Finding the best universities in Ontario can feel overwhelming, especially with over 20 options across the province. Whether you're a high school student looking to stay local, an international student eyeing an academic journey in Canada’s education capital, or already thinking about applying to medical schools in Ontario, there is something for everyone. We’re giving you the inside scoop on the best universities in Ontario by overall ranking, specific programs, and key factors to consider—so you can make the right choice for your academic goals!
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Top 10 Best Universities in Ontario
Here’s a list of Ontario’s most renowned universities, famous for academic excellence, research, and student satisfaction.
University of Toronto
Location: Toronto
Why it stands out: The University of Toronto is consistently ranked #1 in Ontario and among the top 20 globally due to its research output and academic excellence.
Best for: Business, Engineering, Medicine, Computer Science, and International Students
University of Waterloo
Location: Waterloo
Why it stands out: Known for its co-op programs that integrate work experience into academics, University of Waterloo ranks among the best for computer science and engineering in Canada.
Best for: Engineering, Computer Science, and Business
McMaster University
Location: Hamilton
Why it stands out: McMaster University’s health sciences programs are internationally recognized, especially its innovative MD programs.
Best for: Health Sciences, Medicine, Nursing, and Engineering
Western University
Location: London
Why it stands out: Western University combines academic rigor with a vibrant student experience through academic and career supports, sports and recreation, and wellness programs. It offers strong programs in business and law, alongside arts and humanities.
Best for: Business, Law, Arts, and Social Sciences
University of Ottawa
Location: Ottawa
Why it stands out: University of Ottawa is Canada’s largest bilingual university, and has a focus on law, humanities, and social sciences.
Best for: Law, International Relations, and French Studies
York University
Location: Toronto
Why it stands out: With an emphasis on interdisciplinary programs and experiential learning, York University attracts students from diverse backgrounds.
Best for: Law, Business, Arts, and International Students
Queen’s University
Location: Kingston
Why it stands out: Queen’s University is known for its tight-knit community, beautiful campus, and top-tier business school.
Best for: Business, Law, and International Programs
Carleton University
Location: Ottawa
Why it stands out: Carleton University offers programs in public policy, journalism, and international affairs due to its proximity to the federal government.
Best for: Journalism, Public Policy, and Political Science
University of Guelph
Location: Guelph
Why it stands out: Known for life sciences and agricultural programs, Guelph attracts students interested in environmental and veterinary sciences.
Best for: Agriculture, Veterinary Medicine, and Environmental Sciences
Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University)
Location: Toronto
Why it stands out: Renowned for hands-on learning, Toronto Metropolitan University offers popular programs in media, business, and technology. This innovative school recently launched the newly-accredited TMU Medical School.
Best for: Media Studies, Business, and Technology
Best Universities in Ontario by Major
Best Universities in Ontario for Engineering
- University of Toronto
- University of Waterloo
- McMaster University
Best Universities in Ontario for Business
- Western University (Ivey Business School)
- Queen’s University (Smith School of Business)
- York University (Schulich School of Business)
Best Universities in Ontario for Computer Science
- University of Waterloo
- University of Toronto
- Carleton University
Best Universities in Ontario for Medicine and Health Sciences
- McMaster University
- University of Toronto
- Western University
Are you applying to a program that requires an essay or personal statement? Check out these 3 tips to nail this part of the application process!
Easiest Ontario Universities to Get Into
Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University)
This university emphasizes hands-on learning and practical experience, offering many programs that focus on technical skills and professional development. The admission requirements are generally lower than those of other universities in the province, with a secondary school GPA of 70% required for general admission and an acceptance rate of 80%. Notable programs include Business Technology Management, Media Studies, and Hospitality & Tourism.
Lakehead University
Lakehead University is located in Thunder Bay and focuses on community-oriented programs with smaller class sizes and accessible admissions standards. It’s an excellent choice for students looking for a supportive environment or those coming from non-traditional backgrounds. A minimum 70% GPA is required to be considered for admission. Notable programs include Education, Engineering, and Environmental Sciences. The undergraduate acceptance rate has historically been over 80%.
Nipissing University
Nestled in beautiful North Bay, Nipissing University is known for its small class sizes and personalized learning experience. The university offers programs that cater to a variety of students, including those who may need more academic support or are looking for flexible study options. Admissions requirements, depending on the program, include a GPA between 70% and 75% and above. Notable programs include Education, Criminal Justice, and Social Work. The acceptance rate is around 78%.
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Hardest Ontario Universities to Get Into
University of Toronto
The University of Toronto is one of the top universities in Canada and consistently ranks among the top 20 universities worldwide. This global recognition comes with high academic and extracurricular standards across all faculties, making admission fiercely competitive. Many programs require applicants to submit exceptional grades, personal statements, references, and supplementary applications, raising the bar even higher. The large international applicant pool further intensifies the competition.
Among U of T’s most sought-after programs are Engineering Science, Commerce, and Medicine, each with extremely low acceptance rates. While the overall acceptance rate is about 43%, admission to elite programs like Engineering Science can be as low as 10% or less, reflecting the university's stringent criteria.
McMaster University
McMaster University is known for its highly selective admission process, especially for its renowned health sciences programs. The Health Sciences program is recognized as one of the most competitive undergraduate programs in Canada, attracting students with exceptional academic records and extracurricular involvement. Additionally, McMaster’s medical school is one of the most sought-after in the country.
Programs like Health Sciences, Medicine, and Nursing are among the most challenging to get into, with acceptance rates as low as 5% for Health Sciences. While the university’s recent overall acceptance rate stands at 44%, admission to these top-tier programs is much more selective, requiring excellent grades, leadership experience, and personal essays.
Queen’s University
Queen’s University expects high academic standards and values applicants who demonstrate both academic excellence and leadership potential. Known for its prestigious commerce program and Queen’s law school, the school attracts top-tier students. The admissions process often requires more than just good grades—applicants must submit essays, extracurricular achievements, and leadership experiences, which makes gaining entry more challenging.
Among the most competitive programs are Commerce, Law, and Engineering, where the acceptance rates drop significantly. While the university’s overall acceptance rate generally hovers around 42%, these elite programs have acceptance rates below 10%, underscoring the intense competition.
Best Universities in Ontario for International Students
Ontario is a hub for international education, offering extensive support and diverse programs for students from around the world. Several schools are especially popular with international applicants due to their global reputations, multicultural communities, and support services.
University of Toronto
The University of Toronto offers internationally recognized degrees in fields such as engineering, computer science, medicine, and business. The school welcomes over 23,000 international students from 160+ countries, making it one of the most diverse institutions in Canada. Scholarships like the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship cover tuition, books, and living expenses for exceptional international students. International students can access specialized career counseling and internships to help them build networks and gain Canadian work experience.
York University
Many of York University’s programs are designed with global perspectives, especially in fields like business, arts, law, and international studies. Through its International Student Success Centre (ISSC), York provides academic support, career guidance, and workshops tailored to the challenges faced by international students. The university offers a range of entrance scholarships for international students and has relatively lower tuition fees compared to other major universities in the region.
Carleton University
Located in Ottawa, Canada’s capital city, Carleton is ideal for students pursuing careers in politics, public policy, and international affairs, with international students having access to internships and part-time jobs in both the public and private sectors. Carleton’s International Student Services Office (ISSO) provides support with visas, housing, health insurance, and cultural adaptation. The school offers International Entrance Scholarships for high-achieving students, with automatic consideration upon admission.
University of Waterloo
Waterloo is known for its co-op education model, which allows students to alternate between studies and work placements. This model is especially beneficial for international students who want to gain real-world experience in Canada. The university has partnerships with over 70 countries, allowing students to participate in international exchanges and internships. Waterloo offers cultural adjustment workshops, language support programs, and one-on-one counseling to help students transition smoothly to life in Canada.
Western University
Western University is home to a vibrant community of students from more than 120 countries. Known for its warm and welcoming environment, it offers mentorship programs that pair new international students with senior peers. The university offers merit-based entrance scholarships and need-based bursaries for international students to ease financial pressures. Through initiatives like internships, co-op programs, and employer fairs, Western ensures that international students build valuable networks and gain work experience during their studies.
How to Apply to Universities in Ontario
To apply to a university in Ontario, you need to use the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC). Here is everything you need to know:
FAQs
1. WHAT IS THE TOP UNIVERSITY IN ONTARIO?
The University of Toronto is widely considered the top university in Ontario and consistently ranks among the top 20 institutions worldwide. It excels in multiple fields, including engineering, medicine, computer science, and business.
2. WHICH UNIVERSITIES IN ONTARIO ARE BEST FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS?
Ontario universities like the University of Toronto, the University of Waterloo, and Carleton University are highly regarded among international students. These schools provide scholarships, multicultural support services, and co-op opportunities tailored to international learners.
3. WHAT IS THE HARDEST UNIVERSITY TO GET INTO IN ONTARIO?
The University of Toronto is the most competitive due to its high academic standards and global reputation. Other selective universities include McMaster University, especially for its Health Sciences program, and Queen’s University, known for its competitive commerce and law programs.
4. WHAT IS THE EASIEST UNIVERSITY TO GET INTO IN ONTARIO?
Toronto Metropolitan University, Lakehead University, and Nipissing University are known for their accessible admissions. They offer supportive environments with relatively higher acceptance rates, typically requiring a GPA of around 70% for entry.
5. WHAT ARE THE BEST UNIVERSITIES IN ONTARIO FOR ENGINEERING?
The top engineering schools in Ontario include the University of Toronto, the University of Waterloo, and McMaster University. Waterloo is especially known for its co-op programs, providing hands-on work experience alongside academics.
6. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO STUDY AT UNIVERSITIES IN ONTARIO?
Tuition fees vary widely across programs and universities. On average, domestic students pay between CAD $6,000 and CAD $11,000 per year. For international students, fees range from CAD $30,000 to CAD $60,000 annually, depending on the field of study. Check out some Ontario scholarships to help you fund your education.
7. WHAT ARE THE BEST UNIVERSITIES IN ONTARIO FOR BUSINESS PROGRAMS?
Western University, Queen’s University, and York University are top choices for business students. These schools offer strong networks, international exchanges, and high employability rates.
8. WHICH ONTARIO UNIVERSITIES OFFER CO-OP PROGRAMS?
Ontario universities known for excellent co-op programs include the University of Waterloo, Toronto Metropolitan University, and the University of Guelph. These programs alternate between academic study and work placements, helping students gain hands-on experience and build professional networks.
9. WHAT FINANCIAL AID OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR STUDENTS IN ONTARIO?
Ontario students can access several financial aid programs, including the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) and numerous university-based scholarships. International students may qualify for entrance scholarships and many schools also offer bursaries to students in financial need.
10. WHAT ARE THE BEST UNIVERSITIES IN ONTARIO FOR NON-TRADITIONAL OR MATURE STUDENTS?
York University, Toronto Metropolitan University, and Nipissing University are known for accommodating non-traditional students. These schools offer flexible learning options, such as part-time study and online courses, along with support for career changes or returning students.
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