Earlier Canada used to be a studying abroad destination for international students for STEM studies only if they have family in Canada. However, things have changed drastically in the past decade. There are a number of public universities that provide excellent education and a platform for each and every student to learn, grow and graduate to find a job, especially if you are a STEM student as you can take your deep academic and technical knowledge, skills to companies around the world. In this post, we will look at the top public universities in Canada to study at the undergraduate level for placements and salaries.
Study in Canada
Canada has the tenth-largest economy in the world with a nominal GDP of $1.73 trillion. Canada’s per capita GDP of $46,260.71 is ranked 20th globally while its GDP (PPP) of $1.84 trillion is ranked 17th globally. Canada’s economy is powered by mining and energy but has every industry such as financial services, consumer products, government organizations, and communication to support the local economy. Many startups, especially the famous Shopify, have recently popped up in Canada and provide opportunities for students to find jobs after graduation. Read best courses to study in Canada for jobs and immigration/PR.
Why Study in Canada
See our video highlighting the top 5 reasons to study in Canada:
Things to Consider while Studying in Canada
If you are an international student applying to these colleges for Undergraduate studies, they may not have aid for you given some of the limitations put by the state rules on how the taxpayer-funded grants are used.
These universities also have varying policies around what %age of student class will be out of state or International. However, if you are applying for graduate studies, some of these rules and policies may not be applicable.
Another factor every student should look at is their preference for class and school size. If you are a student who likes small classes, public universities may not be for you. Some of the classes in these public universities in the core curriculum can be a few hundred students.
However, if you are a student who likes large schools, can drive yourself into focus, and set your own schedule, like sports, etc., public universities can be a great option for you. If you do not get into one of the top public universities, there are hundreds of others that can be an option for you.
6 Best Public Universities in Canada for STEM Employability and Salaries
Top Canadian Public Universities (Not a comprehensive list or a list in the order of ranking) for every student to consider while preparing their college list (for Bachelors) are as follows:
University of Toronto
This is the top-level global university for its reputation recognized everywhere around the world. If you are a student looking to study sciences and engineering at this university, you better be at the top of your class and have a good profile to get admission to this esteemed university.
If you are an international student, you may have good chances of admission and should consider applying here since many students usually prefer US Ivy League universities or the top US public universities over the Canadian universities.
Education is top-notch, research opportunities significant, and a well-rounded experience. Toronto has a lot of diversity and things to do for every student looking to apply to the Univ of Toronto.
The University of Toronto offers about 700 undergraduate programs in Humanities & Social Sciences, Life Sciences, Physical & Mathematical Sciences, Commerce & Management, Computer Science, Engineering, Kinesiology & Physical Education, Music, and Architecture. A few of the top study programs are engineering, Biology Sciences, Biomedical, medicine, and arts.
Need Advice?
Speak with Ajay Singh to clear your career and study abroad doubts!
University of Waterloo
The University of Waterloo ranks 24th globally for graduate employability (2022) and achieves 1st place in the entire table for the ‘partnerships with employers’ indicator, an assessment of both research collaborations and employment-related partnerships. Famous for its co-op programs which allow students to integrate their studies with work experience, the university describes itself as an ‘entrepreneurial ecosystem’ and was recently named Canada’s most innovative university for the 27th consecutive year.
Western University
Another one not often heard is Western University, a very large, about 30,000-35,000 students and a coeducational Canadian higher education institution. Western is one of Canada’s top research universities, with more than 60% of its research papers involving international collaborations
Western University offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees in several areas of study. This 100+-year-old Canadian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students’ past academic records and grades.
International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. The university has a selective and competitive admission requirement. The university has got strong programs in Sciences, especially the Biosciences discipline.
Western University also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students. Set in the heart of Southwestern Ontario, London is the region’s economic, entertainment and is Canada’s 11th largest city and an ideal environment to work, play and live.
Big enough for the ‘big city’ experience, but still far more affordable in comparison with many other Canadian cities, London boasts an extensive educational and health care community, while providing the safe and clean atmosphere of a small community.
McMaster University
Established in 1887, McMaster University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Hamilton, Ontario. With the third-highest scores in Canada for the partnerships with employers and graduate employment rate indicators, McMaster University is one of the hot favorites among international students.
University of Alberta
Famed for its varying degrees of excellence across all fields of study including the humanities, sciences, creative arts, business, and engineering, the University of Alberta is also a strong holder of a world-class employability reputation and has climbed an impressive seven places, whilst achieving the highest score for the graduate employment rate of all the Canadian universities listed.
McGill University
McGill University is another strong university for alumni outcomes – with 139 Rhodes Scholars and 12 Nobel Laureates amongst its alumni (both more than any other Canadian university), as well as the late Leonard Cohen, three Canadian prime ministers including incumbent Justin Trudeau, and president of Médecins Sans Frontières Joanne Liu. McGill is the highest-ranked Canadian university in the ‘employer reputation’ indicator, reflecting its standing as one of the most internationally prestigious Canadian universities.
With strong outcomes, good education, and a number of research opportunities, including 300+ study programs, this university can be an excellent fit for anyone who wants to keep away from the competitive top 2 universities and still get an excellent college to study at. McGill has an admit rate of about 50% for UG studies and 35% for graduate programs.
Special Mention: University of British Columbia
Even in 2019, the University of British Columbia claimed 38th place in the graduate employability ranking. Often referred to as UBC, this is another well renowned global public college known for its strong education platform and located in one of the most pretty parts of the world. Similar to Toronto, Vancouver has a lot of diversity providing a well-rounded education and experience. This university should be on every good student’s list and is highly selective and competitive.
Surprisingly, UBC didn’t find a place on the QS graduate employability list this year. One reason could be that a big majority of graduates went on to pursue higher studies (MS/PhD).
Other Top Public Universities in Canada for STEM Jobs
- Queen’s University
- University of Calgary
- University of Ottawa
- University of Montreal
- University of Laval
- Carleton University
- Concordia University
- Dalhousie University
- Simon Fraser University
- University of Guelph
- University of New Brunswick
- University of Victoria
- York University
- University of Manitoba
If you are interested in learning about the study options in Canada or some other country, contact us at customer.support@stoodnt.com or connect with one of our experienced counselors.
Related Articles:
Best Courses to Study in Canada for Jobs and Immigration