In the field of international education, choosing a suitable university has significant importance. In Canada, the Ministry of Science plays a crucial role in validating universities and evaluating their quality. In 2022, the Ministry of Science of Canada provided a list of approved universities that helps international students choose an appropriate university for their studies in the country. This list is divided into three main categories: distinguished, good, and average.
The distinguished group (Group A) includes universities recognized for their very high standards and outstanding educational quality. They are among the top Canadian institutions academically and research-wise and have an international reputation. For example, institutions such as the University of Toronto, the University of Victoria, and McMaster University are known as prominent universities in this group.
The list of universities in this group includes:
- Dalhousie University
- Laval University
- McGill University
- McMaster University
- Polytechnique Montreal
- Queen’s University
- Simon Fraser University
- University of Alberta
- University of British Columbia
- University of Calgary
- University of Guelph
- University of Manitoba
- University of Montreal
- University of Ottawa
- University of Saskatchewan
- University of Toronto
- University of Victoria
- University of Waterloo
- University of Western Ontario (Western University)
- York University
In Group B (the good group), universities are listed that offer quality education and a suitable educational environment but may be slightly less strong compared to the distinguished group. These universities typically have a variety of educational programs and different financial conditions. Universities such as Brock University, Carleton University, and Lakehead University can be highlighted in this group.
The list of universities in this group includes:
- Brock University (specifically for Physical Education)
- Carleton University
- Concordia University
- HEC Montreal
- Lakehead University
- Memorial University of Newfoundland
- Toronto Metropolitan University (Ryerson University)
- Université du Québec à Québec (UQAM, UQTR, UQAC, UQAR, UQO, UQAT, INRS, ENAP, ETS) - excluding TELUQ
- University of New Brunswick
- University of Northern British Colombia
- University of Ontario Institute of Technology
- University of Regina
- University of Sherbrooke
- University of Windsor
- Wilfrid Laurier University (specifically for Management and Business programs)
In Group C (the average group), universities are listed that offer average education with suitable financial conditions and educational infrastructures. These universities are often smaller in size compared to the institutions in the distinguished and good groups and are usually located in less populated areas or smaller cities. Such universities include Bishop’s University, Brandon University, and Trent University. They are significantly lower in educational and research quality compared to the previous groups but can still be a suitable option for international studies, especially for students looking for an experience in smaller and more friendly environments.
The universities in this group are:
- Bishop’s University
- Brandon University
- Capilano University
- Fairleigh Dickinson University – Vancouver Campus (American university branch)
- Laurentian University
- Mount Allison University
- Nipissing University
- Ontario College of Art and Design University
- Royal Roads University
- St. Francis Xavier University
- The University of Lethbridge
- The University of Winnipeg
- Thompson Rivers University
- Trent University
- Universite de Moncton
- University of Prince Edward Island
- Vancouver Island University
