7 top universities in Canada for international students

PTE Author
PTE Author
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Reading time: 8 minutes

Canada is one of the most educated countries in the world. In fact, 63% of people aged 24-34 have completed their post-secondary education; only South Korea ranks higher among OECD countries.  

It comes as no surprise, then, that Canada is also home to some of the best universities in the world. From coast to coast, Canadian universities excel at innovation and research - and they work hard to support international students who’ve chosen to call the country home.  

So, which institutions should you have on your radar? Here are seven top international universities in Canada:  

1. University of British Columbia  

Founded in 1908, the University of British Columbia boasts some of the most beautiful campuses in Canada. It's largest

is in Vancouver and sits against a backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. Its second campus a few hours away is nestled in the unique Okanagan wine region.

But, the University of British Columbia doesn’t make our list just for its incredible locations. The university is also one of the world’s best research universities - it’s ranked 45th globally by the QS World University Rankings, and number three in Canada.  It’s also home to a top subatomic physics research lab, which possesses the world’s biggest cyclotron (a particle accelerator).  

And guess what? The University of British Columbia is also ranked North America’s most international university. Students from 166 countries are enrolled there, and the university also has a regional office in Hong Kong.  

Cost of living: Vancouver is the most expensive city in Canada. A one-bedroom apartment in downtown Vancouver costs about $2,050 CAD/month. Learn more about how much on-campus housing costs here.  

Tuition: Read more about the university’s fees here.  

You might like: How to apply for a Canadian student visa. 

2. University of Ottawa  

What better place to study than in Ottawa, the capital city of Canada? Sat on the border between Ontario and Quebec, the University of Ottawa is the largest bilingual university in the world. It was founded in 1848, and today offers more than 450 programs in French and English.  

The University of Ottawa campus features historic buildings, is close to the famous Rideau Canal, and was named number 6 in Canada for sustainability in 2020, according to the UI Greenmetric World University Rankings.  

In recent years, the university has also invested in five new state-of-the-art facilities and research labs - including a black box theatre and an innovative STEM complex. You can take a virtual tour of the whole campus here. 

Cost of living: A one-bedroom apartment downtown costs $1,618 CAD/month on average. Check out how much on-campus housing costs here.  

Tuition: Learn more about tuition fees with the University of Ottawa’s fee calculator. 

3. University of Alberta 

The University of Alberta is located in and around Edmonton, which is the capital city of the province of Alberta. It was also founded in 1908 and boasts 18 faculties stretched across five campuses - where students from 156 countries are enrolled.  

According to QS University Rankings, the University of Alberta is ranked 6th in Canada. It’s also ranked among the best in the world by the Centre for World University Rankings for a range of subjects - including forestry (5), geology (5), as well as - this one is cool -  paleontology (3)! In fact, a few hours from the University of Alberta is Dinosaur Provincial Park, which has been recognized by UNESCO for containing many of the most important fossils discovered from the “Age of the Dinosaurs.” 

Cost of living: A one-bedroom apartment in downtown Edmonton costs $1,171/month on average. Learn more about University of Alberta on-campus housing here.  

Tuition: Learn more about tuition fees at the University of Alberta here.  

4. Dalhousie University   

Dalhousie University is a research-intensive university in Halifax, Nova Scotia. It was founded in 1818, and offers students more than 190 undergraduate and graduate programs. Like a few other universities on our list, Dalhousie University is part of the U15 - a group of 15 leading Canadian research universities. Nearly 20% of students at the school are international. 

Dalhousie boasts four campuses - three in Halifax and one a couple of hours away in a town called Truro. And, the province of Nova Scotia is an excellent place for international students to call home. It’s located in the heart of the Atlantic maritime, and students here will enjoy beautiful ocean views, vibrant nightlife, great live music, and friendly people. In fact, Canadian magazine Maclean’s named Halifax the best city in Canada to live and work remotely in 2021.  

Cost of living: Halifax is an affordable city in Canada. For example, a one-bedroom apartment downtown costs about $1,415/month. Check out how much on-campus housing at Dalhousie University costs here.  

Tuition: Learn more about tuition fees at Dalhousie University here.  

5. York University  

Founded in 1959, York University is the third-largest university in Canada. It’s located in Toronto - a great student city - and is home to 11 faculties. York excels in a range of courses - from education to psychology, to business. In fact, its executive master of business administration (EMBA) program was ranked first in Canada and number 21 in the world by Financial Times in 2020.  

York University has one main campus in Toronto, as well as a smaller bilingual campus closeby. It also boasts a Hyberbad campus, where students have the opportunity to split their two-year master of business administration (MBA) course between Canada and India, as well as Las Nubes EcoCampus, located on 414 acres of protected land in Costa Rica!  

Cost of living: A one-bedroom apartment in downtown Toronto costs about $2,100/month on average. But since York University is located outside the city center, rent may be cheaper. You can also find out more about on-campus housing at York University here.  

Tuition: Learn more about tuition fees at York University here.  

6. University of Manitoba  

The University of Manitoba is located in Winnipeg, right in the center of Canada. It was founded in 1877 - making it the oldest university in Western Canada! The university offers more than 100 programs, and more than 20% of students are international. The University of Manitoba also has one of the largest Indigenous student populations in the country.  

The university has two campuses; the largest one features 60+ buildings spread out through 692 acres, and the second is a world-class health sciences center located downtown Winnipeg. It’s also home to the Smartpark Research and Technology Park, an innovative hub that’s home to 10 buildings and 20 companies working in areas like ICT, engineering, and health and biotechnology.  

Cost of living: Winnipeg is very affordable. A one-bedroom apartment downtown costs just $1,077/month on average. Learn more about on-campus housing at the university here.  

Tuition: Learn more about tuition fees at University of Manitoba here. 

7. McGill University  

McGill University is based in Montreal, Quebec. Founded in 1821, it’s one of the most prestigious universities in Canada - and ranked 2nd in the country by QS University Rankings (31st in the world).  

For the last 16 years, McGill’s also been ranked by Maclean’s Magazine as the best medical school in Canada. The university also has a global research focus - for example, they have international research partners in 99 countries. If you’re interested in the research they do, you can read about the 7 themes they focus most on here. 

One of the best parts of enrolling at McGill? You get to live in Montreal! McGill University boasts two campuses; the main downtown campus is filled with green space and historic buildings, while the second sits on 1606 acres about 45 minutes from the city. And with its incredible arts, culture, and diversity, Montreal was named the world’s best student city for international students this year.  

Check out our blog: 6 reasons to study in Quebec 

Cost of living: Montreal is also one of the most affordable big cities in Canada. It costs about 1,300 CAD/month on average to rent a one-bedroom apartment. Learn more about student residence costs here.  

Tuition: Learn more about tuition fees at McGill University here.  

Canada is home to many world-class universities - and we can help you earn a spot. Our computer-based, unbiased English language exam PTE Academic is accepted by the majority of Canadian universities and colleges. 

Discover more about PTE English tests for Canada.

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    Australia is known for its beautiful landscapes, quality of life, and excellent standard of education. If you’re interested in studying in Australia, you’ll first need to understand the Australian student visa application process.  This will set the stage for the exciting new chapter in your education. 

    However, there can be a lot to remember when it comes to Australian student visa requirements. That’s why we’ve put together this informative guide, which breaks down everything you need to know. Let’s get started!  

    Australian student visa requirements 

    In order to apply for an Australian student visa – called the Subclass 500 Student visa – you must be enrolled in a course of study at an Australian institution. You’ll need to complete an application form, gather important documents, and prove to the Australian Government that you meet a list of requirements, including:  

    • The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement

    • Financial requirements

    • English proficiency requirements

    • Health and characteristic requirements

    You can also use the Document Checklist Tool to which documents need to be attached to the application. 

    The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement

    To fulfill the GTE requirement, you must prove you’re coming to Australia temporarily to receive a quality education. To do this, you’ll need to provide a personal statement in English, or translated it into English. This should include information and evidence about your:  

    • Previous studies (with academic transcripts)

    • Current employment

    • Ties to your home country 

    • Economic situation  

    • Immigration history

    Overall, Australia wants to ensure you’re entering the country to further your education, and not for other motives.

    Financial requirements

    This is an important part of the Australian student visa application process. Many applicants need to prove they have sufficient funds to pay for life in Australia, including living costs and tuition fees. There are a few options to do this; for example, you can show you’ve received government loans or scholarships. Evidence of 12-months fund or evidence that you meet the annual income requirement will also work.  The requirements range from $29,710 AUD (about $19,000 USD) to $102,500 AUD (about $65,500 USD). For detailed and most updated information, please refer to Department of Home Affairs.  

    Learn more about financial requirements.  

    English language requirements

    Australia is a very diverse country. Approximately 73% of the population in Australia speaks English at home. To meet Australian student visa requirements, applicants who aren’t from an English-speaking country need to show English language proficiency.  And, our computer-based and unbiased English language test at PTE Academic is accepted by the Australian government for every visa category.  

    To be eligible for a student visa in Australia, you must achieve:

    • At least 50 for each of the 4 components for PTE Academic 

    • At least 36 for each of the 4 test components of PTE Academic if you undertake an English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) course before your main course 

    View a full breakdown of Australian study visa PTE requirements. 

    Health & characteristic requirements 

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    To get an Australian student visa, you also need to be of good character. You shouldn’t have a substantial criminal record or be a member of a criminal group, for example. To prove this, you might have to supply a police certificate.  

    Fees  

    A Subclass 500 Student visa starts at $1,600 AUD ($1,020 USD) unless you are exempt. There are also added charges for each family member who applies for the visa.  For more information on visa costs, check out the Australian government’s visa pricing estimator.  

    Processing times 

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    Learn more about working in Australia on a post-study work visa.

    Last updated 20 December 2024.

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    A guide to new visa changes in the UK – and why they’re good news for students
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    The UK is an excellent place to study. It is home to a long list of renowned universities, many of which are often ranked among the top universities in the world. Recently the UK government has shown it is committed to attracting more foreign students – and making it simpler for innovative professionals from abroad to call the UK home.  

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    What is the Office for Talent? 

    The UK’s new Office for Talent has been set up to make it easier for international scientists, researchers, and innovators to work and live in the UK. The team works from Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s office at 10 Downing Street. In the UK, the headquarters is often simply referred to as “Number 10.”  

    According to the government announcement, the Office for Talent began work right away on reviewing the UK’s current immigration rules and will focus on ensuring the immigration system is simple and quick for both students and professionals alike. “They will also help those coming to the UK better understand the opportunities on offer and break down any barriers they might face,” read the statement. 

    How long can foreign students now stay in the UK after graduation?  

    The UK has also announced some exciting new visa changes. PhD students who graduate in Summer 2021 will now be able to stay in the UK for an additional three years. International students who graduate with undergraduate or Master’s degrees can stay in the UK for two years. This news was announced back in 2019.  

    Before, foreign students could only stay in the country for four months after graduation. This made it difficult for students to find jobs or begin their working lives in the UK. 

    Now, these new changes give foreign students the freedom to nurture the connections they made while studying, build new relationships, establish themselves, and develop meaningful careers in the UK. 

    What else did the UK announce?  

    The UK has introduced a new points-based immigration system, made to streamline the visa process.  According to the roadmap, people interested in studying in the UK will now have more time to make a visa application. 

    The UK also plans to get rid of study time limits for postgraduates. Previously, most students had to complete their studies in five years. Finally, students will no longer need to leave the UK to switch visas – which will help to reduce lots of stress and worry for foreign learners. 

    The UK announced it would also invest £300 million in science infrastructure at research institutes and universities. This could prove to be a plus for international scientists and researchers considering whether to study or live in the UK.

    What does this mean post-Brexit?  

    Brexit caused a lot of uncertainty for students in the UK from the European Union (EU). If you’re an EU citizen moving to the UK in 2021, you’ll now have to apply for a visa to study for longer than 6 months. If you were studying in the UK before this year, you can apply for the EU Settlement Scheme – which will let you continue living in the UK permanently.  

    Learn more about the EU settlement scheme. 

    The UK states the Research and Development Roadmap will “help to power up the economy and level out the UK.” Overall, the changes are set to help support foreign students in the UK – and particularly those in science, research, and innovation fields. 

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    What were visa rules like before? 

    • In the past, international students could only stay in the UK for four months after graduation

    • Most students had to complete their degrees in five years

    • Students had to leave the UK to apply for a new visa

    • EU citizens did not have to apply for a visa to study in the UK

    What will students be able to do now? 

    • PhD students who graduate this summer can stay in the UK for three more years. Undergraduate and Master’s students can stay for two more years (announced in 2019)

    • The UK will get rid of study limits for postgraduate students

    • Students will not need to leave the UK to switch visas

    • EU citizens must apply for a visa to study for longer than 6 months.

      EU citizens studying in the UK before 2021 can apply for the EU Settlement Scheme instead

    For more information about how to apply for a UK student visa, don’t forget to check out our complete guide.  

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    Should you hire a migration agent to move to Australia?
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    Are you planning to move to Australia? The visa process for any country can be confusing – and it’s normal to have some unanswered questions along the way. That’s why many people turn to migration agents for help.  

    In this blog, we’ll take a look at what exactly a migration agent can do for you – and what you should keep in mind if you decide to hire one:  

    What is a migration agent? 

    A migration agent provides immigration advice and assistance. In Australia, they’re registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA), which is part of the Department of Home Affairs. All qualified agents are authorized by the Australian government to provide their services.  

    While you don’t need to work with a migration agent to apply for an Australian visa, they can help make the process a little less stressful. Migration agents can:  

    • Complete your visa application 

    • Help you understand the dos and don’ts of the visa application process 

    • Prepare all required documents 

    • Contact the Department of Home Affairs about your application

    To find one, you can search the Register of Migration Agents on the OMARA website. If you haven’t moved to Australia yet, keep in mind that there are registered Australian migration agents based around the world. You can check if there’s an agent working close to you using the search tool.

    You might be interested in our Australian student visa application guide.

    The advantages of hiring a migration agent 

    Now that you know what exactly a migration agent does, what are some advantages of hiring one? 

    They’re experts in their field  

    For some people, working on a visa application alone can be overwhelming. There are detailed instructions to keep in mind, and you want to make sure everything is done perfectly. Hiring a migration agent can lessen a lot of the burden. They’re experts in their field, have up-to-date knowledge on Australian migration law, and have helped numerous other people with successful visa applications.  

    Since migration agents follow a Code of Conduct, they’re also obliged to act in your best interest. This means they’ll provide you with professional immigration advice throughout the whole visa process, and should be just a phone call away whenever you have any questions.  

    They could help streamline the process 

    Migration agents know which documents are required and how to best prepare them. And according to OMARA, submitting an application that’s properly prepared can make it easier to get a faster decision on your visa.  

    If you hire a migration agent, you’ll also have someone to represent you in your dealings with the Australian government. Migration agents can reach out to the Department of Home Affairs on your behalf – for example, if your situation has changed or to ask about processing delays. This can save applicants a huge amount of time.   

    They can provide support in English  

    Understanding immigration paperwork can get complicated, even if you’re fluent in English. So if you’re an English learner, working with a migration agent to complete your application can be incredibly helpful.  

    Keep in mind that migration agents aren’t there to translate or interpret documents for you. But working with someone who speaks English fluently to prepare your application can help ensure you don’t miss anything.  

    The challenges of hiring a migration agent 

    Of course, choosing to work with a migration agent is a big decision. There are a few things to keep in mind before you decide to hire an agent – or rather, work on your own.  

    Migration agents can be expensive 

    Working with a migration agent is expensive; their services can sometimes cost thousands of dollars. Each migration agent can set their own price. But the fee will usually depend on what visa you’re applying to, how much help you need, and how much experience your migration agent has. Before signing on with an agent, OMARA recommends speaking with at least three professionals to compare how much they charge. 

    Overall, moving to Australia is a big investment. So if you’ve researched the visa application and are confident you understand all that’s required, you might decide it’s better to complete the visa process yourself. 

    Watch out for unregistered agents  

    In most cases, only registered agents can legally give you immigration advice. However, there are people who pretend to be registered agents, which opens the door to immigration fraud. There are also unregistered agents who might not have knowledge of immigration law, could give bad advice, or could lose important files.  

    On the other hand, as we mentioned above, registered migration agents have to follow a Code of Conduct – which offers you a range of protections. If for some reason you’re unhappy with your agent, OMARA can also help you to resolve disputes.  

    Learn more about the risks of working with an unregistered agent on the OMARA website.  

    There’s no guarantees  

    It’s important to remember that simply hiring a migration agent does not guarantee your application will be successful. There are many factors that influence a successful application, some of which may be outside even the best agent’s control.  

    Overall, it’s important to do lots of research before deciding to hire a migration agent. Once you understand what’s required in the visa process, ask yourself: do I feel confident completing the application on my own? Will I be able to invest the time needed to prepare the application well?  

    And do I have friends who can recommend a good migration agent, if I choose to work with one?  

    Don’t forget… 

    Many Australian visa applicants will also have to prove their English language proficiency. At PTE Academic, we’ve got you covered. Our English language tests are accepted by the Department of Home Affairs for all visa categories.  

    Learn more about how our English exams can help you move to Australia. 

    We are not immigration agents. For all up-to-date information about visa rules and regulations, see the official guidelines on the Australia Department of Home Affairs website.