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The Ivy League Universities of Canada
28/04/2022•18 minute read
In Thailand, we have been hearing about American universities like the Ivy League, in television, film, and even from other students, but what about universities in Canada? Does Canada have its own Ivy League universities?
Over the years, Canadian universities have stirred up quite a debate on whether or not they are considered ‘Ivy League,’ or in the very least, comparable to American universities. Although Canadian universities do not fall within the list of Ivy League schools by definition, there are a few Canadian universities that demonstrate similar qualities to their American counterparts.
- University of Toronto
- University of British Columbia
- McGill University
- McMaster University
- University of Alberta
According to U.S. News’ Canadian university rankings, these universities are the top-ranked in the country. Many Canadian and international students interested in studying in Canada have considered these universities ‘Ivy Leagues’ because of their academics and educational programs.
When evaluating what universities should make your shortlist during the application process, consider the academic, resources, and networking opportunities you’d like to experience in university.
Top University Rankings 2021/22
| Top Universities | US News National (2022) | US News Global (2021) | QS World (2022) |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto | 1 | 17 | 26 |
| University of British Columbia | 2 | 31 | 46 |
| McGill University | 3 | 51 | 27 |
| McMaster University | 4 | 133 | 140 |
| University of Alberta | 5 | 138 | 126 |
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Find the University that fits you
To get you started on your research, here are some of the unique qualities, values, and attributes of each of the top Canadian universities below.
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta
University of Alberta Admissions Statistics
| US News National Ranking 2021 | Undergraduate Enrollment 2021 | Tuition | General Admissions Rate | Crimson Student Admissions Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | ~40,061 | $24,400 CAD | 58% | N/A |
U of A is a top public research institution in Canada with an international recognition on programs like humanities, sciences, business, and engineering. With 5 campuses located in 2 cities, U of A is home to a diverse crowd of students all striving to strengthen their understanding in research and innovation. Admission to U of A begins with a competitive average and an impressive high school course selection that not only meets requirements, but compliments the field of story being pursued.
Key Advice
To be a competitive applicant, you should spend your high school focusing on research-based extracurriculars that highlight your innovation and drive. Admissions officers take notice to students that display passion and determination in their studies.
“You will be inspired, challenged, and filled with such knowledge and purpose that you are bound to achieve great things here.”
- U of A Admissions
McMaster University
Hamilton, Ontario
McMaster Admissions Statistics
| US News National Ranking 2021 | Undergraduate Enrollment 2021 | Tuition | General Admissions Rate | Crimson Student Admissions Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 20,181 | $32,000 - 48,000 CAD | 44% | N/A |
McMaster University is internationally known for their academic resources including world-class libraries and facilities. The most notable facilities on campus are the Faculty of Engineering and Faculty of Social Sciences, which has been ranked one of the best of its kind in Canada. McMaster is also highly respected for their career opportunities and commitment to employment equity. McMaster remains one of the top employers in the Hamilton-Niagara region of Canada.
Key Advice
McMaster is definitely a university of interest for students interested in pursuing STEM. The percentage of students applying to McMaster with an average GPA of 90% has increased from 13.6% to 46.2% within a 10-year period. For students looking to apply to McMaster, particularly their more competitive programs like Engineering or Computer Science, taking advanced, IB courses are a great way to set yourself apart from other students.
Students should also note that reach program at McMaster has a very strict admissions limit. For this reason, students should start building their application early and apply to their program of choice well before the deadlines.
“All programs at McMaster University have enrollment limits. We recommend that applicants complete their application and/or amendments well before the deadlines. ”
- McMaster Admissions
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McGill University
Montreal, Quebec
McGill Admissions Statistics
| US News National Ranking 2021 | Undergraduate Enrollment 2021 | Tuition | General Admissions Rate | Crimson Student Admissions Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | ~20,000 | $34,022 CAD | 52% | N/A |
McGill University, located in the heart of the multilingual city of Montreal, offers degrees and diplomas in over 300 fields of study. McGill is home to an internationally diverse student body with its students coming from over 150 countries. McGill is most notable for having the top-ranked medical school in Canada for over 15 years.
Key Advice
For students interested in applying to McGill, whether it be their medical program or not, high academic achievement is a major focal point for admissions officers. McGill admissions is highly holistic and takes many factors into account when deliberating applicants.
For students looking to apply to McGill’s medical school, preparation for the application interviews and supplemental components should begin in advance.
“All candidates who apply to our programs are assessed based on a standardized, rigorous selection process supported by current best practices and psychometrically valid tools.”
- McGill Admissions
University of British Columbia
Vancouver, British Columbia
UBC Admissions Statistics
| US News National Ranking 2021 | Undergraduate Enrollment 2021 | Tuition | General Admissions Rate | Crimson Student Admissions Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 56,789 | $32,928 CAD | 57% | N/A |
University of British Columbia is the oldest university in British Columbia and another top public research institution in Canada with a focus on inspiring students and their ideas. Home to a wide range of courses, students are able to dive deeper into their academic concentration. Their admissions process remains competitive, paying special attention to courses relating to your field of study and any achievements that go beyond academics.
Key Advice
UBC pays a great deal of attention to students that have chosen the right courses in grades 11 and 12. For students looking to impress admissions officers, ensure you are challenging yourself academically with advanced and academic courses. Students applying to UBC will also be expected to submit an comprehensive personal profile highlighting their extracurricular achievements.
“UBC’s admission process is competitive and comparative. Your application will be evaluated against all of the others we receive for the degree you applied to that year.”
- UBC Admissions
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University of Toronto
Toronto, Ontario
U of T Admissions Statistics
| US News National Ranking 2021 | Undergraduate Enrollment 2021 | Tuition | General Admissions Rate | Crimson Student Admissions Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 71,930 | $26,300 - $56,720 CAD | 43% | N/A |
University of Toronto, Canada’s top and largest university with three campuses located in Toronto, Mississauga, and Scarborough. U of T has been internationally recognized for its high level programs in Engineering and Business while also being praised for their abundance of class choices for students. Despite their high admissions rate of 43%, the U of T admissions process remains highly competitive with 27% of the most recent undergraduate enrollment being international students.
Key Advice
The University of Toronto looks for diversity in their students: academically, culturally, and through expression. Student aiming for U of T should demonstrate their uniqueness in their personal statement along with their exceptional grades.
“The University of Toronto has an academic path for every student. Whether your heart is drawn to the arts, the sciences, or both, we have a program for you.”
- University of Toronto Admissions
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Final thoughts
Thinking about applying to a top university can be jarring. Here are a few tips to consider when applying to world-leading universities in Canada, or any other top university:
- Do your research. Every top university has a slightly different application process. Follow their checklists to ensure you don’t forget key pieces of the application packet.
- Make sure to review all the deadlines through your application portal.
It takes more than high test scores and exceptional grades to get accepted. Canadian universities and other world-leading universities are looking for students who are passionate about their work, driven, and already demonstrating success in a specific area. If their passions and extracurriculars line up with the university’s mission, research, classes, and volunteer opportunities, the chances of acceptance are significantly higher.
