Region guide
Three- or four-year bachelor's programs, one- or two-year master's, three-to-five-year PhDs. Public universities dominate; the Group of Canadian Research Universities (U15) sets the research benchmark. Ontario applicants use OUAC; other provinces apply directly to each institution.
Last updated
Application platform
OUAC (Ontario) or direct via university portal
Intakes
Fall (Sep) · Winter (Jan) · Summer (May)
Tuition (USD/yr, undergrad)
$12,000–$35,000
Student visa
Study Permit
Home student of Canada?
GlobalStudyBoard is built for international students applying to Canada. If you are a citizen or resident, you usually apply as a domestic student — tuition is typically lower, you may qualify for home-student finance, and you do not need a student visa. We don’t cover the domestic home-student route in depth; for fees, funding and the home-student application process, use the official Canada government and university sources (for example OUAC).
8 institutions we cover in Canada.
Toronto, Ontario · Est. 1827
Canada's top-ranked university and the largest, U of T has three campuses (St. George, Scarborough, Mississauga) and is a global research leader. Particularly strong in medicine, computer science, and the deep-learning revolution (Geoffrey Hinton).
Montreal, Quebec · Est. 1821
English-language research university in Montreal with a strong international student body (about 30%). Notable for medicine, engineering, and management (Desautels). Located in a francophone city, so basic French is useful for daily life.
Vancouver, British Columbia · Est. 1908
UBC has two campuses (Vancouver and Okanagan) and is known for sustainability research, forestry, computer science, and the Sauder School of Business. Vancouver's mild climate and Pacific Rim location are major draws.
Waterloo, Ontario · Est. 1957
Waterloo runs Canada's largest co-op program: students alternate between school and paid internships at companies like Google, Microsoft, and Tesla. The Computer Science and Engineering programs are particularly hard to get into.
Hamilton, Ontario · Est. 1887
McMaster pioneered problem-based learning in medicine and is recognized for the Health Sciences program (one of the most selective undergrad programs in Canada). Strong engineering and business (DeGroote) offerings.
Kingston, Ontario · Est. 1841
A medium-sized university known for the Commerce program (Smith School of Business), engineering, and one of Canada's strongest school spirits. Famous tricolour (red, gold, blue) and tradition-rich campus on Lake Ontario.
Standardised tests used by universities in Canada.
Graduate Record Examinations
Graduate Management Admission Test (Focus Edition)
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
International English Language Testing System
Test of English as a Foreign Language (Internet-Based Test)
Duolingo English Test
8 curated tracks — pick a path, then go deep hub by hub.
Canada Admissions · Application Components In Depth · Grades & Credential Recognition · Professional-Program Applications
5 topic hubsCanada Tests & Grades · English & French Tests In Depth
2 topic hubsCanada Study Permit · Study Permit Process In Depth
2 topic hubsTuition & Funding in Canada · Scholarships & Funding In Depth · Paying & Managing Money
3 topic hubsCanada Universities · Ontario Universities & OUAC · Western Canada Universities · Quebec Universities & CEGEP
6 topic hubsMajors & Careers · College Diploma Programs · Science Degrees in Canada · Arts & Social Sciences
8 topic hubsWork & Stay in Canada · PGWP Eligibility & Rules · Pathways to PR for Students · Professional Licensing in Canada
5 topic hubsStudent Life in Canada · Settling & Living In Depth · Campus & Community Life · Settling In & Daily Life
4 topic hubsMost applicants apply via OUAC (Ontario) or direct via university portal. Confirm current requirements on the official university or application-platform website before applying.
The main intakes are Fall (Sep), Winter (Jan), Summer (May). Application deadlines vary by university — always verify on the official source.
Undergraduate tuition is roughly $12,000–$35,000 per year (USD). Fees change every academic year — verify on the official university website.
Study Permit. Immigration rules change frequently — verify on the official government source before applying.
Up to 24 hrs/week off-campus during term; full-time on breaks. PGWP up to 3 years after graduation. Work rules can change — verify on the official source before relying on them.
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