5 famous Canadian authors and where they went to university

PTE Author
PTE Author
Image - reading book 1080px
Reading time: 6 minutes

Are you thinking about moving to Canada to study? Get inspired by these talented Canadian authors and discover the universities they attended. Find out which Canadian universities accept PTE Academic now! 

Canada inspires good writing. The northern country is home to many talented literary figures and authors whose works have been celebrated worldwide for decades. From old classics like Anne of Green Gables to newer works like Women Talking and The English Patient, Canadian literature has really made a mark.  

But who are the masterminds behind these incredible stories? More importantly, where in Canada did they study?  

Here, we take a look at some of Canada’s most talented writers and learn where they earned their university degrees. 

This list includes reputable institutions from the scenic east coast, to the quiet prairies to highly-regarded schools in Ontario. And if you have yet to read these writers’ books, add them to your reading list! 

1. Lucy Maud Montgomery  

Lucy Maud Montgomery published Anne of Green Gables in 1908. It became one of Canada’s most famous books. The story is set in the Canadian province of Prince Edward Island which is where the author was born.  

The fictional story is about a red-haired, impulsive orphan growing up in a small eastern Canadian town. Though it was rejected by many publishers at first, the novel went on to sell more than 50 million copies. It has also been translated into 36 languages.  

More recently, it was developed into a TV series called Anne With An E, which can be streamed on Netflix.  

Education: Dalhousie University 

Lucy Maud Montgomery studied at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She started her studies there at age 21 in 1895. At the time, it wasn’t common for women to be seen on campus. During her time at Dalhousie, she argued that more women should seek a university education.  

Feeling inspired to study at Dalhousie University? The good news is that they accept PTE as proof of your English level.  

2. Joseph Boyden  

Joseph Boyden is a Canadian novelist and short-story writer. Boyden is best known for writing about First Nations culture. He is best known for his books Three Day Road, Through The Black Spruce, and The Orenda. In his writing career, Boyden has collected many Canadian literary prizes. These include Canada Reads, the Scotiabank Giller Prize, the Rogers Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize, The Governor General’s Award for fiction, and the Canadian Booksellers Association Fiction Book of the Year. Boyden grew up in North York, Ontario.  

Education: York University  

He studied creative writing at York University where he was admired by a professor for his intensity and determination. He also has honorary degrees from Wilfrid Laurier University, Trent University, Nipissing University, and Algoma University.  

Do you want to follow in Boyden’s footsteps? York University accepts PTE. 

3. Alice Munro 

Alice Munro is one of the best authors to have ever come out of Canada. In 2013, she won the Nobel Prize in Literature. She is known and praised as being the master of the short story. Her books include Dear Life, Dance of the Happy Shades, The Lives of Girls and Women, Who Do You Think You Are and The Love of a Good Woman. When she won the Nobel Prize, she was quoted saying that she didn’t expect to win.  

Education: Western University  

As for her education, Munro studied English at Western University. She started at the university in 1949. She actually published her first-ever work at the university’s campus literary magazine called Folio. Munro is one of Western University’s most famous alumni.  

If you’ve bookmarked Western University as a place to study, it also accepts PTE.  

4. Miriam Toews 

Miriam Toews is a bestselling author of Women Talking, All My Puny Sorrows, and A Complicated Kindness. Toews has collected many literary awards in Canada. Her major awards are the Governor General’s Award for English-language fiction, Canada Reads, and the Scotiabank Giller Prize. Her novel Women Talking is a fictional story based on a Mennonite colony in Bolivia. It became a bestseller and was shortlisted for the Governor General’s Award. Toews lives in Toronto.  

Education: University of Manitoba 

She earned her first degree at the University of Manitoba where she studied film studies and earned a bachelor of arts degree.  

Check out the University of Manitoba for yourself, the highly regarded institution also accepts PTE. 

5. Michael Ondaatje 

Michael Ondaatje is considered one of Canada’s most important contemporary writers. His novels and poetry are required reading in many Canadian schools and universities. Ondaatje was born in Sri Lanka but moved to Canada in 1962 and stayed. His most famous book is The English Patient. It’s a war-era love story set in Italy. Not only did it win the Man Booker Prize, but it was also turned into an award-winning movie in 1996. Ondaatje also wrote In The Skin Of A Lion, The Cat’s Table, and Anil’s Ghost. In addition to the Booker Prize, Ondaatje has also won Governor General’s Awards and the Giller Prize. He is also a member of the Order of Canada. Before becoming the famous author that he’s known as today,  

Education: Queen’s University 

Ondaatje studied ag Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario in 1967. He’s one of the university’s most celebrated past students. Currently, he lives in Toronto.  

Queen’s University is a great choice for international students and accepts PTE. 

Travel to study in Canada 

Thinking of studying in Canada? With so many incredible universities, Canada is an obvious pick for many international students. In order to secure a spot at a Canadian university though, students coming from abroad must prove English proficiency.  

PTE Academic can help make your dreams of studying in Canada come true. The English language test is recognized worldwide. Many top Canadian universities including the ones mentioned above accept PTE scores as part of their application process.  

Check out PTE test centers and view prices in Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Edmonton, Calgary, or Burnaby to take the first step towards your Canadian university career.

Related Content

  • Image- KL twin tower, 624px
    How to study in Malaysia
    By PTE Author
    Reading time: 5 minutes

    With high-quality universities, more affordable tuition, and the fastest growing regional economy in the world, Asia has become a popular destination for international students. This includes students from within the region itself.

    Western countries still attract a large number of students each year. “But the idea that a Western degree is automatically better and more advantageous than one obtained in Asia is losing ground.” states by ICEF Monitor.

    In fact, countries like China, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, and Malaysia have all been competing to attract more international students in recent years. As a result, Asian students now have the opportunity to receive a world-class education and international study experience much closer to home. This is especially important for many families today, as uncertainty surrounding the pandemic is expected to continue.

    Now, let’s take a look at what one Asian country – Malaysia – has to offer international students. We’ll also go into what students should keep in mind as they plans their studies:

    Malaysia at a glance

    Malaysia boasts innovative universities and excellent intra-regional mobility, making it a great place for students to consider. The country has worked to put itself on the map as a destination for international learners. It hopes to welcome 250,000 students from abroad by 2025. Students come from a variety of countries including Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Yemen, and Nigeria.

    Bahasa Malaysia is the country’s official language. However many university courses are taught in English.

    Universities in Malaysia

    Malaysia boasts more than 100 higher education institutions. Many universities here are also ranked amongst the top in the world by the QS World University Rankings. Included in the ranking are: 

    • University of Malaya (UM): Ranked 60th globally. 

    • Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM): Ranked 148th globally. 

    • Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM): Ranked 138th globally. 

    • Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM): Ranked 146th globally. 

    A number of international universities have also opened branches in Malaysia. These include the University of Nottingham, Heriot Watt University, Monash University, Xiamen University, and Newcastle University, to name a few. They provide students with the chance to earn a degree from Western universities without having to leave the region.

    If you're looking to explore your study options, the government has a great tool for students to find the program that suits them best. You can also learn more about diploma studies with this useful guide.

    In order to study in Malaysia, students will need to prove they are proficient in English and PTE Academic is the ready choice for you to do so. PTE Academic is a computer-based language test that provides unbiased and secure proof of a candidate’s English skills for study, professional, and migration purposes.

    According to language requirements set by Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), students who plan to undertake a Bachelor’s degree and above at university or college must score a minimum of 47 for PTE Academic, which is equivalent to CEFR High B1 level.

    Students who wish to undertake a diploma course will need to have a minimum PTE Academic score of 36, which is equivalent to CEFR Low B1 level. However, students should always check with their respective university or college to confirm their language score requirements.

    Getting your visa

    Applying for a Student Pass to study in Malaysia is relatively simple and can be done online. Before starting your application, you must have a letter of acceptance from your university. The whole visa process takes about one month. You’ll find out how to apply on the Education Malaysia website.

    With a Student Pass you can work up to 20 hours a week, but only during school breaks that last longer than 8 days.

    Cost of living

    Malaysia draws the attention of students all around the world because it offers an affordable, yet still top class education. A bachelor degree, for example, costs between $10,000-20,000 USD. This is a lot less than in the United States or the U.K. In fact, Malaysia’s booming capital city Kuala Lumpur was named the second most affordable city in the world for students by the QS Best Student Cities ranking.

    Financial aid

    International students in Malaysia can apply for financial aid. Universities offer scholarships directly to students. To get an idea of what these might be like, you can take a look at the scholarships offered by University of Malaya.

    The Malaysian government also provides scholarships to international students. The Malaysia International Scholarship – which offers air tickets, tuition, and a monthly allowance, among other benefits – is one scholarship to look into. The Malaysian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan also offers international students some generous financial support.

    Want an international study experience in Malaysia?

    PTE Academic – a fast, flexible, fair, and secure English assessment can help you get there. Book the test now and get the result within 2 days.

    View prices in your country and find your local test center.

    Last updated 20 December 2024.

  • A man using a laptop
    Prepare online with E2Language
    By PTE Author
    Reading time: 1 minute

    Are you preparing to take PTE Academic?

    Good news! We have added a new test preparation company to our existing list of providers. This will give you even more options and support in your test preparation.

    Try E2Language with a free trial

    E2Language is a global online tutorial and test preparation provider. They offer good quality practice services and materials for PTE Academic. E2Language offers online tuition through group and 1-1 learning, supported by a range of YouTube videos that share tips and advice. They offer a set of online preparation materials.

    We are always looking to expand and enhance the services we offer our test takers and we believe the addition of E2Language helps us achieve this goal.

    Give yourself the best chance of performing well on the day with E2Language – try for free.

  • Video thumbnail for the video, 'Learn how PTE Academic uses AI to mark tests'
    How do you know PTE Academic’s computer marking works?
    By PTE Author
    Reading time: 2 minutes

    How do we know automated scoring works

    Are you thinking of taking PTE Academic, or have you recently taken it, but you are wondering how it is that a computer can mark your test?

    Well, firstly the test has been designed by humans, all leading experts in their field. Our human experts design and write the questions, quality assure them, and then score them. At this point, computers are trained to use the patterns of highly trained language experts to attribute scores to questions. When the computer marks correlate highly with the human scores, we then allow the computer to mark test scripts from across the world.

    As a result of our processes and technology, the computer behaves like an expert human examiner – but without any possible bias, lack of concentration, or variation between individual examiners.

    The scoring criteria are exactly the same as human scoring – test takers are marked on their delivery, clarity, relevance, the accuracy of grammar, and appropriateness of vocabulary.

    Want to hear more?

    Take a couple of minutes and listen to one of our leading independent advisors, Dr. Alistair Van Moere, a member of Pearson’s Technical Advisory Group, as he explains how it all works.