The top 10 universities in Canada are the University of Toronto, McGill University and the University of British Columbia. Canada is home to some of the best universities in the world that consistently rank high in the QS World University rankings. There are 223 universities in Canada, public and private combined, that accept applications from international students.
Out of these, here are the top 10 universities in Canada for Indian students:
Let's learn about each of them in detail now.
1. University of Toronto
University of Toronto is one of the best universities in Canada for international students. Recognized as one of the top universities in Canada, it is famous worldwide for its research and development centers and the abundant research opportunities it offers making it a leading Canada university for international students.
University of Toronto World Ranking 2025
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25
|
Type
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Public
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Application Deadline
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Online application for September 2025 & January 2026 admissions will go live on November 17, 2024
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Tuition Fees
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Bachelor's: INR 3,987,750 (CAD 61,350) per annum
Postgraduate: INR 2,666,100 (CAD 40,940) per annum
|
Scholarships
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Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship; Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering Scholarships
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2. McGill University
McGill University, a standout among the top 10 universities in Canada and a preferred choice among universities in Canada for international students, is the oldest medical school in Canada. Studying medicine here means building a valuable network and tapping into premier research opportunities, securing its position as one of the best universities in Canada for international students.
McGill World Ranking 2025
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29
|
Type
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Public
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Application Deadline
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International application deadline for 2025–2026 is January 15, 2025
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Tuition Fees
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INR 1,300,000 (CAD 20,000) – INR 1,755,000 (CAD 27,000) per annum
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Scholarships
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Entrance scholarships ranging from $3,000 to $10,000, plus athletic awards, in-course financial aid, and entrance bursaries
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3. University of British Columbia
The University of British Columbia, also among the best universities in Canada for international students, is renowned globally for its research and teaching. It ranks #44 by the Shanghai Ranking for Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), #2 in Canada, and #13 worldwide for research, stewardship, and outreach proving it’s one of the top universities in Canada.
British Columbia World Ranking 2025
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38
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Type
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Public
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Application Deadline
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For Winter Session (Sept 2025–Apr 2026) and Summer Session (May–Aug 2025): Applications open from early October 2024 and close in December 2024
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Tuition Fees
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Approx. INR 2,782,130 (CAD 42,802) per annum
|
Scholarships
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International Scholars Program awards:
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Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award
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Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award
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International Impact Award
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Vantage One Excellence Award
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4. University of Alberta
The University of Alberta stands out as one of the leading universities in Canada and a prime destination for research. Boasting the highest number of 3M National teaching awards and over 400 research and teaching agreements with 50 countries, it is among the best universities in Canada for international students.
University of Alberta World Ranking 2025
|
96
|
Type
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Public
|
Application Deadline
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Applications open from October 2024 and close on March 1, 2025
|
Tuition Fees
|
Undergraduate: INR 1,917,500 (CAD 29,500) per annum
Masters: INR 332,150 (CAD 5,110) per annum
PhD: INR 565,500 (CAD 8,700) per annum
|
Scholarships
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Offers approximately $34 million in scholarships and financial aid; international admission scholarships up to $5,000
|
5. University of Waterloo
The University of Waterloo is among the top universities in Canada for international students, known for its comprehensive curriculum accredited by regulatory bodies. Beyond traditional lectures, students benefit from lab work, field studies, hackathons, co-op programs, and certificate courses making it one of the best universities in Canada for international students.
University of Waterloo World Ranking 2025
|
115
|
Type
|
Public
|
Application Deadline
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Expected deadline for 2025 admissions: January 15, 2025 (please check the official website for confirmation)
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Tuition Fees
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Approximately INR 10 Lakhs (CAD 16,886) – INR 22.16 Lakhs (CAD 34,098) per term
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Scholarships
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Various entrance scholarships and co-op awards are available (detailed information is available on the official website)
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6. Western University
Western University ranks as one of the top universities in Canada and one of the best universities in Canada for international students. With the second-highest number of 3M Awards in the nation, along with 66 Canada Research Chairs and a Canada Excellence Research Chair, it remains a premier choice a true Canada university for international students focused on research-oriented courses.
Western University World Ranking 2025
|
120
|
Type
|
Public
|
Application Deadline
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Expected deadline for Fall 2025 admissions: January 15, 2025 (please verify on the official website)
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Tuition Fees
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Approximately INR 36 Lakhs (CAD 55,658) per annum
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Scholarships
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Various entrance scholarships and research awards are available (for complete details, please refer to the official website)
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7. Université de Montréal
The University of Montreal ranks among the top universities in Canada for international students and is the country’s second largest. With a record of admitting over 400,000 international students each year and offering exceptional job placement opportunities, it is undoubtedly one of the best universities in Canada for international students and a top 10 universities in Canada option.
University of Montreal World Ranking 2025
|
159
|
Type
|
Public
|
Application Deadline
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Fall & Summer intake: February 1; Winter intake: September 1 (annually) for 2025
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Tuition Fees
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Undergraduate: INR 13.25 Lakhs (CAD 20,400) per annum
Postgraduate: INR 12.7 Lakhs (CAD 19,597) per annum
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Scholarships
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University of Montreal Scholarships for international students, offering awards up to $27,300
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8. McMaster University
McMaster University is one of the top universities in Canada for international students and is celebrated as one of the best universities in Canada. Ranking among the world’s top institutions year-on-year, it also offers robust international academic exchange agreements for those seeking global exposure.
McMaster University World Ranking 2025
|
176
|
Type
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Public
|
Application Deadline
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For September 2025 intakes, the deadline ends in April 2025
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Tuition Fees
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Undergraduate: INR 20.50 Lakhs (CAD 31,470) per annum
Graduate: INR 4 Lakhs (CAD 6,037) per annum
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Scholarships
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Faculty of Engineering Entrance Scholarships including:
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Award of Excellence ($3,000)
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B.Tech. Entrance Scholarship ($2,000)
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Coca-Cola Scholarship ($4,500)
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Big Ideas Entrance Scholarship ($12,000)
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9. University of Ottawa
The University of Ottawa is one of the top universities in Canada and a member of the top 10 universities in Canada for research. As the largest bilingual institution in the world, it offers courses in both English and French, making it one of the best universities in Canada for international students seeking a culturally enriched education.
University of Ottawa World Ranking 2025
|
189
|
Type
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Private
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Application Deadline
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For international students, applications open from October 2024 and close on April 13, 2025
|
Tuition Fees
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MBA for international students: INR 7.12 Lakhs (CAD 11,076.58) per term
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Scholarships
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Admission Scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $4,000 (automatically awarded to eligible full-time students with a minimum 80% average)
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10. Queen's University at Kingston
Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, is one of Canada's top universities for international students. Founded in 1841, its historic yet innovative campus offers renowned programs in business, law, and engineering, a close-knit community, and unique student traditions, making it a truly distinctive Canadian institution.
QS Ranking Global(2025)
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193
|
Type
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Public
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Application Deadline
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International applications for Fall 2025 open from October 2024 and close on January 15, 2025
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Tuition Fees
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Approx. INR 26 Lakhs (CAD 40,000) – INR 29 Lakhs (CAD 45,000) per annum
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Scholarships
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Automatic entrance scholarships based on merit; awards range from CAD 3,000 to CAD 10,000, plus athletic and departmental awards
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