Canadian Universities List & Top Rank University 2020

Last updated: February 7, 2026Reviewed date: February 7, 2026Reading time: 7 min read

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Canadian Universities List & Top Rank University 2020/Choose to study in Canada, and you’ll have the opportunity to encounter vastly different cultural and natural experiences – from the ski slopes of British Columbia to the prairie province of Manitoba, with cities such as Toronto, Montréal, Vancouver and Quebec famously...

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Article Summary

Key Takeaways

This article explains Start your search today by browsing the directory below and learn more about Canada’s universities. in simple medical language.
This article explains The other 16 top universities in Canada are: in simple medical language.

Educational health guideWritten for patient understanding and clinical awareness.

Reviewed content workflowUse writer and reviewer profiles for stronger trust.

Emergency safety firstUrgent warning signs are highlighted below.

Seek urgent medical care if you notice

These warning signs are general safety guidance. Local emergency numbers and clinical judgment should always come first.

Severe symptoms, breathing difficulty, fainting, confusion, or rapidly worsening illness.
New weakness, severe pain, high fever, or symptoms after a serious injury.
Any symptom that feels urgent, unusual, or unsafe for the patient.

Emergency now

Use emergency care for severe, sudden, rapidly worsening, or life-threatening symptoms.

See a doctor

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Definition

Canadian Universities List & Top Rank University 2020/Choose to study in Canada, and you’ll have the opportunity to encounter vastly different cultural and natural experiences – from the ski slopes of British Columbia to the prairie province of Manitoba, with cities such as Toronto, Montréal, Vancouver and Quebec famously friendly, tolerant and multicultural.

Occupying the northern half of the North American continent, Canada is known for its natural beauty – few nations in the world can boast anything close to its wealth of forests, lakes, and mountains – and for its multicultural diversity. The country has official bilingual status, with English and French used concurrently in government and official documents.

It’s also known for its sparse population (despite being the world’s second-largest country, it has a population smaller than that of just one US state, California) and for its harsh winters. In some parts of Canada, snow covers the ground for almost half the year – but you’re unlikely to find any Canadian universities in those regions!

Start your search today by browsing the directory below and learn more about Canada’s universities.

Alberta	City
Athabasca University	Athabasca
Concordia University of Edmonton	Edmonton
MacEwan University	Edmonton
Mount Royal University	Calgary Springbank
The King’s University	Edmonton
University of Alberta	Edmonton
University of Calgary	Calgary
University of Lethbridge	Lethbridge
British Columbia
Emily Carr University of Art + Design	Vancouver
Kwantlen Polytechnic University	Surrey Langley Richmond Cloverdale
Royal Roads University	Victoria
Simon Fraser University	Burnaby Surrey Vancouver
The University of British Columbia	Vancouver Kelowna
Thompson Rivers University	Kamloops
Trinity Western University	Langley
University of Northern British Columbia	Prince George Terrace Fort St John Quesnel Gitwinksihlkw
University of the Fraser Valley	Abbotsford
University of Victoria	Victoria
Vancouver Island University	Nanaimo
Manitoba
Brandon University	Brandon
Canadian Mennonite University	Winnipeg
St. Paul’s College	Winnipeg
The University of Winnipeg	Winnipeg
Université de Saint-Boniface	Winnipeg
University of Manitoba	Winnipeg
New Brunswick
Mount Allison University	Sackville
St. Thomas University	Fredericton
Université de Moncton	Moncton Edmundston Shippagan
University of New Brunswick	Fredericton Saint John
Newfoundland & Labrador
Memorial University of Newfoundland	Corner Brook St. John’s
Nova Scotia
Acadia University	Wolfville
Cape Breton University	Sydney
Dalhousie University	Halifax
Mount Saint Vincent University	Halifax
NSCAD University	Halifax
Saint Mary’s University	Halifax
St. Francis Xavier University	Antigonish
Université Sainte-Anne	Pointe-de-l’Église
University of King’s College	Halifax
Ontario
Algoma University	Sault Ste. Marie Brampton South Porcupine
Brescia University College	London
Brock University	St. Catharines
Carleton University	Ottawa
Huron University College	London
King’s University College	London
Lakehead University	Thunder Bay Orillia
Laurentian University	Sudbury Barrie
McMaster University	Hamilton
Nipissing University	North Bay
OCAD University	Toronto
Ontario Tech University	Oshawa
Queen’s University	Kingston
Redeemer University	Ancaster
Royal Military College of Canada	Kingston
Ryerson University	Toronto
St. Jerome’s University	Waterloo
Trent University	Peterborough Oshawa
University of Guelph	Guelph
University of Ottawa	Ottawa
University of St. Michael’s College	Toronto
University of Sudbury	Sudbury
University of Toronto	Toronto Mississauga Scarborough
University of Trinity College	Toronto
University of Waterloo	Waterloo
University of Windsor	Windsor
Victoria University	Toronto
Western University	London
Wilfrid Laurier University	Waterloo Brantford
York University	Toronto
Prince Edward Island
University of Prince Edward Island	Charlottetown
Québec
Bishop’s University	Sherbrooke
Concordia University	Montreal
École de technologie supérieure	Montreal
École nationale d’administration publique	Québec
HEC Montréal	Montréal
Institut national de la recherche scientifique	Québec
McGill University	Montreal
Polytechnique Montréal	Montreal
Université de Montréal	Montréal
Université de Sherbrooke	Sherbrooke Sherbrooke Longueuil
Université du Québec	Québec
Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC)	Chicoutimi
Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM)	Montréal
Université du Québec à Rimouski (UQAR)	Rimouski
Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR)	Trois-Rivières
Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT)	Rouyn-Noranda
Université du Québec en Outaouais	Gatineau
Université Laval	Québec
Université TÉLUQ	Québec
Saskatchewan
Campion College	Regina
First Nations University of Canada	Regina Saskatoon Prince Albert
Luther College	Regina
St. Thomas More College	Saskatoon
University of Regina	Regina
University of Saskatchewan	Saskatoon

Top Universities in Canada 2020

The newly released QS World University Rankings 2020 includes 26 top Canadian universities, ranked based on a methodology that assesses each university on its academic and employer reputations, research impact and more.

Read on as we count down the 10 highest-ranked universities in Canada, plus a look at how the other 16 institutions performed.

QS World University Rankings 2020 – Top 10 Universities in Canada
Canada Rank	Global Rank	University
1	=29	University of Toronto
2	=35	McGill University
3	51	University of British Columbia
4	113	University of Alberta
5	137	Université de Montréal
6	=140	McMaster University
7	=173	University of Waterloo
8	211	Western University
9	233	University of Calgary
10	=239	Queen’s University

10. Queen’s University

Retaining its position of joint 239^th in the world and 10^th in Canada, Queen’s University is located in Kingston, Ontario and is one of the oldest universities in Canada, with its 1841 establishment predating the foundation of Canada itself by 26 years.

9. University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is down four spots to rank 233^rd in the world in 2020. Originally founded as the Calgary branch of the University of Alberta in 1944, it now consists of five campuses, including a branch campus in Doha, Qatar which focuses on nursing.

8. Western University

Up three places to rank 211^th in the world in 2020, Western University, located in London, Ontario, achieves the highest score among the top universities in Canada for the citations per faculty member indicator, at 77^th.

7. University of Waterloo

The University of Waterloo falls 10 places to rank joint 173^rd in this year’s world rankings, but remains in the top 100 globally for the citations per faculty member indicator. It’s one of the younger universities in Canada, having been established in 1956.

6. McMaster University

Up six places to rank joint 140^th in the world in 2020, McMaster University, located in Hamilton in Ontario, is well known in particular for its prestigious medical school.

5. Université de Montréal

The French-speaking Université de Montréal climbs one place among the best universities in Canada and 12 places in the world this year to rank 137^th. Originally founded as a satellite campus of the Université Laval in, it now has around students including those at affiliated schools.

4. University of Alberta

The University of Alberta is down four places to rank 113^th in the world this year but continues to be fourth among the top universities in Canada. The university is mostly based in Edmonton but is a huge economic driver for the entire province of Alberta, contributing five percent of its annual gross domestic product (GDP).

3. University of British Columbia

Also down four places to now rank 51^st, the University of British Columbia has two main campuses in Vancouver and Kelowna in British Columbia, Canada’s westernmost province. It currently has around 65,000 students, including almost 16,200 international students.

2. McGill University

McGill University is ranked joint 35^th this year alongside the US’ University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), achieving the best score out of all Canadian universities for the percentage of international students indicator (71^st in the world), with international students accounting for roughly 25 percent of the student population of 40,000.

1. University of Toronto

And finally, coming in first place among the best universities in Canada is the University of Toronto, down one place this year to rank joint 29^th in the world alongside the Australian National University. As you might expect from the highest-placed institution in the country, it gets the highest scores in Canada for the academic and employer reputation indicators, at 17^th and 27^th respectively.

The other 16 top universities in Canada are:

Dalhousie University – ranked 280^th in the world
University of Ottawa – ranked joint 281^st
Simon Fraser University – ranked joint 314^th
University of Victoria – ranked joint 364^th
Laval University – ranked 416^th
University of Saskatchewan – ranked joint 439^th, up 22 places.
Concordia University – ranked joint 462^nd
York University – ranked 511-520
Université du Québec – ranked 561-570
University of Guelph – ranked 571-580
University of Manitoba – ranked 601-650
22. Carleton University– ranked 651-700
Université de Sherbrooke – ranked 651-700
University of Windsor – ranked 651-700
Memorial University of Newfoundland – ranked 701-75
Ryerson University – ranked 801-1000

Find out more about studying in Canada with our complete guide, including advice on applications, visas, fees and more.

2020 Medical/Doctoral universities rankings
Rank^[rx]	University	Reputational ranking^[rx]
1	McGill University	4
2	University of Toronto	1
3	University of British Columbia	3
4	McMaster University	5
=5	University of Alberta	6
=5	Queen’s University at Kingston	7
7	University of Western Ontario	8
8	Dalhousie University	14
9	University of Calgary	11
10	Université de Montréal	10
11	University of Ottawa	18
12	Université Laval	15
13	Université de Sherbrooke	19
14	University of Manitoba	23
15	University of Saskatchewan	20

2020 Comprehensive universities rankings^{[note 5]}
Rank	University	Reputation rank
1	Simon Fraser University	9
2	University of Victoria	13
3	University of Waterloo	2
4	University of Guelph	12
5	Carleton University	24
6	Wilfrid Laurier University	25
7	York University	21
8	Memorial University of Newfoundland	22
9	University of New Brunswick	31
10	Concordia University	17
11	Université du Québec à Montréal	26
12	Ryerson University	16
13	University of Windsor	40
14	Brock University	38
15	University of Regina	33

2020 Primarily Undergraduate universities rankings^{[note 5]}
Rank	University	Reputation rank^[
1	Mount Allison University	27
2	University of Northern British Columbia	34
3	Trent University	30
4	Acadia University	29
5	University of Lethbridge	35
=6	St. Francis Xavier University	28
=6	Saint Mary’s University	36
=8	Bishop’s University	39
=8	Lakehead University	42
10	University of Ontario Institute of Technology	32
11	University of Prince Edward Island	41
12	Laurentian University	45
13	St. Thomas University	47
14	Université de Moncton	44
15	University of Winnipeg	37
16	Nipissing University	49
17	Mount Saint Vincent University	43
18	Brandon University	48
19	Cape Breton University	46

Safety note: This is not a prescription or diagnosis. For severe symptoms, pregnancy danger signs, children with serious illness, chest pain, breathing difficulty, stroke-like weakness, or major injury, seek urgent care.

Which doctor may help?

Start with a registered doctor or the nearest qualified health center.

What to tell the doctor

Write when the problem started and how it changed.
Bring old prescriptions, investigation reports, and current medicines.
Write allergies, pregnancy status, diabetes, kidney/liver disease, and major past illnesses.
Bring one family member if the patient is weak, elderly, confused, or a child.

Questions to ask

What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
Which danger signs mean I should go to hospital quickly?
Which tests are necessary now, and which can wait?
How should I take medicines safely and what side effects should I watch for?
When should I come for follow-up?

Tests to discuss

Vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation
Basic physical examination by a clinician
CBC, urine test, blood sugar, or imaging only when clinically needed

Avoid these mistakes

Do not use antibiotics, steroid tablets/injections, or strong painkillers without proper medical advice.
Do not hide pregnancy, kidney disease, ulcer, allergy, or blood thinner use.
Do not delay emergency care when danger signs are present.

Medicine safety and first-aid guide

This section is for patient education only. It does not replace a doctor, pharmacist, or emergency care.

Safe first steps

Rest, drink safe water, and observe symptoms carefully.
Keep a written note of symptoms, duration, temperature, medicines already taken, and allergy history.
Seek medical care quickly if symptoms are severe, worsening, or unusual for the patient.

OTC medicine safety

For mild pain or fever, ask a registered pharmacist or doctor before using common over-the-counter pain/fever medicines.
Do not combine multiple pain medicines without advice, especially if you have kidney disease, liver disease, stomach ulcer, asthma, pregnancy, or take blood thinners.
Do not give adult medicines to children unless a qualified clinician advises it.

Avoid these mistakes

Do not start antibiotics without a proper medical decision.
Do not use steroid tablets or injections casually for quick relief.
Do not delay emergency care because of home remedies.

Get urgent help if

Severe symptoms, confusion, fainting, breathing difficulty, chest pain, severe dehydration, or sudden weakness need urgent medical care.

Medicine names, dose, and timing must be decided by a qualified clinician or pharmacist after checking age, pregnancy, allergy, other diseases, and current medicines.

For rural patients and family caregivers

Patient health record and symptom diary

Write your symptoms, medicines already taken, test results, and questions before visiting a doctor. This note stays on your device unless you print or copy it.

Doctor to discuss: Doctor / qualified healthcare provider

Tests to discuss with doctor

Basic vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen level if needed
Relevant blood, urine, imaging, or specialist tests only after clinical assessment

Questions to ask

What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
Which warning signs mean I should go to emergency care?
Which tests are really needed now?
Which medicines are safe for my age, pregnancy status, allergy, kidney/liver/stomach condition, and current medicines?

Emergency warning signs such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, confusion, severe dehydration, major injury, or loss of bladder/bowel control need urgent medical care. Do not wait for online information.

Go to emergency care if you notice:

Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
Breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, major injury, or severe dehydration

Doctor / service to discuss: Qualified healthcare provider; specialist depends on symptoms and examination.

Step 1
Check danger signs first

If danger signs are present, seek emergency care and do not wait for online information.
Step 2
Record the symptom story

Write when symptoms started, severity, medicines already taken, allergies, pregnancy status, and test results.
Step 3
Visit a qualified clinician

A doctor, nurse, or qualified healthcare provider can examine you and decide which tests or treatment are needed.
Step 4
Do only useful tests

Do tests after clinical assessment. Avoid unnecessary tests, random antibiotics, or repeated medicines without diagnosis.
Step 5
Follow up and return early if worse

If symptoms worsen, new warning signs appear, or treatment is not helping, return for review quickly.

Rural patient practical tips

Take a written symptom diary and all previous prescriptions/test reports.
Do not hide medicines already taken, even herbal or over-the-counter medicines.
Ask which warning signs mean urgent referral to hospital.

This roadmap is for education. A real diagnosis and treatment plan requires history, examination, and clinical judgment.

RX Patient Help

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Write your symptom story. A health professional or site editor can review it before any answer is prepared. This box is not for emergency care.

Emergency first: Severe chest pain, breathing trouble, unconsciousness, stroke signs, severe injury, heavy bleeding, or rapidly worsening symptoms need urgent local medical care now.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is this article a replacement for a doctor?

No. It is educational content only. Patients should consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment.

When should I seek urgent care?

Seek urgent care for severe symptoms, rapidly worsening condition, breathing difficulty, severe pain, neurological changes, or any emergency warning sign.

References

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Understand this article easily

Article Summary

Key Takeaways

Seek urgent medical care if you notice

Emergency now

See a doctor

Learn safely

RX Patient Tools

Start your search today by browsing the directory below and learn more about Canada’s universities.

Top Universities in Canada 2020

10. Queen’s University

9. University of Calgary

8. Western University

7. University of Waterloo

6. McMaster University

5. Université de Montréal

4. University of Alberta

3. University of British Columbia

2. McGill University

1. University of Toronto

The other 16 top universities in Canada are:

Prepare before seeing a doctor

Which doctor may help?

What to tell the doctor

Questions to ask

Tests to discuss

Avoid these mistakes

Medicine safety and first-aid guide

Safe first steps

OTC medicine safety

Avoid these mistakes

Get urgent help if

Patient health record and symptom diary

Care roadmap for: Canadian Universities List & Top Rank University 2020

Check danger signs first

Record the symptom story

Visit a qualified clinician

Do only useful tests

Follow up and return early if worse

Ask a health question safely

Frequently Asked Questions

References

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