25 Best Universities In Ontario For International Students 2025

Ontario is surely one of the places you should be considering if you’re looking to study in Canada. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences. With more than 44 universities and colleges in Ontario, you’ll surely have a wide range of choices.

Out of 44 universities in Ontario, University of Toronto and University of Waterloo are the top-performing schools in Ontario. This list covers both public and private institutions in Ontario.

To help you narrow down your school options, we’ve compiled the best universities in Ontario. We based our rankings on academic reputations from reputable sources and the number of international students. By doing this, you’ll have an efficient way of comparing your target universities and choose your host university in Ontario.

How do I get admission to the best universities in Ontario?

Applying to the universities in Ontario involves submitting requirements and following specific admissions procedures set by your chosen university. The requirements often include a student visa, application packages, and language scores. Check out our guide for international students who want to study in Ontario to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!

How much are the tuition fees at the best universities in Ontario?

Tuition fees at Ontario’s universities can vary depending on which university, degree, and program you will be enrolling in. Generally, tuition fees for the bachelor’s level range from 13,200 CAD to 67,200 CAD , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 11,500 CAD to 83,200 CAD. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in Ontario!

As we cover the best universities in Ontario for international students, feel free to check out the university’s information on Admission, Tuition, Courses, and Language Requirements by looking at the individual university pages.

Top Universities in Ontario for International Students

The University of Toronto is recognized as Canada’s leading university and is one of the top public universities in the world. More than 97,000 students study at its three campuses across the Greater Toronto Area. The Mississauga, St. George, and Scarborough campuses allow students to engage in immersive and practical learning in one of the world’s most vibrant and diverse urban centers. The university has many notable alumni and faculty, including eight Nobel Prize winners. 

The University of Waterloo was founded due to the entrepreneurial spirit of some business leaders in Ontario, who dreamt of a university designed to address the world’s problems. The institute opened with 74 engineering students and a pioneering emphasis on experiential learning. Such practical learning and cooperative education practices remain Waterloo’s cornerstone today, helping students become leaders and entrepreneurs. The university continues to drive innovation, collaborating with industry to help build an ecosystem to support entrepreneurial growth.

McMaster University was established in Toronto with a generous donation from Senator William McMaster. Originally a Baptist institute, McMaster eventually became a non-denominational university with public funding, moving to Hamilton in response to the need for a big campus. Today, it is one of the leading universities in Canada and well-recognized internationally, with more than 60 research centers and institutes across disciplines.

The University of Ottawa is the world’s largest bilingual university; its bilingual tradition can be traced back to its origin more than 150 years ago. It was established as a bilingual Catholic college, with students studying in both English and French. The university became a publicly funded secular institute in 1965. It is one of the top research universities in the country, with more than 90 Canada Research Chairs. The university has four main strategic areas for research: advancing sustainability, fostering just societies, understanding different aspects of digital technologies, and promoting health and wellness. The University of Ottawa has several research centers and laboratories with state-of-the-art facilities to contribute towards cutting-edge research.

The University of Guelph was established by merging three colleges with their own rich histories: Ontario Veterinary College, Ontario Agricultural College, and Macdonald Institute. Since then, the university has expanded to add more departments and programs across different fields. The University of Guelph now has three campuses. Its main campus in Guelph is a collaboration with the Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning in Toronto, while its third campus in Ridgetown is known for its agriculture, veterinary, and environmental science programs.

Carleton University was established by the community in Ottawa to meet the needs of veterans coming back from World War II and to provide the opportunity to pursue higher education for those forced to join the workforce to deal with the economic depression. The university’s strengths are its programs in journalism, technology, architecture, and international and public affairs. More than 24,000 full-time students study at its sprawling 100-acre campus located next to the historic Rideau Canal.

While the university’s history can be traced back to the establishment of a small Roman Catholic liberal arts college in 1857, the modern University of Windsor was born in 1963 when five colleges merged into a secular and autonomous degree-awarding institution. Windsor’s vision is to enable change through research and learning, engaged at both the regional and global levels. The university’s main campus is on the banks of the Detroit river, close to both Windsor and Detroit.

Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) was established as the Ryerson Institute of Technology to fulfill the need for trained tradespeople and technicians after the Second World War. The institute underwent many expansions and name changes, adding new programs and buildings as it became a full-fledged university. Located in the city of Toronto, the university has struck up many partnerships with businesses and public spaces in the area, leading to developments such as the Mattamy Athletic Centre and the award-winning Student Learning Centre on Yonge Street.

Wilfrid Laurier University is a public university with three campuses in southwestern Ontario, Canada, offering over 100 bachelor’s programs and over 35 master’s programs. Laurier is committed to academic excellence and ensuring all students have a rewarding and impactful university education.

Ranked among the top 25% of Study Abroad Aide’s Best Value University Rankings for International Students, Laurier has vibrant campus communities in Brantford, Milton, and Waterloo.  On all campuses, Laurier students will learn from award-winning professors who are experts in their field and combine classroom learning with real-world experiences and opportunities. When Laurier students graduate, they will have the knowledge, skills, and experiences they need to achieve their career goals.

Established as Lakehead Technical Institute, Lakehead University has expanded and transformed over the years to become the full-fledged university it is today. In addition to two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, the university has partnered with Georgian College to offer several degree programs and transfer pathways. The university is research-intensive, housing 11 Canara Research Chairs, a government initiative to establish strong research professorships in Canadian universities. The university has about 14 research centres and institutes, as well as numerous laboratories, including the reputed Paleo-DNA Laboratory.

Located at the centre of Canada’s Niagara Peninsula, Brock University is the only university in Canada in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The university was named in honour of General Sir Isaac Brock, who was responsible for defending Upper Canada against the United States during the War of 1812. While not a member of U15, Brock University has distinguished itself in research, especially at the undergraduate level. In 2008, Brock was ranked third among Canadian universities in the undergraduate category for research publication output and impact indicators.

Ontario Tech University is a leading public university in Ontario with high-tech campuses in north and downtown Oshawa. Its programs are carefully designed by experts to train students in the latest industry-standard technology and to provide them with valuable practical experience. The university aims to produce graduates who can contribute to development and innovation, bringing positive changes to the world. Ontario Tech differentiates itself from other providers of tech education in its belief that it is important not only to achieve technological breakthroughs but also to consider the ethical consequences of technology.

Trent University is a leading Canadian university, consistently ranked among the best in the country for undergraduate education. Students at Trent benefit from a flexible learning system where they can customize their programs to pursue their interests and fulfill their individual goals. Faculty and alumni of the university are well-regarded in the international community and include two Nobel Prize winners. More than 12,500 students study at Trent’s two campuses in Peterborough and Durham Greater Toronto Area.

York University is one of the largest public universities in Canada. It has three main campuses (Glendon, Keele, and Markham) in the Greater Toronto Area and satellite locations in different parts of the country and outside. Informed by a strong commitment to the public good, York University’s vision is to provide an excellent research-driven learning environment for a diverse student community.

Laurentian University is one of Canada’s leading bilingual universities, offering programs in English and French. It is also the country’s only university with a tricultural mandate, encouraging emphasis on anglophone, francophone, and indigenous cultures. The university aims to train the leaders of tomorrow who can address local and global challenges with innovative solutions.

Western University is a leading university located in London, Ontario. It is one of the founding members of the U15, a group of Canada’s best research universities. The university has one of Canada’s most beautiful campuses, combining historic Gothic structures with modern buildings. It seeks to build a secure and inclusive community with major initiatives to strengthen accessibility, diversity, sustainability, safety, and mental well-being. Western University aims to provide a university experience that leads to holistic development and prepares its graduates to become future leaders. The university has a vast network of alumni who are recognized for their intellect and contribution, including several recipients of the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship.

OCAD University (OCAD U) had a long history of over a century when it was established as the Ontario Society of Artists in Toronto. Beginning with only 14 students, the university has undergone expansions and name changes over the years, including the decision to add the term ‘design’ in its title to reflect the influx of design programs. One of the largest higher educational institutes in the field of art, design, and media in the country, OCAD U calls itself “the University of Imagination.” Technical, studio-based, and aesthetic training is complemented by training in theoretical and critical knowledge. Located in the heart of the bustling capital city of Toronto, the university is also home to an architectural landmark. The Rosalie Sharp Centre for Design, which opened in 2004, is an award-winning building that houses several facilities and the Faculty of Design.

Nipissing University was initially established as an affiliate of Laurentian University and finally became an independent university in 1992. Founded to address the particular needs of Northern Ontario, Nipissing University is committed to playing an important role in the lives of the people and the local community, contributing to their educational, socio-cultural, and economic growth.

The Royal Military College of Canada (RMC) is a military institution. They provide different programs in the Arts, Sciences, and Engineering for students in the Canadian Armed Forces. RMC also boasts of different recreational and wellness programs to help support its students.

Initially established for the education of indigenous peoples, Algoma University has transformed into a comprehensive university with a global perspective. Algoma has a special mission to provide cross-cultural learning between indigenous communities and other communities in Ontario. With an international student population of over 50%, it is one of the most multicultural universities in Canada. The university hopes to produce exceptional global leaders by providing them with a rich cross-cultural experience that prepares them for the world stage.

Redeemer University is a Christian higher educational institute founded by the late Rev. Dr. Henry De Bolster. Established with a mission to provide an education in liberal arts and sciences with a reformed Christian perspective and a Christ-centered core curriculum, students can choose to study any major they choose. Offering undergraduate programs across multiple disciplines, Redeemer University prepares future Christian leaders and encourages its students to see faith interspersed with all aspects of life.

Established in a charter issued by Queen Victoria, Queen’s University had humble beginnings, opening with just two professors and 13 students in a small house on the outskirts of town. Initially supported by the Presbyterian Church, the institute later separated from the church and embraced secularism. Over the years, it faced many adversities — it went through periods with meager financial support, witnessed stagnation during the economic depression, and survived two world wars. The end of the second war finally ushered in an age of uninterrupted growth in the university’s history. It opened more departments and undertook renovations and new building constructions. Today, it is a member of the U15 group of research-intensive Canadian universities and has more than 31,000 full and part-time students studying at its campus in Kingston. It has many renowned research and creative centers, including the Agnes Etherington Art Centre and the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts.

Université de Hearst is a small public university in Hearst, a predominantly francophone town in the center of Ontario. It is a French-language university and offers all its programs exclusively in French. The university was formerly an affiliated school of the Laurentian University but broke away in 2022 due to financial constraints experienced by the Laurentian University. It is the only higher-education institution in Hearst town and is responsible for providing a rich educational and social experience for French-speaking Canadian citizens. In addition, Université de Hearst is a proud member of the Francophone Universities Association of Canada.

Fanshawe College is a well-established public college located in Ontario, Canada. Founded in 1967, it has become one of Ontario’s largest colleges, offering a wide range of programs and courses across various fields of study. The college campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and specialized training centers. These resources provide students with hands-on learning experiences and support their academic and practical training needs. Moreover, Fanshawe College offers various support services and resources to assist students throughout their academic journey.

Founded in 1967 during the formation of the college system in Canada, St. Lawrence College was created with the sole purpose of training individuals for jobs. Even after developing into a reputable college of applied arts and technology, St. Lawrence College still places a great deal of emphasis on career training. All of its courses are tailored to meet the demands of the contemporary workplace with a focus on practice-based learning.