Best Universities in Canada

1. Acadia University

Type of institution: University

Year established: 1838

Total students: 3,737

On-campus accommodation: Available

Scholarship: Entrance Scholarship, Chancellor’s Scholarship, Board of Governor’s Scholarship, President’s Scholarship, and International Baccalaureate Scholarship.

Acadia University is one the best universities in Canada for international students as they offer the best in class education for both domestic & international students. It is Canada’s first organic campus to become environmentally friendly, and the provincial government has awarded them a $22 Million investment for enhancing the campus infrastructure. 

At this university, international students experience a small class size. The professors give individual attention to help students understand the subjects at ease. Besides, international students have a multitude of opportunities to participate in research, student activities, and events.

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2. Brock University

Type of institution: University

Year established: 1964

Total students: 19,112

On-campus accommodation: Available

Scholarship: Brock Scholars Award Scholarship and International Student Award Scholarship.

Brock University is one of the top universities in Canada that offers a safe community and a campus with stunning natural beauty. International students get the opportunity to join a range of clubs, extracurricular activities, and exclusive sporting options to participate during their academic tenure.

International students get maximum exposure to their chosen field of study. The programs are designed to stay relevant to the future. From the moment they step into the campus, there is a dedicated team to make sure they settle in quickly.

Brock is one of the best universities in Canada to grow both academically and personally. There is a program called “Mentorship Plus”, which helps first-year international students connect with senior student mentors to adapt to university life quickly. Besides, a dedicated 24-hour security team is there to monitor the campus.

Volunteers offer courteous help to show you around and even carry your bags which is a very kind gesture. The on-campus living is super cool as they fit any preference. A townhouse, single and shared rooms, and traditionally styled campus buildings are available to international students.

Read More: Affordable universities in Canada for international students

3. Fairleigh Dickinson University

Type of institution: University

Year established: 1942

Total students: 11,490

On-campus accommodation: Available

Fairleigh Dickinson University is ranked as one of the best regional universities in Canada by U.S. News. The university's undergraduate programs such as engineering, business, computer science and nursing are recognised as the top ones in Canada.

They train students to adapt to university life and give them exposure to the global cultural background for a brighter future. It is one of the best universities in Canada, as International students are taught to think intellectually to overcome academic challenges. 

A student-centred environment is offered to students to make them exchange ideas and participate in student activities to gain more exposure in the community. International students are encouraged to interact and share knowledge with each other.

A dedicated career support system is available to students to get training, counselling and career guidance. The university’s mission is to train students to participate, manage and prosper in the global marketplace and make them job-ready.

4. Cape Breton University

Type of institution: University

Year established: 1951

Total students: 5,511

On-campus accommodation: Available

The government of Nova Scotia has invested a significant amount of $54 million in enhancing the infrastructure, research and healthcare, which is a vital factor for it to be among the best universities in Canada for international students. Besides, a state of the art research facility will be built to tackle global challenges in science and technology. 

The natural beauty of Cape Breton island makes the campus surroundings look more stunning and mesmerising to the eyes. The campus culture is thriving, and it is an ideal opportunity to get along with people and build friendships for life.

Cape Bruton is one of the top universities in Canada as international students from more than 55 counties enrol in this university, which is a prime factor in meeting new people and making strong connections with them. 

As an international student, you are bound to unique experiences and exposure to diverse backgrounds. There is an exclusive first-year advising centre for you to access student support services in a wide range of categories.

5. Nipissing University

Type of institution: University

Total students: 5,000

On-campus accommodation: Available

Nipissing University has made an impact of $15.7 million on Canada’s GDP over five years with its capital expenditure. A whopping $167 million is contributed to Canada’s GDP from one year of operating expenses. Many top universities in Canada such as these make a big contribution to the nation's economic growth.

Students are expected to set their primary focus on education and well being. Therefore, student counselling and accessibility services are made available to students to enquire about any concerns they may have. Besides, international students go through a series of tutorials, group workshops, referral services and peer to peer support for learning. 

A dedicated medical team of licensed physicians and nurses are available from Monday to Friday. It is one of the best universities in Canada for international students as it cares a lot about the student’s safety, and the security team monitors the campus round the clock. In addition, emergency phones are available throughout the campus.

6. Royal Roads University

Type of institution: University

Year established: 1995

Total students: 4,820

It is one of the top universities in Canada, where awareness of climate action and sustainability is created through collaboration, education, research and partnerships. Climate change is a grave issue on a global scale, and such initiatives are welcomed from all universities in Canada. 

As an international student, if you are looking forward to doing your MBA, Royal Roads is one of the best MBA universities in Canada. They have flexible study modes and options to choose from many specialisations.

Many clubs and fun activities are available to international students to find people of similar interests and values. You have the opportunity to create a club or join other clubs. Besides, you can attend in-person or virtual events such as coffee house chats where you will be meeting students from all programs. This university also offers immigration services and advice for international students to get a student visa, port graduation work permits and temporary residence visas. 

7. University of the Fraser Valley

Type of institution: University

Year established: 1974

Total students: 11,090

On-campus accommodation: Available

QS Stars have awarded UFV a five-star rating in the employment and teaching categories. It is one of the best universities in Canada, where the in-demand programs taught here meet the educational standards at national, international and provincial levels.

UFV is one of the top universities in Canada for MBA as the Business School is awarded a prestigious EFMD EPAS accreditation. International MBA students are taught in a quality classroom experience, providing them individual attention to help them score high in the examinations. 

There is an exclusive work-study program where international students are allowed to work on campus during the semester. If you complete six months of your program, you are eligible to apply for an off-campus work permit to earn money and get practical experience.

A U-Pass is given to students to get unlimited access to local transit. With U-Pass, you also get access to fitness and recreation facilities. Guess what? You can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking trails, swimming, biking trails, golfing, fishing and rafting.

8. University Canada West

Type of institution: University

Year established: 2005

University Canada West is one of the best universities in Canada for international students as they are rated as a 5-star institution by QS Stars, and a highly significant amount of 96.9% of MBA students have found employment with top employers within one year of graduating. 

This university is located in Vancouver, where the living expenses are pretty much manageable. If you rent off-campus, you can split the bills with your peers. They have partners to offer international students a wide range of accommodation options. 

It is one of the top universities in Canada where international students gain skills and knowledge to become employable as soon as completing the course. Besides, you can get career assistance programs to enhance your job search techniques.

A writing coach is available to international students if they need English language coaching to improve their written and communication skills. Only under reasonable grounds an international student is asked to undergo testing for their language proficiency.

9. Vancouver Island University

Type of institution: University

Total students: 16,000

On-campus accommodation: Available

Vancouver Island University is one of the best universities in Canada for international students as they come from more than 82 countries. A significant number of international students are from India, China, Japan, Vietnam and Nigeria.

You get the opportunity to join cultural connections road trips where you get to explore the awe-inspiring locations and enjoy some splendid adventures with other international students. This initiative helps you with the cultural adjustment process by getting along with people from diverse backgrounds.

International students must submit valid medical insurance to participate in cultural connection activities. There is an exclusive “Peer Helper Program” done by senior students to help support the new international students to get adjusted to university life. 

Vancouver Island is one of the top universities in Canada that offers an exclusive VIU Students Union Plan, which provides international students with access to health, dental, and paramedical services at less than $23 per month. 

10. Centennial College

Type of institution: Private College - Higher Education

Year established: 1966

Total students: 26,000

Compared to the other best universities in Canada for international students, this college is equally good in terms of infrastructure, facilities, research and student support services. An average of 1200 co-op students are placed every year with top employers in Canada.

A specific job search plan is created for every student based on their programs for a smooth transition from college to employment. There is a dedicated team of Employers Advisors Coaches to train international students in areas such as mock interviews, developing compelling resumes and cover letters.

The industry-focused curriculum of Centennial College helps international students equip themselves with the right set of skills to land a job after graduation. In addition to top universities in Canada, there are also colleges like Centennial providing exemplary career and student support services. 

Centennial college is recognised for enrolling students from diverse backgrounds enabling international students to experience different cultures. It has been the number one preferred choice of college in Canada for five consecutive years for international students. 

11. Algonquin College

Type of institution: Private College - Higher Education

Year established: 1967

Total students: 19,000

On-campus accommodation: Available

As many top universities in Canada implement sustainability activities, Algonquin college has joined one such initiative called Going “Green.” It is the first college in Canada to have signed the Talloires Declaration, and all its future facilities will be built in accordance with LEED standards.

The college is looking forward to promoting international students' personal and academic growth with an outstanding educational experience. As an international student, you would develop skills to become a decisive thinking individual and develop your leadership skills.

As there is an extensive list of best universities in Canada for international students, Algonquin College is similarly good among them. The prime reason is that a dedicated employment support centre is available, which offers networking opportunities to connect with your potential employer. You would be trained to develop your employability skills and create meaningful connections with top employers in Canada.

Besides, international students can avail health services through pre-booking by telephone. Only those who have booked prior appointments are allowed to enter the clinic, and students who are availing health services are offered individual attention and care. 

12. Durham College

Type of institution: Private College - Higher Education

Year established: 1967

Total students: 43,600

On-campus accommodation: Available

If you go by the list of best universities in Canada for international students, they hugely promote and support students from multicultural backgrounds. In the same way, Durham College is committed to creating a global cultural campus regardless of race or nation of origin. 

Durham College offers Diploma to Degree pathway programs for international students who have completed 2 or 3-year diplomas in their home country. The transfer policies and procedures are straightforward and general. Sometimes the colleges or universities may request your course outline.

A wide range of health and wellbeing services are offered to international students, such as mental health, wellness coaching, clinic, pharmacy, physiotherapy services and massage therapy. Students need to book prior appointments by telephone to avail such services.

Besides, international students get the full support of academic staff to achieve their educational goals. The academic services offered to students are maintained confidentially to ensure equal access to educational opportunities for everyone.