Top Public Universities in Canada (2025)

Last Updated on August 28, 2024

Canada stands as one of the favorite destinations for international students pursuing higher education. With 28 Canadian universities featured in the QS World University Rankings this year, the nation boasts both quality and variety in education. There are a total of 96 public universities in Canada offering more than 15000 academic programs, providing a diverse range of choices for aspiring students. These institutions go beyond the traditional classroom lectures, incorporating a mixture of practical learning and training methods. From research-based projects to internships, public universities in Canada ensure an overall learning experience.

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Top Public Universities in Canada for International Students

Let’s have a look at the top public universities in Canada based on the high quality of education, student-teacher ratio, international student experience and employability score-

University of Toronto

This university founded in 1827, is a non-profit public education institution located in a metropolitan setting. It is a big coeducational university in Canada formally accredited by Ontario’s Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. Toronto University offers more than 980 programs for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees in various disciplines of the study. The average tuition fee at this university is about 8-39 lakhs. 

Queen’s University 

This university attracts a diverse community of over 25,260 candidates hailing from over 100 nations. It is committed to creating a welcoming and supportive community that embraces students from all corners of the world and diverse backgrounds, fostering inclusivity. It’s tuition fees is around 33 lakhs annually. 

University of Waterloo

This university holds the distinction of being among the pioneers worldwide, granting bachelor students early access to cutting-edge computers. It provides an extensive academic portfolio featuring 100 undergraduate degrees and an impressive selection of 190 graduate programs committed to delivering high-quality academic curriculum. The proactive approach to preparing students for the challenges beyond classrooms sets them apart. Their average tuition fee is around 40 lakhs INR for two terms.

McGill University 

This is a very big coeducational, non-profit higher education school located in the urban setting of Montreal that is officially recognised by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education of Quebec. This university is mainly known for its field of medical institutes. The facilities are similar to most of the institutions listed here. The average tuition fee is around 54 L. 

York University 

This is a public study in Canada founded in 1959. It stands as an affordable choice among public universities in Canada. York University is a platform for students worldwide to access innovative educational opportunities. This institute is dedicated to nurturing success in expressive careers, ensuring that students receive not only quality education but also the tools and support needed to thrive in their respective fields. The tuition fees can go up to 23-61 lakhs INR. 

Western University

It is a comparatively cheaper university that focuses on research-oriented tasks and has been united with different institutions for integrated courses. The university allows research in areas including musculoskeletal health, child and youth development, sustainability, neuroscience, global health equity, wind engineering, etc. The tuition fee is around 7 lakhs INR annually.

University of Ottawa

This public university offers a wide variety of academic courses through its multiple facilities, which are well regarded for their quality of education and ranking in respective fields, including the faculty of science, engineering, law, and health sciences. The university has approximately 8K international students from 150+ countries, accounting for 30% of the student population on average. The average tuition fee per annum is 8 – 47 lakhs INR.

Trent University

It is one of the cheapest Public universities in Canada for international students, offering degree certificates, diplomas and knowledge in diverse fields like anthropology, accounting, arts and science, African studies, archaeology and biology. It supports international students by providing facilities in terms of academics, finances, housing and health insurance as well.

Dalhousie University 

This university falls under one of the universities that has a diverse mix of students from around the globe, with over 115 nations signified. The university offers 147 undergraduate degrees and diplomas, 84 graduate programs and 7 professional programs. To work while studying in Canada, this university permits international students to work under limitations as per immigration laws and regulations. The fees here range between 8 to 25 lakhs per annum.

University of Regina

This university is ranked number one among comprehensive universities in international research collaborations by Research Info Source Inc. It tops the list of public colleges in Canada for research-intensive courses. It offers about 120 undergraduate programmes and 78 postgraduate programmes in over 15 disciplines, which include social work, business administration, health, engineering, and media, and many more international students from about 90 nations are studying at this university, which covers 17.7% of the total student population here.

Other top universities include the University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, Conestoga University and the University of Windsor. 

Eligibility Requirements to Study in Canada

The basic requirements for every public university in Canada are as follows –

• Academic transcripts (either high school certificate or bachelor’s degree)
• Passport
• Resume/ CV
• English and subject proficiency scores
• Evidence of funding or scholarships 
• Letters of Recommendation (between 2-3)
• Portfolio and writing samples
• Personal statement
• Work experience (if applicable)

Please note that the English language proficiency tests include PTE Academic, TOEFL, IELTS, C1 advanced or C2 proficiency. Canadian universities commonly accept these certificates.

Application Process for Top Public Universities in Canada

The admission procedure for international students at top public universities in Canada typically involves several common steps. While there may be certain variations among institutions, the fundamental procedures remain consistent and stable across universities. The following is a general list for guidance –

• Visit the official website of your desired college\public university where you intend to study in Canada.
• Explore and review the course details of the program you wish to pursue and study in Canada. Understand the structure of the coursework and its requirements and check for any additional information required. 
• Choose one of the intake periods for your preferred program 
• Then, access and complete the online student application form available on the website of the public university 
• Fill out the online application form with accurate, authentic and complete information. Ensure that you provide and upload all the necessary details and documents required by the university
• Re-check the form for the necessary documentation specified by the university to facilitate the assessment and evaluation of your application. This includes transcripts, letters of recommendation, an English proficiency test report and a statement of purpose. Make sure you have them beforehand or arrange them as soon as possible.
• Pay the application fee as required by the university. The payment details are usually available on the university’s website. 
• After that, Submit the complete application through the university’s online portal.
• After a thorough evaluation, if you are accepted, you will receive an official offer letter from the public university where you wish to study in Canada.
• As soon as you receive the offer letter, proceed to apply for a Canadian student visa. This step is very essential for international students planning to study in Canada.

Kindly ensure to check the specific requirements and deadlines of the university you are interested in, as these details may vary. Furthermore, it is advised that the application process be started well in advance to ensure a smooth and timely admission process. 

Conclusion

To wrap up, this article includes all the basic information about the top public universities in Canada. Students must check the university’s official website to select the courses or specialisations they want based on their educational and career goals. It is essential to choose the right specialisation to ensure that the course curriculum fulfils your study requirements. Certain Canadian institutions also offer elective subjects through which you can customise your coursework. 

FAQs

What is the difference between public and private universities in Canada?

Public universities or colleges in Canada are higher education institutions funded by the state governments. Private universities, on the other hand, rely on students’ tuition fees and grants to fund their academic programs, which can be comparatively expensive.

What benefits do public universities offer international students in Canada?

The advantages of public universities to study in Canada include a larger student population, activities and resources, major academic programs and fantastic networking opportunities.

Which are the most cheap public Canadian universities?

Vancouver Island is the cheapest university in Canada. The University of Victoria, Cape Breton University, the University of Regina and Royal Roads University are some of the inexpensive public universities in Canada. Their tuition fee starts from 71,900 INR.

Is there a free university in Canada?

No, there is no free university in Canada. However, a student can look for various student financial aid options offered by universities to cover the complete cost of studying and living in Canada. Another alternative would be to pick up part-time jobs to manage and sort their funds.

Which is the best public university in Canada for international students?

The University of Toronto is the best public university for international students in Canada. 

Gaurav Kandari

Gaurav Kandari is a seasoned study abroad consultant with over 5 years of experience, specializing in guiding students to the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia. An avid traveler, he draws on his global adventures to enrich his consulting, providing invaluable insights to aspiring scholars.