Canada’s world-class education system attracts students from across the globe, and for good reason. With a population of 37 million, this diverse nation offers international students exceptional opportunities through its renowned Public Universities in Canada. Canadian degrees are highly respected worldwide, opening doors to successful careers and potential pathways to permanent residency.
What makes Canadian universities stand out? Students benefit from:
- High-quality education with expert, accessible professors
- Flexible curriculum options, including interdisciplinary programmes
- Valuable hands-on experience through internship opportunities
- Vibrant multicultural campuses that reflect Canada’s diverse society
Whether you are pursuing undergraduate studies or advanced degrees, Canada’s public universities offer a compelling blend of academic excellence and future opportunities. In this guide, we will explore the top public universities in Canada that welcome international students, helping you make an informed decision about your educational journey.
Why Study At Public Universities In Canada?
Canada is home to some of the world’s top public universities, offering high-quality education, affordable tuition fees, and diverse cultural experiences. With strong academic programmes, excellent research opportunities, and globally recognised degrees, studying at a public university in Canada is an attractive choice for international students. Moreover, these institutions provide extensive support services, a welcoming environment, and promising career prospects post-graduation.
- World-Class Education at Lower Costs: Canadian public universities combine academic excellence with affordability, offering globally recognised degrees at lower tuition rates than the US and UK, backed by substantial government funding.
- Research and Hands-On Experience: Students gain access to advanced research facilities and valuable practical experience through co-op programmes and internships, bridging the gap between academic learning and professional skills.
- Diverse and Welcoming Environment: Canada’s multicultural campus life and inclusive society create an enriching educational experience, preparing students for success in the global workplace while ensuring they feel at home.
- Path to Canadian Residency: International graduates can benefit from post-graduation work permits, offering a practical pathway to gaining Canadian work experience and potentially transitioning to permanent residency in one of the world’s most livable countries.
- Safe and Supportive Atmosphere: Canada’s reputation for safety, peace, and social support makes it an ideal destination for international students seeking a high-quality education in a welcoming environment.
Public Universities In Canada For International Students
Canada is a premier destination for international students, with 96 public universities offering over 15,000 courses across diverse fields. Whether you are pursuing undergraduate studies or advanced degrees, Canadian public universities provide a perfect blend of academic excellence, cultural diversity, and promising career prospects, making them an ideal choice for students seeking quality education abroad. While private universities in Canada also offer specialised programmes and smaller class sizes, public universities remain the preferred choice for affordability and global recognition. Below is a list of top public universities in Canada. Learn more about their rankings, acceptance rates, and key details to help you make an informed choice.
The University Of Toronto
The University of Toronto is one of Canada’s most popular public universities. It was established in 1827 as King’s College and has since grown to become one of the largest universities in the world. The university offers many programmes at its three campuses: St. George Campus (downtown Toronto), Scarborough Campus, and Mississauga Campus. The University of Toronto is consistently ranked among the top 50 universities worldwide by QS World Rankings and Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
| QS World University Ranking 2025 | 25 |
| Acceptance Rate | 43% |
| Top Courses | Engineering, Music, Architecture, Kinesiologyand Life Sciences |
McGill University
McGill University is a public research university in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It was established in 1821 by a royal charter granted by King George IV of the United Kingdom. It is one of the top public universities in Canada, and it was intended to provide a liberal and non-sectarian education to an elite male clientele in the past; however, through its history, it has also served as an incubator for future leaders in many fields, such as business and politics. The university is affiliated with 20 Nobel laureates (fourteen alumni and six faculty), eight Rhodes Scholars, seven astronauts (including Norman Bethune), 13 Rhodes Scholars and several winners of prestigious awards like Guggenheim Fellowships or Fields Medals (eg: Artur Avila).
| QS World University Ranking 2025 | 29 |
| Acceptance Rate | 43% |
| Top Courses | Medicine, Law, Engineering, Business, Administration (MBA), Nursing, Biological Sciences and Arts and Humanities |
UBC – University of British Columbia
The University of British Columbia is located in Vancouver, British Columbia. The university was founded in 1915 and has been ranked as one of the well-known public colleges in Canada for international students and also ranked globally by several sources. UBC is known for its research and teaching programmes, including medicine, engineering, and law.
| QS World University Ranking 2025 | 38 |
| Acceptance Rate | 43% |
| Top Courses | Business Administration, Medicine, Engineering, Computer Science, Environmental Sciences, Arts and Humanities, Architecture and Landscape Architecture |
University of Alberta
The University of Alberta (UofA) is a public research university in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The university encompasses four main campuses in the Edmonton region and several branches teaching in rural areas throughout Alberta. It offers over 200 undergraduate degrees and 170 graduate degrees. These well-known public universities in Canada’s research programmes cover cancer research, renewable energy sources, nanotechnology, and forestry. In addition to its academic programming, new media and formats are emerging from this school – including games involving students working with faculty members at the U of A on video game projects that have received national recognition for their educational and entertainment value.
| QS World University Ranking 2025 | 96 |
| Acceptance Rate | 43% |
| Top Courses | Medicine, Nursing, Engineering, Business, Administration, Biological Sciences, Environmental Sciences and Pharmacy |
The University of Waterloo
The University of Waterloo is located in the city of Waterloo, Ontario. It has a population of over 42,000 students and offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in more than 200 academic programmes. Students can choose from two on-campus housing options (residence on or off campus). The student body consists mainly of undergraduate students from all over Canada who come together to study hard while enjoying the benefits of attending such a prestigious institution!
| QS World University Ranking 2025 | 115 |
| Acceptance Rate | 43% |
| Top Courses | Computer Science, Engineering (various disciplines), Mathematics, Business Administration and Environmental Studies |
McMaster University
McMaster University is a public research university in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. It has a total student enrollment of approximately 37,592 full-time and part-time students, over 100 undergraduate majors/minors offered within the faculties of Arts, Science and Health Sciences; Engineering; Humanities & Social Sciences, as well as a growing number of Master’s degree programmes across all six academic units.
| QS World University Ranking 2025 | 176 |
| Acceptance Rate | 43% |
| Top Courses | Medicine, Nursing, Engineering, Business, Administration,Health Sciences, Biological Sciences and Psychology |
Dalhousie University
Dalhousie University is located in Halifax, Nova Scotia. It was established in 1818 and is now one of the oldest universities in Canada. Dalhousie is a public university with an enrollment of over 22,000 students. The school has a reputation for having high standards when it comes to academics and attracting top talent from across the country. Students can choose between undergraduate or graduate programmes at Dalhousie University depending on what they want to study or where they want their education after graduation.
| QS World University Ranking 2025 | 275 |
| Acceptance Rate | 75% |
| Top Courses | Bachelor of Commerce (BComm), Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Computer Science, Bachelor of Engineering (BEng), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Law (LLM), Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) and Master of Planning |
Simon Fraser University
Simon Fraser University (SFU) is a British Columbia, Canada public research university. The student body at SFU consists of 44,000 students from over 140 countries and territories worldwide. The university offers over 250-degree programmes and certificates of affiliation for graduates who want to earn a master’s degree or PhD from another institution while still being able to use the credits earned towards their SFU degree requirements. It also offers postdoctoral fellowships for doctoral candidates who wish to research at the university but don’t want to do so within an academic department structure or focus on specific disciplines such as engineering or healthcare sciences.
| QS World University Ranking 2025 | 319 |
| Acceptance Rate | 59% |
| Top Courses | Master of Digital Media, Counselling Psychology (MEd), Master of Science in Computing Science, Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts in Economics, Bachelor of Science in Computing Scienceand Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance |
With globally recognised degrees, advanced research opportunities, and pathways to post-graduation work and permanent residency, studying in Canada is a wise investment in the future. By choosing from this list of public colleges in Canada, students gain access to advanced education while experiencing a welcoming and multicultural society, making it an ideal destination for higher studies.
Eligibility Requirements To Get Into Public Universities In Canada
Canada’s top public universities attract international students with high-quality education and diverse programmes. Admission requires meeting academic qualifications, language proficiency, financial proof, and essential documentation. Applicants must also obtain a study permit and fulfil health or legal requirements. Some programmes may have additional prerequisites like work experience, entrance exams, or portfolio submissions. Understanding these criteria helps streamline the application process and improves admission chances.
| Category | Details |
| Academic Qualifications | – A completed secondary school diploma or equivalent for undergraduate programmes.- Bachelor’s degree for colleges in Canada for masters, with a minimum 70% average. |
| Language Proficiency | – Proficiency in English or French is essential.- Standardised test scores required:English Tests: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, CAEL, or C1 Advanced.French Tests: Proof of proficiency may be required for French-language programmes. |
| Documentation | – Academic transcripts from previous institutions.- A statement of purpose outlining the applicant’s goals and reasons for choosing the programme.- A current resume detailing educational and professional experiences.- Proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses while studying in Canada. |
| Study Permit | – International students intending to study in Canada for more than six months require a valid study permit.- Proof of acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI).- Demonstration of financial capability. |
| Health and Legal Requirements | – Applicants may need to undergo a medical examination if required.- A police certificate may be necessary to prove a clean criminal record. |
| Additional Requirements | – Some programmes may have specific prerequisites or additional requirements, such as:- Work experience- Portfolios- Entrance exams (e.g., GMAT for business programmes) |
Understanding these eligibility criteria will help streamline the application process and improve admission chances at universities in Canada with high acceptance rates.
Canada’s public universities offer international students a unique blend of academic excellence, research opportunities, and career prospects in a diverse and welcoming environment. With globally recognised degrees, affordable tuition, and substantial post-graduation work opportunities, studying in Canada is an investment in a bright future. Whether you aim to pursue an undergraduate or graduate programme, understanding the eligibility criteria and selecting the right university can help you make informed decisions about your education. By choosing a Canadian public university, students gain quality education, a pathway to global career success and potential opportunities for permanent residency in one of the world’s most livable countries.
FAQs
Are public universities in Canada free?
No, public universities in Canada are not tuition-free. However, some offer fully funded scholarships that can cover tuition, living expenses, and other costs, making education more affordable for deserving students.
Which is better, a public or private college in Canada?
Both public and private colleges in Canada offer quality education but differ in key aspects. Private colleges often have smaller class- sizes, providing a more personalised learning experience. On the other hand, public universities generally have lower tuition fees for domestic students but charge higher rates for international students. The best choice depends on budget, class size preference, and programme availability.
What are the advantages of public universities for international students in Canada?
Public universities in Canada offer affordability, high-quality education, and diverse campus environments. Students benefit from research opportunities, part-time work options, firm support services, and pathways to permanent residency, making them an excellent choice for international students.
Which is the cheapest public college in Canada?
Robertson College, Fanshawe College, Algonquin College, Lambton College, Sheridan College, Humber College, and Centennial College are some of the cheapest public colleges in Canada.
Which is the best course to study in Canada?
Some top courses to study in Canada include Computer Science and Information Technology, Engineering, Business Management, Healthcare, Finance, Nursing, Psychology, and Animation & Gaming. These fields offer strong career prospects, high demand, and opportunities for permanent residency.
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I have done Bachelor’s in Culinary Arts from India and completed my graduation in the year 2022 .I am 22 years old. After graduation, I have done 1 year paid internship from USA .Now, I would like to take occupational experience and learn culinary skills and also do masters in Culinary arts.How can I find the college n best course / country where I can persue studying further