Top Computer Science Universities Ranked in Canada
| Canada Computer Science Rank 2026 | Global Computer Science rank 2026 | University | Overall | Teaching | Research Environment | Research Quality | Industry | International Outlook |
| 1 | 22 | University of Toronto | 87.7 | 84.6 | 88 | 95.3 | 71.8 | 86.8 |
| 2 | 41 | University of Waterloo | 79.6 | 71.2 | 77 | 89.6 | 81.3 | 83 |
| 3 | 52 | Université de Montréal | 73.4 | 48.6 | 67.6 | 93.2 | 100 | 87.7 |
| 4 | 57 | University of British Columbia | 71.7 | 57 | 63 | 90.4 | 71.8 | 91.4 |
| 5 | 74 | McGill University | 66.3 | 54.1 | 53.9 | 79.2 | 92.2 | 85.4 |
| 6 | 77 | University of Alberta | 65.3 | 39.7 | 55.9 | 83.7 | 99.9 | 93.2 |
| 7 | 126–150 | Simon Fraser University | 54.0–55.9 | 27 | 30.1 | 92.2 | 89.1 | 92.1 |
| =8 | 201–250 | University of Ottawa | 47.1–49.4 | 25.7 | 33.3 | 67.2 | 78.8 | 89.8 |
| =8 | 201–250 | University of Victoria | 47.1–49.4 | 17.5 | 29.4 | 81.3 | 69.1 | 91.8 |
| =8 | 201–250 | Western University | 47.1–49.4 | 21.7 | 26.8 | 73.2 | 91.1 | 85.6 |
| =8 | 201–250 | York University | 47.1–49.4 | 20.7 | 27.3 | 74.5 | 79.7 | 87.7 |
| =12 | 251–300 | Carleton University | 45.3–47.0 | 20 | 28.5 | 70.7 | 99.6 | 76.1 |
| =12 | 251–300 | McMaster University | 45.3–47.0 | 20.2 | 28.3 | 67.4 | 78.1 | 88.2 |
| =12 | 251–300 | Memorial University of Newfoundland | 45.3–47.0 | 15.8 | 19 | 86.6 | 65.3 | 96.2 |
| =12 | 251–300 | Université du Québec | 45.3–47.0 | 23.9 | 26.9 | 68.5 | 67.9 | 89.7 |
| =16 | 301–400 | Concordia University | 41.5–45.2 | 19.4 | 25.2 | 69.2 | 79 | 68.8 |
| =16 | 301–400 | Queen’s University | 41.5–45.2 | 20.7 | 26.5 | 59.1 | 79.6 | 71.5 |
| =16 | 301–400 | Toronto Metropolitan University | 41.5–45.2 | 17.6 | 19.9 | 73.1 | 66.8 | 70.7 |
| =16 | 301–400 | University of Calgary | 41.5–45.2 | 24.5 | 24.6 | 64.1 | 68.8 | 86.3 |
| =16 | 301–400 | University of Guelph | 41.5–45.2 | 16.1 | 17.3 | 92.2 | 64.4 | 68.9 |
| =16 | 301–400 | University of New Brunswick UNB | 41.5–45.2 | 16.1 | 18.5 | 81.8 | 71.2 | 91.5 |
| =16 | 301–400 | University of Saskatchewan | 41.5–45.2 | 19.6 | 23.8 | 68.1 | 88.1 | 85 |
| =16 | 301–400 | University of Windsor | 41.5–45.2 | 13.7 | 21.9 | 81.4 | 61.3 | 85.1 |
| =16 | 301–400 | Université Laval | 41.5–45.2 | 14.9 | 26.7 | 60.7 | 98.2 | 76.3 |
| =25 | 401–500 | Dalhousie University | 38.3–41.4 | 23.4 | 21.5 | 60.5 | 62.1 | 93 |
| =25 | 401–500 | University of Regina | 38.3–41.4 | 13.6 | 17.7 | 82.7 | 55.6 | 63.3 |
| =27 | 601–800 | Lakehead University | 30.0–35.4 | 11 | 19.5 | 62.4 | 45.7 | 77.4 |
| =27 | 601–800 | Ontario Tech University | 30.0–35.4 | 14.7 | 15 | 48.1 | 57.3 | 61.5 |
Key Insights into the Best Computer Science Universities in Canada 2026
- The University of Toronto remains the top-ranked university for computer science in Canada, scoring 87.7 overall.
- The University of Waterloo holds the second position, with strong scores in research quality (89.6) and international outlook (83.0).
- Université de Montréal excels in research, achieving the highest industry score (100) among all ranked institutions.
- McGill University, ranked fifth, maintains its strong performance in research with a 93.2 score.
- The top 10 universities include a mix of English and French-language institutions, highlighting Canada's diverse academic landscape.
Choosing the Right University in Canada for Computer Science
The demand for skilled computer scientists is only expected to rise across the globe as the fields of artificial intelligence, data science, cloud computing and analytics continue to develop.
Cities in Canada such as Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal and Waterloo are all now emerging as major tech hubs.
Canada is a popular study abroad choice, often with cheaper study options for international students compared with most anglophone countries. The country also has a reasonably simple application process and opportunities for permanent residency after graduating.
Selecting the right university for a computer science degree is a crucial step in shaping your future. The Times Higher Education rankings assess institutions based on:
· Research environment – A university's capacity to support cutting-edge research.
· Teaching quality – The learning environment and academic rigour.
· Research quality – The impact and output of computer science research.
· Industry collaboration – Engagement with businesses and real-world applications.
· International outlook – The global influence of universities and diversity on campus.
Prospective students should consider factors such as specialised programmes, industry partnerships, and internship opportunities when making their choice.
The table for the best universities for computer science in Canada was derived from data collected for the THE World University Rankings by subject: Computer Science. The results are calculated using 18 performance indicators underlying five metrics. For further insight and a detailed breakdown of our ranking methodology, visit our methodology page. Use the ranking table above to explore the right institution for you.
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