Top Public Universities in Canada

If you’ve chosen to study in Canada, you’re already aware of its top-ranked universities, high quality of life, low crime rates, and welcoming atmosphere for international students. Although public universities and colleges in Canada are less expensive than private institutions, you will still need to do some research to discover courses that fit within your budget. Don’t worry, we’ve covered everything you need to know about 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.

Also Read: Postdoctoral Fellowship in Canada: A Guide

Top Public Universities in Canada

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

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.

Average Tuition Fees for University of Toronto Programs 

Undergraduate Programs	PostgraduatePrograms
17,500-20,000 USD(1,288,831-1,472,950 INR)	12,500-15,000 USD(920,593-1,104712 INR)

Also Read: PG Diploma in Data Science in Canada: Courses & Fees

The University of British Columbia 

The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a non-profit public higher education school in Vancouver, British Columbia, founded in 1908. It is located in the metropolitan setting of the city of Vancouver (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 residents). This university has a branch campus in Kelowna. The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a big coeducational Canadian higher education institution officially accredited by the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills & Training of British Columbia. 

The University 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 and programs leading to legally recognized higher education degrees in a range of subjects. This 112-year-old Canadian university has a stringent admissions policy based on entrance exams and past academic records and evaluations of applicants. With acceptance rates ranging from 40 to 50 per cent, this Canadian higher education institution is somewhat selective. Applicants from all over the world are encouraged to submit their applications. A library, lodging, sports facilities, financial help, and scholarships are all available.

Average Tuition Fees for University of Toronto Programs 

Undergraduate Programs	PostgraduatePrograms
Over 20,000 USD(1,472,950 INR)	Over 20,000 USD(1,472,950 INR)

Simon Fraser University

Simon Fraser University, founded in 1965, is a non-profit public higher-education school located in the tiny city of Burnaby (population range of 50,000-249,999), British Columbia. This school has other branch campuses in Surrey and Vancouver. Simon Fraser University (SFU) is a large coeducational Canadian higher education school 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. This Canadian university has an admittance rate of 80-90 per cent, making it the least selective college in the country. Students from all around the world accept admissions applications.SFU also 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.

Average Tuition Fees for Simon Fraser University

Undergraduate Programs	PostgraduatePrograms
Over 20,000 USD(1,472,950 INR)	2,500-5,000 USD(184,118-368,237 INR)

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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, which was founded in 1821. Ste. Anne de Bellevue is home to a branch campus of this university. McGill University is a very big coeducational Canadian higher education institution that is officially recognized by the Ministère de l’Éducation et de l’Enseignement supérieur, Québec (Ministry of Education and Higher Education of Quebec).McGill University offers a wide range of courses and programs 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.
• Administrative services.

Average Tuition Fees for McGill University

Undergraduate Programs	PostgraduatePrograms
17,500-20,000 USD(1,288,831-1,472,950 INR)	15,000-17,500 USD(1,104,712-1,288,831 INR)

York University

York University 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.

Average Tuition Fees for York University

Undergraduate Programs	PostgraduatePrograms
Over 20,000 USD(1,472,950 INR)	12,500-15,000 USD(920,593-1,104,712 INR)

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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)

Application Process for Public Universities in Canada

Each Canadian institution has its website for prospective students to apply for and enrol in their degree programs. So, once you’ve chosen a university, you can apply and submit your documents there. The basic requirement for any application, you’ll need the following:

• 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

Also Read: PhD in British Columbia: Top Fields, Jobs, Scholarships, Admissions 2024

English-Language Tests

To apply to study in Canada, you’ll need to show that you have an English proficiency diploma. Canadian universities commonly accept the following certificates:

• PTE Academic
• TOEFL
• IELTS
• C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency

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FAQs

Must Read: Travelling to Canada? Use ArriveCAN

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.