Four of Canada’s leading universities have secured places among the world’s top 100 in the 2026 QS World University Rankings. This year’s results reflect Canada’s continued strength in global higher education, with institutions being recognized for academic excellence, sustainability efforts, international outreach, and employment outcomes. According to the 2026 edition of the QS World University Rankings, McGill University has surpassed the University of Toronto to become the highest-ranked university in Canada. Let us discuss the other top Canadian universities to shine in QS 2026 rankings.
So, let us begin!
| University | QS 2026 Global Rank |
| McGill University | 27 |
| University of Toronto | 29 |
| University of British Columbia | 40 |
| University of Alberta | =94 |
The rankings are compiled by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), a well-regarded authority in global education. Their annual report is one of the most widely cited international university rankings, offering an in-depth evaluation of institutions based on various performance indicators.
Canada’s Top Universities In The QS Rankings
McGill University
- Overall rank: 27
- Overall score: 88.9
Montreal’s McGill University, an English-language institution in Quebec, climbed two places from its 2025 ranking of #29, becoming the highest-ranked Canadian university in the latest edition.
McGill performed exceptionally well in areas such as sustainability, employment outcomes, and international diversity. It also earned high marks in academic and employer reputation categories.
| Factor | Score |
| Citations per Faculty | 72.4 |
| Academic Reputation | 98.1 |
| Faculty/Student Ratio | 67.3 |
| Employer Reputation | 93.5 |
| Employment Outcomes | 98.9 |
| International Faculty Ratio | 88.6 |
| International Student Ratio | 93.5 |
| International Research Network | 92.9 |
| International student diversity | 69.6 |
| Sustainability | 96.3 |
University Of Toronto (U of T)
- Overall rank: 29
- Overall score: 88.5
Traditionally Canada’s top institution in global rankings, the University of Toronto fell to the 29th spot in 2026 after being ranked 25th in 2025. Despite this slight drop, it still remains a global leader in academia.
U of T continued its streak as the number one university globally for sustainability, and also ranked exceptionally well in academic reputation, employment outcomes, and international student diversity.
| Factor | Score |
| Citations per Faculty | 68.8 |
| Academic Reputation | 100 |
| Faculty/Student Ratio | 45.7 |
| Employer Reputation | 99.1 |
| Employment Outcomes | 99.4 |
| International Faculty Ratio | 97.9 |
| International Student Ratio | 97.5 |
| International Research Network | 97 |
| International student diversity | 98 |
| Sustainability | 100 |
University Of British Columbia (UBC)
- Overall rank: 40
- Overall score: 85.5
Another one of the top Canadian universities to shine in QS 2026 rankings is the University of British Columbia.
UBC placed third among Canadian universities but experienced a slight drop from its previous year’s ranking of 38. Despite this, the institution continues to be a top-tier global university.
UBC ranked fifth worldwide in sustainability and performed strongly in academic reputation, employer reputation, and its international research network.
| Factor | Score |
| Citations per Faculty | 70.9 |
| Academic Reputation | 99.6 |
| Faculty/Student Ratio | 34.7 |
| Employer Reputation | 96.5 |
| Employment Outcomes | 84.9 |
| International Faculty Ratio | 98.5 |
| International Student Ratio | 79.8 |
| International Research Network | 96.6 |
| International student diversity | 81.7 |
| Sustainability | 98.5 |
University Of Alberta
- Overall rank: =94
- Overall score: 70.1
The University of Alberta, located in Edmonton, moved up two positions compared to its 2025 placement. This is the highest rank it has achieved in the QS rankings since 2018.
It was recognized for strengths in international faculty, its research collaborations across borders, and environmental sustainability.
| Factor | Score |
| Citations per Faculty | 71.5 |
| Academic Reputation | 70.9 |
| Faculty/Student Ratio | 44.6 |
| Employer Reputation | 53 |
| Employment Outcomes | 77.1 |
| International Faculty Ratio | 99.4 |
| International Student Ratio | 78.6 |
| International Research Network | 94.5 |
| International student diversity | 80.6 |
| Sustainability | 90.7 |
Other Canadian Institutions In The Global Rankings
Several other Canadian universities also secured their places in the QS 2026 rankings. Here are more institutions and their respective positions:
| University | Province | QS 2026 Rank |
| University of Waterloo | Ontario | =119 |
| Western University | Ontario | 151 |
| Université de Montréal | Quebec | 168 |
| McMaster University | Ontario | =173 |
| Queen’s University | Ontario | 191 |
| University of Calgary | Alberta | 211 |
| University of Ottawa | Ontario | =219 |
| Dalhousie University | Nova Scotia | 283 |
| Simon Fraser University | British Columbia | =308 |
| York University | Ontario | 333 |
| University of Victoria | British Columbia | =358 |
| University of Saskatchewan | Saskatchewan | 378 |
| Concordia University | Quebec | =465 |
Applying For A Study Permit In Canada
If you are planning to study in Canada, it’s essential to apply to a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), as only DLIs are permitted to accept international students.
After receiving an acceptance letter from a DLI, you can apply for a study permit. In addition to your letter of acceptance, you must provide proof of funds and other documents.
As of now, the minimum financial requirement for a single applicant (outside Quebec) is CAD $20,635, excluding tuition and travel costs. The requirements vary depending on the size of the applicant’s family.
| Number of family members (including the study permit applicant) | Funds required (in CAD) |
| 1 | $20,635 |
| 2 | $25,690 |
| 3 | $31,583 |
| 4 | $38,346 |
| 5 | $43,492 |
| 6 | $49,051 |
| 7 | $54,611 |
| For each additional family member above 7 | Add $5,559 |
In addition to funds, international students may need a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL). The application process for these documents varies by province, so it’s best to confirm requirements with your DLI.
Once you apply, and if approved, you will receive a Temporary Resident Visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Biometrics, medical exams, or police certificates may also be required depending on your case.
Opportunities After Graduation
A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows international students who have graduated from an eligible Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI) to gain valuable work experience in Canada.
This open work permit lets former students work for any employer in Canada and is typically valid for the length of the study program, up to a maximum of three years.
PGWP experience can also contribute to eligibility for permanent residency through programs such as the Canadian Experience Class under Express Entry.
However, not all programs or DLIs qualify for PGWP. Applicants should verify eligibility based on their specific study program.
Understanding The QS Ranking Methodology
The QS World University Rankings are based on performance indicators across academic, professional, and global engagement categories. For the 2026 rankings, more than 1,500 institutions were assessed.
QS uses a blend of metrics, weighted as follows:
- Academic Reputation: 30%
- Employer Reputation: 15%
- Faculty-Student Ratio: 10%
- Citations per Faculty: 20%
- International Faculty Ratio: 5%
- International Student Ratio: 5%
- Employment Outcomes: 5%
- International Research Network: 5%
- Sustainability: 5%
These indicators are designed to measure both traditional academic success and modern elements like environmental responsibility and global collaboration.
With Canadian universities continuing to perform well globally, these rankings offer valuable insight for international students looking to pursue higher education in Canada.
MakeHomeCanada, a Canadian immigration leader, promises excellence and tailored pathways for your Canadian journey. Get in touch with us at [email protected].
