 faculties and schools. The university welcomes and supports students from all countries and backgrounds to a safe, vibrant, and supportive community.

QS World Ranking (2025)

193

Popular programs

Law, Masters in Software Engineering, etc

Tuition Fee

CAD 73,433.54 (INR 44 lakhs)

8. Dalhousie University

Dalhousie University falls under the list of public universities in Canada. It has a diverse mix of students worldwide, with over 115 countries signified. The university offers 147 undergraduate degrees and diplomas, 84 graduate programs, and 7 professional programs. To work while studying in Canada, this university permits international students to work under limitations as per immigration regulations.

Dalhousie University World Ranking 2025

275

Popular programs

BS in Biology, BS in Health Administration, MS in Computer Science, etc. 

Tuition Fee

CAD 40,000 (INR 24 lakhs)

9. York University

York University is one of the cheapest public universities in Canada for international students and is home to 28 research centers and 11 faculties. It includes the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, Faculty of Science, Glendon College, Schulich School of Business, Lassonde School of Engineering, Faculty of Education, and among others. The university features a great platform and innovative educational opportunities for international students to succeed well in their expressive careers.

York University World Ranking 2025

362

Popular programs

Bachelor’s of arts, MS in business and commerce, MS in Computer science, etc.

Tuition Fee

CAD 43,424 (INR 26 lakhs)

10. University of Windsor

University of Windsor has some of the best tutors in Canada which is why it is one of the best public colleges in Canada for international students. The award-winning and globally recognised tutors impart practical education that develops the skills and enhances the knowledge to implement the concepts in real life. Lab activities, group, and one-on-one mentorship, and internships will mold you to stand apart in the professional market.

University of Windsor World Ranking 2025

547

Popular programs

Bachelors of computer science, MS in Engineering, etc.

Tuition Fee

CAD 30,000 (INR 18 lakhs)

11. Trent University

Trent University is one of the cheapest public universities in Canada for international students offering certificates, degrees, diplomas, and knowledge in diverse fields like accounting, anthropology, arts and science, African studies, archaeology, and biology. It also supports international students by providing facilities in terms of academics, finances, housing, and health insurance.

QS World Ranking (2025)

592

Popular programs

BS in Accounting, BS in Arts, BS in Science, etc. 

Tuition Fee

CAD 7,000 (INR 4.1 lakhs)

12. University of Manitoba

The University of Manitoba is one of the oldest universities in Western Canada and it’s also the largest in the province. The institute offers a wide range of programs including law, engineering, architecture, etc. The institute is also the only research-intensive post-secondary school in Manitoba. 

QS World Ranking (2025)

661-670

Popular programs

Master of Architecture, MS in Nursing and Child Health, etc. 

Tuition Fee

CAD 10,000 (INR 6 lakhs)

13. University of New Brunswick

The University of New Brunswick has campuses in Saint John and Fredericton. It falls on the list of top Government universities in Canada. It has the best student-to-faculty ratio in Canada and is known to offer excellent academic value for international students. Upon completion of the course, you will be able to utilize the job placement opportunities to work at some of the best companies in the world.

University of New Brunswick World Ranking 2025

681-690

Popular programs

Masters of Arts, MS of Computer Science, Master of Engineering, etc. 

Tuition Fee

CAD 3,020.50 (INR 1.81 lakhs)

14. University of Regina

The University of Regina is ranked number one among comprehensive universities in international research collaboration by Resource Infosource Inc. It tops the list of list of public colleges in Canada for research-intensive courses. It offers 120 UG programs and 78 PG Degrees in over 15 disciplines, which include social work, health, business administration, engineering, media, and many more. International students from about 90 countries are studying at this university, which covers 17.7% of the total student population. 

University of Regina World Ranking 2025

951

Popular programs

Bachelors in Arts, Business administration, Bachelors in Engineering, etc. 

Tuition Fee

CAD 14,211.15 (INR 8.5 lakhs)

15. Thompson Rivers University 

The Thompson Rivers University is Canada’s first double platinum-rated sustainable university. The university is associated with institutes like the Open Learning Faculty Association and CUPE Local 4879. The institute is known for its research programs and extensive range of courses for both graduate and undergraduate students. 

QS World Ranking (2025)

1470

Popular programs

Masters of Business Administration, Bachelor of Nursing, MS in Computer Science, etc.  

Tuition Fee

CAD 14,831.6 (INR 8.8 lakhs)

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Difference Between Public And Private Universities in Canada

Public universities in Canada are funded by the government, making them more affordable. Private universities, while costlier, often provide smaller class sizes and personalized learning. They may also offer niche or industry-specific programs. While public institutions are widely recognized, some private universities have strong links to industries and offer competitive placements.

However, here is a basic comparison between the two types of universities to help you understand better: 

Public

Private

The government funds the university.

The university has private sources and student tuition fees as funds.

Lower tuition fee.

Higher tuition fee.

A wider range of specialisations.

Mostly focused on some specific fields.

More accessible for students from around the world. 

Strict admission process.

Better research opportunities. 

Research opportunities depend on funding.

Eligibility Criteria for Admission to Public Universities in Canada

There are various Canadian Universities offering specialisations in the courses that you want, but each of them will have some specific eligibility criteria. These criteria might differ from University to University, however, here are some of the basic requirements that you should have:

  • Degrees: You will need at least a highschool diploma for your admission into any university. 

  • Academic transcripts: All of your official academic transcripts are required for your admissions. 

  • Language proficiency: You will need TOEFL or IELTS scores for your admissions. 

  • Documentation: Other than your essays and academic transcripts you will need documents like SOP, LORs, and an updated CV.

  • Identification: As proof of your identification you will need your official passport and a Canadian Visa. 

Admission Process In Public Universities In Canada

As an international student, you must follow the admission process to enroll and study at a public university in Canada. The procedure might be slightly different at every university, but a few steps remain the same across all public universities in Canada. We have listed them below for your reference: 

  • Log on to the official website of the public university you want to study in Canada.

  • Check the details of the course you want to study in Canada.

  • Select the in-take and load the student application form.

  • Submit the essays required for the institute. 

  • Attach the documents required by the university to evaluate your application.

  • Pay the application fee on the university website if required and submit your application.

  • Prepare for the interview if required. 

  • After careful evaluation, if the university accepts your application you will receive an offer letter from that public university in Canada.

  • Apply for a Canadian student visa.

From the Desk of ±¬ÁϳԹÏÍø

Public universities in Canada are a great way to get excellent education on a budget. Top Canadian universities will need you to have an excellent profile, good GPA. work experience and great essays. All in all, the top public universities offer some of the best education in Canada.

To get into one of them, speak with our top advisors, who’ve helped thousands of students get into public Canadian universities. With ±¬ÁϳԹÏÍø’s help, you better understand the strategies that get you the best admits. Connect now!

Frequently Asked Questions About Top Public Universities In Canada

What does public university mean in Canada?

What is the difference between public and private universities in Canada?

What are the advantages of public universities for international students?

Is there a free university in Canada?

Which are the cheap public universities in Canada?

Are Canadian public universities good?

Are Canadian public universities expensive?

Is Canada safe for Indian students?

What are the top public universities in Canada?

Which Canadian university is good for research?

Can I get a scholarship for Canadian public universities?

What is the tuition fee of a Canadian public university?

Can I work part-time while studying in Canada?

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