Times Higher Education reveals top universities in Canada in 2026, showcasing how Canadian institutions are performing both nationally and globally.
The University of Toronto continues to hold the top national ranking, a position it has maintained since at least 2011. McGill University and the University of British Columbia (UBC) remain strong contenders, consistently appearing among the best universities in the country and the world.
National Rankings: Canada’s Top Universities In 2026
Times Higher Education’s 2026 Canada University Rankings highlight 34 universities from across the country.
The University of Toronto remains firmly at number one, while McGill University moved up to the second spot, surpassing UBC, which previously held second place in the 2025 list.
Aside from this shift, the top 10 rankings remained stable compared to last year.
| National Rank | University |
| 1 | University of Toronto |
| 2 | McGill University |
| 3 | University of British Columbia |
| 4 | McMaster University |
| 5 | University of Alberta |
| 6 | Université de Montréal |
| 7 | University of Waterloo |
| 8 | University of Ottawa |
| 9 | University of Calgary |
| 10 | Western University |
| =11 | Queen’s University |
| =11 | Simon Fraser University |
| =11 | University of Victoria |
| =14 | Dalhousie University |
| =14 | University of Saskatchewan |
| =16 | Université Laval |
| =16 | University of Guelph |
| =16 | York University |
| =19 | Carleton University |
| =19 | Memorial University of Newfoundland |
| =19 | Université du Québec |
| =19 | University of Manitoba |
| =19 | University of Windsor |
| =24 | Concordia University |
| =24 | Toronto Metropolitan University |
| =24 | University of New Brunswick |
| =27 | Ontario Tech University |
| =27 | University of Regina |
| 29 | Lakehead University |
| =30 | Brock University |
| =30 | St Francis Xavier University |
| =30 | University of Northern British Columbia |
| =30 | Wilfrid Laurier University |
| 34 | University of Lethbridge |
Note: Rankings with “=” indicate tied positions between universities.
Canadian Universities In The 2026 Global Rankings
As we discuss the top universities in Canada in 2026, it is vital to note that the Times Higher Education 2026 World University Rankings has revealed that three Canadian universities made it to the top 100 globally, and nine institutions are now among the top 200 worldwide.
| World University Rank 2026 | University | Teaching | Research Environment | Research Quality | Industry | International Outlook | Overall |
| 21 | University of Toronto | 78.2 | 92.9 | 92.3 | 95.8 | 92.3 | 88.5 |
| =41 | McGill University | 71 | 70.8 | 86.2 | 77.5 | 89.2 | 77.1 |
| 45 | University of British Columbia | 64.1 | 73.9 | 88.6 | 77.4 | 93.5 | 77 |
| =116 | McMaster University | 42.2 | 49.3 | 93.1 | 100 | 84.6 | 65 |
| 119 | University of Alberta | 49.1 | 55.4 | 78.1 | 100 | 88.4 | 64.6 |
| 150 | Université de Montréal | 41.4 | 50.5 | 83.1 | 95.5 | 84.1 | 61.9 |
| =162 | University of Waterloo | 42.7 | 47.6 | 83.4 | 77 | 85.5 | 60.9 |
| =187 | University of Ottawa | 38.2 | 44.5 | 85.4 | 81.7 | 86.2 | 59.5 |
| 200 | University of Calgary | 37.8 | 43.1 | 83.6 | 91.4 | 83.3 | 58.7 |
| 201–250 | Western University | 39.9 | 42.6 | 77.5 | 99.8 | 86.9 | 56.4–58.6 |
The University of Toronto retained its 21st global position, matching its 2025 ranking.
McGill University climbed from 45th to a tie at 41st, the University of Waterloo moved up one spot to tie at 162nd, and the University of Ottawa advanced from 191st to 187th.
The University of Calgary also made progress, moving into the 200th position after previously being placed between 201 and 250.
How Are Rankings Calculated?
Times Higher Education uses a detailed methodology to assess universities globally, measuring five core areas of performance:
- Teaching (29.50%)
- Research environment (29%)
- Research quality (30%)
- International outlook (7.50%)
- Industry engagement (4%)
| Category | Weight | Performance Indicator | Weight |
| Teaching (the learning environment) | 29.50% | Teaching reputation | 15% |
| Staff-to-student ratio | 4.50% | ||
| Doctorate-to-bachelor’s ratio | 2% | ||
| Doctorates-awarded-to-academic-staff ratio | 5.50% | ||
| Institutional income | 2.50% | ||
| Research environment | 29% | Research reputation | 18% |
| Research income | 5.50% | ||
| Research productivity | 5.50% | ||
| Research quality | 30% | Citation impact | 15% |
| Research strength | 5% | ||
| Research excellence | 5% | ||
| Research influence | 5% | ||
| International outlook | 7.50% | Proportion of international students | 2.50% |
| Proportion of international staff | 2.50% | ||
| International collaboration | 2.50% | ||
| Industry | 4% | Industry income | 2% |
| Patents | 2% |
Institutions without undergraduate programs or fewer than 1,000 relevant publications over five years are not included in the rankings.
Planning To Study In Canada?
If you’re an international student looking to study in Canada, you’ll likely need a study permit if your program is longer than six months.
To qualify, you must:
- Receive an acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
- Show proof of financial support for tuition, living costs, and travel.
- Meet medical and security requirements.
- Prove your intention to leave Canada when your permit expires.
Applications can be submitted online, and you’ll need documents like your letter of acceptance, provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL), proof of funds, a medical exam (if required), and other supporting records.
Why Canadian Education Matters For Immigration?
As we have discussed the top universities in Canada in 2026, let us understand why Canadian education is integral for immigration.
Well, Canada is home to world-renowned universities that attract thousands of international students each year.
Graduating from a Canadian institution can make a big difference in immigration pathways. Under the Express Entry system, completing a Canadian post-secondary program can add up to 30 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points to your PR profile.
Additionally, many programs allow graduates to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), giving them the chance to gain valuable Canadian work experience, which is a key factor in qualifying for permanent residence through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Studying at a top-ranked Canadian university can therefore open doors to both academic excellence and immigration opportunities.
MakeHomeCanada, a Canadian immigration leader, promises excellence and tailored pathways for your Canadian journey. Get in touch with us at [email protected].
