Top Universities in Canada 2026

By seeta.bhardwa@…, 9 October, 2025

Top universities in Canada 2026

Canada Rank 2026WUR Rank 2026UniversityOverallTeachingResearch EnvironmentResearch QualityIndustryInternational Outlook
121University of Toronto88.578.292.992.395.892.3
2=41McGill University77.17170.886.277.589.2
345University of British Columbia7764.173.988.677.493.5
4=116McMaster University6542.249.393.110084.6
5119University of Alberta64.649.155.478.110088.4
6150Université de Montréal61.941.450.583.195.584.1
7=162University of Waterloo60.942.747.683.47785.5
8=187University of Ottawa59.538.244.585.481.786.2
9200University of Calgary58.737.843.183.691.483.3
10201–250Western University56.4–58.639.942.677.599.886.9
=11301–350Queen’s University51.6–54.237.937.677.484.872.9
=11301–350Simon Fraser University51.6–54.226.935.679.783.590.7
=11301–350University of Victoria51.6–54.230.237.182.966.883.6
=14351–400Dalhousie University49.9–51.533.133.275.474.386.6
=14351–400University of Saskatchewan49.9–51.539.5346396.176
=16401–500Université Laval46.2–49.831.834.669.491.772.3
=16401–500University of Guelph46.2–49.834.836.764.18063.6
=16401–500York University46.2–49.829.333.271.572.386
=19501–600Carleton University43.6–46.123.431.564.979.275.4
=19501–600Memorial University of Newfoundland43.6–46.130.325.765.282.186.2
=19501–600Université du Québec43.6–46.133.433.557.173.276.7
=19501–600University of Manitoba43.6–46.129.525.172.961.460.4
=19501–600University of Windsor43.6–46.130.431.460.568.287.9
=24601–800Concordia University39.0–43.524.525.863.76874.7
=24601–800Toronto Metropolitan University39.0–43.522.43261.16962
=24601–800University of New Brunswick UNB39.0–43.523.819.567.163.581
=27801–1000Ontario Tech University35.5–38.917.625.356.460.360.6
=27801–1000University of Regina35.5–38.918.420.961.943.865.7
291001–1200Lakehead University32.1–35.41825.652.841.658.5
=301201–1500Brock University27.3–32.01518.44842.156.2
=301201–1500St Francis Xavier University27.3–32.017.518.243.127.951.6
=301201–1500University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC)27.3–32.02122.544.419.957
=301201–1500Wilfrid Laurier University27.3–32.015.816.149.358.461.2
341501+University of Lethbridge10.3–27.220.814.729.641.659.4

 

Key insights from the 2026 Canada University Rankings

  • The University of Toronto remains the highest-ranked Canadian institution, consistently recognised for its research impact and academic excellence.
  • University of British Columbia and McGill University continue to hold strong global positions, known for their world-class faculty and international outlook.
  • McMaster University takes the fourth spot
  • Quebec’s universities like Université de Montréal and McGill offer robust French-English bilingual programmes, attracting diverse student populations.
  • In total, 34 Canadian universities are featured in the Canada university ranking 2026, showcasing the country's strength in higher education. 

Choosing the right university in Canada

When considering the top universities in Canada, prospective students should weigh factors like programme offerings, campus culture, location, and tuition fees in Canada. Whether you’re seeking cutting-edge research, strong co-op programmes, or vibrant campus life, Canada offers a wide range of options.

Use the Canada university ranking above to explore institutions that align with your academic goals and career ambitions.

The table for the best universities in Canada was derived from data collected from the THE World University Rankings. The results are calculated using 18 performance indicators underlying five metrics: research environment, teaching (the learning environment), research quality, industry and international outlook. For more insights and a detailed breakdown of our ranking methodology, visit our methodology page. 

 

 

 

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Discover the Times Higher Education Canada University Rankings 2026 and explore which institutions rank the highest in the country. 

This list highlights the best universities in Canada based on the trusted Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026. Our comprehensive evaluation covers key areas such as teaching quality, research excellence, industry partnerships, and international outlook. 

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