Top Canadian Universities Shine in QS 2026 Rankings

Top Canadian Universities in the QS World Rankings 2026: McGill Takes the Lead

• McGill University is now Canada’s highest-ranked university, surpassing the University of Toronto.
• Four Canadian schools placed in the top 100 globally: McGill, U of T, UBC, and University of Alberta.
• The QS World University Rankings consider factors like academic reputation, sustainability, and employment outcomes.
• Canada remains a top destination for international students seeking high-quality education and post-study work opportunities.
• Applying for a Canadian study permit and post-graduation work permit (PGWP) offers a clear path to permanent residency.

Canada’s universities continue to shine on the global stage, and the latest QS World University Rankings for 2026 are proof of that. This year, four of our top institutions have cracked the top 100 worldwide — and there’s been a bit of a shakeup at the top. Whether you’re a prospective international student or just curious about how our schools stack up globally, let’s take a closer look at how Canadian universities performed and what it means for students in 2026 and beyond.

McGill University: Canada’s New Top-Ranked Institution

Montreal’s McGill University climbed to 27th place globally, moving up two spots from last year and overtaking the University of Toronto for the top Canadian position. With an overall score of 88.9, McGill scored especially well in categories like academic reputation (98.1), employment outcomes (98.9), and sustainability (96.3).

What makes McGill stand out? It’s not just the beautiful downtown campus or its rich history — it’s also a hub for international collaboration, with strong scores in faculty and student diversity, research partnerships, and employer reputation.

McGill Highlights:

• Academic Reputation: 98.1
• Employer Reputation: 93.5
• Employment Outcomes: 98.9
• International Faculty Ratio: 88.6
• Sustainability: 96.3

University of Toronto: Still a Global Powerhouse

Although it dropped slightly to 29th place, the University of Toronto (U of T) continues to be a global leader in higher education. It earned a perfect score of 100 in academic reputation and sustainability, showing why it remains such a magnet for both domestic and international students.

U of T also scored near-perfect in employer reputation (99.1) and employment outcomes (99.4), making it an excellent choice for students focused on career prospects after graduation.

U of T Highlights:

• Academic Reputation: 100
• Employer Reputation: 99.1
• International Student Ratio: 97.5
• International Research Network: 97
• Sustainability: 100

University of British Columbia (UBC): Strong in Sustainability and Research

UBC came in at 40th place globally, slipping slightly from last year but still maintaining a firm hold in the top 50. The Vancouver-based university continues to impress in areas like academic reputation (99.6), international faculty ratio (98.5), and sustainability (98.5).

With its west coast location and deep commitment to research and global partnerships, UBC remains a popular destination for international students across the globe.

UBC Highlights:

• Academic Reputation: 99.6
• Employer Reputation: 96.5
• International Research Network: 96.6
• Sustainability: 98.5

University of Alberta: Back in the Top 100

Rounding out Canada’s top four, the University of Alberta returned to the global top 100 (tied for 94th place), its highest placement since 2018. Located in Edmonton, the university stood out for having one of the best scores in international faculty ratio (99.4) and a strong showing in sustainability (90.7).

For students considering Alberta as their study destination, the U of A offers high-quality education, research opportunities, and a vibrant campus community.

U of A Highlights:

• International Faculty Ratio: 99.4
• International Research Network: 94.5
• Sustainability: 90.7

Other Notable Canadian Institutions

Beyond the top four, many other Canadian universities ranked well globally:

• University of Waterloo: #119
• Western University: #151
• Université de Montréal: #168
• McMaster University: #173
• Queen’s University: #191
• University of Calgary: #211
• University of Ottawa: #219
• Dalhousie University: #283
• Simon Fraser University: #308
• York University: #333
• University of Victoria: #358
• University of Saskatchewan: #378
• Concordia University: #465

It’s clear that students in Canada have a wide range of top-tier options — from coast to coast.

Thinking About Studying in Canada?

If you’re an international student looking to study in Canada, it’s important to know that only Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) can accept international students. Once accepted by a DLI, you’ll receive a Letter of Acceptance, which is required for your study permit application.

How Much Money Do You Need?

For a single applicant studying outside Quebec, you’ll need to show proof of $20,635 in available funds (not including tuition or travel). If you’re bringing family, the required amount increases accordingly:

You may also need a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL), depending on where your DLI is located. Each province has its own process, so make sure to check with your school directly.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): Your Path to Canadian Experience

After graduating from an eligible program, international students can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit. This open work permit lets you gain valuable Canadian work experience and is often a stepping stone toward permanent residency through programs like the Canadian Experience Class and Express Entry.

Permit duration typically matches the length of your program, up to a maximum of three years. But keep in mind — not all programs or schools qualify for PGWP, so double-check before you enroll!

How QS World University Rankings Work

The QS rankings are one of the most widely respected university ranking systems in the world. For 2026, they evaluated more than 1,500 institutions using a range of indicators:

• Academic reputation (30%)
• Employer reputation (15%)
• Faculty/student ratio (10%)
• Citations per faculty (20%)
• International faculty and student ratio (5% each)
• Employment outcomes (5%)
• International research network (5%)
• Sustainability (5%)

These metrics help paint