Many international students wish to study in Canada for various reasons. Some reasons are that the education is excellent and the Canadian diploma is precious. Because of their competitiveness, it can be challenging to get into the country’s best universities. However, as you will find in this article, it can be less competitive than the U.S. institutions.
According to our estimates, here’s the list of institutions with the highest acceptance rates in Canada. This list is helpful if you want to know the universities where you can get accepted.
Universities in Canada with High Rates of Acceptance
1. Toronto School of Management
Toronto School of Management is an excellent business school in Toronto, Canada. This school offers various learning methods, such as online and in-person classes. With more than 2,000 students, this institution has already received over 15 awards. Its diverse student body also represents the school in over 100 countries.
In addition, they have great co-op opportunities for students. It offers 20 programs for local and international students, where they can learn business management, data analytics, marketing, and other fields.
2. Wilfrid Laurier University
Wilfrid Laurier University was founded in 1911 and named after Canada’s seventh prime minister. Being part of the Laurier community means striving to build knowledge in service to society. It is Ontario’s most sustainable campus, and it now has a student population of over 22,000 and a selection of over 100 courses taught in what they call ‘active learning classrooms.’
Its programs cover a wide range of traditional and modern learning, from the arts and social sciences to music, science, education, social work, business, and economics. Laurier students love the university so much that the school consistently tops Maclean’s University Rankings in student satisfaction.
3. Lakehead University
Lakehead University was established in 1965 and has three campuses in Thunder Bay, Orillia, and Ontario. With the high acceptance rate of 82%, you will likely be accepted if you apply to this university. Lakehead centers its education on the learner, recognizing that each of its less than 10,000 students has the potential to be a valued leader of the future.
Lakehead U is proud to be home to the only internationally accredited business school in northern Ontario. It also has the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law, the first law program in the country to integrate licensing into its curriculum. A Lakehead law graduate is automatically qualified to become a practicing lawyer, preceding the usual articling process.
4. Toronto Metropolitan University
Toronto Metropolitan University, founded in 1948, is a Toronto-based university that houses the Ted Rogers School of Management, the largest undergrad business school in the country. TMU has over a hundred programs and has grown over the past few years, especially after rebranding from its old name, Ryerson University.
Since it is located in the heart of Toronto’s downtown area, the university has easily forged partnerships with public spaces and businesses nearby. These collaborations led to constructing four significant buildings for the Toronto community: the Mattamy Athletic Center, Yonge Street’s Student Learning Centre, the Ryerson Image Centre, and the Daphne Cockwell Health Sciences Complex.
5. University of Guelph
The University of Guelph is a public research institution in Ontario known for its exceptional programs in the arts and sciences and for life-improving research as its priority. Established in 1964, it has over 29,500 undergraduate students attending its Guelph, Toronto, and Ridgetown campuses. Its academic community is always in active pursuit of solutions and knowledge for sustainable living and the protection and rehabilitation of the ecosystem.
Some of its academic breakthroughs include scientifically proving the presence of water on Mars and the Barcode of Life project, a tool for species identification.
6. University of Montreal
University of Montreal is a French-language higher education school founded in 1878 as a satellite campus of Université Laval. Located on Mount Royal’s northern slope, UdeM is home to over 44,800 students and 600 excellent academic programs. This institution is also famous for its fairly high acceptance rate.
World-class faculty, excellent pupils, and a competitive research environment consistently place Université de Montréal in the fourth spot among Canadian universities by research volume. Notable alums include the current Canadian prime minister, Justin Trudeau’s father, Pierre Trudeau, who once served as the country’s 15th prime minister.
7. Concordia University
Concordia University, a Canadian institution that accepts a high percentage of students, is one of the three universities in the heritage mine of Quebec. English is the primary language of instruction, and it was established in 1974 through a merger between Loyola College and Sir George Williams University.
Concordia aims to put Montreal on the map by constantly providing creative solutions and positive impact. It is now making its best efforts to raise the national rankings, ranked 17th among all Canadian institutions, according to the QS World Rankings 2024.
8. Memorial University of Newfoundland
The Memorial University of Newfoundland is one of Canada’s top-ranked comprehensive universities. Located in St. John’s, it’s the only higher institution in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. It was founded in 1925 to commemorate those who served and sacrificed their lives in the First World War.
Newfoundland and Labrador’s University, as it’s also called, has over 19,000 students in its 100-degree programs from over 115 countries, making it one of the largest universities in Atlantic Canada. It should also be noted that MUN’s flagship course is marine and ocean engineering, which ranks 38th globally.
9. University of Saskatchewan
The University of Saskatchewan is a reputable institution that has been around since 1907. This university with a high acceptance rate is found at the heart of Saskatoon and belongs to Canada’s U15, an elite group of the nation’s top research-intensive universities. The University of Saskatchewan currently has a student population of 27,500 and churns out determined, resourceful graduates ready to spearhead local and global change.
They house the Oakes Red Bear Student Centre which acts as an intercultural hub encouraging the integration of Indigenous culture in the campus. USask is also recognized for its globally relevant research in water resources and food security.
10. Carleton University
Carleton University, known as Canada’s Capital University, was established in 1942 as support to the veterans of World War 2. It can be found in the capital of Ottawa, beside the magnificent Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Over 31,200 students attend the university in hopes of becoming forward-thinking professionals. The athletic teams at Carleton are called the Ravens. They are most known for their formidable men’s basketball team which has won 14 championships since 2003.
11. University of New Brunswick
The University of New Brunswick was founded in 1785 and holds the reputation of being one of the universities in Canada with high acceptance rates. Its two main campuses can be found in Fredericton and Saint John. This Canadian higher institution is currently the most entrepreneurial in Canada, attracting over 10,000 students with its 75 degree programs. UNB is also home to Canada’s oldest building, the Old Arts Building in their Fredericton campus.
12. University of British Columbia
The University of British Columbia, established in 1908, is a worldwide leader in education and research. It steadily ranks among the top 20 public universities in the world. It has a total student population of over 71,000, and almost 28% of its students are international students, making it the most international institution in North America.
The Vancouver campus, located 25 minutes away from downtown, offers a cool West Coast vibe. With a culture that molds bold, curious thinkers quick to take the initiative, you are sure to unlock all your potential. It’s also helpful to know that UBC has an impressive alumni list that includes Canadian prime ministers, Olympic athletes, Rhodes scholars, and eight Nobel Prize winners.
13. University of Waterloo
Found in the center of Canada’s hub for technology, the University of Waterloo has become a worldwide network of interdisciplinary communities, industries, and institutions that all aim to create meaningful global impact. Waterloo’s excellent academic programs, faculty, and research pursuits have attracted the country’s best since 1957.
It’s in its 11th consecutive year of ranking first as the most comprehensive research university in the nation. For the past 27 years, it has held the title of Canada’s most innovative institution. Waterloo’s top programs are computer science, the best in the country, and engineering, which ranks second.
14. McGill University
McGill University is set in the culturally diverse city of Montreal, Quebec. It was granted a royal charter in 1821 and is now one of Canada’s most prestigious research universities. McGill has over 40,000 students, composed of the country’s best and brightest minds worldwide. Being part of this school’s community means a culture of history, character, and excellence.
Ernest Rutherford conducted his breakthrough research on radioactivity at McGill, which later won him a Nobel Prize. If you’re into Star Trek, you’ll be ecstatic to know that William Shatner is an alumnus of the institution. Fan of the late crooner Leonard Cohen? Guess what! He’s a McGill graduate, too. Stand on the shoulders of giants and create your legacy at this prestigious university.
15. Simon Fraser University
Simon Fraser University was established in 1965. Its three campuses are located in the Vancouver, Burnaby, and Surrey municipalities of British Columbia, Canada. SFU’s main aim is to remain Canada’s top community-engaged research institution. Being one of the younger universities globally, Times Higher Education has listed Simon Fraser University in the 100 world universities under 50.
Moreover, SFU attained formal accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities in 2015. This school has grown to a population of 30,000 students who can choose from over 100 degree programs. It is also the lone Canadian university competing in the NCAA, and its athletic teams are known as the Clan.
16. McMaster University
McMaster University is a research-centered institution renowned for its DeGroote School of Medicine. This Canadian higher education school was established in 1887, and its 300-acre main campus is located in Hamilton, Ontario, right between Niagara Falls and Toronto. It has also consistently made it into the top 100 universities in the world, and it currently caters to the education of over 37,500 students. The McMaster Nuclear Reactor and the largest fitness center nationwide are among the other things McMaster has of note.
17. Dalhousie University
Next on our list of universities with high acceptance rates is Dalhousie University, It was founded over 200 years ago, in 1818. Its campuses can be found in Halifax and Truro, Nova Scotia. At present, Dal (as it is fondly called) has a selection of over 180 degree programs and more than 21,000 students from across the world.
This Canadian higher institution puts the utmost importance on sustainability, integrating it into everything they do. Dalhousie’s goal is to make a relevant impact on the country’s East Coast, achieving this by combining breakthrough research with interactive academic programs.
18. University of Alberta
Established in 1908, the University of Alberta is a public research institution in Edmonton that has amassed over 40,000 student population from 150 countries worldwide. The school has over 200 undergraduate and 500 graduate programs to choose from. It currently ranks within the top five universities in Canada and belongs to the top 100 worldwide.
U of A plays a big impact on Alberta’s economy, bringing in a massive $12.3 billion per year. Found in a major city in the northernmost part of the world, this university is top-tier in every sense, from education, research, and involvement in the community.
19. University of Victoria
Hailing from Canada’s West Coast is the University of Victoria, a top-ranked comprehensive research university in British Columbia. Founded in 1903, it now stands on the traditional territory of the respectfully acknowledged Lekwungen-speaking peoples. UVic is one of the top 1% of universities worldwide for scientific impact and ranks among the highest in the country.
The university currently houses 21,800 students, and its most recognized degrees are in English language and literature, earth and marine sciences, geography, and law & philosophy. Students are gifted with the UVic Edge, a collective effort only the UVic can offer through dynamic learning, impactful research, and a dynamic academic environment. The results are creative graduates and world-shapers who push for a more sustainable and healthier society.
20. Laval University
The Université Laval is a Canadian university with a high acceptance rate in the majestic city of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Queen Victoria issued a royal charter in 1852 for its founding, the very act of which was then designated a National Historic Event in 1972. LU has a rich history, being the first French-language institution in North America, and it preserves the continent’s French presence and culture in the continent.
The Université Laval has the Centre Apprentiss, the first learning center of its kind in the country specializing in interdisciplinary healthcare. 64% of its 440-acre campus is thriving with trees and green space, and it also houses the largest teaching and research forest worldwide, Forêt Montmorency.
FAQs: Studying in Canada
Why Are Acceptance Rates in Canadian Universities So High?
Canadian universities are relatively easy to get into compared to U.S. institutions. Some of the reasons are that there are fewer people in this country than in the United States, and they are easy to get into but hard to get out of. Also, you should remember that different programs have different acceptance rates, even within the same university. Note that the acceptance rates listed here are estimated general acceptance rates, not program-specific.
How Can I Study in These Canadian Universities?
To be able to study in these universities, you need several things. First, you need to meet the application requirements, apply before the deadline, and then apply for a student visa. This method is a multi-step process that can’t be discussed in depth in this section, but to help you with that process, we’ve prepared a guide on applying to universities in Canada. We recommend looking at this guide if you need clarification on the entire application process.
What Do I Do If I Can’t Afford to Attend These Canadian Universities?
If you can’t afford to attend these universities out of your pocket, there is still hope for you. There are multiple ways of financing your education in Canada, and you can learn about them in our guide on how to study in Canada for free. Many international students also think that studying in Canada is expensive.
However, there are surprisingly some very affordable options. Check out our Affordable Universities in Canada for International Students article to learn about the cheapest yet great universities, or visit our Canada Scholarships Page to learn about the available financial aid in the country!
Studying in Canada is highly possible because many universities with high acceptance rates ensure applicants’ success in their chosen schools. Moreover, some of these universities give generous scholarships that can cover tuition and living expenses, so students can have fewer expenses as they enroll. If you plan on taking a degree in this country, consider the above institutions for higher chances of getting admitted!
We hope this article on the universities in Canada with the highest acceptance rate was helpful. To learn more information, feel free to explore our Canada Page and check out the Canada Programs for International Students.
