Worldwide Ranking for 2026 Reveals Four Canadian Cities as Popular Destinations for International Students
Canada's Top Universities and Student Cities in 2026
In the latest QS World University Rankings for 2026, McGill University in Montreal took the top spot as the best Canadian university, with a global ranking of 27. Close behind was the University of Toronto in Toronto, with a ranking of 29, followed by the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, which came in at 40.
Vancouver, a bustling city in British Columbia, ranked highly in the Student Mix category, but its Affordability score of 16.9 brought its overall score down in the QS Best Student Cities 2026. The cost of living in Vancouver is $3,793.63 per month in 2025.
Montreal, the largest city in Quebec, ranked highly on QS's global Best Student Cities list. Its Employer Activity and Desirability scores were 80 and 74.8 respectively, while its Affordability score was 30.5. Montreal held the 10th position in the QS Best Student Cities 2025 list, but experienced a decline in rankings in 2026, being overtaken by McGill University.
Toronto, Canada's largest city, ranked 22nd in the QS Best Student Cities 2026 list. Toronto excelled in the Student View, Student Mix, Employer Activity, and Desirability categories. The city held the 11th position in the QS Best Student Cities 2025 list, also marking a decline in rankings in 2026.
Ottawa, the capital city, ranked in the 27.4 position in the QS Best Student Cities Rankings for 2026. The University of Ottawa ranked in the 218th position in the QS World University Ranking 2026. Ottawa scored well in the Student View category (80.3), Student Mix category (82.3), and Desirability category (73.6), but its scores in Employer Activity (35.6) and Affordability (22.1) were lower compared to other categories.
It's important to note that only Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) are permitted to admit international students in Canada. Other documents required for studying in Canada include the Provincial Attestation Letter or Territorial Attestation Letter, biometrics, a medical exam, and police certificates.
Starting September 1, 2025, the minimum amount of funds required for proof of financial support for a family of one is $22,895. Numerous changes to post graduation work permit (PGWP) and spousal open work permit (SOWP) eligibility have occurred in 2024 and 2025, so it is important to stay up-to-date with the most recent eligibility criteria if these factors are important to an international student considering studying in Canada.
Simon Fraser University, located in Ottawa, was not ranked in the top 250 universities in the 2026 QS World University Rankings. The University of British Columbia, also in Vancouver, was the third highest ranked Canadian university in the 2026 QS World University rankings. York University, also in Toronto, ranked in the 333rd position.
Montreal ranked 94.4 in the Student View category and 91.5 in the Student Mix category in QS Best Student Cities 2026, while Toronto ranked 94.8 in the Student View category and 93.4 in the Student Mix category.
In conclusion, while Vancouver and Montreal offer a vibrant student life, their affordability scores may be a concern for some international students. Toronto, on the other hand, excels in multiple categories, including student view, student mix, employer activity, and desirability, but its affordability score is also relatively high. It's essential for international students to conduct thorough research and consider their individual needs and priorities when choosing a city and university in Canada.
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