If you have given studying in Canada a thought, you should definitely read this blog, as we have some important information for you here. You would be aware that there are both public and private universities in Canada. Several of these public universities enjoy top positions in many national and international rankings like QS, THE etc.
There are 96 public universities in Canada offering 15,000+ courses as of now. |
The University of British Columbia, the University of Toronto, McGill University etc., are some of the top-ranked public universities in Canada. You can expect an average annual tuition fee of CAD 35,000 to study in public universities in Canada. One of the first factors that make Canada popular among international students is its affordability. Apart from the lower tuition fees, you will also find several scholarships to fund your studies. If you wish to learn more about public universities in Canada, you can read the blog further.
Top 20 Public Universities in Canada
It will be helpful for you to learn in detail about the top public universities in Canada. We have given a table below that has a list of the top public universities in Canada that you can apply.
Name of University
|
QS Ranking 2023
|
Town
|
McGill University
|
31
|
Montreal
|
University of Toronto
|
34
|
Toronto
|
University of British Columbia
|
47
|
Vancouver
|
University of Alberta
|
110
|
Edmonton
|
University of Montreal
|
116
|
Montreal
|
University of Waterloo
|
154
|
Waterloo
|
Western University
|
172
|
Ontario
|
University of Ottawa
|
237
|
Ottawa
|
University of Calgary
|
242
|
Calgary
|
Queen’s University
|
246
|
Kingston
|
Dalhousie University
|
308
|
Nova Scotia
|
Simon Fraser University
|
328
|
Burnaby
|
University of Victoria
|
359
|
Victoria
|
York University
|
456
|
Toronto
|
University of Regina
|
1001 - 1200
|
Regina
|
Concordia University
|
551 - 560
|
Montreal
|
McMaster University
|
152
|
Hamilton
|
University of Windsor
|
751 - 800
|
Windsor
|
University of Saskatchewan
|
473
|
Saskatoon
|
Carleton University
|
601 - 650
|
Ottawa
|
McGill University
McGill University is one of the top-ranked public universities in Canada that offers Undergraduate and Postgraduate programs in several disciplines, including Chemical Engineering, Business Analytics, Chemistry, Anthropology, Biomedical Engineering, Nursing etc. You can expect an average annual tuition fee from CAD 18,000 to CAD 50,000. A few popular programs include
- MA Economics
- BEng in Civil Engineering
- MSc Computer Science
- BSc Computer Science
- BCom Accounting
University of British Columbia
The University of British Columbia is one of the most popular public universities in Canada for international students. It offers over 200 academic programs such as Certificates, Diplomas, Undergraduate, Postgraduate and Doctoral degrees. The average annual tuition fee ranges from CAD 6000 to CAD 94,000. We have given a few popular programs of the university below.
- Master of Management
- MBA
- MASc in Electrical and Computer Engineering
- MSc in Business Analytics
- MASc in Civil Engineering
University of Toronto
The University of Toronto is one of the very few universities in Canada that is listed in the top 50 universities according to the QS World University Rankings 2023. There are over 23,000 international students admitted to more than 980 Bachelor's programs at the university. You can expect an average annual tuition fee ranging from CAD 58,000 to CAD 60,000. A few popular programs at the university include
- Master of Nursing
- Master of Architecture
- MBA
- MA Economics
- BSc in Data Science
University of Alberta
The University of Alberta offers over 200 Undergraduate programs and is one of the top five research universities in the country. Palaeontology, Forestry, Geology, Petroleum, Sports and Transplantation. You can expect an average annual tuition fee from CAD 4000 to CAD 88,000. A few popular programs of the university include
- Master of Accounting
- MEng in Mechanical Engineering
- MBA
- MSc in Integrated Petroleum Geosciences
- MPH in Environmental and Occupational Health
University of Montreal
With over 69,000 students, the University of Montreal is one of the well-ranked public universities in Canada. Almost 73% of its students are enrolled for Undergraduate courses. The average annual tuition fee ranges from CAD 17,000 to CAD 31,000. A few popular programs at the university are
- MEng in Biological Engineering
- MSc in Economics
- MSc in Computer Science
- Master of Law Taxation
Queen's University
This is one of the renowned public universities in Canada that is chosen by international students. The average annual tuition fee ranges from CAD 9000 to CAD 22,000. A few popular courses at the university are given below.
- Executive MBA
- MBA
- MSc Psychology
- Master's in Management - Marketing
- BEng in Computer Science
- Master of Finance
University of Ottawa
With an annual employment rate of 97%, the University of Ottawa has over 42,000 students. Arts, Management, Social Science, Engineering, Health Sciences, Law and Education are some prominent disciplines chosen by students at the University of Ottawa. The average annual tuition fee ranges from CAD 13,000 to CAD 52,000. A few popular programs at the university include
- Master of Computer Science
- MBA
- BSc Statistics
- BSc Nursing
- MSc Management
- MA Economics
- BSc Computer Science
University of Waterloo
This university is popular among international students for its Bachelor's and Master's programs in Computer Science and Engineering. The average annual tuition fee ranges from CAD 40,000 to CAD 50,000. A few popular programs include
- MA Economics
- Master of Architecture
- BASc in Electrical Engineering
- Master of Taxation
- Master of Management Science
- Bachelor in Statistics
Western University
Listed among the top 1% of institutions in the world for higher education, Western University is one of the most affordable universities in Canada. With over 4000 international students, the university offers UG and PG programs in all streams and disciplines. The average annual tuition fee ranges from CAD 36,000 to CAD 49,000. We have listed a few popular programs below.
- Master's in Computer Science
- Master of Public Health
- BEng in Computer Science
- Master of Data Analytics
- BSc in Mechatronic Systems Engineering
University of Calgary
Ranked among the top 10 universities in Canada, the University of Calgary has over 33,000 students. The average annual tuition fee can be from CAD 1000 to CAD 52,000. We have listed a few popular programs below for your reference.
- Master in Architecture
- Master of Biomedical Engineering
- Master of Nursing
- Master of Management
- MEng in Civil Engineering
General Requirements to Study at Public Universities in Canada
The number of students choosing to study at public colleges in Canada is less than those who plan to study at public universities in Canada. The requirements to study at these public universities vary from one university to another. As such, we have given a list of general requirements below for your reference.
- All academic documents.
- English proficiency test scores
- IELTS - 6.5
- TOEFL iBT - 90
- PTE - 45
- Subject-specific test scores
- GMAT: 500 - 600
- GRE: 305 - 320
- CV/Resume
- Letters Of Recommendation (LORs)
- Statement Of Purpose (SOP)
- Passport
General Admission Process to Study at Public Universities in Canada
You have to follow an admission process to study at public universities in Canada. We have given the general process below. You can refer to the official website of the university to get updated information.
- Log in to the official website of the university.
- Check the eligibility criteria of the course.
- Finalise the intake and select the application form.
- Fill out the application form online.
- Upload the necessary documents.
- Pay the application fee and submit the application.
- If your application is accepted, you will receive a confirmation email from the university.
- Apply for a student visa.
You would, by now, have gathered all information related to studying at public universities in Canada. If you wish to learn more about the topic, you can contact AECC's expert counsellors. You can also read our blogs to get details on the cost of studying and living in Canada, top universities, scholarships, and much more.
AECC can assist you in connecting to top universities in Canada for your selected course and guide you toward your dream career. Don't hesitate to contact us for free assistance!
FAQs
Is it better to study at a public or private university in Canada?
More students choose public universities because of the lower tuition fees. As far as the quality of education is concerned, there is no great difference between the two. As such, it is not easy to state one as the best choice.
How many public universities are there in Canada?
There are 96 public universities in Canada as of now.
What is the cost of studying in Canada for Indian students?
The average cost of studying in Canada comes to around INR 18,00,000. It can increase and decrease based on the area you live in, course, program, university, spending habits etc.
What is the minimum bank balance for a Canadian student visa from India?
You require a minimum bank balance of CAD 10,000 (approx. INR 6,11,000) for a Canadian student visa from India.
How can I get a PR in Canada?
If you satisfy the necessary criteria, you can apply for a PR in Canada. There are five pathways/programs to get a PR, and you can choose the one through which you are eligible.