4 Canadian Cities Ranked Best for Students Worldwide in 2026

Four Canadian cities have earned spots in the 2026 global list of top student destinations. Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, and Ottawa have been included in the top 100 cities around the world for international students, according to a leading education ranking.

Let’s take a closer look at how these cities performed.

Montreal Ranks Highest in Canada

Montreal placed 18th globally, the best among Canadian cities this year. It got excellent scores in categories like Student View (94.4) and Student Mix (91.5). These numbers show that students enjoy the city and feel welcome.

It also scored well in Employer Activity (80) and Desirability (74.8). But affordability remains a concern. With a score of just 30.5, cost of living was its weakest area.

McGill University, located in Montreal, was the top-ranked Canadian university in the world rankings at 27th place.

Still, Montreal dropped from 10th place last year to 18th in 2026.

Toronto Holds Strong Despite Drop

Toronto, Canada’s largest city, ranked 22nd. It got high marks in Student View (93.1), Student Mix (91.8), and Employer Activity (85.6). Students also liked its overall lifestyle, with Desirability scoring 82.4.

However, Toronto’s affordability was its weakest area, scoring only 17.4. The high cost of living is a growing concern.

The University of Toronto ranked 29th in the world. York University was also listed but came in at 333rd.

Last year, Toronto ranked 11th. This year’s drop shows the growing impact of living costs on the rankings.

Vancouver Feels the Cost Pressure

Vancouver came in 29th. It performed well in Student Mix (91.8) and had decent scores in other categories like Desirability and Employer Activity.

But affordability was a major issue. It scored just 16.9, the lowest among the Canadian cities. Vancouver is known as the most expensive Canadian city to live in. The cost of living is estimated at $3,793.63 per month.

Top universities here include the University of British Columbia (ranked 40th globally) and Simon Fraser University (308th).

Ottawa Makes the List

Canada’s capital city, Ottawa, ranked 80th globally. It did well in Student Mix (82.3), Student View (80.3), and Desirability (73.6). But it lagged behind in Employer Activity (35.6) and Affordability (22.1).

The University of Ottawa, the city’s main university, ranked 218th in the world.

North America Sees Overall Decline

Many North American cities dropped in the rankings this year. Canadian cities, in particular, saw lower scores in Student Mix and Desirability. However, the drop was steeper in the U.S.

How the Rankings Work

The rankings are based on six factors:

• University Rankings – How local universities perform globally
  
• Student Mix – Diversity and number of international students
  
• Desirability – Safety, environment, and student opinion
  
• Employer Activity – Job prospects and employer views
  
• Affordability – Tuition and cost of living
  
• Student View – How students rate the city experience
  

Cities must have over 250,000 people and at least two ranked universities to be included.

Studying in Canada: What You Should Know

Canada is a popular choice for students from around the world. To study here, choose a program from a government-approved institution. You’ll need a Letter of Acceptance for your study permit.

Students must also show proof of funds. From September 1, 2025, individuals must show at least $22,895.

Additional requirements may include biometrics, medical exams, and police certificates. Rules around work permits have also changed in 2024 and 2025, so stay updated.