5 Best Cities to Study in Canada for International Students

Canada, renowned for its expansive landscapes, maple trees, and frigid winters, is positioned in North America, with the city of Ottawa serving as its capital. Boasting the status of the world’s second-largest country, Canada is home to approximately 38,388,400 residents. The official languages are English and French, reflecting the country’s cultural diversity. Predominantly, the population adheres to Christianity.

Travelers exploring the “Land of the Maple Leaf” should not miss iconic attractions like Niagara Falls, Lake Louise, CN Tower, Old Quebec, and the renowned ski resort, Whistler Blackcomb. Indulging in local cuisine is a must, with delectable options including poutine, Nanaimo bars, bannock, Saskatoon berry pie, and Nova Scotian lobster rolls.

Furthermore, Canada attracts a significant number of international students seeking educational opportunities. In 2021 alone, around 450,000 foreign students chose Canada for their tertiary studies. This guide highlights some of the prime cities for international students to pursue their academic endeavors in Canada.

Top Cities in Canada:

1. Montreal

Situated in Quebec, Montreal stands as the largest city in the province, earning itself various monikers including “Quebec’s Metropolis,” “Festival City,” and the “Paris of North America.” As of 2022, the city is home to approximately 4,277,000 residents. Montreal’s allure is heightened by its prominent tourist destinations, including Old Montreal, Jardin Botanique, Notre-Dame Basilica, Parc Jean Drapeau, and Musée des Beaux Arts.

Montreal holds a prime position among the top cities for studying in Canada. The city boasts a diverse range of educational institutions, making it an ideal destination for academic pursuits. Notable institutions include the University of Montreal, McGill University, Concordia University, Vanier College, and HEC Montréal.

For students with a keen interest in pursuing business-focused studies, HEC Montréal emerges as a premier choice. This globally acclaimed institution, specializing in business education, opened its doors in 1907, holding the distinction of being Canada’s inaugural business school. Currently, HEC nurtures a thriving student body of around 14,300, with 3,746 hailing from international backgrounds. Despite being a French-language institute, many courses at HEC Montréal are conducted in English.

Alternatively, for those seeking an English-language academic environment, McGill University is a fitting option. Established in 1821, McGill is a public research university renowned for delivering a world-class education. Notable alumni from McGill include physician and Nobel Prize winner Ralph Steinman, acclaimed novelist and short story writer Heather O’Neill, Latvia’s first female president Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga, and molecular pharmacologist Bernard Belleau.

2. Toronto

Situated in Ontario, Canada’s most populous province, Toronto stands as a central hub with a population of around 6,313,000 as of 2022. The city boasts a plethora of tourist attractions, including the Toronto Zoo, Royal Ontario Museum, Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto Entertainment District, and Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada.

Toronto houses distinguished educational institutions such as York University, Ryerson University, George Brown College, Seneca College, and the University of Toronto. York University, with over 55,000 students, is recognized as a top-ranking institute, welcoming 10,000 students from 172 countries. Renowned for global collaborative research publications, York University is a leader in Ontario’s higher education landscape.

For those seeking online study options, Seneca College, established in 1967, provides a solid choice. The college has a notable alumni roster, including broadcaster Chuck “Spider” Jones, writer and storyteller Rukhsana Khan, singer Jason Chan, TV host Bobby Ash, and politician Alvin Curling. Seneca offers a diverse range of courses and programs spanning various fields such as aviation, business, creative arts, animation, design, education, community and social services, engineering technology, fashion, health and wellness, hospitality and tourism, information technology, law, administration and public safety, liberal arts, media and communications, and science.

3. Vancouver

Nestled in the province of British Columbia, Vancouver is home to approximately 2,632,000 people. The city’s attractions include Stanley Park, Granville Island Public Market, Museum of Anthropology, Grouse Mountain, and Kitsilano Beach. Vancouver is also esteemed as one of the top cities for international students in Canada.

Leading higher education institutions in the city include The University of British Columbia, Vancouver Film School, University Canada West, Langara College, and Emily Carr University of Art + Design.

4. Ottawa

Renowned as Canada’s capital city, Ottawa serves as a vibrant commerce center, adorned with impressive landmarks like Parliament Hill, Rideau Canal, Canadian War Museum, National Gallery of Canada, and the iconic Peace Tower.

Institutions of prominence in the city include the University of Ottawa, Carleton University, Dominican University College, Saint Paul University, and Algonquin College. The University of Ottawa (uOttawa) distinguishes itself as a bilingual institute, offering programs in both English and French. The university encompasses ten faculties, covering a wide range of disciplines, including Arts, Education, Engineering, Health Sciences, Civil Law, Common Law, Medicine, Science, Social Sciences, and the Telfer School of Management.

5. Winnipeg

As the capital of Manitoba province, Winnipeg stands as its largest city with a population of around 833,000 as of 2022. Offering a plethora of activities and attractions, Winnipeg invites exploration of The Forks Market, Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Assiniboine Park and Zoo, Winnipeg Art Gallery, and Fort Whyte Alive.

Winnipeg ranks among the best cities for studying in Canada, featuring institutions such as the University of Winnipeg, Booth University College, Red River College Polytechnic, Mid-Ocean School of Media Arts (MOSMA), and the University of Manitoba. The University of Winnipeg (UWinnipeg) is a premier educational institute in the city, focusing on diverse fields including arts, business and economics, education, kinesiology, and science.