Canada is known for its beautiful landscapes and diverse society, providing an appealing environment for international students. The Government of Canada notes that Canadian college and university degrees are recognized worldwide and that students can enjoy a high standard of living in a safe and peaceful society.
Therefore, Canada remains an appealing option for students seeking a degree in the humanities. Many top-ranking universities in Canada offer scholarship opportunities that can help students manage tuition fees, living costs, and other study-related expenses.
In this article, we will look at some of the best humanities schools in Canada!
Top Schools Offering Humanities Programs in Canada
1. University of Toronto
The University of Toronto, founded in 1827, is consistently ranked as Canada’s top university and is one of the world’s top research universities. It brings together people from a wide range of backgrounds and disciplines.
U of T has three campuses: St. George, Mississauga, and Scarborough. Its Fall 2024–25 quick facts report 102,431 students, including 29,449 international students from 175 countries and territories. Prospective students can explore humanities programs across the university’s campuses.
These options cover disciplines ranging from art, history, languages, literature, culture, and philosophy to other humanities fields. Graduate offerings vary by department. As of Fall 2025, U of T reports more than 300 graduate programs in a wide variety of fields.
2. University of British Columbia
The University of British Columbia opened its doors in 1915 and is a global center for teaching, learning, and research. UBC reports eight Nobel laureates, three Canadian prime ministers, and 67 Olympic medals won by varsity athletes.
UBC reports 72,100 students across its campuses. Its two main campuses are Vancouver and Okanagan. International students account for 25.4% of Vancouver students and 17.4% of Okanagan students.
UBC offers various arts, humanities, and social sciences programs. At the Okanagan campus, students may pursue a four-year Bachelor of Sustainability with an Environmental Humanities concentration. The Okanagan campus also offers interdisciplinary graduate study in Digital Arts and Humanities, leading to a Master of Arts or Ph.D. The official program page lists a duration of 24 months for the master’s program and 48 months for the Ph.D.
3. University of Alberta
The University of Alberta, founded in 1908, is a research university based in Edmonton. An official undergraduate recruitment page states that more than 44,000 students attend the university, with 157 nationalities represented. The university also offers more than 200 undergraduate programs.
U of A’s Faculty of Arts offers a range of undergraduate options. Students who are still deciding on a subject can consider the Bachelor of Arts Undeclared option and review its current requirements before applying.
The university also offers a Master of Arts in Digital Humanities program, which combines digital technology and the liberal arts. Applicants should consult the official program page for current routes, requirements, and application details.
4. McGill University
McGill University, founded in 1821, is a public university and one of Canada’s best-known institutions of higher learning. International students from more than 150 countries make up nearly 30% of its student body.
Its Faculty of Arts is home to 24 academic units and offers more than 200 graduate and undergraduate academic programs. The undergraduate Liberal Arts program provides a broad, non-specialist education in the humanities. Students choose one of three streams: literature and the arts; history, culture, and society; or philosophy and religion.
McGill University also offers graduate programs in history and classical studies. Students can pursue Master of Arts and Ph.D. programs in these fields.
5. McMaster University
McMaster University was founded in Toronto in 1887 and relocated to Hamilton in 1930. It is a research-intensive, student-centered university. McMaster reports a total student population of 37,256 and identifies three Nobel laureates among its faculty and alumni.
The university’s Bachelor of Arts degree typically takes three years of full-time study, while its Single Honors degree typically takes four years. The Combined Honors option typically takes four years and allows students to focus on two subjects equally.
The Faculty of Humanities at McMaster University also offers graduate programs, including doctoral, master’s, and graduate diploma streams. In addition, the Humanities Careers & Experience team helps students make career-related decisions, prepare for the transition from academics to the workplace, and access experiential learning opportunities.
Studying the humanities in Canada can help students deepen their knowledge, understand other cultures, and develop new perspectives. With its natural scenery and renowned universities, Canada offers a distinctive learning environment. Consider the institutions above if you are ready to pursue a humanities program in Canada!
We hope this article about the best universities to study humanities in Canada was helpful. For more information, check out our Canada Page and Available Programs for International Students!
