Top 10 Best Universities in Canada 2024

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The 20th edition of the QS World University Rankings has been released. Canada universities ranking has been steady, like the past five years. For the rest of the world, nations like China and Malaysia are rising steadily, while the United States is dominating the top 10 with 5 universities, but in the overall rankings, this year too marks a consecutive decline.

The QS World University Rankings is one of the most reliable and trust-worthy ranking in the world. QS uses five indicators to compile the ranking:

• Academic and Employer Reputation is based on survey responses from more than 150,000 academics and 99,000 employers.
• Citations per Faculty measures research impact.
• Faculty/Student Ratio is used as a proxy for teaching capacity.
• International Faculty Ratio and International Student Ratio are used to record a university’s internationalization.

This year, QS added two new unweighted performance lenses:

• Employment Outcomes assesses the employability of students.
• International Research Network analyses international research collaboration and knowledge transfer.

This year’s rankings are the largest ever, with over 1,400 institutions across 100 locations. So let’s dig in and see which universities are the best in Canada for 2023.

#1 University of Toronto

In the 2024 edition of the QS University Rankings, the University of Toronto regained the N°1 spot after losing it last year. Moreover, it jumped more than 10 places globally from 34 to 21.

The University of Toronto did make strong scores in all internationalization indicators, with an average of 95.5 percent. The university has a strong reputation, hitting almost the 100 point threshold (99.7). This score directly influences the reputation of the university with employers. U of T made 96 points.

#2 McGill University

While McGill has slipped from the top position, it remains a powerhouse of research and education, attracting students from around the world. Its place in the rankings is underpinned by consistent performances across QS’ indicators. Specifically, it outperforms mots of Canada universities in terms of research.

#3 University of British Columbia

The University of British Columbia maintained nearly a steady position globally over the last decade. In the 20th edition of the QS university rankings, it took the 34th place in the world.

UBC performed best on three indicators : 99 points for Sustainability, 98.2 for Academic Reputation and 96.4 for International Faculty Ratio.

#4 University of Alberta

The U of A rose dropped one position in the QS World University Rankings to land at 111th globally. Alberta maintained its spot in the local rankings.

#5 University of Waterloo

After a slight drop last year, the University of Waterloo has made a significant leap in performance this year, advancing from the 154th position to the 112th spot globally in the 2024 QS World University Rankings. On the domestic front, the University of Waterloo has climbed two positions, securing the 5th place in Canada.

#6 Western University

The 2024 QS placed Western at 114th worldwide, jumping by more than 60 spots from its previous position.

#7 University of Montréal

This year, QS ranked the University of Montreal (UofM) at the 141st position globally and 7th in Canada. Compared to the previous year, this marks a notable decline both on the global and national scales, as it fell from its 116th position worldwide and from the 5th spot in Canada. Regrettably, this represents the third consecutive year of decline for the University of Montreal, highlighting the challenges it faces in maintaining its standing in the highly competitive world of academia.

#8 University of Calgary

In the 2024 QS edition, the University of Calgary has demonstrated the most remarkable performance among Canadian universities. It made a significant leap by advancing 60 places, landing at the 182nd position, up from 242 in the previous year’s ranking. Notably, it has ascended to the 8th spot in the Canadian university rankings, a notable improvement from its 10th-place position in the previous year’s rankings. This impressive progress underscores the University of Calgary’s commitment to excellence in academia and its dedication to climbing the global and national educational ladder.

#9 McMaster University

McMaster is ranked 189 globally in this 20th QS University Rankings edition, falling back 37 spots over last year. McMaster has always been in the top 200 since the change in rankings methodology in the early part of this decade.

#10 University of Ottawa

uOttawa sat at 203, a step-up from the last year when it was ranked 237. The University of Ottawa performed best on indicators with an international focus. The university received more than 90 points for proportion of International Research Network and International Faculty Ratio. International Students Ratio was also a strong contributor.