Looking for the best universities in Canada for engineering? You’re in luck! Canada’s universities have some of the best engineering programs in the world, and there are a wide variety of programs to choose from for Canadian students from every province, and international students. Although the university acceptance rates in Canada can be quite competitive, especially in programs like engineering, it is very possible to get accepted with hard work and a stellar application. And remember, just like choosing the best undergrad business schools or best universities for premeds, choosing the best university for engineering for your academic journey takes diligence and careful consideration. In this blog, we’ll go over the best universities in Canada for engineering, how to apply and tips on how to get accepted!
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List of the Best Universities in Canada for Engineering
Below is a list of the top universities in Canada for engineering. You can also check out the best engineering schools in the US here.
1. University of Waterloo
Acceptance rate: 53% overall
Minimum Grade: 85%* Not a hard cut-off, but suggested minimum to apply
Tuition: $30,677-35,388 (domestic); $53,932-60,214 (international)
Engineering Programs: Biomedical and Software, Computer, Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Systems Design, Architectural, Chemical, Civil, Environmental, Geological, Management, and Nanotechnology
Profile: The Faculty of Engineering at the University of Waterloo is considered one of the best engineering education in Canada. It ranks in the top 100 of universities worldwide for engineering. The department is highly regarded for its co-operative education programs, which splits their degree into 8 study terms and 6 work terms, which provide students with valuable real-life work experience and the ability to manage their finances, even paying off some of their tuition while still studying. It has a strong focus on engineering research and entrepreneurship. It is also one of the most competitive engineering programs to get into, specifically the Biomedical and Software Engineering program.
2. University of Toronto
Acceptance rate: 40.7% for engineering programs
Average Grade: 90%
Tuition: $14,180 (Ontario domestic); $14,600 (non-Ontario domestic); $63,500 (international)
Engineering Programs: Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry, Civil & Mineral Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, Engineering Science, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Aerospace Studies, Biomedical Engineering, Transdisciplinary Engineering Education & Practice
Profile: The Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering at the University of Toronto is renowned for its engineering programs, and is considered one of the best engineering programs in Canada. Like the University of Waterloo, it is ranked in the top 100 of universities in the world for engineering. It offers a wide range of disciplines and has a strong emphasis on research and innovation.
3. University of British Columbia (UBC)
Acceptance rate: 49% overall
Minimum Grade: 70% in Grade 11 and Grade 12, or equivalent
Tuition: $9,380 (domestic); $59,909 (international)
Programs: Bachelor of Applied Science in Engineering
Profile: UBC's Faculty of Applied Science is consistently ranked among the top engineering schools in Canada. It offers a diverse range of engineering disciplines and has a strong focus on sustainability and innovation. Applicants to UBC’s engineering program all enter into the same first year curriculum, and have the chance to pursue focused study beginning in their second year, depending on which area of engineering they’re interested in. UBC also has the option for students to engage in a co-op program, earning work experience while they study.
4. University of Alberta: The Faculty of Engineering
Acceptance rate: 58% overall
Average Grade: 88%
Tuition: $10,000 (estimate for domestic students)
Engineering Programs: Chemical engineering, Mechanical engineering, Environmental engineering, Civil engineering, Materials engineering, Computer engineering, Mining engineering, Electrical engineering, Petroleum engineering, Engineering physics
Profile: The University of Alberta Faculty of Engineering is recognized for its strong research programs and collaborative partnerships with industry. It offers a range of engineering disciplines and emphasizes hands-on learning. It offers a unique Petroleum Engineering program for applicants interested in working in the oil and gas or energy sectors.
5. McGill University
Acceptance rate: 47% overall
Average Grade: 90%
Tuition: $5,712 (Quebec residents); $11,823 (non-Quebec residents); $63,242 (international)
Engineering programs: Bioengineering, Bioresource, Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Mechanical, Materials, Mining, and Software engineering
Profile: McGill University is one of Canada's oldest and most prestigious institutions. Its Faculty of Engineering offers a variety of engineering programs and has a reputation for research excellence.
6. Concordia University, Montréal
Acceptance rate: 78% overall
Minimum GPA: 2.0 (weighted)
Tuition: $4,973 (Quebec residents); $10,753 (non-Quebec residents); $25,126-$29,607 (international students)
Engineering Programs: Aerospace, Building, Civil, Computer, Computer Science, Data Science, Electrical, Health and Life Sciences, Industrial, Mechanical and Software engineering
7. University of Calgary
Acceptance rate: ~21% for engineering students
Average GPA: 3.3
Tuition: N/A
Engineering Programs: Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Energy Engineering, Geomatics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Software Engineering, Sustainable Systems Engineering
Profile: The Schulich School of Engineering at the University of Calgary is known for its experiential learning opportunities and strong ties to industry. It offers programs in various engineering fields and focuses on innovation and entrepreneurship.
8. McMaster University
Acceptance rate: 87%
Average Grade: 87%
Tuition: $12,446 (domestic Ontario); $14,132 (domestic non-Ontario); $65,428 (international)
Engineering Programs: Chemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Physics, Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Software Engineering, Engineering & Management, Engineering & Society
Profile: McMaster University Faculty of Engineering is known for its innovative teaching methods and interdisciplinary approach. It offers programs in various engineering disciplines and is renowned for its research in materials and manufacturing. Enrolled students first complete Engineering I, or their first foundational year of learning, before entering more specialized study in Engineering II and beyond, including co-op learning options.
Applying to Canadian universities? Here's how an admission consultant can help:
9. Carleton University
Acceptance rate: 30% for engineering
Minimum Grade: 75%
Tuition: $7,292-$12,478 (domestic); $31,796-$49,665 (international)
Engineering Programs: Aerospace, Architectural Conservation & Sustainability, Biomedical & Electrical, Biomedical & Mechanical, Civil, Communications, Computer Systems, Electrical, Engineering Physics, Environmental, Mechanical, Software engineering, Sustainable & Renewable Energy
10. Western University
Acceptance rate: Around 31% for engineering
Minimum Grade: 85%
Tuition: N/A
Engineering Programs: Artificial Intelligence Systems Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Integrated Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronic Systems Engineering, Software Engineering
Profile: Western University Faculty of Engineering offers a wide range of engineering programs with a focus on experiential learning and entrepreneurship. It has strong industry connections and research collaborations.
11. Queen's University
Acceptance rate: 42% overall
Average Grade: 85-90%
Tuition: $6,153 (domestic), $27,513 (international)
Engineering Programs: Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Chemistry, Engineering Physics, Geological Engineering, Mathematics and Engineering, Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Mining Engineering
Profile: Queen's University Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science provides a comprehensive engineering education with a focus on hands-on learning and innovation. It offers a variety of engineering disciplines and has a strong research culture.
12. École Polytechnique de Montréal
Acceptance rate: Around 65% overall
Average Grade: 80%+
Tuition: $1,900 for a full-time semester (Quebec residents); $5,000 for a full-time semester, (non-Quebec residents)
Engineering Programs: Aerospace, Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, Mining, Electrical, Geological, Industrial, Informatics & Logistics, Mechanical, Engineering Physics
Profile: Located in Montreal, École Polytechnique is one of Canada's leading engineering schools. It offers a range of engineering programs and is known for its research in fields such as aerospace, energy, and sustainable development. Note that the language of instruction is French only, so applicants whose first language is not French must demonstrate a minimum level of fluency.
Here are a few more universities in Canada offering top-tier engineering programs:
- University of Ottawa
- University of Victoria
- York University
- Université de Montréal
- Simon Fraser University
- Dalhousie University
- University of New Brunswick
- University of Windsor
- University of Guelph
- University of Manitoba
- University of Saskatchewan
- Lakehead University
- Ontario Tech University
How to Apply to Engineering Programs in Canada
When applying to any of these best universities in Canada for engineering, it’s important to know what kind of application you’ll need to submit and what the admission requirements are. To apply to Canadian universities, it all depends on location.
Each Canadian province may have its own general admission requirements, as well as more specific grade cut-offs and application requirements for each individual program. Many of Canada’s universities also consider in-province students, out-of-province students and international students separately. For example, some schools may have higher grade cut-offs for out-of-province students or international students.
In general, though, the best universities in Canada for engineering require a high school diploma or equivalent, a grade average of 85% and above and a strong application to be considered for admissions.
How to Get into the Best Universities in Canada for Engineering
While there is no magic formula to get you into these best universities in Canada for engineering, there are some strategies you can use to maximize your chances and ensure you’re well-prepared for your application.
#1 Maintain good grades
As always, start with maintaining your grades while in high school. It’s a requirement to have completed your high school diploma and all your core courses by the time you matriculate to university in Canada, but some schools may look at your Grade 11 and Grade 12 record, too. Some engineering programs also have prerequisite courses listed, so be sure to check your target school’s admission requirements.
If you’re an international student who completed high school outside of Canada or the US, or you’re enrolled in an IB or AP program, your academic record will be evaluated based on your curriculum. You can check each school’s website for detailed information on how admissions officers consider your academic record and any additional admission requirements you need to meet. You may also need to know how to apply to universities in Canada as an international student.
#3 Craft a great application
Your grades are important, but you’ll still need to submit an excellent application to really stand out. Carefully read the application instructions for whatever application service or online application you’re using and take your time when completing it to ensure it is polished and truly reflects the best of your experiences and personal qualities.
The OUAC activities and employment section, or your extracurriculars section give you a chance to really personalize your application. Some schools may also ask you to submit a high school resume, which is a good place to include any engineering related internships for high school students, notable awards or achievements you have.
Some engineering programs ask for an admissions essay or college essay, and a few also interview prospective students. Whatever your application looks like, start making a list of materials you’ll need and start preparing for every part of the application process early.
Here are some tips for your OUAC activities and employment section!
#3 Apply early
Many of these programs use rolling admissions, so it’s a very good idea to apply as early as possible! Especially since some of these engineering programs are highly competitive, being one of the first to apply can put you one step ahead of the competition, so to speak. It can make the difference between an acceptance or being placed on the college waitlist.
#4 Check language requirements
International students are commonly asked to submit an English or French language proficiency test. Some programs may have minimum scores you’ll need to meet or have a preference for a particular test, but you can find this information for international students on individual school websites.
If you’re an English-speaking or bilingual Canadian student applying to one of the French-language engineering programs in Quebec, you’ll need to submit a French language test.
#5 Ask for help
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of applying to one of these best engineering programs in Canada, you’re not alone. There are professional resources you can use to help you navigate the application or give you expert feedback on your materials. Canadian university admission consultants are a great resource if you’re applying to an especially competitive program, or even if you want some advice on creating your university list or you just want some college interview prep help.
Here are some college interview red flags to avoid!
How to Choose Best Universities Engineering Program in Canada for You
The above list of best universities in Canada for engineering is a good start, but for the sake of not breaking the bank with application fees, you’ll want to narrow down your application list a little.
Here’s a few important factors to consider when choosing where to apply:
FAQs
1. What universities in Canada are best for engineering?
All of the engineering programs at Canadian universities are highly regarded as far as educational excellence, but the top 5 ranked at the University of Toronto, the University of Waterloo, the University of British Columbia, the University of Alberta and McGill University.
2. Does it matter which university in Canada you go to for engineering?
As far as quality of education, no. Every engineering program in Canada is well regarded and you will receive a great education in engineering no matter where you go. How you choose which one is best for you depends on your career goals, values, budget and what you want out of a program.
3. How hard is it to get into engineering in Canada?
Engineering is one of the most competitive degrees to get into in Canada, with fairly high average grades and relatively low acceptance rates. Getting in requires an excellent academic record and a very strong application.
4. Do engineering programs in Canada accept international students?
Yes, most of the large universities in Canada accept international students to their engineering programs. Competition to get in may be a little tougher for international students, and they usually have more admission requirements to meet, too, so be sure to check a school’s official website or contact the admissions office.
5. What GPA do I need to get into engineering in Canada?
You’ll need a grade average of 80% and above to get into most engineering programs in Canada, and a grade average above 85% to get into the most competitive programs.
6. What is the most in-demand engineering field in Canada?
Right now, the most in-demand engineering fields are in civil and computer software engineering, biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, agricultural and mining engineering. All of these fields are highly important in Canada and engineers in these field are always in high demand.
7. Is an engineering degree worth it in Canada?
Absolutely. Canada is an excellent place to study engineering, and engineering graduates in Canada are highly employable in both Canada and other countries. Many of Canada’s top engineering programs report a high number of successfully employed engineering grads.
8. What is the hardest engineering program in Canada to get into?
The mechanical engineering program at McGill University is the toughest individual engineering program to get into. The average grade of accepted students is over 90%, and admissions is generally extremely competitive.
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