Top universities and colleges in Ontario for international students

Studying in Canada is a dream for many international students all over the world. Not only does Canada offer a high quality of education, but it also promises a great quality of life and the possibility of settling here permanently after your studies.

Ontario is home to many of Canada’s top universities and colleges and the vast majority of international students choose to study in Ontario, Canada. Over the years, Ontario’s market share of student visa approvals in Canada has continued to increase. In 2022, the province welcomed over 226,000 international students, representing an overwhelming 54 per cent of all approvals in the country. 

In this article:

• 5 reasons why international students choose to study in Ontario
• Things to keep in mind before starting your studies in Ontario
• Best universities in Ontario, Canada for international students
• Top colleges in Ontario, Canada for international students

5 reasons why international students choose to study in Ontario

There are many reasons why Ontario is the most popular study destination in Canada. Here are some common factors that attract international students to the province: 

Ontario has some of the top universities and colleges in Canada

Ontario is home to several prestigious universities and colleges, including four of the top 200 universities in the world. College programs in Ontario, too, are gaining popularity among international students due to their shorter program duration and alignment with job market readiness. Regardless of what study program you wish to pursue, you’ll find several high-ranking institutions in Ontario that fit your requirements.

High quality of life in Ontario

Whether you’re in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) or in the popular student cities of Kingston or Waterloo, you’ll get to experience a high quality of life. Ontario offers everything students need to live well, including access to amenities, comfort, safety, freedom, community, and a strong job market. Keep in mind though that Ontario also has a higher cost of living compared to other provinces, so the cost of accommodation and amenities may be relatively high.

Ontario is multicultural and diverse

Ontario is home to people from all parts of the world, and 29.97 per cent of the province’s population was born outside of Canada. 26.8 per cent of Ontarians speak a mother tongue other than English or French.

Whether you’re looking for social connections within your community or your native food and groceries, it may be easier to find a taste of home in Ontario, compared to other provinces and territories in Canada.

English is the most commonly spoken language in Ontario

As an international student, the ability to communicate in the official language is essential. Not only will you need to be proficient in the language to understand what’s being taught in class and keep up with your classmates, but you’ll also need to understand and speak the common language to effectively manage your day-to-day tasks.

In Ontario, the most commonly spoken language is English, and that will be the language in which you communicate at school, at work, and in your daily life. Many international students find it easier to master English, compared to French, Canada’s other official language.

Ample part-time and full-time job opportunities

Whether you’re looking for part-time work during your studies or full-time work after graduation, Ontario has a strong job market with ample job opportunities in most fields. 

Many international students choose to work part-time while studying. This is a great way to gain Canadian experience and earn some money to cover your living expenses in Canada. Bear in mind that you can only work while studying if your study permit allows you to do so.

If you intend to stay and work in Ontario after you graduate, you’ll need to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). You may qualify for a PGWP if your study program was more than eight months long and if you studied at an eligible Designated Learning Institution (DLI). If you plan to settle in Canada, your Canadian work experience can make it easier for you to qualify for permanent residence programs.

Things to keep in mind before starting your studies in Ontario

Before you move to Ontario for your studies, it’s important that you know what to expect. Here are a few things to keep in mind while planning your international student journey:

• High tuition costs: Tuition fees for universities and colleges in Ontario may be higher than those in other Canadian provinces. Make sure the academic and non-academic costs for your study program are within your budget.
• High cost of living: The cost of living is quite high in Ontario, especially in Toronto and the GTA. Before moving to Ontario for your studies, use Arrive’s Cost of Studying in Canada calculator to create a budget for your student expenses. Sticking to your budget will help you avoid financial stress, and will make it easier for you to focus on your studies.
• Student housing is limited and in very high demand: Many international students in Ontario, especially those in their first year of studies, opt for on-campus housing. However, these housing options are limited and get filled up quickly. If you plan to live on-campus, contact your institution to reserve your spot as soon as you receive a letter of acceptance. 
• Housing is expensive in Toronto and the GTA: If you plan to live off-campus, start your search for affordable accommodation early. Housing costs in and around GTA are quite high, so be prepared to share accommodation.
• Rural Ontario may have fewer job opportunities: Ontario is a big province with the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) being home to many colleges, however some are in more rural parts of the country where there may be fewer job opportunities after graduation. Make sure you properly research the college and location before applying, so you can make realistic plans for your future.
• You may qualify for faster study permit processing: Students from 14 countries, including India and China, are eligible for faster processing of their study permits under the Student Direct Stream (SDS). To qualify for SDS, you’ll need to purchase a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating financial institution. Once you arrive in Canada, you’ll receive a portion of your investment, along with the interest earned, back every month to cover your student expenses.

Best universities in Ontario, Canada for international students

Ontario is home to many of the world’s top-ranking universities. According to the QS World University Ranking 2024, the following universities are the best ones in Ontario:

University of Toronto

Ranked #21 in the world, the University of Toronto is usually considered the best university in Canada. U of T comprises three campuses, located in Mississauga, Scarborough, and St. George, Toronto. In the 2022-23 academic year, more than 97,000 students were enrolled in various programs at the University of Toronto.

Programs offered by U of T

The university offers over 700 undergraduate degree programs and over 200 post-graduate programs. U of T offers programs in various disciplines ranging from medicine and architecture to law and accounting.

International student tuition fees at the University of Toronto

• Undergraduate programs: Annual international student tuition fee ranges between $41,540 and $118,570, depending on your study program.
• Graduate programs: The annual tuition fee for international students ranges from $27,520 to $79,880, depending on the graduate program you choose.
• Doctoral or Ph.D. programs: Annual international student tuition fee ranges between $6,210 and $13,861, depending on your study program.

Scholarship options for the University of Toronto

• Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships: These scholarships assist international students who’ve demonstrated significant academic potential, creativity, and leadership. Around 37 international students receive this scholarship each year. Interested students must apply for this scholarship separately.
• International Scholar Awards: These awards are automatically given to selected exceptional international students across the faculties of arts and science, applied science and engineering, as well as to meritorious students enrolling in the Mississauga and Scarborough campuses. These renewable awards have a total value of over $100,000.
• International Merit Admission Award: These merit-based awards are offered to selected international students at the Faculty of Arts and Science. These awards are non-renewable and are offered during the first year of studies. All incoming students are considered for this $50,000 scholarship.
• In-course scholarships at U of T: Nearly 5,900 in-course scholarships are awarded to U of T students each year and enrolled students can apply for relevant ones.

University of Waterloo 

The University of Waterloo is the second-most prestigious university in Ontario and ranks #112 worldwide. Renowned for its focus on experiential learning and employer-student connections, the University of Waterloo enrolls over 42,000 students each year.

Programs offered by the University of Waterloo

The university offers undergraduate programs across six faculties: arts, engineering, mathematics, science, health, and environment. If you’re interested in graduate programs, you’ll find more than 180 options to choose from at the University of Waterloo.

International student tuition fees at the University of Waterloo

• Undergraduate programs: Annual international student tuition fee ranges between $48,000 and $71,000, depending on your study program.
• Graduate programs: The annual tuition fee for international students ranges from $71,817 to $23,088, depending on the graduate program you choose.
• Doctoral or Ph.D. programs: The international student tuition fee for Ph.D. programs is typically around $22,188 per year.

Scholarship options for the University of Waterloo

• Waterloo International Master’s Award of Excellence: This scholarship recognizes international students enrolling in the first year of research-based masters’ degree programs at the University of Waterloo. Eligible students can receive up to $2,500 per term for up to five terms.
• President’s Scholarships: Several merit-based scholarships are awarded to students who’ve enrolled in the first year of a full-time study program. You’ll be automatically considered for these scholarships if your admission average is 85 per cent or more.
• International Student Entrance Scholarships: Several $10,000 merit-based scholarships are awarded to incoming international students enrolling in the first year of an undergraduate degree program at the University of Waterloo.
• Faculty or program-specific scholarships: Offered by individual faculties to incoming students enrolling in their first year of studies.

Western University, London

Ranked #114 in the world, Western University in London, Ontario, is the third-best university in the province. The university attracts more than 43,000 students each year, including over 4,700 international students from 129 countries.

Programs offered by Western University

The school offers over 400 undergraduate module options for 17 different undergraduate degrees and 160 graduate programs, including master’s, doctoral, and graduate diplomas, across 12 faculties.

Average international student tuition fees at Western University

• Undergraduate programs: Annual international student tuition fee ranges between $42,233 and $120,614, depending on your study program.
• Graduate programs: The annual tuition fee for international students ranges from $8,017 to $19,870, depending on the graduate program you choose.
• Doctoral or Ph.D. programs: The annual tuition fee for Ph.D. programs at Western University is approximately $3,554.

Scholarship options for Western University

• Western’s Admission Scholarship Program: This merit-based program includes 250 scholarships of $8,000 and unlimited scholarships of $3,500 or $2,500 for incoming students with an admission average of 90 per cent and above.
• Western’s Admission Scholarships for Black Students: These admission scholarships are offered to 40 black students enrolling in the first year of any undergraduate program at Western University. The scholarships range from $2,500 to $6,000 and can continue for up to four years.
• Western International Admission Scholarships: These four-year undergraduate scholarships are offered to international students with an exceptional academic record and other achievements. Selected students receive fee rebates of $10,000 in the first year and rebates of $5,000 each for years two to four.

McMaster University, Hamilton

McMaster University in Hamilton is ranked #149 in the world. Known for its focus on research, the university is renowned for its prestigious medical school and top-notch engineering, humanities, and social science faculties. According to the Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings, McMaster ranked #33 in the world for global impact.

Programs offered at McMaster University

The school offers over 152 bachelor’s programs and 100 graduate programs across six faculties: health sciences, humanities, social sciences, business, science, and engineering.

International student tuition fees at McMaster University

• Undergraduate programs: Annual international student tuition fee ranges between $43,008 and $54,818, depending on your study program.
• Graduate programs: The annual tuition fee for international students ranges from $8,773 to $72,328.68, depending on the graduate program you choose.
• Doctoral or Ph.D. programs: Doctoral programs at McMaster typically cost international students around $6,307 per year.

Scholarship options at McMaster University

• The McMaster University Award of Excellence: Incoming undergraduate students entering their first year of studies are automatically considered for this $3,000 award if their academic average is in the top 10 per cent for their faculty.
• Faculty-specific Achievement Awards: Students enrolling in their first year of undergraduate studies are considered for merit-based awards. The minimum academic averages for these scholarships are determined by the respective faculty.
• Faculty-Administered Awards: Awards ranging from $500 to $2,500 are offered to incoming high school students, with an admission average of 90 per cent and above, enrolling at DeGroote School of Business.
• B.Tech Entrance Scholarship: These $2,000 awards are offered to students entering a B.Tech program at McMaster with an admission average of 90 per cent and above.

The University of Ottawa

Ranked #203 in the world, the University of Ottawa is the world’s largest bilingual university. It is also one of the top 10 research universities in Canada. The large school spans three campuses: one each in Ottawa, Toronto, and Windsor, Ontario.

Programs offered at the University of Ottawa

The school offers over 500 undergraduate and graduate programs across 10 faculties. It also has a French immersion program for students who want to complete part of their studies in French.

International student tuition fees at the University of Ottawa

• Undergraduate programs: Annual international student tuition fee ranges between $65,000 and $115,657.40, depending on your study program.
• Graduate programs: The annual tuition fee for international students ranges from $29,163 to $70,733.70, depending on the graduate program you choose.
• Doctoral or Ph.D. programs: International students typically pay an annual fee ranging from $17,477.55 to $21,849.09 for Ph.D. programs.

Scholarship options at the University of Ottawa

• University of Ottawa Admission Scholarships: Students with an admission average of 85 per cent or more who are enrolling in a direct-entry faculty or in the Faculty of Law, Civil Law, are automatically eligible for awards ranging from $1,000 to $3,000.
• Faculty admission scholarships: Merit-based awards of varying amounts that are offered to incoming undergraduate students enrolling in the faculties of arts, engineering, science, and social sciences.
• Differential Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship: Francophone and Francophile international students enrolling in a bachelor’s or master’s program delivered in French, or in the French Immersion Stream may be eligible for a differential tuition fee exemption. Essentially, these students will pay a tuition fee similar to domestic students.
• International English Scholarship for Students from Africa Studying in English: Citizens of African countries who are enrolling in an undergraduate program delivered in English may be considered for these awards. The scholarships range between $12,500 to $25,000 per year, depending on your program and faculty, and the award is applied directly to the tuition fee.

Queen’s University at Kingston

Ranked #209 in the world, Queen’s University is one of Canada’s leading research universities and is known for its business faculty.

Programs offered at Queen’s University

The school offers 100 bachelor’s programs, 78 master’s programs and 58 doctoral and graduate diploma programs across six faculties: arts and science, education, engineering and applied sciences, health sciences, law, and business.

International student tuition fees at Queen’s University

• Undergraduate programs: Annual international student tuition fee ranges between $38,805 and $139,312.50, depending on your study program.
• Graduate programs: The annual tuition fee for international students ranges from $12,927 to $83,695, depending on the graduate program you choose.
• Doctoral or Ph.D. programs: International students usually pay around $5,773 per year for Ph.D. programs at Queen’s University.

Scholarship options at Queen’s University

• Principal’s Scholarship: An award of $7,000 that is given to top students enrolling in an undergraduate program. In addition, there are five Principal’s International Scholarships available for citizens of India enrolling in an undergraduate degree program.
• Queen’s University International Admission Scholarship: Merit-based scholarships are awarded to ten incoming undergraduate students each year. The scholarship amount is $9,000 and students don’t need to apply for this award separately.
• Arts and Science International Admission Award: International students entering their first year of an undergraduate program offered by the Faculty of Arts and Science may be eligible for these awards. These scholarships are based on academic merit and are valued at $15,000 or $25,000 for a period of four years.
• Engineering International Admission Award: These awards are awarded for academic excellence to undergraduate students enrolling in an undergraduate degree program in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science. The scholarship includes 25 awards of $15,000 and $25,000 offered for four years.

Top colleges in Ontario, Canada for international students

Although some international students mistakenly believe that college programs are not as serious or valuable as university programs, that is not true. College-level education was the fastest-growing study level for international students in Ontario last year, with over 143,000 study permit approvals. This was an increase of nearly 44,000 approvals over 2021, representing a 44% growth rate. 

If you’re planning to apply to college programs in Ontario, these prestigious colleges should be on your list:

Seneca College

Seneca College is one of the most renowned colleges in Canada. The school has several campuses in and around Toronto.

Educational credentials offered at Seneca College

Seneca offers over 160 study programs across disciplines such as accounting, business, aviation, marketing, engineering technology, arts, computers, and hospitality. Most programs grant you a certificate or diploma credential but graduate certificate and advanced diploma programs are available as well.

International student tuition fees at Seneca College

The annual tuition fee for international students ranges from $20,791 to $35,743, depending on the study program you choose and its duration.

Scholarship options for Seneca College

Incoming international students enrolling in diploma or graduate certificate programs are automatically considered for entrance scholarships based on merit. These awards typically range between $500 and $1,000. You may also be eligible for in-course awards, depending on the program you’re applying for.

International student enrollment at Seneca College 

In 2021-22, roughly 45 per cent of students enrolled at Seneca College were international students.

Conestoga College

Established in 1967, Conestoga College has multiple campuses in Ontario, including Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, Stratford, Ingersoll and Brantford. Conestoga is considered the top institute for apprenticeship training in Ontario. 

Educational credentials offered at Conestoga College

Conestoga offers over 300 career-focused programs in engineering, business, architecture, aviation, marketing, public relations, arts, hospitality, trades such as construction, and more. Depending on your needs and budget, you can also choose between certificate, diploma, graduate certificate, advanced diploma, and degree programs.

International student tuition fees at Conestoga College

The annual international student tuition fee usually varies between $20,625 and $22,788, depending on the study program, howeverthe tuition fee for degree programs may be as high as $62,000 per year.

Scholarship options for Conestoga College

You may be eligible for one or more of the 400 awards, scholarships, and bursaries available to students enrolling at Conestoga. Of note for incoming international students are the Conestoga College International Entrance and Regional Scholarships and the ApplyBoard International Student Premier’s Award Bursary which are valued between $1,000 and $1,500.

International student enrollment at Conestoga College

In 2021-22, international students comprised more than 56 per cent of the total incoming students.

Centennial College

In addition to five campuses in Toronto and the GTA, Centennial College also has a presence in countries such as China, India, South Korea and Brazil.

Educational credentials offered at Centennial College

Centennial offers over 400 programs across faculties, including courses in business, science, engineering technology, health studies, arts, and hospitality. You can choose between certificate, diploma, graduate certificate, and advanced diploma programs. If you’re looking for programs in information technology (IT) or public relations management, Centennial also offers four-year bachelor’s programs in these disciplines.

International student tuition fees at Centennial College

The annual international student tuition fee typically ranges from $15,385 to $19,484, depending on the program. For some degree programs, the annual tuition fee may be between $50,287 and $58,980.

Scholarship options for Centennial College

Several merit-based scholarships are available for incoming and existing students at Centennial. These include college-wide awards, as well as program-specific awards.

International student enrollment at Centennial College

In 2021-22, 18 per cent of students enrolled at Centennial College were international students.

Lambton College

Lambton College was set up in 1967 to contribute skilled employees to Ontario’s industries. The college’s main campuses are located in Sarnia and Ottawa, and the school also has international student campuses in Toronto and Mississauga.

Educational credentials offered at Lambton College

Students at Lambton can choose between 50 undergraduate programs and 61 graduate-level programs across the areas of business, community services, engineering and sciences, healthcare, hospitality, education, IT, marketing, finance, and project management. The school offers diploma, advanced diploma, and graduate certificate programs.

International student tuition fees at Lambton College

The total tuition fee for the entire program for international students typically ranges from $22,192 to $49,480, depending on the chosen program and the credential it provides.

Scholarship options for Lambton College

Lambton offers several program-specific scholarships and incoming international students with the top academic grades may be eligible for awards of up to $3,000.

International student enrollment at Lambton College

In 2021-22, 82% of the total incoming students at Lambton College were international students.

Fanshawe College

Fanshawe College has a significant presence in Southwest Ontario as well as a campus in Toronto.

Educational credentials offered at Fanshawe College

The school offers over 200 post-secondary programs across 16 areas of study, including programs that award degrees, certificates, diplomas, advanced diplomas, and graduate certificates.

International student tuition fees at Fanshawe College

The per-term tuition fee for international students ranges from $2,483 to $41,039, depending on the program chosen.

Scholarship options for Fanshawe College

Fanshawe offers a range of scholarships and awards, including some specifically for international students. Students may be eligible for entrance scholarships based on their academic average or for athletic awards based on their extracurricular activities.

International student enrollment at Fanshawe College

In 2021-22, 31 per cent of students enrolled at Fanshawe College were international students.

George Brown College

George Brown has three campuses in downtown Toronto and offers its students an edge in Canada’s job market.

Educational credentials offered at George Brown College

The school offers over 177 certificate, diploma, advanced diploma, graduate certificate, and degree programs in the areas of art, information technology, business, education, health sciences, engineering technology, hospitality, and more.

International student tuition fees at George Brown College

Annual tuition fees for international students range from $15,190 to $41,895, depending on the program.

Scholarship options for George Brown College

The school offers several scholarships for international students, including the Assist on Scholarship for International Students in Two-year Programs, Post-Secondary Scholarship for International Students, International Student Scholarship, and more.

International student enrollment at George Brown College

In 2021-22, 27% of students enrolled at George Brown College were international students.

Humber College

Set up in 1967, Humber is known today for its research partnerships and industry-specific programs. Humber College has three campuses in Toronto, including a separate campus for international graduate students.

Educational credentials offered at Humber College

The school offers over 220 certificate, diploma, advanced diploma, graduate certificate, and degree programs in technology, engineering, business, health, social services, hospitality, and more.

International student tuition fees at Humber College

The annual tuition fee for international students typically ranges between $11,005 and $32,042, depending on the program selected.

Scholarship options for Humber College

International entrance scholarships of $2,000 each are offered to meritorious students starting their Diploma and/or Advanced Diploma studies at Humber. The school also offers Bachelor’s degree scholarships to incoming international students with an academic average of 75 per cent and above.

International student enrollment at Humber College

In 2021-2022, 17 per cent of students enrolled at Humber College were international students.

Sheridan College

Sheridan is one of the top colleges in Ontario and has three campuses in the Greater Toronto Area, Ontario—Oakville, Brampton, and Mississauga.

Educational credentials offered at Sheridan College

Sheridan offers over 140 programs across five faculties: Animation, Arts and Design, Applied Health and Community Studies, Applied Science and Technology, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Business. These programs include 90 programs with integrated work opportunities, such as internships, co-ops, apprenticeships, or field placements. Students can choose programs based on the credentials earned, such as certificate, diploma, graduate certificate, or bachelor’s degrees.

International student tuition fees at Sheridan College

Annual tuition fees for international students ranges between $16,771 and $30,182, depending on the program selected.

Scholarship options for Sheridan College

All international students enrolling in a full-time post-secondary program at Sheridan are eligible for an International Entrance Scholarship ranging between $500 and $2,000. Students enrolling in an English Language Studies program or programs with tuition reduction are not considered for this scholarship.

International student enrollment at Sheridan College

In 2021-22, 26.4 per cent of students enrolling at Sheridan were international students.

As an international student planning to study in Ontario, Canada, you’ll have many universities and colleges to choose from. Ontario is home to some of the most prestigious educational institutions in the world, including the University of Toronto. Moreover, the province’s diversity and multiculturalism make it easier for international students to adapt to their new life and feel at home in Canada.