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Four Canadian Cities Named Among the World’s Top 100 for International Students (2026)
- Open Canada
- 17 hours ago
- 3 min read
Thinking about studying abroad? You’re not alone — and if Canada is on your radar, you’ll be glad to know that four Canadian cities have been ranked among the top 100 in the world for international students in the QS Best Student Cities 2026 list!
According to global education experts Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, and Ottawa all made the list, earning praise for their diversity, quality of education, and overall student experience.
Let’s take a closer look at how each Canadian city ranked and what makes them stand out.
How Canadian Cities Ranked
City | QS Best Student Cities 2026 Rank |
Montreal | =18 |
Toronto | 22 |
Vancouver | =29 |
Ottawa | 80 |
Note: The “=” sign means the city tied with another city for that ranking.
Montreal
Canada’s top-ranked student city continues to shine, although it slipped slightly this year from 10th to 18th place.
Montreal scored especially high in:
Student View: 94.4
Student Mix: 91.5
It also performed well in Employer Activity and Desirability, but its Affordability score dropped to 30.5 — a significant decrease compared to its other strengths.
🎓 Home to McGill University (ranked #27 globally), Montreal is a favorite among international students for its vibrant culture and academic reputation.
🏙️ Toronto
Canada’s largest and most diverse city came in at #22 in the 2026 rankings — down from #11 the previous year.
Strong areas include:
Student Mix: 91.8
Student View: 93.1
Employer Activity: 85.6
Desirability: 82.4
But once again, Affordability (scoring only 17.4) is a major challenge for students in Toronto.
🎓 Universities like University of Toronto (ranked #29 globally) and York University (ranked #333) add to the city’s academic appeal.
🌲 Vancouver
Ranked =29, Vancouver continues to attract students with its natural beauty and strong academic institutions.
It performed well in:
Student Mix: 91.8
Employer Activity & Desirability: Both scored well
Affordability: Just 16.9 — the lowest of any Canadian city on the list
Vancouver is Canada’s most expensive city, with an average cost of living around $3,793.63 per month (2025).
🎓 It’s home to University of British Columbia (UBC), ranked #40 globally, and Simon Fraser University, ranked #308.
🇨🇦 Ottawa
Canada’s capital city ranked 80th, but still earned solid marks in:
Student View: 80.3
Student Mix: 82.3
Desirability: 73.6
However, lower scores in Employer Activity (35.6) and Affordability (22.1) affected its overall position.
🎓 The University of Ottawa ranked #218 globally in the 2026 QS World University Rankings.
📉 A Global Trend of Decline?
QS noted that most North American cities dropped in this year’s rankings, especially in the areas of Student Mix and Desirability. While Canadian cities saw moderate declines, U.S. cities experienced even sharper drops.
🔍 How Does QS Rank Cities?
QS evaluates cities based on six key indicators:
University Rankings – Number and quality of universities in the city
Student Mix – International student population and inclusivity
Desirability – Safety, pollution, and student satisfaction
Employer Activity – Youth employment and employer opinion of local grads
Affordability – Tuition and cost of living
Student View – How students rate the city’s friendliness, sustainability, and livability
To be eligible, cities must have:
A population over 250,000
At least two universities featured in the QS World University Rankings
🎓 Thinking of Studying in Canada?
Whether you’re drawn to Montreal’s charm, Toronto’s diversity, Vancouver’s lifestyle, or Ottawa’s balance, Canada continues to offer exciting opportunities for international students — despite rising costs.
Explore your options, do your research, and find the city that feels like home.
For personalized guidance and full support with your study or immigration plans, please contact us. Book a consultation now!
Four Canadian Cities Named Among the World’s Top 100 for International Students (2026)