8 min read

Updated On 7th Aug 2025

Top Engineering Universities in Canada 2025: Rankings & Guide

Q: What are the top engineering universities in Canada?

Top institutions include the University of Toronto, University of Waterloo, University of British Columbia, McGill University, University of Alberta, and Queen's University, among others.

Q: What are the eligibility criteria for engineering courses in Canada?

For undergraduate programs, students need 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics and 75–85% marks. IELTS 6.5+ is required. Postgraduate programs typically need a BTech and IELTS 6.5–7.0.

Q: How much does it cost to study engineering in Canada?

Undergraduate engineering programs cost CAD 35,000–70,000 per year. Postgraduate courses cost CAD 20,000–45,000. Annual living expenses range from CAD 18,000 to 24,000, depending on city and lifestyle.

Q: Are there scholarships available for international engineering students?

Yes, scholarships include the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, NSERC awards, Ontario Graduate Scholarship, Schulich Leader Scholarships, Killam Fellowships, and university-specific scholarships like those from the University of Toronto.

Q: What are the popular engineering specializations in Canada?

Popular engineering fields in Canada include Software Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Mechatronics, Environmental Engineering, Robotics, and Artificial Intelligence.

Canada boasts some of the most prestigious engineering institutions, offering high-quality education, research opportunities, and excellent career prospects. Canada offers a high-quality education in a multicultural environment with a defined pathway for Indian students after their studies. Regardless of whether you are planning a career in civil engineering, robotics, software development, or renewable energy, Canadian universities will provide you with the very best programs aimed at international careers.

The engineering programs in Canada are recognized internationally, and industry-academic partnerships are also strong. Learning is applied and future-focused through co-op internships and innovation hubs. The demand for professional engineers continues to increase in Canada, especially in sectors such as AI, construction, renewable energy, and telecommunications. This is a wise decision for Indian students who need international experience and long-term professional benefits.

Top 15 Engineering Universities & Colleges in Canada

University Name	QS Eng. Rank	City, Province	Known For
University of Toronto	#17	Toronto, ON	AI, Civil, Mech, Electrical
University of British Columbia	#25	Vancouver, BC	Environmental, Chemical, CS
McGill University	#39	Montreal, QC	Biomedical, Mechanical, Electrical
University of Waterloo	#40	Waterloo, ON	Software, Mechatronics, Co-op
University of Alberta	#100	Edmonton, AB	Petroleum, Mining, Chemical
University of Calgary	#153	Calgary, AB	Energy Systems, Civil
Queen's University	#200	Kingston, ON	Electrical, Mining, Civil
McMaster University	#226	Hamilton, ON	Materials, Mechanical
University of Ottawa	#234	Ottawa, ON	Sustainable Energy, Electrical
Western University	#249	London, ON	Structural, Software
Concordia University	#337	Montreal, QC	Aerospace, Civil, Computer
University of Manitoba	#370	Winnipeg, MB	Civil, Systems Engineering
SFU (Simon Fraser University)	#388	Burnaby, BC	Software Systems, Mechatronics
Laval University	#392	Quebec City, QC	Engineering Physics, CS
University of Saskatchewan	—	Saskatoon, SK	Chemical, Civil, Environmental

These universities boast the highest research output, world rankings, and industry experience, with co-op experiences being mandatory at the University of Waterloo and the University of Toronto. This is an employability advantage for those outside Canada.

Popular Engineering Specializations in Canada

Canada's top engineering streams cater to current global demand.

Software & Computer Engineering - Flourishing information technology sector, in particular, Toronto and Vancouver

Mechanical engineering - In high demand across manufacturing and automation

Electrical & Electronics Engineering - Essential to energy and intelligent solutions

Civil and Structural Engineering - Infrastructure development, transportation, urban development, new cities

Chemical & Petroleum Engineering - Alberta-led oil & energy sector

Aerospace Engineering - Montreal and Toronto agglomerations; Airbus, MDA

Biomedical Engineering - Ontario and Quebec hospitals and biotech centers

Environmental and Sustainable Engineering - with a focus on climate technology and green power

These specialties offer definite career advancement and placement opportunities worldwide.

Undergraduate Engineering Programs in Canada

University	Popular Programs	Co-op / Internship Opportunities	Program Duration
University of Toronto	Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics	Optional PEY Co-op (Professional Experience Year – 12–16 months)	4 years (+1 with PEY)
University of Waterloo	Software, Mechatronics, Electrical, Computer	Mandatory 5-year Co-op (6 work terms integrated)	5 years
University of British Columbia (UBC)	Chemical, Mining, Environmental, Civil	Optional Co-op Term (typically 12–16 months)	4 years
McGill University	Electrical, Mechanical, Bioengineering	Optional internships & research-focused opportunities	4 years
University of Calgary	Petroleum, Software, Geomatics, Electrical	Strong co-op & industry placements via Schulich School of Engineering	4 years Queen's
een’s University	Mechanical, Civil, Applied Math & Engineering	Co-op & summer internships Queen's Undergraduate Internship Program	4 years
Simon Fraser University	Mechatronics, Systems, Software	Optional co-op integrated with SFU Co-op Program	4 years
Concordia University	Aerospace, Mechanical, Building Engineering	Paid co-op terms offered through the Institute for Co-operative Education	4 years
Dalhousie University	Civil, Environmental, Mechanical	3 mandatory co-op work terms (part of Integrated Engineering Program)	4–4.5 years
University of Ottawa	Biomedical, Civil, Software, Computer	Optional Co-op in all programs (avg. 16–20 months total)	4 years

Graduate Engineering Programs in Canada

Canada offers both coursework‑based and research‑oriented graduate degrees (MEng / MASc / MSc):

MEng: 1–2 years, project work, suited for technical careers
MASc / MSc: 2 years, research/thesis, a stepping stone to PhD
GRE is generally not required; admissions focus on GPA, SOP, LORs, project, or work experience

Popular master's programs:

MASc Electrical & Computer Eng. – University of Toronto
MEng in Aerospace / Robotics – University of Waterloo
MSc Chemical / Environmental Engineering – UBC, Alberta

PhD Programs in Engineering in Canada

A PhD in engineering usually spans 3–5 years and is entirely research-based.

Required Master's degree & research proposal
Funding via assistantships, NSERC CGS‑D, Vanier Scholarship
Monthly stipends between CAD 17,500–50,000/year for up to 3 years 
Research areas: AI, sustainable systems, nanotech, biomedical, and aerospace

Fully-funded engineering PhDs offer both academic excellence and financial stability.

Eligibility Criteria for Engineering Programs in Canada

Undergraduate (International Students) -

10+2 completion with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics
Minimum aggregate: 75–85% based on the university
English proficiency: IELTS 6.5 (no band <6.0) or TOEFL ~90

Postgraduate (MEng/MASc/MSc) -

Accredited 4‑year engineering degree with GPA ~3.0 (70%)
IELTS 6.5–7.0 or TOEFL 90+
GRE is optional for select universities
1–2 years of relevant experience recommended (esp. for MEng)

PhD Admission -

A Master's degree in study and research proposal is required
Finance through assistantships, NSERC CGS-D, Vanier Scholarship
Between CAD 17,500-50,000/year, monthly stipends over 3 years maximum 
Areas of research: AI, sustainable systems, nanotech, biomedical, and aerospace
A fully funded PhD in engineering provides both academic and financial security.

Admission Process for Engineering Colleges in Canada

Undergraduate -

Research and finalize engineering universities and the specialization you're interested in.
Apply online (Transcripts, proficiency scores, SOP, resume)
Make CAD 100-150 application fee
Fall intake will be received by March or April via a letter of admission
Accept and make a deposit, apply for a study permit, GIC (CAD 20,635)

Graduate & PhD:

Research programs on the websites of institutions.
Write SOP, resume, letters of recommendation, transcripts.
Direct application through university portals.
Wait decisions (rolling or deadlines by Dec, Nov-Feb)
Accept, pay the tuition fees, and start your visa application.

Tuition Fees & Living Costs for Engineering Students in Canada

Tuition & Living

Level	Tuition (CAD/year)	Living Costs (CAD/year)
Undergraduate	35,000 – 70,000 CAD	18,000 – 24,000 CAD
Postgraduate	20,000 – 45,000 CAD	18,000 – 24,000 CAD
PhD (funded)	Mostly tuition-waived	18,000 – 24,000 CAD

Institutions in Canada, including Manitoba and Saskatchewan, also entail cheaper tuition fees to international students (which are around CAD 13,000-20,000)⁃
Evidence of funds - GIC of CAD 20,635 required by Canada

City-Wise Living Structure -

Toronto/Vancouver - CAD 1,500-2000 per month
Montreal/Calgary - CAD 1,2001,800/month

Job opportunities and salary prospects

Specialization	Entry Salary (CAD/year)	Mid-career Salary (CAD/year)
Software / Computer Eng	80,000 – 120,000	110,000 – 140,000
Electrical Engineering	75,000 – 110,000	100,000 – 130,000
Mechanical Engineering	75,000 – 100,000	90,000 – 120,000
Civil / Structural	70,000 – 95,000	100,000 – 125,000
Petroleum / Energy	90,000 – 130,000	120,000 – 150,000
AI / Data Engineering	90,000 – 135,000	130,000 – 160,000

Employers - Google, Amazon, Microsoft (Toronto/Vancouver), RBC, Siemens, SNC-Lavalin, energy firms in Calgary, research labs (NRC, Mitacs).

Scholarships and Financial Aid for Engineering Students

Scholarship / Award	Level	Eligibility	Value
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship	PhD	Leadership + scholarly merit	CAD 50K/year × 3 years
NSERC Postgrad Scholarships (PGS/CGS)	MSc / PhD	Research aptitude	CAD 9K–35K/year
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)	MSc / PhD	Merit-based (Ontario)	CAD 5K–10K/year
Schulich Leader Scholarships (UG STEM)	UG	Leadership + excellence	CAD 100K–120K total
UofT Engineering Awards (e.g., Daryani, etc.)	UG / PG	Merit-based	Varies (partial to full)
Carleton Engineering Awards	UG / PG	Merit-based	CAD 4K–16K
Killam Trust Scholarships	PhD	Academic excellence	Up to CAD 80K/year
Schlumberger Foundation Fellowship	PhD women	Female STEM scholars	CAD 50K one-time
Amelia Earhart Fellowship	PhD women	Engineering women	CAD 10K one-off

These awards significantly reduce cost and enhance ROI.

Work Permit & Stay-Back Options

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) -

Valid for up to 3 years for programs ≥2 years
Eligible immediately after graduation

Canadian Experience Class (CEC) → Express Entry:

Work experience gained via PGWP adds CRS points
Pathways to Permanent Residency within 1–2 years

Other Benefits:

Spouses receive open work permits
Skilled engineering grads qualify for provincial nominations due to demand.

Conclusion

Compared to the US/UK, Canada is one of those rare places that has a high academic standing, is reasonably priced, exposes you to work experience (co-ops), offers a wide selection of disciplines among engineering faculties, and offers broad scholarship opportunities, with well-defined avenues to Canadian employment and permanent residency. Canadian degrees in engineering are a high-ROI degree opportunity with international career opportunities.

Begin your planning soon by looking at program deadlines, scholarship requirements, and application procedures, and get the help of a professional advisor when necessary.

FAQs

1. What are the top engineering universities in Canada?

Top institutions include the University of Toronto, University of Waterloo, University of British Columbia, McGill University, University of Alberta, and Queen's University, among others.

2. What are the eligibility criteria for engineering courses in Canada?

For undergraduate programs, students need 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics and 75–85% marks. IELTS 6.5+ is required. Postgraduate programs typically need a BTech and IELTS 6.5–7.0.

3. How much does it cost to study engineering in Canada?

Undergraduate engineering programs cost CAD 35,000–70,000 per year. Postgraduate courses cost CAD 20,000–45,000. Annual living expenses range from CAD 18,000 to 24,000, depending on city and lifestyle.

4. Are there scholarships available for international engineering students?

Yes, scholarships include the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, NSERC awards, Ontario Graduate Scholarship, Schulich Leader Scholarships, Killam Fellowships, and university-specific scholarships like those from the University of Toronto.

5. What are the popular engineering specializations in Canada?

Popular engineering fields in Canada include Software Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Mechatronics, Environmental Engineering, Robotics, and Artificial Intelligence.

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