As an international student, you need to know the top colleges in Canada to pick the right college. Canadian colleges offer undergraduate courses, diploma courses, PG diploma courses, and graduate certificate programs. The duration of the programs ranges between 1-4 years based on the course and the college you choose from the best colleges in Canada.
Here are the top 10 colleges in Canada for international students:
- University of Toronto
- McGill University
- University of British Columbia
- University of Alberta
- University of Waterloo
- Western University
- University of Montreal
- McMaster University
- University of Ottawa
- Queen’s University at Kingston
Now, let’s explore top colleges in Canada in detail:
1. University of Toronto
Established in 1827, the University of Toronto (UofT) consistently ranks among the top Canadian colleges, attracting a vibrant international community of over 10,000 students from more than 160 countries. As a research powerhouse, UofT employs over 4,000 faculty members and offers 230+ postgraduate programs, boasting a graduate employment rate exceeding 90%.
Aspect
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Details
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Type of College
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Public
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Establishment Year
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1827
|
ELP Test Scores
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IELTS: 6.5 (no band less than 6.0); TOEFL: 80 (no section less than 20)
|
Programs Offered
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International Foundation Program, Applied Science and Engineering, Arts and Science, Medical Radiation Sciences
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Average Annual Fees
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CAD 65,000/Year (₹40 lakhs)
|
2. McGill University
Known for its global research impact and vibrant student life, McGill University is often considered one of the best colleges in Canada, offering a truly enriching experience with a research expenditure exceeding CAD 600 million annually. Around 30% of its 40,000 students are international, creating a diverse and engaging learning environment.
Aspect
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Details
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Type of College
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Public
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Establishment Year
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1821
|
QS World University Rankings 2025
|
30
|
ELP Test Scores
|
IELTS: 6.5 (no band less than 6.0); TOEFL: 80 (no section less than 20)
|
Programs Offered
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Information Studies, Computer Science, Business, Dentistry
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Average Annual Fees
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CAD 21,000/Year (₹13 lakhs)
|
3. University of British Columbia
UBC is renowned as a top college in Canada, recognized for its world-class facilities, commitment to research, and a globally diverse community with over 20% of its student body comprising international students from 162+ countries. UBC maintains an impressive student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, ensuring personalized attention.
Aspect
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Details
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Type of College
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Public
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Establishment Year
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1908
|
QS World University Rankings 2025
|
34
|
ELP Test Scores
|
IELTS: 6.5 (no band less than 6.0); TOEFL: 80 (no section less than 20)
|
Programs Offered
|
Mineral and Mining Engineering, Sports, Geography
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Average Annual Fees
|
CAD 61,000/Year (₹37 lakhs)
|
4. University of Alberta
With a strong focus on research and student support, the University of Alberta ranks among the top Canadian colleges, offering a dynamic learning environment with over 200 undergraduate programs and more than 400 laboratories. Around 15% of its 40,000 students are international, representing a significant global presence.
Aspect
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Details
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Type of College
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Public
|
Establishment Year
|
1908
|
QS World University Rankings 2025
|
111
|
ELP Test Scores
|
IELTS: 6.5 (no band less than 6.0); TOEFL: 80 (no section less than 20)
|
Programs Offered
|
Pharmaceutical Sciences, Engineering, Arts, Business, Law
|
Average Annual Fees
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CAD 25,000/Year (₹16 lakhs)
|
5. University of Waterloo
Known for its extensive co-op programs, averaging 4 co-op terms per student, the University of Waterloo stands out as one of the best colleges in Canada, offering over 200 academic and research opportunities alongside practical experience. With over 42,000 students, around 18% are international.
Aspect
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Details
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Type of College
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Public
|
Establishment Year
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1957
|
QS World University Rankings 2025
|
112
|
ELP Test Scores
|
IELTS: 6.5 (no band less than 6.0); TOEFL: 80 (no section less than 20)
|
Programs Offered
|
Mathematics, Arts and Science, Health, Environment
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Average Annual Fees
|
CAD 61,000/Year (₹37 lakhs)
|
6. Western University
Established in 1878, Western University is a top Canadian college, hosting 12 academic faculties that provide a wide range of disciplines and excellent research opportunities to over 43,000 students. Specialized programs boast a post-graduation employment rate of nearly 92%.
Aspect
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Details
|
Type of College
|
Public
|
Establishment Year
|
1878
|
QS World University Rankings 2025
|
114
|
ELP Test Scores
|
IELTS: 6.5 (no band less than 6.0); TOEFL: 80 (no section less than 20)
|
Programs Offered
|
Data Analytics, Business Administration, Law
|
Average Annual Fees
|
CAD 42,000/Year (₹250 lakhs)
|
7. University of Montreal
As the world's largest bilingual (English-French) institution, the University of Montreal is recognized as a top college in Canada, offering a unique learning environment with a global outlook. It supports over 69,000 students across 13 schools, including around 10,000 international scholars.
Aspect
|
Details
|
Type of College
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Public
|
Establishment Year
|
1878
|
QS World University Rankings 2025
|
141
|
ELP Test Scores
|
IELTS: 6.5 (no band less than 6.0); TOEFL: 80 (no section less than 20)
|
Programs Offered
|
Medicine, Law, Arts, and Science
|
Average Annual Fees
|
CAD 20,000/Year (₹12.3 lakhs)
|
8. McMaster University
Founded in 1887, McMaster University is known for its commitment to research, making it one of the best colleges in Canada. It boasts over 70 research centers, with a research expenditure exceeding CAD 400 million, contributing to groundbreaking discoveries.
Aspect
|
Details
|
Type of College
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Public
|
Establishment Year
|
1887
|
QS World University Rankings 2025
|
189
|
ELP Test Scores
|
IELTS: 6.5 (no band less than 6.0); TOEFL: 80 (no section less than 20)
|
Programs Offered
|
Business, Engineering, Health Sciences, Humanities
|
Average Annual Fees
|
CAD 43,000/Year (₹26.3 lakhs)
|
9. University of Ottawa
At the University of Ottawa, you'll be part of a diverse and inclusive community of over 47,000 students, fostering cross-cultural exchange and understanding. Ranked among the top Canadian colleges, it is also the world's largest bilingual institution, offering a unique learning environment.
Aspect
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Details
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Type of College
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Public
|
Establishment Year
|
1848
|
QS World University Rankings 2025
|
203
|
ELP Test Scores
|
IELTS: 6.5 (no band less than 6.0); TOEFL: 80 (no section less than 20)
|
Programs Offered
|
Data Science, Humanities, Education, Social Work
|
Average Annual Fees
|
CAD 25,000/Year (₹16 lakhs)
|
10. Queen’s University at Kingston
Queen's University at Kingston offers a strong focus on undergraduate education, preparing its 28,000+ students for leadership roles. Recognized as a top college in Canada, nearly 15% of its student body is international, fostering a global perspective.
Aspect
|
Details
|
Type of College
|
Public
|
Establishment Year
|
1841
|
QS World University Rankings 2025
|
209
|
ELP Test Scores
|
IELTS: 6.5 (no band less than 6.0); TOEFL: 80 (no section less than 20)
|
Programs Offered
|
Computer Science, Health Studies, Humanities
|
Average Annual Fees
|
CAD 27,000/Year (₹16.5 lakhs)
|