International Student Rankings for 2026 place Four Canadian Cities Amongst the World's Top 100
In the latest QS World University rankings of 2026, Canadian universities continued to impress, with McGill University in Montreal topping the list as the highest ranked Canadian university, securing the 27th position globally. The University of Toronto, located in Toronto, followed closely behind, ranking 29th globally.
McGill University's high ranking was accompanied by Montreal's dominance in the QS Best Student Cities list, where it was the top-performing city in Canada. Montreal excelled in the Student View (94.4) and Student Mix (91.5) categories, but its Affordability level fell to 30.5. Montreal ranked 10th place in the QS Best Student Cities 2025 list, but experienced a decline in 2026.
Toronto, another vibrant city, held the 11th position in the QS Best Student Cities 2025 list, also marking a big decline this year. The city excelled in the Student View (93.1), Student Mix (91.8), Employer Activity (85.6), and Desirability (82.4) categories. However, like Montreal and Vancouver, Toronto scored low on Affordability (17.4).
Vancouver, regularly ranked as Canada's most expensive city, also fared well in the Student View, Employer Activity, and Desirability categories. The city was the third highest ranked Canadian university in the 2026 QS World University rankings, coming in the 40th position globally. Vancouver ranked highly in the Student Mix (91.8) category, but its Affordability score (16.9) brought its overall score down.
Ottawa, unfortunately, did not perform as well as the other cities, not appearing among the top-performing cities in Canada on QS's global Best Student Cities list. The University of Ottawa ranked in the 218th position in the QS World University Ranking 2026.
York University, also in Toronto, ranked in the 333rd position in the QS World University Rankings 2026, while Simon Fraser University, located in Vancouver, was listed in the 308th place.
International students seeking to study in Canada need to provide proof of financial support to apply for a study permit. The amount of funds required for proof of financial support changes according to the size of the family, starting at $22,895 for a family of one as of September 1, 2025. Other documents required for studying in Canada include the Provincial Attestation Letter or Territorial Attestation Letter, biometrics, a medical exam, and police certificates.
It's important to note that only Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) are permitted to admit international students in Canada. There have been changes to post-graduation work permit (PGWP) and spousal open work permit (SOWP) eligibility over 2024 and 2025, so it's important to stay up-to-date with the most recent eligibility criteria.
Pursuing higher education in Canada offers benefits such as top-notch universities, a diverse and welcoming environment, and opportunities for post-graduation employment. With its strong universities and student cities, Canada remains an attractive destination for international students.
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