McGill University Surpasses U of T as Canada’s Top Institution in QS World University Rankings 2026
June 24, 2025 — Canada continues to solidify its global academic standing, with four universities ranked among the top 100 worldwide in the newly released 2026 QS World University Rankings. In a notable development, McGill University has overtaken the University of Toronto, becoming the highest-ranked Canadian institution this year.
The rankings, published by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS)—a respected authority in global higher education—assessed over 1,500 universities worldwide based on key indicators such as academic reputation, employability, international diversity, research impact, and sustainability.
Top-Ranked Universities in Canada: QS 2026 Highlights
McGill University (Montreal, Quebec)
Global Rank: 27
Overall Score: 88.9
McGill climbed two spots from its 2025 position to become the leading Canadian university. The institution stood out in categories such as academic and employer reputation, employment outcomes, and sustainability.
Key Scores:
- Academic Reputation: 98.1
- Employer Reputation: 93.5
- Employment Outcomes: 98.9
- Sustainability: 96.3
- Citations per Faculty: 72.4
- International Research Network: 92.9
University of Toronto (Toronto, Ontario)
Global Rank: 29
Overall Score: 88.5
A longstanding leader in Canadian academia, the University of Toronto dropped four positions from last year’s rank. It remains a global force, achieving top scores in sustainability and academic reputation.
Key Scores:
- Academic Reputation: 100
- Employer Reputation: 99.1
- Employment Outcomes: 99.4
- Sustainability: 100
- International Student Diversity: 98
University of British Columbia (Vancouver, British Columbia)
Global Rank: 40
Overall Score: 85.5
UBC retained a strong presence within the global top 50, despite a slight dip from the previous year. It continued to excel in sustainability (ranking fifth globally) and international collaboration.
Key Scores:
- Academic Reputation: 99.6
- International Research Network: 96.6
- Sustainability: 98.5
- International Faculty Ratio: 98.5
University of Alberta (Edmonton, Alberta)
Global Rank: =94
Overall Score: 70.1
U of A made a positive leap, reaching its highest QS ranking since 2018. It was especially recognized for its global faculty representation, research partnerships, and sustainability performance.
Key Scores:
- International Faculty Ratio: 99.4
- International Research Network: 94.5
- Sustainability: 90.7
Additional Canadian Universities and Their Global Standing
Several other institutions across Canada also earned notable ranks in the 2026 QS World University Rankings:
| University | Province | QS Global Rank |
|---|---|---|
| University of Waterloo | Ontario | =119 |
| Western University | Ontario | 151 |
| Université de Montréal | Quebec | 168 |
| McMaster University | Ontario | =173 |
| Queen’s University | Ontario | 191 |
| University of Calgary | Alberta | 211 |
| University of Ottawa | Ontario | =219 |
| Dalhousie University | Nova Scotia | 283 |
| Simon Fraser University | British Columbia | =308 |
| York University | Ontario | 333 |
| University of Victoria | British Columbia | =358 |
| University of Saskatchewan | Saskatchewan | 378 |
| Concordia University | Quebec | =465 |
Planning to Study in Canada? Here’s What You Should Know
To study in Canada, international students must be admitted to a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and must obtain a Canadian Study Permit.
Key Requirements for Study Permit:
- A valid Letter of Acceptance from a DLI
- Proof of financial support (minimum $20,635 CAD for a single applicant outside Quebec)
- A Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter
- A valid passport and other supporting documents
- Biometrics, police certificate(s), and/or a medical exam (in some cases)
Proof of Financial Support Based on Family Size:
| Family Members | Minimum Funds Required (CAD) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $20,635 |
| 2 | $25,690 |
| 3 | $31,583 |
| 4 | $38,346 |
| 5 | $43,492 |
| 6 | $49,051 |
| 7 | $54,611 |
| For each additional member | Add $5,559 |
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Opportunities
Graduates from eligible DLIs can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which allows them to gain valuable Canadian work experience. These open work permits are generally valid for up to three years, depending on the length of the study program.
Importantly, PGWP holders may become eligible for permanent residence under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program.
About the QS World University Rankings
The QS rankings are among the most referenced in the academic world. In 2026, institutions were ranked using the following criteria:
- Academic Reputation (30%)
- Employer Reputation (15%)
- Citations per Faculty (20%)
- Faculty-Student Ratio (10%)
- International Faculty Ratio (5%)
- International Student Ratio (5%)
- Employment Outcomes (5%)
- International Research Network (5%)
- Sustainability (5%)
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today
