International / Canada
Studying in Canada
World-class universities, relatively affordable tuition, and the largest co-op education system in the world. Canada is one of the most popular destinations for American students going abroad — and for good reason.
Province-by-province applications
Unlike the US Common App, Canada does not have a single national application system. Each province has its own portal, and some universities accept direct applications. This can be confusing at first, but once you identify your target province, the process is straightforward.
Ontario
OUAC (Ontario Universities' Application Centre)Ontario has the largest concentration of universities in Canada. Applications go through OUAC — the Ontario equivalent of the Common App. You apply to specific programs at specific universities. The 101 application is for Ontario high school students; the 105 application is for everyone else, including international applicants. Most programs require specific prerequisite courses, and admission averages are published or well-known.
OUAC (Ontario Universities' Application Centre) →British Columbia
EducationPlannerBCBC uses EducationPlannerBC for applications to most post-secondary institutions in the province. UBC, SFU, and other major universities accept applications through this portal or directly. BC also has a strong college-to-university transfer system — students can complete two years at a college and transfer into the third year of a university degree.
EducationPlannerBC →Alberta
ApplyAlbertaApplyAlberta is the centralised portal for applications to Alberta's post-secondary institutions, including the University of Alberta and University of Calgary. Applications typically open in October for the following fall. Alberta's universities are known for strong engineering, sciences, and energy-sector programs.
ApplyAlberta →Quebec
CEGEP + UniversityQuebec has a unique system. After secondary school (which ends at grade 11), students attend CEGEP — a two-year pre-university or three-year technical college. University bachelor's degrees in Quebec are then three years instead of four. For students from outside Quebec (including Americans), you typically apply directly to the university for a four-year program, or enter CEGEP first. McGill University has its own direct application process.
CEGEP + University →Tuition: domestic vs. international
One of Canada's biggest draws is affordability. Even for international students, tuition at many Canadian universities is lower than comparable US institutions — though the gap has been narrowing.
| Province | Domestic (CAD) | International (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | $7,000-$12,000 | $25,000-$60,000 |
| British Columbia | $6,000-$10,000 | $25,000-$50,000 |
| Alberta | $5,500-$9,000 | $20,000-$40,000 |
| Quebec (out-of-province) | $9,000-$11,000 | $20,000-$45,000 |
| Quebec (in-province) | $3,000-$4,000 | $20,000-$45,000 |
| Atlantic provinces | $6,000-$9,000 | $15,000-$30,000 |
Approximate annual ranges. Amounts vary by university and program. Professional programs (medicine, law, MBA) cost significantly more. All figures in Canadian dollars.
Top universities
Canada has many excellent universities. These are among the most internationally recognized, but strong regional universities (Dalhousie, Ottawa, Western, Victoria, Simon Fraser) also offer outstanding education and value.
University of Toronto
Toronto, ONCanada's highest-ranked university globally. Three campuses (St. George, Mississauga, Scarborough). Especially strong in medicine, engineering, business, and humanities.
University of British Columbia
Vancouver, BCConsistently ranked top 3 in Canada. Stunning campus. Strong across sciences, forestry, film, and business. Generous entrance scholarships for international students.
McGill University
Montreal, QCEnglish-language university in francophone Montreal. Known for medicine, law, and the arts. Relatively affordable for international students compared to US peers of similar calibre.
University of Waterloo
Waterloo, ONCanada's co-op powerhouse. The largest co-operative education program in the world. Exceptional for computer science, engineering, and mathematics. Strong tech industry pipeline.
McMaster University
Hamilton, ONWorld-renowned for its medical school and problem-based learning model. Strong health sciences, engineering, and business programs.
University of Alberta
Edmonton, ABTop 5 in Canada for research funding. Excellent for engineering, AI/machine learning, and energy sciences. Lower cost of living than Toronto or Vancouver.
Queen's University
Kingston, ONStrong sense of community and campus culture. Well-regarded commerce (Smith School of Business), engineering, and law programs.
Applying from the US
Canadian universities are generally familiar with the US education system, which makes the application process relatively smooth for American students.
What you need
- Transcripts: Your high school transcript will be evaluated directly. Canadian universities understand the US GPA system. Some may ask for a WES or IQAS credential evaluation, but many do not for US applicants.
- SAT/ACT: Many Canadian universities accept SAT or ACT scores but do not require them from US applicants with strong GPAs. Check each program's requirements.
- Study permit: Americans need a Canadian study permit for programs longer than six months. Apply online through IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada). You will need your letter of acceptance, proof of financial support, and a valid passport. Processing times vary.
- English proficiency: Most universities waive English proficiency requirements for students who completed high school in English in the US. French-language programs at Quebec universities may require a French proficiency test.
Co-op programs: the Waterloo model
Co-operative education (co-op) is one of Canada's greatest strengths. Co-op students alternate between academic terms and paid work terms with real employers. By graduation, you have 16-20 months of professional experience — and significant earnings to offset tuition.
The University of Waterloo operates the largest co-op program in the world. Students in engineering, computer science, and mathematics routinely complete six work terms with employers like Google, Apple, Tesla, and major Canadian banks. Average co-op earnings for a Waterloo CS student over their degree can exceed $100,000 CAD.
Other universities with strong co-op programs include Simon Fraser University, the University of Victoria, the University of Ottawa, and Toronto Metropolitan University. Many Ontario universities also offer optional co-op streams.
Scholarships for international students
Most Canadian universities offer entrance scholarships for international students based on academic merit. These are typically automatic (no separate application) and range from $2,000 to $40,000 CAD.
- UBC International Scholars: Up to full tuition coverage for outstanding international applicants.
- U of T Lester B. Pearson Scholarship: Full ride (tuition, books, residence, incidentals) for four years. Nomination-based.
- McGill Entrance Scholarships: Range from $3,000 to $12,000/year, automatically considered at admission.
- Schulich Leader Scholarships: $100,000 for engineering or $80,000 for science/math at partner universities. Must be nominated by your school.
- Vanier Canada Graduate: $50,000/year for three years for graduate students. Highly competitive.
Also see our Global Scholarships page for broader international awards.
This is a guide — always verify directly with the institution and relevant government body.