The following are the top 10 Canadian Universities of 2025 according to QS World University Rankings!
A bit about QS World University Rankings first. This list is a portfolio of comparative college and university rankings compiled by Quacquarelli Symonds. Quacquarelli Symonds is a higher education analyst headquartered in London with offices in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Each year, they publish several rankings, including: QS Rankings by Subject, QS Best Student City, and QS Business Masters Rankings.
Today we talk about their list: QS World University Rankings 2025: Top global universities, and what Canadian institutions made it to the top 10!
1. University of Toronto
Founded in 1827, the Toronto based University has been consistently one of the top Universities in Canada. In fact, out of the last 4 years, University of Toronto has been the highest ranked University in 3 of those years, with the only exception being 2023, where it came in at second place. The University of Toronto is a public research university in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Some notable alumni include Margaret Atwood and former prime minister William Lyon Mackenzie King. Finally, I will mention that while the University of Toronto ranks first in Canada, it also comes in at 25th on the world!
2. McGill University
Based in Montreal, McGill University ranks among Canada’s most prestigious universities, attracting thousands of international students from over 150 countries every year, and the highest percentage of PhD students of any Canadian research university. It’s important to note that even though it is based in the francophone province of Quebec, McGill University an English-language public research university. McGill University owes its reputation to its 50 research centers and institutes, 400+ programs, rich history and thriving alumni network of 250,000 people around the globe. It is also worth noting that in 2023, it was the highest ranked University in Canada! Finally, McGill University ranks 29th on the world.
3. University of British Columbia
The UBC is a public University based in Vancouver, British Columbia. It is recognized internationally for excellence in teaching and research as well as global impact. Established in 1908, UBC has been opening doors of opportunity for people with the curiosity, drive and vision to shape a better world. Some notable alumni include prime minister Justin Trudeau and astronaut Bjarni Tryggvason.
4. University of Alberta
The UofA is located in Alberta’s capital, Edmonton. It is one of the world’s top 100 teaching and research universities, and U of A ranks among the top 5 in Canada, providing a $19.4 billion annual economic impact in Alberta alone. It is a public institution that was founded in 1908. It is worth noting that the University of Alberta has five different campuses, including a francophone campus!
5. University of Waterloo
The University of Waterloo is a public University located in Waterloo, Ontario. In 1957, the University of Waterloo opened its doors to 74 engineering students with co-operative education as its cornerstone. The university was then formally established in 1959. Notable alumni include Kevin O’Leary.
6. Western University
Western University is located in London, Ontario. It is a public research university, and it operates twelve academic faculties and schools. The university was established in March 1878. In 2025, Western University ranks 6th on Canada, and 120th on the world. Notable alumni include Alice Munro and David Furnish.
7. Université de Montréal
The Université de Montréal is a public university located in Montreal, Quebec. The University was founded in 1878. It is a French-language University, so the main language of instruction is French. The university ranks 7th in Canada, and 159th on the world. Notable alumni include former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau and Pierre Karl Péladeau.
8. McMaster University
McMaster University is a public research university in Hamilton, Ontario. The university is a one-hour drive from Toronto and a one-hour flight from major American hubs New York City, Washington D.C and Chicago. It was established in April 1887, and currently, McMaster ranks 176th on the world. Notable alumni include Eric Chong, Pokimane, and Sheila Singh.
9. University of Ottawa
uOttawa (as often referred to) is a public research university in Ottawa, Ontario. The university is a bilingual institution, so make sure to double check the language of instruction of your program! It was established in 1848. In 2025, uOttawa ranks 9th in Canada, and 189th on the world. Notable alumni include Anaida Poilievre, Alex Trebek, and Alex Munter.
10. Queen’s University at Kingston
Queen’s University or simply Queen’s, is a public research university in Kingston, Ontario. The university is among the top medical-doctoral universities in Canada. It was established in October 1841. The university is home of 2015 Nobel Prize winner, Dr. Arthur B. McDonald, and notable alumni include Elon Musk and William Aberhart. The city where the university is located, Kingston, has been lauded as one of the Top 5 university towns in the world, Top 10 best small cities in North America for lifestyle, and has been named the Smartest City in Canada – with the most PhDs per capita.
11. University of Calgary
The University of Calgary is a public research university located in Calgary, Alberta. The university started as the Calgary branch of the University of Alberta, but was formally established in 1966. While UofC ranks 11th on Canada, it ranks 198th on the world. Notable alumni include Stephen J. Harper, Naheed Nenshi, and Danielle Smith.
And that’s the end of the list! I know I said “Top 10”, but I just had to include the UofC at the end, because even though it just missed out on top 10, it’s the University I graduated from!
If you do have any questions or concerns, either leave a comment or shoot me a message, and I’ll get back to you asap!