Top 10 University in Canada for International Students
- Humayra Arshi
- 8 min Read
Canada boasts world-class universities, attracting international students with diverse programs and a welcoming environment. Institutions like the University of Toronto, McGill, and UBC consistently rank high, offering excellent research opportunities and a path to permanent residency. These universities provide a rich academic experience and a vibrant student life for global learners.
Canada is among the most desired destinations for higher studies in Bangladesh. Students from diverse educational backgrounds hope and prepare to enrol in Canadian universities as international students.
Here, we will look at the top 10 Canadian universities for international students to pursue their higher studies.
At a Glance
| University Name | Location (Main Campus) | Ranks Highly For |
| Lakehead University | Thunder Bay, Ontario | Arts & Humanities, Medical Sciences, Natural Science |
| Brock University | St. Catharines, Ontario | Social Sciences, Management, Life Sciences |
| Thompson River University | Kamloops, British Columbia | Liberal Arts, Environmental Science, Computer Science |
| University of Alberta | Edmonton, Alberta | Agriculture, Commerce, Science |
| Toronto Metropolitan University | Toronto, Ontario | Arts & Humanities, Social Sciences, Management |
| Wilfrid Laurier University | Waterloo, Ontario | Music, Sciences, Business, Liberal Arts |
| Vancouver Island University | Nanaimo, British Columbia | Social Sciences, Management, Natural Sciences |
| Acadia University | Wolfville, Nova Scotia | Arts, Pure & Applied Science, Business |
| University of Manitoba | Winnipeg, Manitoba | Business, Health Science, Arts, Agriculture |
| University of Lethbridge | Lethbridge, Alberta | Life Sciences, Social Sciences, Psychology |
1. Lakehead University
Founded in 1965, Lakehead University is a well-reputed, dynamic, modern, and highly learner-centered institution. Both Thunder Bay and Orillia campuses offer a total university experience, a blend of academic excellence and opportunity with a rich variety of social and recreational activities.
Currently, it offers around 60 undergraduate programs and more than 45 master’s and doctoral programs.
Quick Facts
Number of Students Enrolled 2024: 9049 Number of International Students Enrolled in 2024: 1900
| Faculty | Top Programs | Duration | Annual Tuition Fees (in CAD$) |
| Science and Environmental Studies | BA in Economics | 3 years | $29,355 |
| Science and Environmental Studies | Bachelor of Science in Biology | 3 years | $29,355 |
| Business | Master of Science in Management | 1 year | $29,000 |
| Sciences | Master of Physics | 1 year | $23,000 |
The University is a true flagbearer of the Canadian education system with its offerings and location in the capital city of the country.
2. Brock University
Brock University is a comprehensive university founded in 1964. It offers rich academic programs and world-class research. Brock is one of a handful of universities in the world to be situated in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
The university is made up of 08 faculties and schools that offer around 80 undergraduate programs and around 50 graduate ones.
Quick Facts
Number of Students Enrolled 2024: 19,000+ Number of International Students Enrolled in 2024: 5700+
| Faculty | Top Programs | Duration | Annual Tuition Fees (in CAD$) |
| Humanities | BA in English Language and Literature | 3 years | $36,884 |
| Social Sciences | Bachelor of Business Economics | 3 years | $36,884 |
| Business | MBA | 1 year | $20,175 |
| Mathematics and Science | MSc. Computer Science | 1.5 years | $20,175 |
The university stands out with its top-notch course curriculum and teaching methods. It is one of the most popular universities for students to pursue world-class, global, innovative education.
3. Thompson Rivers University
Located in the Canadian province of British Columbia, this university started operations in 1970. The university prides itself on providing an excellent education to every student who enrolls with them, from a wide variety of backgrounds and perspectives, at various stages of the learning journey.
As of now, it offers over 140 on-campus programs and more than 60 Open Learning programs.
Quick Facts
Number of Students Enrolled 2024: 29,619 Number of International Students Enrolled in 2024: 7,757
| Faculty | Top Programs | Duration | Annual Tuition Fees (in CAD$) |
| Tourism | Bachelor of Tourism Management | 4 years | $26,580 |
| Arts | Bachelor of Arts (English) | 4 years | $26,580 |
| Business & Economics | MBA | 1.5 years | $24,622 |
| Science | MSc. Environmental Science | 1 year | $21,200 |
The university blends different courses and programs to offer a unique educational experience to the students, helping them become all-round performers in their careers.
4. University of Alberta
This well-renowned institution, founded in 1908, offers studies in various disciplines, such as arts, business, engineering, and medicine.
The university also has more than 400 research, teaching, and exchange agreements with schools and other organisations around the world.
Quick Facts
Number of Students Enrolled 2024: 33,729 Number of International Students Enrolled in 2024: 9,182
| Faculty | Top Programs | Duration | Annual Tuition Fees (in CAD$) |
| Arts | Master of Arts in Political Science | 1.5 years | $51,504 |
| Business | Master of Business Administration | 1.5 years | $42,920 |
| Business | Bachelor of Commerce | 4 years | $40,300 |
| Science | Bachelor of Science in Computing Science | 4 years | $33,968 |
The university is a melting pot of different cultural backgrounds and helps the students network through various activities and events, alongside the rich and meaningful coursework.
5. Toronto Metropolitan University
Founded in 1948 as the Ryerson Institute of Technology, the university’s 75+ years of innovative career-focused learning have met the needs of students in this ever-changing world.
The university now offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs to 48,000 students and boasts over 245,000 alumni worldwide.
Quick Facts
Number of Students Enrolled 2024: 48,000+ Number of International Students Enrolled in 2024: 4000+
| Faculty | Top Programs | Duration | Annual Tuition Fees (in CAD$) |
| Management | Business Management – BComm (Hons) | 4 years | $40,374 |
| Science | Computer Science – BSc (Hons) | 4 years | $35,132. |
| Creative Arts | Master of Journalism | 2 years | $25,109 |
| Management | MBA | 1-2 years | $50,000+ |
Being at the heart of Canada’s most dynamic city adds incredible energy to the campus. Guided by a bold Academic Plan, an ambitious research agenda, and a Master Plan to revitalize the campus and the environment, Toronto Metropolitan University is the most applied-to university in Ontario.
6. Wilfrid Laurier University
Named in honor of Sir Wilfrid Laurier, the seventh Prime Minister of Canada, this well-reputed institution was established in 1911. The university is devoted to excellence in learning, research, scholarship, and creativity.
It currently offers over 100 academic programs across 10 schools and faculties with an alumni base of over 120,000 worldwide. Its campuses are in Waterloo, Brantford and Milton.
Quick Facts
Number of Students Enrolled 2024: 19,500 Number of International Students Enrolled in 2024: 1300+
| Faculty | Top Programs | Duration | Annual Tuition Fees (in CAD$) |
| Music | Bachelor of Music | 2 years | $33,220 |
| Business | BBA | 4 years | $40,209 |
| Science | MSc. in Chemistry | 2 years | $21,800 |
| Arts | Master of Education | 2 years | $21,800 |
Through transparency, accountability, and the responsible and sustainable use of institutional resources, the university is supporting communities across southwestern Ontario.
7. Vancouver Island University
Vancouver Island University is a Canadian public university serving Vancouver Island and coastal British Columbia.
Since 1936, the university has addressed the needs of Vancouver Island with programs that improve lives in coastal BC. They have grown and adapted to changing times, creating an impact by focusing on the local community.
The university offers over 120 programs across undergraduate, postgraduate, trades programs, and professional courses.
Quick Facts
Number of Students Enrolled 2024: 13,223 Number of International Students Enrolled in 2024: 1,650
| Faculty | Top Programs | Duration | Annual Tuition Fees (in CAD$) |
| Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences | BA in English | 4 years | $23,993 |
| Business & Management | BBA | 4 years | $23,993 |
| Business & Management | MBA | 1.5 years | $51,408 |
| Education | Master of Education | 2 years | $27,632 |
With a vision of welcoming people, honoring places, and building potential, the institution is nurturing students with ambition, vision, and confidence in a whole new level.
8. Acadia University
Founded in 1838, Acadia University is one of the oldest and most respected liberal arts universities in Canada.
Community engagement, real-world opportunities, and meaningful research at the undergraduate level are pillars of an Acadia education. The University recognizes that learning means living every moment in and out of class.
Currently, it offers over 200 degree paths across four schools. It has over 42,000 alumni across 60 countries.
Quick Facts
Number of Students Enrolled 2024: 3,574 Number of International Students Enrolled in 2024: 500+
| Faculty | Top Programs | Duration | Annual Tuition Fees (in CAD$) |
| Arts | BA in Economics | 4 years | $22,832 |
| Arts | BA in English | 3 years | $22,832 |
| Arts | MA in Political Science | 1 year | $23,079 |
| Pure & Applied Sciences | MSc. in Psychology | 1 year | $23,079 |
Famous for liberal arts curricula, Acadia has a long tradition of respecting diversity. Each member of the community has different experiences to share, enriching classroom and casual interactions.
9. University of Manitoba
Since its inception in 1877, the university has created breakthroughs in health and climate action to meaningful partnerships that advance Reconciliation.
It is one of the country’s top research universities and the largest source of skilled professionals in Manitoba.
It offers over 100 programs and prides itself on over 300 UM-developed technologies. Also, there is a network of 221,000+ alumni living in over 134 countries.
Quick Facts
Number of Students Enrolled 2024: 30,783 Number of International Students Enrolled in 2024: 6,991
| Faculty | Top Programs | Duration | Annual Tuition Fees (in CAD$) |
| Architecture | Bachelor of Environmental Design | 4 years | $19,710 |
| Health Science | Bachelor of Nursing | 2.5 years | $18,840 |
| Law | Master of Laws | 2 years | $6,676 |
| Arts | MA in Anthropology | 2 years | $6,676 |
Joining this university will give you a university experience that leads in education, culture, and technology, in classrooms where learning meets hands-on opportunity.
10.University of Lethbridge
Founded in 1967 on traditional Blackfoot land, the University of Lethbridge is one of Canada’s top-ranked universities and leading research institutions.
From the heart of southern Alberta to the farthest reaches of space, the institution seeks to understand the connections uniting all matter.
The university offers around 150 undergraduate and 75 postgraduate programs for you to choose.
Quick Facts
Number of Students Enrolled 2024: 8,373 Number of International Students Enrolled in 2024: 1,631
| Faculty | Top Programs | Duration | Annual Tuition Fees (in CAD$) |
| Arts | Bachelor of English | 3 years | $22,369 |
| Health Science | Bachelor of Science in Psychology | 4 years | $22,369 |
| Life Science | MSc. in Chemistry | 2 years | $14,200 |
By inspiring and supporting student potential, the university develops leaders, innovators, thinkers, and doers prepared for careers of the future and inspired to create positive change. Enrolling here could be an excellent start for your knowledge and career development.
Wrapping Up
Canada is home to several world-renowned universities that offer high-quality education and a vibrant campus life. The above institutions are just a few examples.
These institutions consistently rank among the best universities in the world and attract students from diverse backgrounds. With a focus on research and innovation, these universities provide students with the opportunity to learn from leading experts and make meaningful contributions to their fields.
Whether you’re interested in pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree, Canada offers a wide range of options to suit your academic and career goals.
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