Top Public Universities in Canada for International Students 2024

Kasturika Samanta

6 min read

Updated On Aug 14, 2024

Top public universities in Canada include the University of Toronto, & McGill University. Read this article for the whole list and more details like fees & courses.

15 Top Public Universities in Canada
City-Wise List of Government Universities in Canada
Public Universities in Canada with Low Tuition Fees
Useful Resources

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With 96 public universities in Canada spread across the various provinces, the country boasts of 11 top public universities in Canada that hold a global QS rank within 200. This list includes the University of Toronto, University of British Columbia (UBC), McGill University, McMaster University and University of Alberta. These universities have already attracted around 360,000 international students in 2024.

To decide on the right university and choose the best course, aspirants need the details on the best public universities in Canada. This blog is here to provide the same. So, read ahead!

15 Top Public Universities in Canada

International students mostly opt for public universities in Canada as they seek high-quality education that they can afford. Among the long list of public universities and colleges in Canada, it might become a huddle to choose the best one.

The table below provides you a comprehensive list of all the globally ranked top public universities in Canada for international students along with their tuition fees for both UG and PG courses.

QS Rank 2025	Name of University	Average Tuition Fees for UG courses (CAD)	Average Tuition Fees for PG courses (CAD)
25	University of Toronto	61,350	38,990
29	McGill University	22,000 - 48,747	18,300 - 50,000
38	University of British Columbia	58,153	9,131 - 28,440
96	University of Alberta	30,090	9,465 - 19,625
115	University of Waterloo	47,844	13,923 - 20,682
=120	Western University	37,293	12,479 - 44,946
=159	Université de Montréal	21,000 - 26,000	27,000
=176	McMaster University	34,887 - 40,668	16,761 - 34,123
189	University of Ottawa	45,000 - 57,000	21,000 - 31,000
193	Queen's University	45,000 - 60,000	25,000 - 50,000
=198	University of Calgary	21,400 - 26,100	16,300 - 25,000
=275	Dalhousie University	22,000 - 30,000	14,000 - 22,000
319	Simon Fraser University	33,081	14,360 - 33,918
=340	University of Saskatchewan	20,000 - 25,000	6,730 - 20,000
349	University of Victoria (UVic)	24,990 - 31,245	6,364 - 12,679

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City-Wise List of Government Universities in Canada

Canada has 10 provinces and 3 territories, each with its own capital. There are 8,016 cities and towns all over the Canadian provinces and territories. Every city has their own list of public colleges in Canada that attracts international students every year. However, some are more popular than others.

So, let’s check the best public colleges in Canada for international students in the most sought-after cities in Canada in the next section.

Public Universities in Toronto Canada

In worldwide quality of life indices, Toronto ranks on the top. In addition to fast public transport and world-class, a variety of recreational and cultural activities, and a clean and safe environment, the city also provides healthcare services. These factors attract students from all over the world to the public colleges Ontario, especially in Toronto.

In the table below, check out the best public colleges in Toronto Canada with their top courses, eligibility requirements including IELTS band score and tuition fees in INR.

Name of University	Top Courses/ Subjects	Average Eligibility Criteria	Average Tuition Fees (in INR)
University of Toronto	Computer Science, Engineering, Medicine, Arts	Minimum GPA of 3.7 on a 4.0 scale, Specific subject prerequisites, English language proficiency (IELTS- 6.5/TOEFL-122), supplementary application materials for some programs	UG: 23 lakhs - 47 lakhs PG: 16 lakhs- 28 lakhs
York University	Business, Law, Engineering, Health, Arts	Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, Specific course requirements, English language proficiency (IELTS-7/TOEFL iBT-103), additional requirements for some programs such as portfolios or auditions	UG: 17 lakhs - ₹23 lakhs PG: 18 lakhs - 25 lakhs
Wilfrid Laurier University	Business, Economics, Arts, Science	Minimum GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale, Specific subject prerequisites, English language proficiency (IELTS-6.5/TOEFL-120), program-specific requirements	UG: 16 lakhs -18 lakhs PG: 15 lakhs -20 lakhs
University of Guelph	Agriculture, Veterinary, Engineering, Business	Minimum GPA of 3.0+ on a 4.0 scale, Specific subject prerequisites, English language proficiency (IELTS-6.5/TOEFL iBT-89), additional requirements for some programs	UG: 15 lakhs - 20 lakhs PG: 12 lakhs - 18 lakhs
Université de l'Ontario français	French language programs, Education, Digital Culture	Minimum GPA of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale, High school diploma, French language proficiency, specific subject prerequisites	UG & PG: 10 lakhs - 15 lakhs
Toronto Metropolitan University	Business, Arts, Engineering, Media Studies	Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.33 scale, Specific course prerequisites, English language proficiency (IELTS-6.5/TOEFL- 92), additional program-specific requirements	UG: 17 lakhs - 20 lakhs PG: 18 lakhs - 22 lakhs

Public Universities in Vancouver Canada

Vancouver in the province of British Columbia is the second most popular choice among international students. Besides boasting of the gorgeous natural beauty, this city also offers top-quality education in the Vancouver public universities and has a low crime rate.

Check out the best Vancouver, British Columbia public colleges with their top courses, eligibility requirements and tuition fees in INR in the table below.

Name of University	Top Courses/ Subjects	Average Eligibility Criteria	Average Tuition Fees (in INR)
University of British Columbia	Computer Science, Business Administration, Engineering	Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, Specific course requirements, IELTS: 6.5 (no band less than 6.0)/TOEFL: 90	23 lakhs - 35 lakhs
Simon Fraser University	Business, Engineering, Computer Science	Minimum GPA of 3.0 -3.33 on a 4.0 scale, Specific course requirements, IELTS: 6.5 (no band less than 6.0)/TOEFL: 88	25 lakhs - 40 lakhs
Capilano University	Film Studies, Business Administration, Early Childhood Care	Minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale, Specific course prerequisites, IELTS: 6.5 (no band less than 6.0)/TOEFL: 83	15 lakhs - 20 lakhs
Emily Carr University of Art and Design	Visual Arts, Design, Media Arts	Minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, High School Diploma/ Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, portfolio submission, IELTS: 6.5 (no band less than 6.0)/TOEFL: 84	20 lakhs - 25 lakhs
Vancouver Island University	Business, Hospitality Management, Fisheries & Aquaculture	Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, Specific course requirements, IELTS: 6.5 (no band less than 6.0)/TOEFL: 88	15 lakhs - 20 lakhs

Public Colleges in Calgary for International Students

For international students, Calgary is a welcoming and reasonably priced place to study. It's a great region for students to live and study because of its affordable cost of living, average pay scale, and many part-time work options.

Below is a list of the best public colleges in Alberta Canada in the city of Calgary, with their top courses, eligibility requirements, and tuition fees in INR.

Name of University	Top Courses/ Subjects	Eligibility Criteria	Average Tuition Fees (in INR)
University of Calgary	Engineering, Business, Medicine, Law	Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, Specific program requirements vary, IELTS: 6.5 /TOEFL: 86	12 lakhs - 15 lakhs
University of Alberta	Business, Engineering, Medicine, Law, Sciences	Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, Specific program requirements vary, IELTS: 7 /TOEFL: 100	5.5 lakhs - 6.1 lakhs
University of Lethbridge	Arts & Science, Education, Fine Arts, Health Sciences, Management	Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, IELTS: 6 /TOEFL: 80, specific program requirements vary	6 lakhs - 7 lakhs
Alberta University of the Arts	Visual Communication Design, Animation, Fine Art, Craft and Emerging Media	Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, Portfolio review, IELTS: 6.5 /TOEFL: 86, specific program requirements vary	5.8 lakhs - 6.5 lakhs
Athabasca University	Business, Health, Education, Arts	Varies by program, generally requires a completed undergraduate degree with specific program prerequisites, IELTS: 6.5 /TOEFL: 80	4.2 lakhs - 5 lakhs

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Public Universities in Canada with Low Tuition Fees

Besides global recognition and world-class education provided by the universities, another factor that determines the choice of the international students is low tuition fees. So, here is a list of public universities in Canada with low tuition fees, including some public colleges in Saskatchewan.

University/College Name	Average Annual Fees (CAD)	Average Annual Fees (INR)
Brandon University	7,203	4,42,212
Université de Saint-Boniface	10,570	6,49,878
Saskatchewan Polytechnic	15,000	9,19,950
Parkland College	14,000	8,58,620
University of Winnipeg	17,640	1,081,921
Memorial University of Newfoundland	20,000	1,226,600
University of Northern British Columbia	23,818	1,461,936
University of Calgary	26,408	1,619,352
University of Saskatchewan	25,751	1,578,990
University of Manitoba	28,965	1,777,230
University of Alberta	31,500	1,930,095
Simon Fraser University	31,500	1,930,095

In comparison to private universities, public universities in Canada provide international students with excellent educational opportunities at reasonable tuition costs and provide a seamless integration into the community by offering a variety of academic options and cultivating a culturally tolerant atmosphere. In addition, students looking for a well-rounded educational experience may find Canadian public colleges appealing due to their reputation for safety, research possibilities, and supportive services. So, choose what’s best for you, check out the Canada PR requirements and fulfill your dream of a Canadian education.

Useful Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a public university in Canada?

In Canada, public universities and colleges are institutions of higher learning that receive funding from state governments. They are spread across the Canadian provinces and territories.

Are public universities in Canada free?

No. All universities in Canada had tuition fees for both domestic and international students. However, several colleges have fully funded scholarships that cover the cost of their students' education.

Which university is the cheapest in Canada?

Brandon University, University of Calgary and Dalhousie University have low tuition fees compared to most other public universities in Canada.

Is public university better than a private in Canada?

Public universities in Canada are often cheaper as they get government funding. Moreover, they provide a greater variety of programs and ample chances for research. On the other hand, private universities offer smaller classrooms and a more individualized education. Your preferences and money will determine which option is best for you.

How can I get admission in public universities in Canada?

Admission to Canadian public colleges is determined by an applicant's IELTS score as well as their academic standing. Applicants with better IELTS scores are more likely to get admitted.