Public Universities in Canada: List of 15 Public Universities in Canada

Are you planning to study in Canada but struggling to find the right institution? The list of public universities in Canada can be your one-stop solution. Canada houses several top-ranked public universities known for quality education, affordable tuition, and excellent research opportunities, attracting international students from worldwide. According to the government of Canada, the University of Toronto enrolled over 20,000 international students whereas the University of British Columbia reported that international students made up approximately 28% of its student body in 2023. Moreover, government universities in Canada charge less than private institutions. Curious to learn more? Here is a blog with the best public universities in Canada.

Why Study in Canada?

Pursuing your education in Canada can be very rewarding in terms of academic and employment opportunities. Here are some of the main reasons why you should study in Canada:

• Students from all over the world have come to study alongside the finest in their areas at some of Canada’s best universities and institutions.
• There are numerous higher education institutions in Canada, including universities, colleges, polytechnics, and cégeps (vocational schools). Depending on your goals or what you’re looking for, you may choose the institutional model that best meets your needs.
• On the employment market, Canadian college and university graduates are highly respected, and those who study there have been able to get excellent positions in virtually every subject.
• No matter who you are, where you come from, or what you want to study, Canadians are happy to welcome you warmly. According to the North American country, international students are safe, treated fairly, and passionate about participating in Canadian education and culture.

List of Public Universities in Canada

Canada has over 100 public universities, offering world-class education at affordable tuition rates. In 2023, Canada hosted over 1 million international students, marking a 29% increase from the previous year. Here is a list of the best public universities in Canada for international students to achieve their dream education:

List of Public Universities in Canada	Location	Acceptance Rate (estimated)
University of Toronto	Toronto	43%
McGill University	Montreal	46.3%
University of Waterloo	Waterloo	53%
Western University	London	58%
University of Ottawa	Ottawa	78%
University of Alberta	Edmonton	58%
Queen’s University	Kingston	89%
University of Calgary	Calgary	10-20%
Dalhousie University	Halifax Regional Municipality	78%
York University	Toronto	59%
University of Montreal	Montreal	57%
University of Regina	Regina	91%
McMaster University	Hamilton	59%
Simon Fraser University	Burnaby	59%
University of Victoria	Victoria	63%

Top Public Universities in Canada

In this section, you will learn all about the best public universities in Canada including their average tuition fees. Whether you’re planning to pursue undergraduate or graduate studies, this list will guide you in making an informed choice.

University of Toronto

The University of Toronto, founded in 1827, is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the metropolitan setting of Toronto, Ontario (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000). The University of Toronto is a large coeducational Canadian university formally accredited by Ontario’s Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities. The institute offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees in various disciplines of study.

Particulars	Details
Undergraduate Programs Average Fee	17,500-20,000 USD(1,288,831-1,472,950 INR)
Postgraduate Programs Average Fee	12,500-15,000 USD(920,593-1,104712 INR)
Popular Courses	Clinical Medicine, Chemical engineering, Biochemistry, Education, Cell biology
Popular Scholarships for International Students	Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship U of T Mississauga Automatic Entrance Scholarship

The University of British Columbia 

Founded in 1908, the University of British Columbia (UBC) is a non-profit public higher education school in Vancouver, British Columbia. It is located in Vancouver and is officially accredited by the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills & Training of British Columbia. 

UBC offers pre-bachelor degrees (certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation degrees), Bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctorate degrees, as well as courses leading to legally recognized higher education degrees in several subjects. This 112-year-old Canadian university has a stringent admissions policy based on entrance exams and past academic records and evaluations of applicants.

Particulars	Details
Undergraduate Programs Average Fee	Over 20,000 USD(1,472,950 INR)
PostgraduatePrograms Average Fee	Over 20,000 USD(1,472,950 INR)
Popular Courses	Business & Management, Arts & Humanities, Engineering & Technology
Popular Scholarships for International Students	International Major Entrance Scholarships (IMES) Outstanding International Student Award

Simon Fraser University

Simon Fraser University, founded in 1965, is a non-profit public higher-education school in Burnaby (population range of 50,000-249,999), British Columbia. It has branch campuses in Surrey and Vancouver. SFU is officially accredited by the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills & Training of British Columbia in various fields of study. Simon Fraser University (SFU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e., Bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctorate degrees).

This 55-year-old Canadian university has a strict admissions policy based on entrance exams and applicants’ prior academic records and ratings. SFU provides students with a library, accommodation, athletic facilities, financial aid and scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning options, and administrative services.

Particulars	Details
Undergraduate Programs	Over 20,000 USD(1,472,950 INR)
Postgraduate Programs	2,500-5,000 USD(184,118-368,237 INR)
Popular Courses	Business economics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics

McGill University

McGill University is a non-profit public higher education school located in the urban setting of Montréal (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants), Quebec. It was founded in 1821. Ste. Anne de Bellevue is home to a branch campus of this university. McGill University is a coeducational Canadian higher education institution, officially recognized by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education of Quebec. It offers a wide range of courses leading to legally recognized higher education degrees.

This 199-year-old Canadian university has a strict admissions strategy based on entrance exams and applicants’ previous academic records and ratings. Students from all around the world accept admissions applications. McGill University also provides students with a library, housing, athletic facilities, financial aid and scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs.

Particulars	Details
Undergraduate Programs	17,500-20,000 USD(1,288,831-1,472,950 INR)
Postgraduate Programs	15,000-17,500 USD(1,104,712-1,288,831 INR)
Popular Courses	Education, Engineering, Economics, Architecture, Agricultural Science, Accounting
Popular Scholarships for International Students	Entrance Scholarship Program

York University

The next on our list of public universities in Canada is York University. It is a non-profit public higher education institution in Toronto, Ontario, founded in 1959. (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000). York University (YU) is a large coeducational Canadian higher education institution officially recognized by the Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities of Ontario. York University (YU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as Bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctorate degrees in various disciplines of study. Students from all around the world accept admissions applications. Among other academic and non-academic facilities and services, students have access to a library, dorms, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, and administrative services.

Particulars	Details
Undergraduate Programs	Over 20,000 USD(1,472,950 INR)
Postgraduate Programs	12,500-15,000 USD(920,593-1,104,712 INR)
Popular Courses	BBA, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering,
Popular Scholarships for International Students	Tentanda Via Award, Accounting President’s International Scholarship of Excellence

Eligibility Criteria for Admission to Public Universities in Canada

Each public university in Canada has specific eligibility requirements for admission. You will have to satisfy different requirements, based on factors like your course and study level. Below are the general criteria that international students need to meet to apply:

• Completion of secondary school or equivalent for undergraduate programs
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent for graduate programs
• Minimum GPA requirements (varies by program and university)
• Proof of language proficiency (English/French, depending on the institution)
• Relevant standardized test scores (e.g., SAT, GRE) for certain programs

Application Process for Public Universities in Canada

The admission process for public universities in Canada involves several key steps. Here’s a breakdown of the typical process for international students:

1. Research and select the program and university
2. Check the eligibility requirements and ensure you meet them
3. Prepare and gather necessary documents (academic transcripts, proof of language proficiency, etc.)
4. Submit an online application through the university’s portal
5. Pay the application fee (if applicable)
6. Wait for an offer of admission
7. Accept the offer and pay the tuition deposit
8. Apply for a study permit (student visa)
9. Arrange accommodation and travel to Canada

Documents Required

To apply for admission to public universities in Canada, international students need to submit a variety of documents. Here’s a list of the most common documents required:

• A copy of your diploma (either high school or Bachelor’s degree)
• A transcript/record of your previous courses
• A scan of your passport
• Your CV
• English and subject proficiency scores
• Evidence of scholarship or funding
• Letters of recommendation (between 2-3)
• Portfolio and writing samples

Bonus: Cheap Public Universities in Canada

Here are the cheapest public universities in Canada for international students:

For UG Students

University	Average Tuition Fees
Algonquin College	Bachelors starting at 1,780 CAD/year(103,511 INR)
Vancouver Island University	Bachelors starting at 1,668 CAD/year(96,998 INR)
Saint Mary’s University	Bachelors starting at 1,780 CAD/year(103,511 INR)
Brandon University	Bachelors starting at 2,765 CAD/year(160,792 INR)
Thompson Rivers University	Bachelors starting at 3,768 CAD/year(219,119 INR)

For PG Students

University	Average Tuition Fees
University of Victoria	Masters starting at 1,010 CAD/year(58,734 INR)
Cape Breton University	Masters starting at 1,067 CAD/year(62,049 INR)
Memorial University of Newfoundland	Masters starting at 2,150 CAD/year(125,028 INR)
Simon Fraser University	Masters starting at 3,258 CAD/year(189,461 INR)
Mount Allison University	Masters starting at 3,340 CAD/year(194,230 INR)

FAQs

Do you want to be a part of these public universities in Canada?  Many Indian students dream of pursuing education in foreign nations due to the exposure and career growth they offer. Consider joining a free counselling session with Leverage Edu if you plan to study abroad.