Top Universities in Canada 2022

This year’s QS World University Rankings 2022 includes 28 Canadian universities. The best of these is the University of Toronto, which rises one place in the index to rank 26th globally this year.  

McGill University is not far behind, ranking in joint 27th after climbing an impressive four positions in the ranking. Also included in the global top 50 is the University of British Columbia, placing in 46th - down one spot in 2022. 

In general, tuition fees in Canada are cheaper than other English-speaking countries, such as the US, the UK and Australia but are higher than other universities. Universities in Canada set their own tuition fees, which are dependent on the type of programme and the subject. On average, tuition fees start at around CA$17,337 (~£10,200) per year for international undergraduate students. 

Located in the northern half of the North American continent, Canada is known for its natural beauty. It has a wealth of forests, lakes, and mountains and is known for being friendly, tolerant and multicultural. This is particularly the case for its student cities: Toronto, Montréal, Vancouver, Ottawa and Quebec. 

Toronto is Canada’s largest city, and is also home to the country’s top university: The University of Toronto, alongside York University  (joint 494th) and Ryerson University (800-1000). 

Ksenia Meteleva recently graduated from the University of Toronto with a BSc in Immunology, Molecular Genetics and Microbiology and will be starting a PhD in Fundamental Immunology in the Autumn term.  

“I’ve had a very positive experience living in Canada as a student. Each province and city are  different, but Toronto is definitely one of the best spots to be as a young person,” Ksenia said.  

She added: “Apart from receiving world-class education in the heart of a beautiful metropolis, Toronto has a vibrant city life, beautiful nature outings and parks, in addition to restaurants featuring food from across the world.  

“All these places are easily accessible by public transportation, which makes Toronto a convenient city for living and exploring. It is also a great city to find an internship or your first job after graduation.  

“Toronto, and Canada in general, are known for a highly tolerant and inclusive society which has impressed me since I moved here.” 

Undergraduate degrees in Canada can take either three or four years to complete, depending on the university. Postgraduate degrees take between one and three years to complete, depending on the type of degree. 

The research opportunities available at undergraduate level were what initially attracted Ksenia to the University of Toronto. 

She said: “What stood out for me in the beginning was the university's partnership with all major Toronto hospitals. Every University of Toronto Life Science program offers independent research project courses, which give you the opportunity to engage in advanced research starting in your second year. I’ve heard from friends in Europe that it can be a challenge to join a lab, especially if you never had research experience but this was never a problem at UofT with so many research opportunities available in different departments.  

“Thanks to these courses, I was able to get significant research experience which helped me to be selected for the research summer programs abroad and to gain sufficient experience to be accepted for the direct-entry PhD program at UofT.” 

Ksenia was also impressed by the diversity of the programmes on offer at the school. She said: “As a Life Science student, I personally loved the program diversity I could choose from and the ability to mix-and-match different biological disciplines for my degree. I was also pleased with the flexibility and range of courses you can take within, and outside of, your major.” 

“I really enjoyed my experience at the University of Toronto as an undergraduate student and I am happy to be transitioning to graduate school here,” she added.   

Ksenia found that the university helped her become more employable. “The university’s resources and connections are remarkable,” she said. “I personally benefitted a lot academic and career-wise from being a UofT student.