2026 Canada Engineering Universities Ranking Table

Based on comprehensive evaluations from QS 2026, Times Higher Education, and US News rankings.

Rank University Name Global Ranking International Tuition (CAD/Year) Popular Programs Co-op Program
1
McGill University
Montreal, Quebec
QS #27
THE #45
$31,066 – $52,032
 Bioengineering, Mechanical, Electrical Yes
2
University of Toronto
Toronto, Ontario
QS #29
THE #21
$63,500 – $70,060
 AI, Software, Biomedical, Civil PEY 12-16 Months
3
University of British Columbia (UBC)
Vancouver, British Columbia
QS #38
Engineering #46
$21,890 – $52,000
 Environmental Engineering, Mining, Chemical Yes
4
University of Waterloo
Waterloo, Ontario
QS #112
Computer Science Top 10 Globally
$46,190 – $48,838
 Computer, Software, Mechanical, Electrical World’s Strongest Co-op
5
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta
QS #111
Engineering Top 100 Globally
$33,059 – $43,000
 Petroleum Engineering, Chemical, Civil Yes
6
McMaster University
Hamilton, Ontario
QS #189
Engineering Notable
$49,479 – $55,000
 Biomedical, Mechanical, Manufacturing Yes
7
Queen’s University
Kingston, Ontario
QS #191
$51,000 – $58,000
 Applied Science, Engineering Physics Yes
8
University of Calgary
Calgary, Alberta
Canada Top 15
$28,000 – $35,000
 Petroleum Engineering, Civil, Software Yes
9
University of Ottawa
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada Top 20
$33,810 – $40,000
 Software Engineering, Civil, Electrical Yes
10
Concordia University
Montreal, Quebec
Innovative University
$25,000 – $32,000
 Computer, Aerospace Yes

Top Engineering Universities in Detail

In-depth look at Canada’s leading engineering universities, including signature programs, strengths, and admission requirements.

1

McGill University Faculty of Engineering

Canada’s Harvard for Engineering Excellence

Global Ranking #27 (QS 2026)
International Tuition $31,066-$52,032/Year
Acceptance Rate ~46%
Graduate Employment Rate 95%
Bioengineering
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Software Engineering
Civil Engineering
2

University of Toronto Faculty of Engineering

Leader in Canadian Engineering Education

Global Ranking #29 (QS 2026)
International Tuition $63,500-$70,060/Year
Acceptance Rate ~43%
Graduate Employment Rate 96%
Artificial Intelligence
Software Engineering
Biomedical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
3

University of British Columbia

Leader in Sustainability and Innovation

Global Ranking #38 (QS 2026)
International Tuition $21,890-$52,000/Year
Research Funding $700M+/Year
Acceptance Rate ~52%
Environmental Engineering
Mining Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Bioengineering
Materials Engineering
4

University of Waterloo Faculty of Engineering

World’s Strongest Co-op Program

Computer Science Ranking Top 10 Globally
International Tuition $46,190-$48,838/Year
Co-op Salary $5,000-$8,000/Month
Acceptance Rate ~53%
Computer Engineering
Software Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Systems Design Engineering

Tuition and Cost Details

Comprehensive overview of the tuition structure and additional costs for engineering programs in Canada.

💰 2026 Engineering Program Tuition Range

$18,000-$70,000 Undergraduate Tuition (International Students)
$20,000-$65,000 Graduate Tuition (International Students)
$15,000-$20,000 Annual Living Expenses
$20,635 GIC Financial Guarantee

💡 Tuition Savings Tips

  • ✓ Choose more affordable provinces like Alberta or Saskatchewan
  • ✓ Apply for Co-op programs to earn $5,000-$8,000/month during internships
  • ✓ Actively apply for scholarships and grants
  • ✓ Opt for on-campus housing to save on accommodation costs

Application Requirements

Detailed guide to the academic requirements and application materials for Canadian engineering programs.

🎓 Undergraduate Requirements

  • High school diploma with strong science grades (85%+)
  • Excellent grades in Math, Physics, and Chemistry
  • IELTS 6.5-7.0 or TOEFL 90-100+
  • SAT/ACT scores for some universities
  • Personal statement and recommendation letters
  • Extracurricular activities and competition achievements

🎯 Graduate Requirements

  • Relevant engineering bachelor’s degree, GPA 3.0+
  • IELTS 6.5-7.0 or TOEFL 90-100+
  • GRE scores for some programs
  • 2-3 academic recommendation letters
  • Research proposal/statement of purpose
  • Relevant work or research experience

📋 Application Materials Checklist

  • Completed online application form
  • Certified academic transcripts
  • Language test scores
  • Passport copy
  • Proof of financial support
  • Resume/CV
  • Portfolio (for certain programs)

🌟 Bonus Factors

  • Relevant work or internship experience
  • Math or science competition awards
  • Research project participation
  • Leadership and volunteer experience
  • Technical projects and programming experience
  • Professional certifications and skills

Scholarship Opportunities

Explore various scholarships and funding options to reduce the financial burden of studying abroad.

Trudeau Scholarship
$20,000/Year + $20,000 Travel Allowance

Top-tier scholarship for doctoral students, supporting outstanding scholars in social sciences, humanities, and engineering.

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship
$50,000/Year

Supports exceptional doctoral students in health research, natural sciences, and engineering.

Ontario Trillium Scholarship
$40,000/Year

Designed for international doctoral students, covering tuition and living expenses.

Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship
$70,000/Year

Supports postdoctoral researchers conducting cutting-edge research in Canada.

University Entrance Scholarship
$1,000-$20,000

Merit-based scholarships offered by universities for outstanding international freshmen.

Engineering Program Scholarship
$2,000-$15,000

Specialized scholarships offered by engineering faculties and industry partners.

💡 Scholarship Application Tips

  • ✓ Apply early, as many scholarships have early deadlines
  • ✓ Prepare a strong personal statement and research proposal
  • ✓ Secure compelling recommendation letters
  • ✓ Apply for multiple scholarship opportunities simultaneously

Career Prospects and Salaries

Learn about employment opportunities and salary levels for Canadian engineering graduates.

Software Engineer
$85,000-$150,000+
High demand in the booming tech industry
Data Scientist
$90,000-$160,000+
Core role in AI and machine learning fields
Mechanical Engineer
$70,000-$120,000
Stable demand in manufacturing and automotive industries
Civil Engineer
$65,000-$110,000
Growing demand in infrastructure development
Electrical Engineer
$75,000-$125,000
Strong demand in energy and telecommunications
Environmental Engineer
$70,000-$115,000
Rapid growth in sustainability sectors
Biomedical Engineer
$80,000-$140,000
Driven by medical technology innovation
Petroleum Engineer
$90,000-$160,000+
Traditional strength in Alberta

💡 Employment Advantages

  • ✓ Canada’s employment rate is 60.7%, with strong demand for engineering graduates
  • ✓ Co-op programs provide extensive internship experience, with 96% of graduates securing jobs
  • ✓ Graduates can apply for a 3-year work permit, opening immigration pathways
  • ✓ Engineering careers are prioritized under Canadian immigration policies

2026 Application Timeline

Master key application milestones to plan your application process effectively.

September-November 2025

Preparation Phase

Identify target universities and programs, prepare for language tests, and gather application materials.

December 2025-January 2026

Application Submission

Submit online applications, pay application fees, and provide all required materials.

February-March 2026

Application Deadlines

Most universities close applications; submit any missing materials.

April-May 2026

Admission Decisions

Receive admission results, confirm enrollment, and apply for scholarships.

May-July 2026

Visa Application

Prepare study permit application, complete medical exams, and submit visa materials.

August 2026

Pre-Departure

Arrange accommodation, book flights, and attend pre-departure orientations.

September 2026

Start of Studies

Arrive in Canada, attend orientation, and begin academic life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about studying engineering in Canada to help you make informed decisions.

Admission competitiveness varies by university and program. Top universities like University of Toronto and McGill have acceptance rates of about 40-50%, requiring high school grades of 85%+, strong language scores (IELTS 6.5-7.0), and a solid math/science foundation. Lower-ranked universities may have more lenient requirements.
Software engineering, computer engineering, and data science currently offer the best prospects, with starting salaries of $85,000-$150,000+. Emerging fields like AI, machine learning, and cybersecurity are in high demand. Traditional fields like mechanical, civil, and electrical engineering have stable demand but relatively lower salaries.
A Co-op (cooperative education) program combines study with paid internships. University of Waterloo’s Co-op is globally renowned, offering 4-6 semesters of work experience with monthly salaries of $5,000-$8,000. This experience is critical, as 96% of Co-op graduates secure employment.
Tuition varies due to: 1) University ranking and reputation (e.g., University of Toronto $63,500+ vs. others $25,000-$35,000); 2) Location (Ontario and BC are pricier, Alberta and Saskatchewan are cheaper); 3) Program type (computer and biomedical engineering are often more expensive).
Canadian engineering degrees are highly recognized worldwide. Universities like Toronto, McGill, and UBC rank in the global top 50 for engineering (QS). Canada is a signatory to the Washington Accord, ensuring degree recognition in the US, Australia, UK, and more. Many graduates work in Silicon Valley tech firms.
Options include: 1) Enroll in a pathway language program before starting the main program; 2) Apply to universities with lower language requirements; 3) Retake IELTS/TOEFL to improve scores; 4) Some universities accept alternative tests like Duolingo. Aim for at least IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80 as a baseline.
Female students make up about 20-25% of engineering programs, though this is male-dominated, the proportion is rising. Fields like biomedical and environmental engineering have higher female representation (30-40%). Universities offer dedicated programs and scholarships to support women in engineering.
Engineers are prioritized under Canadian immigration policies. Graduates can obtain a 3-year work permit and, after one year of Canadian work experience, apply for permanent residency via the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Engineering roles score highly in the Express Entry system, increasing immigration success rates.
Ontario: Most universities and job opportunities, but higher tuition and living costs; British Columbia: Pleasant climate, thriving tech industry; Alberta: Strong in petroleum engineering, more affordable; Quebec: Lower tuition but often requires French proficiency. Choose based on program focus, budget, and preferences.
Canadian engineering programs are rigorous, with high demands in math and physics and a heavy workload. However, universities provide robust support, including tutoring centers, study groups, and teaching assistants. With a strong foundation and dedication, most students can successfully complete their degrees.
Top scholarships like Trudeau and Vanier are highly competitive, with success rates below 5%. However, university entrance scholarships are more accessible, with outstanding international students (85%+ grades) typically securing $2,000-$15,000. Apply to multiple scholarships to increase chances.
Internship experience is critical for engineering students, with over 90% of employers preferring candidates with practical experience. Co-op programs, summer internships, and on-campus research projects are excellent ways to gain experience. Even part-time or volunteer work can demonstrate practical skills.
To become a Professional Engineer (P.Eng) in Canada, you need: 1) An accredited engineering degree; 2) Pass the Professional Practice Examination; 3) Accumulate 4 years of relevant work experience; 4) Demonstrate proficiency in English/French; 5) Pass an ethics review. International students typically need 3-5 years post-graduation to qualify.
Annual living expenses vary by city: Toronto and Vancouver $18,000-$22,000; Montreal and Ottawa $15,000-$18,000; smaller cities $12,000-$15,000. This includes accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment. On-campus housing or shared rentals can reduce costs.
Switching majors within an engineering faculty is relatively easy, typically after the first year based on grades and interests. Switching to a different faculty is more challenging and may require reapplication. Research program options carefully before enrolling to avoid frequent changes that could delay progress.
The pandemic temporarily impacted traditional engineering fields but accelerated digital transformation. Demand for software engineering, data science, and biomedical engineering has grown, with the overall job market recovering and tech-related fields experiencing talent shortages.
Consider: 1) Personal interests and math/science aptitude; 2) Career prospects and salary potential; 3) Program curriculum and internship opportunities; 4) Future industry trends. Attend university open houses, connect with current students, and participate in internships or volunteer activities to explore fields.
Graduate applications emphasize: 1) Research experience and academic background; 2) Alignment with faculty advisors; 3) Quality of research proposals; 4) Strength of recommendation letters. Contact potential advisors early and clarify research goals. Graduate applications are more competitive but offer more funding opportunities.
Canadian engineering education is comparable to the US but offers unique advantages: 1) Lower tuition fees; 2) Robust Co-op programs; 3) Friendlier policies for international students; 4) More post-graduation work and immigration opportunities; 5) Safer environment. The US has more top-tier engineering schools, but Canada offers better value.

Start Your Canadian Engineering Journey

Choose Canada’s top engineering universities for world-class education and endless career opportunities.