Canada is growing in popularity as a study abroad destination.
Apart from being home to some of the most breathtaking natural settings, the country has some of the world’s top universities that are often featured among the top 100 globally, according to the Times Higher Education (THE), making it an ideal location for a world-class education.
To boot, reports suggest that the US – which is a popular destination for international students – is losing its lustre, with factors such as the government’s restrictions on settling down after graduation, and the H-1B visa becoming harder to obtain under Donald Trump’s administration, which is a major turn-off for some.
This makes Canada an ideal alternative, for those who have not considered this country before.
So, if you’re keen on studying in Canada, these are the Top 5 universities, according to THE World University Rankings 2019.
1. University of Toronto (U of T)
This research-intensive university offers diverse and extensive areas of study for future students, including over 700 undergraduate and 200 graduate programmes. They are among the best universities in the world for medicine in 2019, making it an ideal location for prospective medical students.
The university has also received a “historic gift” from two of Canada’s most respected entrepreneurs – Gerald Schwartz and Heather Reisman – to create the Schwartz Reisman Innovation Centre that will power innovation at U of T and help researchers explore the intersections of technology and society.
2. University of British Columbia (UBC)
UBC consistently ranks among the top 20 public universities in the world and was recently recognised as North America’s most international university.
Prospective students can choose from a range of undergraduate programmes, including the fields of business and economics; Earth, environment, and sustainability; media and fine arts, and more.
Their graduate degree programmes vary between their two campus locations – Vancouver and Okanagan – but some of the programmes include biochemistry and molecular biology, computer science, Earth and environmental sciences, the fine arts, architecture, creative writing, among others.
3. McGill University
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Located in Montréal, McGill attracts students from over 150 countries each year. Their solid reputation precedes them – the university is ranked first in Canada for the following fields in the Maclean’s University Rankings 2019: medical-doctoral universities (for 14 consecutive years); social sciences and humanities grants; scholarships and bursaries; and student awards.
Future students can choose from a diverse selection of undergraduate programmes, from accounting to communication studies and environmental engineering to global food security. Graduate programmes include anthropology, English, nursing, political science and urban planning, catering to varied interests.
The university recently received a CND$200 million gift that would establish the McCall MacBain Scholarships for outstanding graduate students.
4. McMaster University
This public university is located in Hamilton, the fourth largest city in Ontario, home to over 100 waterfalls and some spectacular hiking trails.
The university is consistently ranked among Canada’s top research-intensive universities and a leader in corporate-sponsored research income, while over 1,300 international PhD and Master’s students contribute to the McMaster research enterprise.
Some of their undergraduate programmes include computer science, economics, engineering, medicine, midwifery, music and the social sciences. Their School of Graduate Studies comprises areas like advanced neonatal nursing, biochemistry and biomedical sciences, business administration, communication and new media, kinesiology, among others.
5. University of Montréal
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According to the THE Global University Employability Ranking 2018, this francophone university is ranked 37th in the world for the reputation of its graduates among employers and among the most international universities in the world in 2019.
All undergraduate programmes are delivered in French, so you’ll need to meet the French admissions requirement. Some of their undergraduate-related courses include art history, French literature, political science, psychology, and more. Graduate courses include internal security, psychology, actuarial studies, among others.