Canada is one of the top destinations in the world for students interested in mathematics. From pure mathematics to applied fields, universities like the University of Toronto, University of British Columbia (UBC), University of Waterloo, and McGill University offer strong research programs, high-quality teaching, and global recognition, making them top choices for pursuing a Master’s degree in Mathematics.
University rankings are based on factors such as research, teaching quality, academic reputation, and international outlook. Each ranking system uses its own methodology, which is why a university might appear excellent on one list but average on another. This article examines the performance of Canadian universities in 2025, saving you the hassle of comparing complex spreadsheets.
Why Study Mathematics in Canada?
There are several reasons why international students choose to study in Canada for mathematics:
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High Academic Standards:
Canadian universities maintain rigorous academic standards and quality control, providing a Master’s degree in Mathematics with international recognition. -
Diverse Specialisations:
Students can specialise in areas such as pure mathematics, applied mathematics, mathematics education, and other related fields. -
Scholarships and Funding:
The Canadian government and individual universities offer a wide range of scholarships for international students, including programs in mathematics, making education more financially accessible. -
Multicultural Environment:
Canada is one of the most multicultural countries in the world, providing an enriched living and learning experience for students from around the globe. -
Immigration Opportunities:
Many international students can pursue Canadian immigration programs after graduation, allowing them to live and work in the country.
Top Universities in Canada for Mathematics
The following list shows the ten best universities in Canada for mathematics based on global and national rankings. This information helps you compare Canadian universities internationally and choose the best option for your studies.
The rankings are based on data from Times Higher Education (THE), QS World University Rankings, and Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU). Each ranking system uses different criteria, which can lead to slight variations in university positions.
Top 10 Universities in Canada for Mathematics (Times Higher Education)
| University | Canada Rank | Global Rank |
|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto | 1 | 30 |
| University of British Columbia (UBC) | 2 | 56 |
| McGill University | 3 | =66 |
| University of Alberta | 4 | 126–150 |
| University of Waterloo | 5 | 126–150 |
| University of Victoria | 6 | 151–175 |
| University of Montreal | 7 | 201–250 |
| University of Saskatchewan | 8 | 201–250 |
| Memorial University of Newfoundland | 9 | 251–300 |
| Dalhousie University | 10 | 301–400 |
Note: THE rankings emphasise research and teaching quality but do not consider employment-related metrics. Not all specialised institutions may be included in this ranking.
Top 10 Universities in Canada for Mathematics (QS World University Rankings)
| University | Canada Rank | Global Rank |
|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto | 1 | 23 |
| University of British Columbia (UBC) | 2 | =32 |
| University of Waterloo | 3 | =43 |
| McGill University | 4 | =55 |
| University of Montreal | 5 | =66 |
| University of Alberta | 6 | 124 |
| McMaster University | 7 | 151–200 |
| Simon Fraser University | 8 | 201–250 |
| University of Quebec | 9 | 201–250 |
| University of Calgary | 10 | 251–300 |
Note: QS rankings focus more on student-centred metrics, such as staff-to-student ratio, international recruitment, and employer reputation. Research is given slightly less weight compared to other rankings.
Top 10 Universities in Canada for Mathematics (ARWU)
| University | Canada Rank | Global Rank |
|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto | 1 | 22 |
| University of British Columbia (UBC) | 2 | 36 |
| McGill University | 3 | 51–75 |
| University of Alberta | 4 | 76–100 |
| University of Waterloo | 5 | 101–150 |
| University of Montreal | 6 | 151–200 |
| McMaster University | 7 | 201–300 |
| University of Victoria | 8 | 201–300 |
| Concordia University | 9 | 301–400 |
| Memorial University of Newfoundland | 10 | 301–400 |
Note: ARWU rankings emphasise the presence of elite academics and their future academic achievements. However, they do not directly measure teaching quality or other aspects of university performance.
Conclusion
Studying mathematics in Canada combines high-quality education, advanced research opportunities, and a multicultural environment. Universities such as the University of Toronto, UBC, Waterloo, and McGill consistently rank among the top across multiple ranking systems, making them ideal destinations for graduate students who are seeking advanced education and potential Canada immigration opportunities after graduation.