7 Best Universities in Canada for Engineering

Choosing the finest engineering institutions in Canada is an extraordinarily difficult task. And, with engineering jobs being some of the most in-demand in Canada, many colleges are attempting to provide a range of engineering degrees. As a result, it is difficult for students, particularly international students, to study in Canada. We at workstudyvisa have simplified the process by researching and selecting the finest engineering school in Canada.

Moreover, engineering offers a lot of opportunities to students, with employers demanding more workers. According to the report by Statistics Canada, there will be an increased job demand in all sectors of engineering. Therefore, more students are needed to fill this gap in the future. 

Over the years, Canada has become the home of many international students who come to get their degrees in Canada. Among them are more than 12,000 students who come to Canada to undergo their engineering programs. However, as an international student, you can still have your dream of studying at one of the best universities in Canada for engineering. Probably, the only thing that may stand in your way is the requirements.

That should not be an issue, though, because you must research the qualifying criteria for both the university and your chosen program. However, don’t worry since you will learn all you need to know about the best universities in Canada for engineering courses or programs.

7 best universities in Canada for Engineering

Although many universities in Canada offer engineering courses to students, there are some universities that students prefer. Therefore, the universities below are the 7 best universities in Canada for engineering. 

• University of Toronto      
• University of Waterloo      
• McGill University      
• University of British Columbia
• University of Alberta   
• McMaster University   
• Queen’s University      

#1: University of Toronto

Ranked as the best university in Canada for many years, it is no surprise also that U of The is the best university in Canada for engineering. 

Generally, U of T is known for its numerous undergraduate, professional, and graduate education. Thus, according to Maclean’s, the university has been the best for six consecutive years. 

This should be your first destination, especially as an international student.  

Among the qualities that make U of T stand firm among other best universities in Canada for engineering is the various programs it offers. Therefore, students have plenty of options to choose from.

Engineering programs at the University of Toronto

Perhaps, you may wonder why the University of Toronto has been rated the best university in Canada for engineering. This may not reflect the number of engineering programs; however, you can guess they have some of the best professors in the faculty. Below is a list of some of the engineering courses you can do at the University of Toronto. 

• Civil Engineering (BAS) Bachelor; Co-op
• Computer engineering
• Mechanical engineering
• Chemical engineering
• Electrical engineering
• Engineering Science

Requirements for engineering students at the University of Toronto

In order to get admission into the U of T for your engineering programs, you must meet the following requirements. Therefore, you must get Grade 12 in:

• English 
• Advanced Functions 
• Chemistry 
• Physics 
• Calculus and Vectors 

In addition, you must also have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma and six 4U/M courses, including Advanced Functions (MHF4U), Calculus & Vectors (MCV4U), Chemistry (SCH4U), English (ENG4U), and Physics (SPH4U). 

Scholarships for engineering students at the University of Toronto

The following scholarships are available to you at the University of Toronto. Therefore, you can make inquiries to Know if you meet the minimum requirements. They include: 

• Andrew Alexander Kinghorn Scholarships (Engineering) 
• The Fujino/Smith Emergence Scholarship University of Toronto –
• Gavin Dass Memorial Scholarship (Engineering) University of Toronto 
• Halsall Scholarships In Building Engineering University of Toronto 
• Kenneth Carless Smith Award 
• Kenneth Ward Smith Scholarships University of Toronto 
• Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical 
• Engineering Science Foundation Scholarship  
• Russell Reynolds Scholarship In Engineering Science  
• Engineering Science Alumni Admission Scholarships  
• Engineering Science Chairs’ Scholarship  
• Etkin Medal For Excellence  
• Garnet W. McKee-Lachlan Gilchrist  
• Second Garnet W. McKee-Lachlan Gilchrist Geophysics Scholarship 
• Gary L. Palmer Memorial Scholarship 
• Shaw Design Scholarships 
• Kenneth Carless Smith Engineering Science Research Fellowship 
• Lorne Wagner Memorial Bursary 
• Rob And Sky Bicevskis Scholarship 
• Daisy Intelligence Scholarships 

Tuition fees

Canadian Students: $6,100 – $14,180

International Students:$37,680 – $62,250

#2: University of Waterloo

The second in our list of the 7 best universities in Canada for engineering is the University of Waterloo. However, the University of Waterloo does not only specialize in engineering as it offers more than 100 programs in other fields. 

One of the special qualities of the University of Waterloo is the opportunity for co-op programs. In other words, students have the opportunity of having paid internships. Of course, it has many advantages since you get relevant work experience as part of your degree as well as get paid for your work. 

No wonder Waterloo is among the world’s top 175 universities in the QS World University Rankings 2021 and top 250 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2021.  

Programs at the University of Waterloo

The following are the engineering programs offered at the University of Waterloo. 

• Chemical engineering
• Civil engineering
• Computer engineering
• Electrical engineering
• Environmental engineering
• Geological engineering
• Management engineering
• Mechanical engineering
• Mechatronics engineering
• Nanotechnology Engineering
• Software Engineering

Admission Requirements at the University of Waterloo

The general requirements for admission into Waterloo for engineering students include Grade 12 in 

• English (ENG4U) 
• Chemistry 
• Physics 
• Advanced Functions 
• Calculus and Vectors 

However, you must get a final grade of 70% in all the prerequisite courses.

Scholarships at the University of Waterloo for Engineering students

Oftentimes, many University of Waterloo students study under the university’s various scholarships. The scholarships include:

• Ontario Professional Engineers Foundation For Education Undergraduate Scholarship University of Waterloo 
• Ontario Professional Engineers Foundation For Education Entrance Scholarship University of Waterloo 
• Colonel Hugh Heasley Engineering Scholarships University of Waterloo 
• Sandford Fleming Foundation (SFF) Award For Teaching Assistantship Excellence University of Waterloo 
• David R. Bertran Entrance Scholarship In Chemical Engineering University of Waterloo 
• Isabel Farrar Entrance Scholarships University of Waterloo 
• Norman Esch Entrepreneurship Award For Capstone Design University of Waterloo 
• Vahlenkamp Memorial Engineering Scholarship University of Waterloo 
• W.W. King Exchange Fellowships University of Waterloo 
• Keith Carr Memorial Award University of Waterloo Chemical Engineering 
• Engineering International Student Entrance Scholarship University of Waterloo 
• Ganesh Datt Perseverance Award University of Waterloo 
• Accenture Award University of Waterloo 
• Baylis Medical Capstone Design Award University of Waterloo 
• Webcast Industries Continuous Learning Award University of Waterloo 
• Carl A. Pollock Engineering Scholarship University of Waterloo 
• Sandford Fleming Foundation (SFF) Debate Awards University of Waterloo 
• Sandford Fleming Foundation (SFF) Technical Speaker Competition University of Waterloo 
• Ontario Power Generation Engineering Award
• Sandford Fleming Foundation (SFF) Exchange Scholarships University of Waterloo 

Tuition fees

Canadian Students: $8,000 – $16,000

International Students:$43,000 – $63,000

Best 20 Ivy League Universities in Canada

#3: McGill University

McGill University is an English university located in Montreal, a French-speaking city. Despite that, it still attracts many students, especially international students.

Generally speaking, McGill is among the largest universities in Canada and number 3 among the best universities in Canada for engineering. Therefore, studying there allows you to learn from the best professors in engineering. Furthermore, McGill boasts 11 faculties and ten professional schools where students can undergo undergraduate and graduate programs in more than 300 disciplines, including engineering programs. 

Engineering Programs at McGill University

The following are the engineering programs at McGill University. Therefore, you can apply to study any of them. They include:

• Bioresource Engineering
• Chemical engineering
• Civil engineering
• Computer engineering
• Electrical engineering
• Mechanical engineering
• Mining engineering
• Software engineering

Requirements for Engineering students at McGill University

• Grade12 Calculus and Vectors or Grade12 English 
•  Grade12 English or Grade12 Français 
• 2 of Grade12 Physics or Grade12 Chemistry or Grade12 Biology 

In addition, all candidates must have Biology – NYA (OOUK), Chemistry – NYA, NYB (OOUL, OOUM), Mathematics – NYA, NYB, NYC (OOUN, OOUP, OOUQ), and Physics – NYA, NYB, NYC (OOUR, OOUS, OUT)

Scholarships for engineering students at McGill University

Usually, Canadian universities offer various scholarships to their students. Whenever you are applying for engineering courses at McGill University, try to know if you know the eligibility criteria for any of these scholarships. 

• Donald C. Maccallum Bursary 
• Charles Michael Morssen Bursary Fund 
• Gopal And Sudhir Khare Memorial Prize 
• John Howard Ambrose Scholarships 
• John Newman Memorial Award 
• Peter Sebestyen Award 
• Bernard Leviton Loan Fund 
• Waddell Loan Fund McGill University, 
• Charles Michael Morssen Gold Medal 
• Brian Cullen Memorial Award 
• Nevil Norton Evans Scholarship 
• Harry Krashinsky Scholarship 
• McGill Alumnae 75th Anniversary Scholarship 
• Faculty Of Engineering Scholarships Fund 
• Macdonald Class Of 1954 Scholarship 
• Hatch Scholarship In Engineering 
• Louis C. Ho Scholarships In Engineering 
• Maude Toye Lee Scholarship 
• SNC-Lavalin Scholarships In Engineering 
• Rahul And Rahman Sarkar Memorial Bursary 

Tuition fees

Provincial Students: $1,868 – $2,725

Canadian Students:   $5,378 – $8,505

International Students:$16,200 – $56,544

#4: University of British Columbia

Another university among the best universities in Canada for engineering is the University of British Columbia (UBC). The University of British Columbia is often regarded as a global center for teaching, learning, and world-leading research. For this reason, it is ranked among the top 20 public universities in the world. 

UBC’s Faculty of Engineering offers good learning and research opportunities to its students. 

Also Read: Top Reasons Behind Canadian Students’ Visa Refusal

Engineering programs at the University of British Columbia

You can do any of the following engineering programs at the University of British Columbia.

• Chemical and Biological engineering
• Chemical engineering
• Civil engineering
• Computer engineering
• Electrical engineering
• Engineering Physics
• Geological engineering
• Manufacturing engineering
• Materials engineering
• Mechanical engineering
• Mining engineering

Requirements for Engineering students at the University of British Columbia

Furthermore, all students seeking admission to engineering at the University of British Columbia must get Grade 12 in:

• Advanced Functions 
• English 
• Chemistry 
• Physics 
• Chemistry 
• Physics 
• Graduation from high school

Apart from the above-mentioned requirements, you must also have a minimum in Grade 11 or Grade 12 English (or their equivalents)

At least six academic/non-academic Grade 12 courses

Moreover, international students, you must get the following marks in your English exam:

• International English Language Testing System (academic or immigration) [min. 6.5] 
• Pearson Test of English (Academic) [min. 65] 
• Canadian Academic English Language Assessment [min. 70]

Scholarships for Engineering students at the University of British Columbia

The following are the available scholarships at the University of British Columbia. They include:

• William McMahan Scholarship 
• Sheri Plewes Scholarship For Women In Engineering 
• Post-Secondary Entrance Scholarship 
• Sheri Plewes Scholarship For Women In Engineering

Tuition fees

Canadian Students: $5,617 – $19,218

International Students:$38,854 – $74,924

#5: University of Alberta

Located in the city of Edmonton, the University of Alberta ranks among the best universities in Canada for engineering. As such, students can take advantage of the numerous engineering programs.

Fortunately, the Faculty of Engineering in the university is known worldwide for the caliber of professors, state-of-the-art labs, and teaching spaces. Indeed, it is a joy to study engineering at this famous university.

Engineering programs at the University of Alberta

Undergraduates who prefer to study at the University of Alberta can enroll in the following programs. They include: 

• Biomedical engineering
• Chemical engineering
• Civil engineering
• Computer engineering
• Design- engineering route
• Electrical engineering
• Environmental engineering
• Materials engineering
• Mechanical engineering
• Mining engineering
• Nanoengineering
• Petroleum engineering

Admission requirements for engineering students at the University of Alberta

In contrast to other universities, you cannot get admission into the faculty of engineering at the University of Alberta directly from high school. Rather, you will, first of all, get preprofessional study for 1 year. 

Normally, all students follow the same curriculum in their first year, otherwise known as the Qualifying Year in the Faculty of Engineering. Nonetheless, once you have completed your first year, you can choose from the various specialized Engineering programs at the university.  

Scholarships for engineering students at the University of Alberta

Perhaps, you don’t have enough money to sponsor your education, but you can decide to look out for the various scholarships at the University of Alberta. They include:

• Walker Newby And Associates Ltd. Prizes 
• The APEGA Past Presidents’ Medal 
• RHB (Hugh) Sangster Memorial 
• Fluor Canada Ltd Award 
• Japex/Jacobs Scholarship In Engineering 
• CW Carry Prize In Structural Design II (CIV E 474) 
• Class Of 1955 Civil Engineering Golden Anniversary Award 
• Newbert Construction And Engineering Ltd Award 
• Cenovus Energy Civil And Environmental Engineering Scholarship 
• Jock Dawe Scholarship In Civil Engineering 
• Leonard E Gads Memorial Scholarship 
• WA And M Hiller Civil Engineering 
• Masonry Contractors Association Of Alberta (Edmonton Chapter) Scholarships 
• John Alexander McDougall Memorial Scholarship 
• George Naoum Memorial Award In Construction Engineering 
• John E Poole Award 
• Encana Civil And Petroleum Engineering Scholarship 
• Jacobs Canada Inc. Scholarship

Tuition fees

Canadian Students: $5,321 – $18,274

International Students:$17,034 – $142,500

#5: McMaster University

One of the best universities in Canada and 5 out of the best universities in Canada for engineering. The university is dedicated to building a community committed to discovering and improving the world. Therefore, as a student, you can share this special belief. 

Engineering programs at McMaster University

Being among the best universities in Canada for engineering, students can study any of the following programs. 

• Automation Engineering Technology (BTech)
• Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering 
• Chemical Engineering and Management 
• Automotive and Vehicle Engineering Technology (BTech)
• Chemical Engineering and Management 
• Chemical Engineering and Society
• Civil and Biomedical Engineering Bachelor; Co-op
• Civil Engineering 
• Chemical and biomedical engineering
• Chemical engineering
• Civil Engineering and Management 
• Civil Engineering and Society Bachelor
• Electrical Engineering and Management 
• Electrical Engineering and Society
• Engineering Physics 
• Engineering Physics and Biomedical Engineering 
• Computer Engineering 
• Civil Engineering Infrastructure Technology (BTech)
• Electrical and Biomedical Engineering 
• Electrical Engineering
• Materials and Biomedical Engineering 
• Materials Engineering
• Software Engineering and Management 
• Software Engineering and Society 
• Computer Engineering and Management 

Admission requirements for engineering students at McMaster University

First of all, all international students must meet the following English language requirements: 

• International English Language Testing System (academic or immigration) [min. 6.5] 
• Canadian Academic English Language Assessment [min. 70] 
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (Internet-Based) [min. 86] 
• Cambridge English for Speakers of Other Languages: Certificate in Advanced English [min. 176] 
• Michigan English Language Assessment Battery [min. 85]

In addition, you must also show the following test results if you are asked to do so.

• IELTS: 6.5
• CAE: 190
• PTE: 60
• CAEL: 70
• TOEFL (iBT): 86
• DUO: 115

Tuition fees

Canadian Students: $7,548 – $14,119

International Students:$7,584 – $59,904

Queen’s University

Among the best universities in Canada for engineering is Queen’s University. It is located in Ontario. 

The university has a lot of engineering programs for its students. Therefore, you can take advantage of the various cheap programs. In addition to that, you study under a scholarship at Queen’s University. 

Engineering programs at Queen’s University

The following are the programs available for engineering students at Queen’s University. 

• Chemical engineering
• Civil engineering
• Computer engineering
• Electrical engineering
• Engineering chemistry
• Engineering Physics
• Geological engineering
• Mathematics and engineering
• Mining engineering
• Mining engineering technology

Admission requirements for engineering students at Queen’s University

to get admission into Queen’s University, you must get Grade 12 in:

• English 
• Chemistry
• Physics 
• Advanced Functions or Data Management or Biology or Earth and Space Science 
• Calculus and Vectors 

Scholarships for engineering students at Queen’s University

As a Queen’s University student, you can access any of the following universities. However, you must meet the requirements. Therefore, you can visit the school website to check the eligibility criteria for any of them. They include:

• Chemical Engineering Alumni Bursary 
• Samuel Weyburn Small Bursaries Queen’s 
• Canadian Society For Chemical Engineering Bursary 
• Science 1923 Bursary 
• Charles R. Senior Bursary  
• Email Nenniger International Exchange Scholarship 
• Northeastern Chemical Association Scholarship 
• William Wallace Near Scholarships 
• Nathan Richard Cowan Memorial Award 
• Department Of Chemistry Bursary 
• James Medves Award 
• G.B. Dyer/DuPont Canada Scholarships 
• Michele Mainland Memorial Scholarship 
• Dr. Ernest J. Wiggins Memorial Award 
• Society Of Chemical Industry Student Merit Award 
• Orica Canada Ltd. Scholarship

Tuition fees

Provincial Students: $242

Canadian Students: $5,908 – $19,488

International Students:$15,811 – $44,662

List of other universities in Canada for Engineering 

In addition to the best universities in Canada for engineering, you can still enroll in any of the following universities for your engineering programs. However, you must still meet all the requirements. They include:

1. University of Calgary
2. Université Laval   
3. Western University   
4. Université de Montréal   
5. University of Ottawa   
6. University of Regina   
7. Concordia University   
8. Université de Sherbrooke   
9. Carleton University   
10. Dalhousie University   
11. Memorial University   
12. University of Guelph
13. University of Montreal
14. Concordia University
15. University of Calgary
16. University of Ontario Institute Technology
17. McMaster University
18. University of Victoria
19. University of Ottawa
20. Ryerson University
21. Western University
22. University of Manitoba
23. York University
24. Université du Québec à Montréal
25. Carleton University
26. University of Regina
27. University of New Brunswick
28. Laval University
29. Ecole de Technologie Supérieure – Canada
30. Dalhousie University
31. University of Saskatchewan
32. University of Guelph
33. Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN)
34. University of Windsor
35. University of Sherbrooke
36. Simon Fraser University

Cheapest universities for engineering programs in Canada

Oftentimes, engineering programs cost a whole lot. However, some universities offer cheap programs in Canada. Therefore, the following universities are among the most affordable universities in Canada for engineering. They include:

1. University of Alberta’s Faculty of Engineering.
2. Waterloo University’s School of Engineering. 
3. Simon Fraser University’s School of Engineering Science. 
4. Queen’s University Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science. 
5. UBC School of Engineering and Technology

Prospects in Canada for engineering students

Many students graduate from the best universities in Canada for engineering every year. Thus, adding to the number of growing engineers in Canada. However, before you can practice engineering in Canada, you have to enroll among the licensed engineers in Canada. 

Recently, employers have complained about the lack of competent engineers. Therefore, you must try as much as possible so that you will get licensed upon graduation.  

Top jobs for engineers in Canada

Once after graduating from any of the best universities in Canada for engineering, you can find a job in any of the jobs below:

• Electrical Engineer. 
• Mechanical Engineer. 
• Software Engineer.
• Biomedical Engineer. 
• Civil Engineer. 
• Geotechnical Engineer. 
• Mining Engineer.
• Chemical engineer

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I study engineering online in Canada?

Yes, there are options in some universities to study engineering in Canada. However, most universities prefer to have their students in the class. 

What is the duration of engineering courses in Canada?

An average engineering course in Canada takes about five years to complete. Though, sometimes, you can study some courses for four years. 

Can I study engineering in Canada under a scholarship?

Of course, you can study engineering in Canada under a scholarship, provided you meet the requirements for the scholarship. Meanwhile, you must check the school website for available scholarships and eligibility criteria.

What is the average tuition fee for engineering programs in Canada?

Engineering students in Canada pay an average tuition fee of CAD 5,000 door Canadian students. However, for international students, it is around CAD 15,000 per year. 

Conclusion

Choosing the right university is a big decision. You want to make sure you choose a school that will provide you with the best education and prepares you for your future career. For example, if you’re studying engineering, you’ll want to consider some of the best universities in Canada.