Ontario, Canada’s largest provincial economy, is home to many excellent universities for students interested in public health. As such, it can be difficult to decide among so many good options.
While it may be difficult to choose from several excellent universities, prospective students aiming to pursue public health programs can find strong academic resources and opportunities in Ontario and across Canada.
Ontario offers several programs designed to equip learners with the skills required to excel in the public health sector.
With this in mind, we will discuss strong universities for students interested in studying public health in Ontario.
Top Schools Offering Public Health Programs in Ontario
1. University of Ottawa
Located in Canada’s capital city, the University of Ottawa is a strong option for students interested in public health in Ontario. In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, the university is ranked #=187, placing it among the top 200 universities in the world.
The Faculty of Medicine offers master’s and doctoral-level training in epidemiology, a Master of Public Health, a graduate diploma in Population Health Risk Assessment and Management, and training connected to public health and preventive medicine.
Students interested in public health can explore areas such as epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy and systems, population health risk assessment, and global health. Graduates may pursue careers in academic, research, government, community, and health-related sectors.
The University of Ottawa is also known for its lively campus atmosphere, with more than 100 student organizations covering academic, athletic, political, artistic, and other interests. With such a vibrant environment, there is always something to get involved with on campus.
2. University of Waterloo
The University of Waterloo traces its origins to 1957 and has grown in importance in the decades since its founding. With more than 42,000 undergraduate and graduate students, the university is one of the larger institutions in Ontario. It also performs well in global rankings, with the QS World University Rankings 2026 placing Waterloo at #=119 in the world.
The School of Public Health Sciences is a strong school for public health in Ontario and offers programs from the bachelor’s level to the doctoral level. Students can pursue options such as the Bachelor of Public Health, Master of Public Health, Master of Health Informatics and Analytics, Master of Health Evaluation, MSc in Public Health Sciences, and PhD programs in public health-related areas.
Students can study topics such as aging, health informatics, health research, epidemiology, and population health. With such a breadth and depth of experience at the school, students can build the skills needed to succeed in this field.
Beyond the classroom, the university also supports entrepreneurship. Waterloo’s Velocity incubator helps early-stage founders with community, tools, coaching, and networks as they develop and test new products and ideas.
3. Western University
Western University, also known as the University of Western Ontario, is a long-standing university in Ontario and a strong option for students interested in public health. The QS World University Rankings 2026 place Western University at #151 in the world.
Public health-related study is offered through the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry. The Master of Public Health is a 12-month, full-time program with case-based learning, a 12-week practicum, and coursework in areas such as epidemiology, statistical methods in health, social and cultural determinants of health, global health, public health policy, and health services management.
Students interested in research-focused graduate study can also explore Schulich’s MSc and PhD programs in Epidemiology and Biostatistics. These programs focus on topics such as study design, disease surveillance, risk assessment, and biostatistical methods.
Western University’s campus is also distinctive. Many of its spaces feature Gothic architecture, ivy-covered buildings, and green spaces near the Thames River, making it one of Ontario’s most visually memorable university settings.
4. University of Toronto
One of the most prominent universities for public health in Ontario is the University of Toronto, and for good reason. In Fall 2024-25, the university enrolled 102,431 students across its three campuses, making it one of the largest universities in Canada. The university also performs strongly in global rankings; for example, the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026 place the University of Toronto at #21 in the world.
The Dalla Lana School of Public Health has roots in a long history of public health education and research at the University of Toronto. The SARS crisis in 2003 contributed to a rebirth of public health academics in Canada, and the Dalla Lana School of Public Health was established in 2008. In 2014, the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation joined the school, creating one of the world’s largest public health schools.
The school offers several master’s and doctoral programs that help students develop their skills and improve their prospects of working in this challenging field. At the master’s level, students can study fields such as epidemiology, health promotion, family and community medicine, Indigenous health, nutrition and dietetics, and occupational and environmental health.
Student life at the University of Toronto is extensive, with more than 1,000 student groups and organizations across its three campuses. The university is also home to The Varsity, a student newspaper founded in 1880, and CIUT, a student- and listener-supported campus and community radio station. These activities, along with many student clubs, help build a sense of camaraderie among students.
5. Lakehead University
Lakehead University became a university in 1965 and has since earned a strong reputation in Canada and abroad. According to Times Higher Education data for the World University Rankings 2026, Lakehead has a student total of 8,464, making it smaller than several other Ontario universities on this list.
Even so, Lakehead University is an excellent institution for public health in Ontario and has a lot to offer students interested in the field. The Master of Public Health was established in 2002 and is described by the university as the first such program in Canada. The program may be completed through distance education on a full-time or flexible full-time basis, while students who prefer on-campus study may apply to the full-time on-campus program.
Students can choose specializations in epidemiology, gerontology, Indigenous and Northern Health, Social-Ecological Systems, Sustainability and Health, and nursing. The program is practicum-based and focuses on public health competencies, current issues in public health science and service, critical analysis, health-related decision-making, research, and knowledge exchange.
FAQS About Studying Public Health in Ontario
Is Ontario a Good Place for International Students?
Canada is generally considered a popular destination for international students, and Ontario is one of the country’s major study destinations. The province offers access to diverse communities, major cities, and highly ranked universities. Eligible international students in Canada may also work off campus for up to 24 hours per week while classes are in session and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, provided they meet the Government of Canada’s eligibility rules.
In conclusion, each institution in Ontario has something unique to offer. As you make your decision, you can be confident that the universities above can help equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in public health and make meaningful contributions where you choose to practice.
We hope this article on universities for public health in Ontario was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Study in Canada and Available Courses for International Students to learn more!
