Maclean’s, one of Canada’s popular news magazines, has published a new list of the top five Canadian universities by reputation. This year’s rankings represent post-secondary institutions from every region of the country. Can you guess which institution made first place?

5. University of Alberta

The University of Alberta, founded in 1908, is located in Edmonton in the prairie province of Alberta. U of A is home to over 7,700 international students, with 400 international teaching and research agreements in 51 countries around the world. The university offers more than 200 undergraduate programs and 170 graduate programs. U of A is known worldwide for its engineering, science, and medicine programs, but also offers popular programs in law and education. U of A also ranks among the top 200 universities worldwide in this year’s Times Higher Education rankings, and it provides over 32,000 full-time students with excellent instruction, state-of-the-art facilities, well-funded programs, and world-renowned research opportunities with over $500 million in annual research funding.

Signature programs: Engineering (Especially Chemical, Biochemical and Nanoscience), Law, Education, Pharmacy

Learn more about studying in Alberta.

4. McGill University

As well as coming fourth by reputation, McGill is also named Canada’s top medical/doctoral university in 2018’s Maclean rankings. Roughly 26 percent of the student population in McGill is international, making it one of the most international universities in the country. This may be a result of the wide range of programs offered, which is located in the heart of lively, culturally diverse Montreal. The university welcomes students from all over the world with a continuous increase in international student enrolments every year.

McGill has become a centre for research and instruction, known internationally for its top-tier medicine, engineering, and law programs. After all, this is where Canada’s 23rd and current Prime Minister Justin Trudeau obtained his undergraduate degree.

Signature programs: Medicine, Chemistry, Law, Music, Engineering, Management, Continuing Studies, Dentistry

Learn more about studying in Quebec.

3. University of British Columbia

UBC has over 60,000 students attending its two campuses located in Vancouver and Okanagan, 14,400 of whom are international students from 162 countries. With more than 200 undergraduate, graduate and continuing education programs, students enjoy a wide range of study options — no wonder it has the largest research libraries in the country. The university offers international students intensive and immersive English language education in its English Language institute located in Vancouver.

Recent UBC statistics show the number of international students who attend the Vancouver campus increased by nine percent last year, with a 17 percent jump in Okanagan. In addition to top research facilities, UBC students can enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean, forests, and mountains, or visit some of the top city’s top attractions located in the university, such as the Museum of Anthropology, the UBC Botanical Garden, and the lush trails of Pacific Spirit Regional Park.

Learn more about studying in British Columbia.

2. University of Waterloo

The University of Waterloo hosts Velocity, the largest free startup incubator in the world. University of Waterloo also ranks among the top comprehensive Canadian universities in Maclean’s 2018 rankings. The university gives business-minded students free access to resources that help them realize a project from an idea to a product and on to commercialization strategies. The university has the largest co-op program in the world, with more than 19,800 participating students, securing employment rates of 86 to 99.9 percent over recent years. The university’s co-op initiative attracts labour market involvement from over 6,700 employers. For students interested in securing employment after graduation, University of Waterloo boasts a program that sets students apart with a balanced academic experience and direct engagement with the industry. Its campuses are innovative and well-funded with a clear mission to become one of the world’s most pioneering learning destinations.

Signature programs: Actuarial Science, Architecture, Nanotechnology, Commerce

Learn more about studying in Ontario.

1. University of Toronto

First place goes to U of T, which firmly holds its position as Canada’s most reputable university for consecutive years. Described as a “city within a city”, U of T has a large student population with almost 90,000 domestic and international students choosing to study in over 700 undergraduate and 300 graduate level programs. The university has three campuses spread out in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), giving the opportunity to individuals in every part of the city to access world-class education.

U of T attracts a multitude of international students; university statistics show the number of accepted admissions received from overseas increased by 20 percent in 2017. From artificial intelligence research to the development of cutting-edge tech ventures, such the launch of Creative Destruction labs, U of T research is often featured globally in headlines related to new discoveries and creative solutions. It comes as no surprise that U of T also earned this year’s title as Canada’s most innovative university in Reuters’ list of the Top 100 Most Innovative Universities in the world.

Signature programs: Science, Medicine, and Artificial Intelligence

Learn more about your options for studying in Canada.

There is also a range of tools and resources available for prospective students in Canada, including Canada School Search and School Match Canada.

International students and post-graduate workers in Canada can join the CanadaVisa Study Hub to access a range of tools and resources to assist in studying, working, and settling in Canada permanently. Study Hub members also have exclusive access to the CanadaVisa Study Hub Scholarship Contest for a chance to win $500.

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