Several Canadian universities have been ranked among the top 100 globally for certain subjects.
Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) published these rankings in its 15th edition of world university ranking by subject.
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The ranking looks at 55 subjects in total to make it easier for students to find top universities based on their field of study and professional aspirations.
These 55 subjects are grouped under five broad areas:
- Engineering and technology.
- Life sciences and medicine.
- Natural sciences.
- Arts and humanities.
- Social sciences and management.
Here’s a look at some Canadian universities that were ranked among the top 100 in the world according to subject area:
| University | Engineering and Technology | Life Sciences and Medicine | Natural Sciences | Arts and Humanities | Social Sciences and Management |
| University of Toronto | 17 | 13 | 20 | 14 | 14 |
| University of British Columbia | 31 | 25 | 22 | 19 | 20 |
| McGill University | 45 | 27 | 48 | 36 | 39 |
| University of Waterloo | 47 | -- | 72 | -- | -- |
| McMaster University | -- | 59 | -- | -- | -- |
| University of Alberta | -- | 86 | -- | -- | -- |
If a numbered ranking is not listed in the table above, it’s because the institution didn’t rank within the top 100 in that subject.
These are the subjects listed within each subject area:
| Area | Subjects falling under that area |
|---|---|
| Engineering and technology | Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Engineering – Chemical Engineering – Civil and Structural Engineering – Electrical and electronic Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Mineral and Mining Engineering – Petroleum |
| Life sciences and medicine | Agriculture and Forestry Anatomy and Physiology Biological Sciences Dentistry Medicine Nursing Pharmacy and Pharmacology Psychology Veterinary Science |
| Natural sciences | Chemistry Earth and Marine Sciences Environmental Sciences Geography Geology Geophysics Material Sciences Mathematics Physics and Astronomy |
| Arts and humanities | Archaeology Architecture and Built Environment Art and Design Art History Classics and Ancient History English Language and Literature History Linguistics Modern Languages Music Performing Arts Philosophy Theology, Divinity and Religious Studies |
| Social sciences and management | Accounting and finances Anthropology Business and Management Studies Communication and Media Studies Development studies Economics and Econometrics Education and Training Hospitality and Leisure management Law and Legal Studies Library and Information Management Marketing Politics Social Policy and Administration Sociology Sports Related Subjects Statistics and Operational Research |
QS World University Ranking by Subject allows people to filter universities according to individual subjects as well.
Methodology
The QS World University Ranking by Subject ranks academic programs over five indicators:
- Academic reputation: this draws on responses from academics and looks at which universities academics consider to be good for research.
- Employer reputation: draws from survey responses of employers of graduates. In essence, it measures how employers around the world regard graduates from a specific university.
- Research citations per paper: looks at how often research papers from a university are cited.
- H-index: measures how productive and impactful an academic or a department is, based on cited papers.
- International research network: looks at how well a university collaborates with other high educational institutions on research projects.
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How to get a Canadian study permit
If you’re interested in completing postsecondary studies in Canada, here’s what you will need for a study permit:
- Letter of acceptable from a designated learning institution (DLI);
- Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL);
- Proof of financial support;
- Passport and travel documents;
- Photos; and
- Fees.
The amount of money you need to show for financial support depends on the number of family members moving to Canada with you.
You require this amount of funds on on top of the cost of tuition and travel expenses (e.g., cost of flights).
| Number of family members (including the applicant) | Amount of funds required per year ( |
| 1 | $20,635 |
| 2 | $25,690 |
| 3 | $31,583 |
| 4 | $38,346 |
| 5 | $43,492 |
| 6 | $49,051 |
| 7 | $54,611 |
If more than seven people, $5,559 must be added for each additional family member.
You can include scholarships as part of your proof of financial support.
*The above table is for all provinces and territories except Quebec.
The process of applying for a study permit
Step 1: Research what programs align with your career goals, and which institutions offer these programs.
You need to pick an institution that is on Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC’s) list of DLIs.
If you plan on working in Canada after your studies are over, you should check if the program and DLI allow you to get a Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
If you plan to move with a spouse, and they plan on working in Canada, you should check eligibility for a spousal open work permit (SOWP). Currently, only master’s and doctoral students, or students in select in-demand programs are eligible for SOWPs. You can find details here.
Step 2: Apply to your institution of choice and see if you are accepted. Once you are accepted, the institution will give you a Letter of Acceptance (LOA).
Step 3: Gather your documents to apply for a study permit. In most cases, applications for study permits are done online.
Step 4: Get a PAL or TAL. The process of getting a PAL or TAL varies depending on province, but typically involves the DLI requesting the letter from the relevant provincial or territorial authority.
You can contact your DLI to get a PAL or TAL.
Step 5: Apply for a study permit. In most cases, the application process is online. You will be asked some questions and your answers will be used to create a personalized document checklist.
You will need to upload all the required documents.
Step 6: Once you’ve been submitted your application, you will be issued a letter of introduction and a temporary resident visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization, to enter Canada (if the application has been approved). This letter has to be shown to a Canadian immigration officer in Canada to get a study permit.
You may need to provide your biometrics, undergo an immigration medical exam, and/or provide police certificates.
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