Canada is a popular choice among international students as a preferred study destination.
It is consistently ranked among the best countries in the world for education and quality of life. Canada offers a welcoming environment for students, with thousands of immigrants calling it home, providing the opportunity to explore diverse cultures and traditions while receiving a high-quality education. Compared to countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States, Canada has an affordable tuition structure and its education system emphasizes research supported by the Canadian government. Additionally, the country offers the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PWPP), which allows students to work and stay in Canada for up to three years after completing their studies. Below are some of the best Canadian universities preferred by international students that offer excellent quality of education.

University of Ottawa

What  better place to continue your studies than Ottawa, Canada's capital? The University of Ottawa, located on the Ontario-Quebec border, is the world's largest bilingual university, founded in 1848 and currently offering more than 450 programs in French and English.
The University of Ottawa campus is home to many historic buildings,  located near the famous Rideau Canal, and  ranked 6th in Canada for sustainability in 2020, according to the UI Green  World University Rankings. In recent years, the university has also invested in five new advanced research and laboratory facilities, including an innovative STEM complex and  black box theater.

University of Alberta

The University of Alberta is located in and around Edmonton, the capital  of the province of Alberta, and was founded in 1908. The university includes 18 faculties  across five campuses and welcomes students from 156 countries. According to the QS University Rankings, the University of Alberta is ranked sixth in Canada and is also recognized by the Center for World University Rankings as one of the world's best universities across a variety of subjects including Forestry (5), Geology (5) and paleontology. Interestingly, just a few hours from the university is Dinosaur  Park, recognized by UNESCO as home to some of the most important fossils discovered during the "Age of Dinosaurs". In terms of living costs, a one-bedroom apartment in downtown Edmonton costs an average of $1,171 CAD  per month.

University of British Columbia  

Founded in 1908, the University of British Columbia has some of the most beautiful campuses in Canada. The school's largest campus is located in Vancouver, with a backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, while the second campus, nestled in the unique Okanagan wine region, is just a few hours away. However, the University of British Columbia isn't just on our list because of its great locations; it is also considered one of the world's leading research universities, ranked 45th in the world in the QS World University Rankings and third in Canada. The university is also home to a leading subatomic physics research laboratory with the world's largest cyclotron particle accelerator. Additionally, the University of British Columbia is the most international university in North America, with students from 166 countries studying and a regional office in Hong Kong. In terms of living costs, Vancouver is Canada's most expensive city, with the average monthly cost for a one-bedroom apartment in downtown Vancouver being around $2,050 CAD  per month.

University of Manitoba  

Located in the heart of Canada, in Winnipeg, the University of Manitoba was founded in 1877 and is the oldest university in Western Canada. With more than 100 programs available, more than 20% of the school's students are international and the school has one of the largest numbers of local students in the country. The University of Manitoba has two campuses,  the largest is 692 acres and includes more than 60 buildings, and the second  downtown focuses on health sciences. 

The university is also home to the Smart park research and technology park, an innovation hub consisting of 10 buildings and 20 companies operating in various fields such as IT, engineering, healthcare and technology biology. For those looking for affordable study options, Winnipeg is a great choice, with the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center being just $1,077 CAD/month.

 McGill University  

Located in Montreal, Quebec, McGill University is considered one of the most prestigious universities in Canada, ranked 2nd in the country and 31st in the world according to the QS University rankings. Founded in 1821, the school has been ranked Canada's best medical school  by Maclean's magazine for 16 years. With research partners in 99 countries, the university focuses on global research, emphasizing seven key themes. 

McGill University has two campuses; The downtown campus is full of historic buildings and green spaces, while the second campus is located on 1,606 acres, about 45 minutes from the city. With arts, culture and vibrant  diversity, Montreal was this year named the  best student city in the world for international students, making it a great place to study. Cost of living: Montréal is an affordable city to live in. For example, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs on average about 1,245 CAD/month.

York University 

York University, established in 1959, is Toronto’s third-largest university with 11 faculties. It offers an array of programs in diverse fields, including psychology, education, and business. Financial Times ranked its Executive Master of Business Administration program number one in Canada and 21st worldwide in 2020.

The university has a main campus in Toronto and a smaller bilingual campus nearby. York University has also established a Hyderabad campus, where students can complete their two-year Master of Business Administration (MBA) program in both Canada and India. Additionally, the university has a unique Las Nubes Eco Campus, located on 414 acres of protected land in Costa Rica.

The cost of living in Toronto can be expensive, with a one-bedroom flat downtown costing approximately CAD $2,100 per month on average. However, living outside the city center near York University may offer more affordable rental options.

Dalhousie University  

Located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Dalhousie University is a research-intensive institution that was founded in 1818. With over 190 undergraduate and graduate programs, the university is among the 15 leading Canadian research universities, known as U15. International students account for almost 20% of the student population at Dalhousie.

The university has four campuses, including three in Halifax and one in Truro, which is a couple of hours away. Nova Scotia province, where Dalhousie is located, is an attractive destination for international students.

The province is situated in the heart of the Atlantic maritime region, offering breathtaking ocean views, lively nightlife, great live music, and friendly people. In 2021, Halifax was even named the best Canadian city to live and work remotely in by the Canadian magazine Maclean’s. In terms of living expenses, Halifax is a reasonably affordable city in Canada. For instance, a one-bedroom flat in the downtown area costs approximately CAD $1,415 per month.

These are among the many universities that offer top-notch education and hold an excellent reputation among international students. If you’re considering pursuing higher education in Canada, don’t hesitate to contact us. At NEEC and Visa Services, we have been assisting students in achieving their academic aspirations since 2003. We are a leading education consultancy in Nepal and will guide you through the process of studying in Canada.