Top 20 Universities In Canada for Engineering Students

Which are the best engineering colleges and universities in Canada?

If you want to study engineering, Canada is a great place to go. More than 1,15,000 engineering firms are registered in Canada, including well-known ones like AECON, Banterer, Canadian Natural Resource, CIMA+, and Golder.

Due to a shortage of necessary skills, the local Canadian workforce is unable to meet the high demand for Engineers in various fields. By 2025, growth is expected in every area of engineering.

The following are the labor market’s annual predictions for new job positions:

• More than 75,000 engineers in Ontario are licensed, according to Statistics Canada.
• The vast majority are civil or mechanical engineers, with a sizable number also working in electrical or computer engineering.
• Mechanical engineering graduates can expect an increase of 11,300 new jobs from 2019 to 2028.
• Engineering services such as architectural design, structural engineering and civil engineering are expected to see increased demand.
• As many as 1300 new job opportunities await chemical engineers, compared to 2500 new job openings for civil engineers.

These are the top universities in Canada for engineering, based on their reputation and research in the field.

1. University of Toronto

The University of Toronto is widely regarded as a major-leaguer in the academic community. Recently, it’s been consistently ranked among the world’s top fifty (50) public universities; the university’s credibility has grown because of this ranking.

It’s a large university with over 8,000 faculty members and about 60,000 students spread out over three (3) campuses in; Downtown Toronto (St. George campus), Mississauga, and Scarborough.

Additionally, University of Toronto engineering students have the opportunity to travel while studying. As part of the 2019 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, Blue Sky Solar Racing Team, one of the many engineering clubs, visited the Australian outback.

Other students have taken advantage of the requirement for practical experience by spending a year working in the industry, such as Flyability, a Swiss drone manufacturer.

Official Website: https://www.utoronto.ca/

2. University of Waterloo

The University of Waterloo Engineering School was established in 1957 and has since grown to be Canada’s largest engineering department.

There are 15 bachelor’s degree programs in engineering available, including environmental engineering, nanotechnology, and management engineering. Additional degrees include research master’s and doctoral degrees.

Students can work on real-world engineering projects at the Engineering Ideas Clinic, where they can get hands-on training.

This prestigious institution is said to have Canada’s largest engineering school, with over 9,100 (nine thousand, one hundred) students enrolled as of 2015, with 14 undergraduate programs and 37 graduate programs.

They have a number of Canada’s most cutting-edge and well-funded research facilities. There’s no denying that Waterloo attracts students from all over the world.

Official Website: https://uwaterloo.ca/

3. The University of British Columbia

When it comes to research and academic programs, the University of British Columbia has earned an international reputation for being a global leader at all levels of study.

More than 200 (two hundred) undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education programs are offered by 14 (fourteen) faculties.

As a result, the first year of an engineering degree at UBC is focused on developing students’ foundational knowledge in mathematics, chemistry, and physics before moving on to more advanced topics.

Students have the option of choosing a specialized program in their second year. Students will work on projects, engage in hands-on learning, and gain professional experience throughout their program.

Engineering students at UBC have the option of doing a co-op work term either abroad or in Canada to further their technical knowledge. Previous students have visited places like Australia, China, Germany, and Japan. With a co-op program, students can work with up to five different companies, learn about various industries, and earn up to $80,000 over the course of their degree program.

Official Website: https://www.ubc.ca/

4. University of Alberta

As a research and educational powerhouse, the University of Alberta is unsurpassed in Alberta. It is well-known for engineering, science, and medicine.

More than 400 (four hundred) programs are offered in 18 (eighteen) faculties at this prestigious institution.

They are one of Canada’s top five universities, and one of the world’s top 100.

This educational facility combines world-class teaching with cutting-edge facilities, well-funded programs, and research that is recognized around the world.

An important part of Alberta’s economy has benefited from the University of Alberta’s presence in Canada.

The University of Alberta is home to Canada’s National Institute for Nanotechnology, a valuable resource for any university interested in a career in technology or engineering. If engineering isn’t for you, there are over 400 other programs offered by the university’s 18 faculties.

Another advantage is that it’s well-connected to the province’s energy industry. Engineers should consider this school, which is ranked 115th in the world, as their first choice.

Official Website: https://www.ualberta.ca/

5. McGill University

During a sunny day, the McGill University campus in downtown Montreal can be seen. There are now countless bright students from all over the world studying at McGill because it has become a research and teaching hub.

More than 300 (three hundred) programs are available to McGill’s 38,000 (38,000) students across the university’s two (2) campuses.

McGill University’s main building is located in Montreal’s bustling downtown core, so students at this academic and cultural landmark are never far from off-campus fun.

Engineers at McGill have a choice of nine undergraduate options, as well as graduate degrees and diplomas in eight different study areas.

McGill University is one of Canada’s top five reputable universities, and it was named the best medical/doctoral university in the country. Even for international students, tuition at McGill is lower than universities like the University of Toronto.

Official Website: https://www.mcgill.ca/

6. Queen’s University

Queen’s University, founded in 1860, is a leading Canadian public research university. It was discovered in 1841 and is located in Kingston, Ontario. Queen’s University is well-known for its thriving student life, first-rate academics, and charming old-world architecture.

The university’s Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science has a 94% employment rate for Engineering graduates within two years of graduation.

There are students from over 100 countries studying at Queen’s University and 25 percent of graduate students are international.

Queen’s University is regarded as a Canadian landmark. Known for its historic buildings, active student life, and outstanding programming and research, this prestigious university can be found in Kingston, Ontario.

Official Website: https://www.queensu.ca/

7. University of Calgary

Calgary, Canada’s burgeoning energy capital, is home to the highly regarded University of Calgary. However, it comes as no surprise that engineering and energy-related disciplines, as well as business programs, fit in well here. This is due to significant private sector funding.

However, this illustrious educational establishment is also regarded as a hotbed of political science and public policy.

The University of Calgary’s Schulich School of Engineering offers eight (8) undergraduate programs and twenty-four (24) graduate programs.

Students will be able to pursue highly specialized specializations in fields like

• *Mechatronics Engineering
• *Petroleum Engineering
• * Energy and Environment, and more.

Official Website: https://www.ucalgary.ca/

8. McMaster University

Canada’s McMaster University can be found in the Canadian city of Hamilton. There are 25,404 students enrolled. This year, the University is the eighth-best study destination for engineers and technologists in the QS subject rankings. McMaster’s Faculty of Engineering is enormous!

There are seven world-class core departments and a large engineering array at McMaster’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

Engineering is divided into two schools, the School of Engineering Practice and Technology (W Booth) and McMaster’s School of Biomedical Engineering, because it is so large.

Official Website: https://www.mcmaster.ca/

9. Ryerson University

It’s no secret that Ryerson University has always had a polytechnic focus. Although until recently, the University has been reinventing itself in the realm of business incubation and innovation.

As Ryerson University is located in the heart of Toronto’s financial district, applicants should not expect sprawling green lawns and colonial-style architecture.

The Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science at Ryerson University offers a wide range of study options, with 10 undergraduate and 11 graduate programs to choose from.

A special program for women in engineering is also run by Ryerson University to help them succeed in their academics and careers.

Official Website Here: https://www.ryerson.ca/

10. University of Victoria

The University of Victoria is a great institution of learning that has a reputation for some groundbreaking research that has carried itself around this globe. According to students remark, small teachers to students ratio and an emphasis on co-op and practical experience with the outside community make the highly-rated University of Victoria a good educational investment.

This great institution of learning has seven (7) programs in its Engineering Faculty —

• Biomedical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Computer Science
• Electrical Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering, and
• Software Engineering.

Numerous areas of specialty are offered within each of these broad programs. Coupled together with its Maclean’s ranking, this university was also ranked third (3rd) in Canada by science news website Science Watch.

Official Website: https://www.uvic.ca/

11. Western University

As a leading research university in many fields, Western University is well-known for its work in the health sciences and wind engineering as well as neuroscience and biomaterials.

More than 400 (four hundred) specializations, majors, and minors are available to students at this university. also providing more than 160 (one hundred and sixty) master’s and doctoral programs.

The prestigious Western University in London, Ontario has 82 (eighty-two) buildings spread out over 1,200 (one thousand, two hundred) acres.

Undergraduates at Western Engineering have a choice of nine different study options, including four different accelerated study options. However, undergraduates have the option of pursuing dual degrees, of which Western University offers two types: the Combined and the Concurrent.

Both provide students with the opportunity to earn two (2) degrees in less time than it would normally take to complete each separately.

Official Website: https://www.grad.uwo.ca/

12. University of Ottawa 

With nearly 500 (five hundred) undergraduate specializations, majors, and minors to choose from, the University of Ottawa is widely regarded as the largest bilingual university in the world. There are also more than 150 (one hundred and fifty) Master’s, Doctorate, and Graduate Certificate programs available on the campus.

The fact that there are only a handful of educational institutions in Canada with such a wide range of programs and options is remarkable.

However, as the yearly audits of its programs proclaim a 97 percent after-graduation placement rate, this great educational institution also values providing students with external opportunities.

The Faculty of Engineering at the University of Ottawa places a high value on program diversity, offering degrees in eight (8) different disciplines at the undergraduate and PhD levels, as well as in eleven (eleven) different disciplines at the master’s level.

13. Université de Montréal

When it comes to undergraduate and graduate studies, the Université de Montréal is highly sought after, with a student population of 35,000 (thirty-five thousand) and 12,000 (twelve thousand).

The École Polytechnique, which houses the Engineering Faculty at the Université de Montréal, is a separate institution. This prestigious university is well-known for its research and offers graduate and undergraduate programs. Twelve (12) different undergraduate majors are available, as well as graduate specializations in 16 (16) different fields.

The primary language of instruction is French, but some courses are offered in English at partner universities, and doctoral students may even complete their PhDs in English if they choose.

Students seeking practical experience and a credential widely recognized for excellence will find a good fit in this institution of learning school’s internship placements.

Official Website: https://www.umontreal.ca/en/

14. The University of Quebec in Montreal 

Université du Québec is one of Montreal’s French universities, serving more than 43,000 (forty-three thousand) students across six (6) faculties and a school of management.

This great institution of learning is known for its student activism. It was founded in the year 1969 after the merger of Montreal’s fine arts school.

The UQAM’s Engineering programs are offered through the Faculty of Science. Main offerings at the graduate and undergraduate level may include:

• Software Engineering and
• Microelectronics Engineering.

Study programs are available in French only, and UQAM is an obe study destination for French-speaking students all over the globe.

Official Website: https://uqam.ca/

15. York University

The York University Toronto is inarguably  Canada’s third-largest public university with nearly 60,000 (sixty thousand) students.

With over 5000 (five the) courses spread across 11 (eleven) faculties in schools, there’s something for virtually everyone at the York University.

The Lassonde School of Engineering at York University offers nine (9) graduate and 11 (eleven) undergraduate programs in four (4) departments.

The focus of this great institution of learning throughout these programs is more on practical experience, and design projects also form an important part of the curriculum.

Official Website: https://www.yorku.ca/

16. Concordia University

Concordia University is a large research university with more than 500 (five hundred) graduate and undergraduate programs. The world-class research centers at this prestigious university are located in the heart of Montreal’s cultural district, near some of the city’s most popular museums and nightclubs.

Concordia University is a forward-looking, dispersed university in a busy urban setting.

More than 50 (fifty) undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates are available from the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science’s six (6) departments. It features new Aerospace Engineering Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.

Official Website: https://www.concordia.ca/

17. University of Ontario Institute of Technology

One of Canada’s newest post-secondary institutions is the University of Ontario Institute of Technology. The UOIT was established in 2002 with the primary goal of matching a technological education with the market-driven requirements of employers.

The Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences’ mission statement reads, “to ensure graduates are prepared to be leaders in tomorrow’s workplace.”

As an Undergraduate, you can take advantage of a wide range of paid internship and cooperative education opportunities while also completing one (1) of your six (6) Bachelor degree programs.

Official Website: https://uoit.ca/

18. Simon Fraser University

The world knows Simon Fraser University as a great educational institution. Over 100 undergraduate programs are offered, as well as numerous graduate and continuing education options.

There are eight (8) faculties.

This prestigious college offers more than 200 (two hundred) internship opportunities both domestically and abroad. As a result, employers now view SFU graduates as possessing the necessary experience, skills, and other qualities that are in high demand.

The Faculty of Applied Sciences includes the SFU School of Engineering Science. Undergraduates can choose from five (5) different study options, while graduate students can choose from six (6) different research areas to concentrate on during their time here.

Official Site: https://www.sfu.ca/

19. University of Saskatchewan

For a long time, the University of Saskatchewan was thought of as an agricultural college. Even if this is still the case, the University of Saskatchewan is a world leader in a wide range of other scientific and technological fields.

More than a century has passed since the University of Saskatchewan’s Engineering Faculty opened its doors to its first six (6) students in 1912, but it is now considered an important part of the university’s program offerings despite its modest beginnings.

Eight (8) different fields of study are available for undergraduates, while graduate students can choose from seven (7) different fields of study to earn their Master’s, Post-Graduate Diploma, or Ph.D.

Official Site: https://www.usask.ca/

20. Dalhousie University

This university was created in the year 1818 with the sole purpose of making post-secondary education easily accessible to all classes of people.

The Faculty of Engineering offers undergraduate degrees in eight (8) traditional disciplines:

• Chemical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Electrical and Computer Engineering *Environmental Engineering
• Industrial Engineering
• Materials Engineering,
• Mechanical Engineering, and
• Mineral Resource Engineering.

However, every faculty comes into its own with regards to Graduate studies. Master of Engineering, Master of Applied Science, and Ph.D. degrees are offered in 15 (fifteen) disciplines, several of which are only available at the graduate level. They may  include:

• Fisheries Engineering
• Internetworking
• Food Science and Technology Engineering, and more.

Conclusion

This article lists the top 20 engineering schools in Canada for international students. As a result, if you want to pursue an engineering degree in Canada, these institutions are the best options.

In a recap, These are the top universities in Canada for engineering, based on their reputation and research in the field.

• University of Toronto
• University of Waterloo
• University of British Columbia
• University of Alberta
• McGill University
• Queen’s University
• University of Calgary
• McMaster University
• Ryerson University
• University of Victoria
• Western University
• University of Ottawa
• Université de Montréal
•  The University of Quebec in Montreal
• York University
• Concordia University
• University of Ontario Institute of Technology
• Simon Fraser University
• University of Saskatchewan

FAQs on the Best Engineering Schools in Canada