Colleges & Universities in Canada

Universities in Canada

Higher Education in Canada New

Overview

What are the most popular Universities and Colleges in Canada? uniRank answers this question by publishing the 2025 Canadian University Ranking of 101 Canadian higher-education institutions meeting the following uniRank selection criteria:

  • being chartered, licensed or accredited by the appropriate higher education-related organization in Canada
  • offering at least three-year bachelor's degrees or postgraduate master's or doctoral degrees
  • delivering courses predominantly in a traditional, non-distance education format

2025 Ranking of Canadian Universities

2025 University Sub-rankings by Provinces and Territories

Canada is divided into 10 provinces and 3 territories. The majority of higher education institutions that meet the uniRank selection criteria are concentrated in the most densely populated provinces: Ontario (Toronto), Quebec (Montreal), British Columbia (Vancouver), and Alberta (Calgary). The following uniRank sub-rankings and league tables consider all administrative divisions that include at least one Canadian higher education institution meeting the uniRank selection criteria.


Alberta (12)  
British Columbia (16)  
Manitoba (5)  
New Brunswick (8)  
Newfoundland and Labrador (2)  
Northwest Territories (1)  
Nova Scotia (9)  
Ontario (24)  
Prince Edward Island (1)  
Quebec (17)  
Saskatchewan (6)  

Country Featured Universities

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Higher Education in Canada

The Higher Education System in Canada

The Canadian higher education system is governed by provincial and territorial authorities. The Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (Conseil des ministres de l'Éducation du Canada) coordinates national education efforts across all regions.

Types of higher education institutions in Canada

Canada has a wide range of higher education institutions, including:

  1. Universities: offering undergraduate and graduate programs, universities are the primary institutions for academic and professional education.
  2. Community Colleges: offering vocational, technical, and applied degree programs.
  3. Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology: focused on career-oriented training.
  4. Private Institutions: providing specialized training in fields like technology and business.

Access to higher education in Canada

Students in Canada typically access higher education after completing secondary education, which lasts up to grade 12. Entrance requirements vary by province and institution, but often include high school diplomas and sometimes entrance exams or specific course prerequisites.

Languages of Instruction in Canada

Programs are taught in English and French, depending on the region and institution.

Stages of higher education in Canada

  1. First stage: undergraduate studies, typically leading to a Bachelor's degree, last from 3 to 4 years.
  2. Second stage: graduate studies, generally lasting 1 to 2 years, leading to a Master's degree.
  3. Third stage: doctoral studies, which may last from 3 to 5 years, culminating in a Ph.D.

Related Canadian University Lists

Since 2005, UniRank provides original research, valuable information and resources to help you explore and make informed decisions about Canadian universities and their online presence.


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