Last Updated on June 18, 2021

International students looking to study in Canada have access to some of the best universities in the world, according to a new report.

The QS World University Rankings 2022 has named the University of Toronto in Ontario, McGill University in Quebec and the University of British Columbia as among the 50 best out of 1,300 on the planet.

The University of Toronto was ranked 26^th, McGill next at 27^th, and UBC in the 46^th spot. That puts these three Canadian universities in the top four percent of the post-secondary institutions on the list.

“Toronto, and Canada in general, are known for a highly-tolerant and inclusive society which has impressed me since I moved here,” university graduate Ksenia Meteleva reportedly told QS Quacquarelli Symonds, the organization that produces the annual rankings.

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Meteleva graduated from the University of Toronto with a BSc and is going to start her doctoral studies in fundamental immunology in September.

“I’ve had a very positive experience living in Canada as a student,” she reportedly told QS. “Each province and city is different, but Toronto is definitely one of the best spots to be as a young person.

“Apart from receiving world-class education in the heart of a beautiful metropolis, Toronto has a vibrant city life, beautiful nature outings and parks, in addition to restaurants featuring food from across the world.  All these places are easily accessible by public transportation, which makes Toronto a convenient city for living and exploring. It is also a great city to find an internship or your first job after graduation.”

Other Canadian universities that received high marks from QS include: the Université de Montréal which ranked 111^th; the University of Alberta which came in at 126; McMaster University in the 140^th place; the University of Waterloo not far behind at 149, and; Western University in the 170^th place. The University of Ottawa was ranked 230rd and the University of Calgary came in at 235.

International Students Need a Study Visa

In Canada, international students can pursue their studies provided they have a Study Visa.

International students are eligible for these permits provided they:

• have been accepted by a school, college, university or other educational institution in Canada;
• can prove that they have enough money to pay for their tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation;
• are law-abiding citizens with no criminal records and are not a risk to Canadian security;
• are in good health and willing to complete a medical examination, if necessary.

Quebec International Students Eligible for Free COVID-19 Vaccines

International students enrolled at Quebec colleges and universities are eligible for free Covid-19 vaccine shots provided they are 12 years of age or older.

“As part of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign now underway in Quebec, the immigration minister would like to ensure that all of our clients 12 years of age and older who reside in Quebec can get their Covid-19 vaccination for free regardless of their immigration status,” the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) states on its website.

As vaccination programs in Canadian provinces approaches the threshold for herd immunity, many of the provinces are re-opening their borders and loosening travel restrictions to other provinces.