10 Best Canadian Universities For Pakistani Students

Canada is one of the top destinations for international students. For Pakistani students, Canada is a great choice because of its tolerant society, affordable education, international recognition of Canadian universities and degrees, and the ability to apply for permanent residency in Canada after the completion of education. 

The majority of Canadian universities are public sector universities that are funded by the government. Thanks to this, tuition fees are mostly affordable for students of Pakistan. 

How We Selected Canadian Universities for Pakistani Students

To help you make the best choice, we consulted different reputable resources for information. The Canadian universities we will discuss for Pakistan students are selected on the following criteria. 

University Ranking 

The first thing we looked at was the university ranking. We consulted QS World Universities rankings and Times Higher Education rankings. Why? Because the university ranking is a good indicator of the quality of education, research, student life, and overall experience at the university. 

Number of International Students 

The universities that have more international students are more likely to develop friendly policies for international students. You are more likely to get help in admission, on-campus/off-campus housing, food, and leisure choices, and overall experience of education. 

University Fee and Cost of Living 

University tuition fee and the cost of living is one of the most important factors for Pakistani studies. For that, we have given the range of tuition fees for the selected universities for bachelor’s, master’s, and diploma programs. 

Scholarships in Canadian Universities for Pakistani Students 

Scholarships can bring the cost of education down in Canada for Pakistani students. All the universities mentioned here offer different scholarships including merit-based scholarships, need-based scholarships, scholarships based on athletic performance, and a few others. 

Let’s discuss the top 10 best Canadian universities for Pakistani students. 

10 Best Canadian Universities for Pakistani Students

These are the 10 best Canadian universities for Pakistani students. 

1. University of British Columbia  
2. McGill University  
3. Concordia University
4. Simon Fraser University
5. University of Alberta 
6. Dalhousie University 
7. University of Windsor
8. York University  
9. University of Ottawa
10. University of Regina

University of British Columbia  

The Univesity of British Columbia was established in 1915. Since then, it has grown to become one of the global centers for learning and research. 

Currently, the University of British Columbia ranks at 40th position in the Times Higher Education ranking, 47th in the QS World Universities Ranking, and 44th in the Shanghai Ranking/ Academic Ranking of World Universities. It ranks 2nd in Times and ARWU rankings and 3rd in QS rankings in Canada. 

The university has two campuses;

• Vancouver Campus
• Okanagan Campus

The University of British Columbia ranks as the most international university in Canada with 32% international students. 

• Tuition fee and fee structure: graduate programs fees at UBC, Check undergraduate programs fees, 
• Cost of Living: Vancouver is an expensive city, the housing cost can be more than $2,000 per month. Check the cost of living for international students at UBC here. Here is another great resource on the cost of living in Vancouver.

Scholarships at the University of British Columbia for Pakistani Students 

The Univesity of British Columbia also offers some exciting scholarships for Pakistani students. See if you can get any of these scholarships and down your education cost at UBC. 

• Outstanding International Student Award
• International Major Entrance Scholarship

More on the UBC scholarships for Pakistani students here.  

McGill University  

McGill University, Canada, is a world-class institution celebrated for its academic prestige and cutting-edge research. McGill University was founded in 1821, it offers a diverse range of programs and boasts a culturally rich campus. McGill University’s main campus is in Montreal. 

The added advantage of McGill University is it being in Montreal which has been ranked as one of the best cities in the world for international students. The city is a hub for international education, business, and culture. Every year, around 35,000 new international students call Montreal home. 

The McGill University has two campuses, both of which are in Montreal. The main campus is in the heart of Montreal’s downtown area, and the second campus is just 30 minutes away in the town of Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue. 

McGill University ranks 40th in the world according to the Times Higher Education ranking, 30th in the QS World Universities Ranking, and 70th in the Shanghai Ranking/ARWU ranking. 

31% of all the students at McGill University are international students. 

• Tuition Fee and Fee Structure: McGill University has an easy-to-use tool for calculating fees for your program, academic year, and status for undergraduate, graduate, and diploma courses. Check McGill University Fee for Pakistani students here.
• Cost of Living: Montreal city government promotes international education as a policy and thus takes measures to keep it friendly for international students. The average cost of living for single international students is around CAD 1500. Read more on the cost of living for Pakistani students in Montreal here. 

Scholarships at McGill University

McGill University offers different types of aid, scholarships, awards, and financial assistance to international students at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Check the available scholarships at McGill University for international students here.

Concordia University

Concordia University is a respected school known for teaching and learning. The Concordia University was established in 1974, it offers many different subjects to study. The University is located in the international students-friendly city, of Montreal. 

The Concordia University has a long history. It was first established as Loyola College. Concordia University, as it is today was established as a result of the merger of Loyola College and Sir George Williams University. 

The university operates two campuses:

• Loyola College Campus 
• Sir George Williams University Campus

Concordia University is one of the few universities that have a significant population of Pakistani students. In fact, 1.8% of currently enrolled students at Concordia University are Pakistani students. 

Concordia University ranks 601-800 in the Times Higher Education ranking, 387th in the QS World Universities Ranking, and 501-600th position in the Shanghai Ranking/ARWU ranking. 

Currently, 31% of students at Concordia University are international students. 

• Tuition Fee and Fee Structure: Check Concordia University fees here. 
• Cost of Living: Concordia University offers on-campus housing. Check the details about the cost of living at Concordia University here.

Scholarships at Concordia University for Pakistani Students

Concordia University offers 4 types of scholarships for international students, check this page for more details.  

• Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED)
• Canada-CARICOM Skills Training for a Green Economy Scholarship Program
• Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP)
• Study in Canada Scholarships

Simon Fraser University

Simon Fraser University is a dynamic and forward-thinking institution. Since its founding in 1965, SFU has prioritized innovation and interdisciplinary learning. It is located in Burnaby, British Columbia, and comes with a stunning mountain backdrop and a commitment to community engagement.

Simon Fraser University ranks 251-300 in the Times Higher Education ranking, 318th in the QS World Universities Ranking, and 301-400 in the Shanghai Ranking/ARWU ranking.

Simon Fraser University operates these campuses;

• Burnaby Campus 
• Surrey Campus
• Vancouver Campus 

Burnaby City is known for its great schools and educational institutes. 

• Tuition Fee and Fee Structure: Check the fees for international students at Simon Fraser University here. 
• Cost of Living: This page details the cost of living for Pakistani students and international students at Simon Fraser University. 

Scholarships at Simon Fraser University for Pakistani Students 

You can apply for these scholarships, awards, and grants for international students and Pakistani students at Simon Fraser University. 

• SFU/Griffiths Travel Grants.
• SFU-Mitacs Globalink Award.
• SFU-Strasbourg Mobility Grants.
• External Funding Opportunities. Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED) Canada – CARICOM Faculty Leadership Program. Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP)

University of Alberta 

The University of Alberta was established in 1908. It is located in Edmonton, Canada and it is a renowned institution known for academic excellence and research impact. The University of Alberta offers a wide range of programs across various disciplines. 

The university currently operates three campuses;

• North Campus. Edmonton, Alberta
• South Campus. Edmonton, Alberta
• Augustana Campus. Camrose, Alberta

The University of Alberta ranks 131st in the Times Higher Education ranking, 111th in the QS World Universities Ranking, and 91st in the ARWU ranking. 

Currently, 27% of all the students at the University of Alberta are international students.

• Tuition Fee and Fee Structure: More information here. 
• Cost of Living: Find cost of living estimates for the University of Alberta here.

University of Alberta Scholarships for Pakistani Students 

The University of Alberta is generous with scholarships. Read this page to learn about the scholarships available for international students and how you can apply for these scholarships. 

Dalhousie University 

Dalhousie University is a public research university located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. It was founded in 1818 and currently has three campuses: 

• Studley Campus
• Carleton Campus
• Sexton Campus. 

The university offers over 4,000 courses and 180 degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. 

According to the QS World University Rankings 2023, Dalhousie University is ranked 308th globally. It is also ranked 12th in Canada in the overall QS World University Rankings 2023. In the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), Dalhousie University is ranked 301-400 globally. In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings (THE), it is ranked 301-350 globally. 

As of 2021, the university has a total of 19,000 students, with 22% of them being international students.

Tuition Fee and Fee Structure: Find Dalhousie University fees for international students here. 

Cost of Living: Know more about the cost of living at Dalhousie University and in Halifax here.

Scholarships at the University of Dalhousie for Pakistani Students 

These are some of the scholarships, awards, and assistance you can apply for at the University of Dalhousie. 

• Nova Scotia Graduate Scholarship,
• Killam Predoctoral Scholarships,
• Eliza Ritchie Doctoral Entrance Scholarship for Women,
• James Robinson Johnston Graduate Entrance Scholarship for African Canadians,
• Vitamin Scholarship
• Abdul Majid Bader Graduate Scholarship

Read this page to find all the available scholarships at the University of Dalhousie. 

University of Windsor

The University of Windsor is a comprehensive, student-focused university located in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. It was founded in 1963 and currently has three campuses: 

• Ferry Street Campus 
• Sunset Avenue Campus

The university offers over 190 undergraduate and graduate programs, including several professional schools such as Law, Business, Engineering, Education, Nursing, Human Kinetics, and Social Work. 

According to the QS World University Rankings 2023, the University of Windsor is ranked 751-800 globally. In the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), it is ranked 901-1000 globally. In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings (THE), it is ranked 601-800 globally. 

As of 2021, the university has a total of 16,500 students, with 8% of them being international students.

• Tuition Fee and Fee Structure: Use this interactive tool to know your fees at the University of Windsor.
• Cost of Living: details on this page.

Scholarships at the University of Windsor for Pakistani Students  

Visit this page to find all the scholarships offered at the University of Windsor. This page also explains the application processes. 

York University  

York University is a top international teaching and research university located in Toronto, Canada. The university has a diverse student body of over 50,000 students from over 170 countries. 

York University has two main campuses: Keele Campus and Glendon Campus. Keele Campus is located in North York and is the larger of the two campuses, while Glendon Campus is located in midtown Toronto and is known for its bilingual programs. 

According to the 2022 QS World University Rankings, York University is ranked 511-520 globally and 63rd among North America’s public universities. According to the 2021 Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), York University is ranked 401-500 globally. According to the 2022 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, York University is ranked 251-300 globally. 

The university has a diverse student body, with 17% of its students coming from outside Canada.

• Tuition Fee and Fee Structure: find details here. 
• Cost of Living: Here is a good resource for finding the cost of living for international students in Toronto.

Scholarships for Pakistani Students at York University 

York University offers 4 scholarships for international students, visit this page. 

University of Ottawa

The University of Ottawa is located in Canada’s vibrant capital. It is a leading bilingual institution renowned for academic excellence and cultural diversity. 

The University of Ottawa was established in 1848 and it offers a wide array of programs in various disciplines, fostering innovation and research. It has a rich heritage and a global outlook with which it prepares students for success in a dynamic world.

The University of Ottawa ranks 145th in the Times Higher Education ranking, 203rd in the QS World Universities Ranking, and 201-300 in the Shanghai Ranking/Academic Ranking of World Universities. 

The University of Ottawa has three campuses;

• Ottawa
• Toronto
• Windsor

The University of Ottawa has 20% international students among its enrollments. 

• Tuition Fee and Fee Structure: The University of Ottawa has an interactive tool to see your tuition fee for your education level, academic year, school, and discipline. Check the Fee structure of the University of Ottawa for Pakistani students here. 
• Cost of Living: The expected cost of living for Pakistani students in Ottawa can be between CAD 1500-CAD 500. Read this to learn about the cost of living for Pakistani students in Ottawa. 

Scholarships at the University of Ottawa

The University of Ottawa is generous to international students and offers many scholarships. If you can qualify for a scholarship, you will significantly reduce your education cost. These are some of the scholarships being offered at the University of Ottawa. 

• President’s Scholarship for International Students
• Chancellor’s Scholarship for International Students
• Faculty of Arts Dean’s Merit Scholarship
• Faculty of Engineering Dean’s Merit Scholarship
• Faculty of Engineering Memorial Scholarship
• Faculty of Social Sciences Dean’s Excellence Award for International Students

Read more on the University of Ottawa scholarships for international students here. 

University of Regina

The University of Regina is a public research university located in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. It was founded in 1911 and has since grown to become a leading institution in Canada, with a student population of over 16,000. 

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across 10 faculties, 25 academic departments and schools, 18 research centers and institutes, and three federated colleges. 

According to the 2022 QS World University Rankings, the University of Regina is ranked 1001-1200 globally. The university is also ranked in the 601-800 range in the 2021 Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) and 801-1000 in the 2022 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings. 

The university welcomes approximately 3,000 international students from nearly 100 countries, making up around 19% of the student population. 

The university has one main campus in Regina, Saskatchewan.

• Tuition Fee and Fee Structure:  visit this page to know the fees at the University of Regina. 
• Cost of Living: The University of Regina has this useful resource for you to know the cost of living at the university for international students. To know the details of the cost of living in Canada for international students, visit this page. 

Scholarships at the University of Regina for International Students 

Check available scholarships here. 

Admission in Canadian Universities for Pakistani Students

Canadian universities have different academic calendars. Some universities offer admission to international students in all 4 seasons i.e., fall, winter, spring, and summer, while some universities offer international admissions only in fall or winter. When looking for admission in Canadian universities for Pakistani students, make sure to check the university academic calendar you are interested in. 

For admission in Canadian universities for Pakistani students on English proficiency, the first thing you should know is that Canadian universities accept IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE. You can prepare for these tests in Pakistan easily. 

In IELTS, a good score will be 6.5 across all bands with no less than 6.0 in any band. In TOEFL, an 80-100 is a good score on internet-based tests for undergraduates and 90-100 for graduate admissions in Canadian universities. In PTE, a minimum score of 60 is required. 

It is worth noting that many colleges and universities will give you admission without IELTS. These institutions may conduct their own English language test or accept TOEFL or PTE. 

Here is a short list of these institutions. 

• University of Winnipeg
• Brock University
• University of Saskatchewan
• Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador
• Cambrian University
• Okanagan College 
• Concordia University
• Seneca College
• Carleton University
• Algoma University
• Brandon University
• University of Guelph
• McGill University

Canadian Universities Admission for Pakistani Students Diploma Base 

You can get admission to a Canadian university on the basis of a diploma. The criteria for your selection may depend on;

• Equivalence certificate 
• Diploma field 
• Academic performance 

As some diplomas are considered equal to FSc in Pakistan, similarly, these will be regarded as equal to intermediate, or higher secondary education.

Make sure to consult with your consultant or your university to see how they process diploma-based admission applications from Pakistani students. 

Merit To Apply for Canadian University For Intermediate Pakistani Students 

Canadian universities consider several factors when evaluating undergraduate applications from international students, including Pakistani students. These factors may vary depending on the university and program, but some common ones include:

1. Academic performance: Universities consider high school or college transcripts to evaluate academic performance. Students with strong academic records have a better chance of being admitted.
2. English language proficiency: Most universities require international students to demonstrate proficiency in English. Pakistani students can take the IELTS or TOEFL exams to demonstrate their English language skills.
3. Standardized test scores: Some universities may require standardized test scores such as the SAT or ACT.
4. Extracurricular activities: Universities also consider extracurricular activities, such as volunteering, sports, or leadership roles, when evaluating applications.
5. Personal statement: Many universities require a personal statement or essay as part of the application process. This is an opportunity for students to showcase their personality, interests, and goals.

It’s important to note that meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to a Canadian university. Admissions decisions are competitive, and universities may receive more applications than they have spots available.

Cheap Canadian Universities for Pakistani Students

Here are some Canadian universities that offer affordable tuition and may be suitable for Pakistani students:

1. Memorial University of Newfoundland
2. University of Manitoba
3. Brandon University
4. University of Prince Edward Island
5. University of Saskatchewan
6. University of Regina
7. Athabasca University
8. Mount Royal University
9. University of Northern British Columbia
10. University of the Fraser Valley

It’s important to note that tuition fees may vary depending on the program, and living expenses such as accommodation, food, and transportation should also be taken into consideration when budgeting for studying in Canada. 

Additionally, some universities may offer scholarships or financial aid for international students. It’s recommended to research each university’s website and contact their international student office for more information on fees and funding options.

References and Resources 

These resources were consulted in writing this article. 

“World University Rankings 2021.” Times Higher Education (THE), 7 Sept. 2020, www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2021/world-ranking#!/length/25/locations/CAN/sort_by/stats_pc_intl_students/sort_order/desc/cols/stats.

ShanghaiRanking’s Academic Ranking of World Universities. www.shanghairanking.com/rankings/arwu/2023.

Qs. “QS World University Rankings 2024: Top Global Universities.” Top Universities, www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings/world-university-rankings/2024?&countries=ca.

“CBIE | Global Leader in International Education.” CBIE, 22 June 2023, cbie.ca.

“Tuition Fees.” UBC Academic Calendar, vancouver.calendar.ubc.ca/fees/tuition-fees.

“Cost of Living.” Graduate School at the University of British Columbia (UBC), www.grad.ubc.ca/prospective-students/tuition-fees-cost-living/cost-living.

Ding, Luffy. “What’S the Cost of Living in Vancouver as a Student? [Aug 2023].” GEC Living, Aug. 2023, gecliving.com/blog/living/whats-the-cost-of-living-in-vancouver-as-a-student/#:~:text=How%20much%20does%20an%20average,bills%2C%20entertainment%2C%20and%20transportation.

“Scholarships and Awards for International Students – UBC | Undergraduate Programs and Admissions.” UBC | Undergraduate Programs and Admissions, 27 Sept. 2021, you.ubc.ca/financial-planning/scholarships-awards-international-students.

“| Student Accounts – McGill University.” Student Accounts, www.mcgill.ca/student-accounts/tuition-charges/fallwinter-term-tuition-and-fees/undergraduate-fees.

“The Cost of Living for Students in Montréal | I Choose Montréal.” I Choose Montréal, 21 Sept. 2022, www.jechoisismontreal.com/en/study/a-low-cost-of-living-for-students-in-montreal.

“International Student Funding.” Scholarships and Student Aid, www.mcgill.ca/studentaid/scholarships-aid/international-students.

Fast Facts – Concordia University. www.concordia.ca/about/fast-facts.html.

Tuition and Fees – Concordia University. www.concordia.ca/students/financial/tuition-fees.html.

Cost of Living – Concordia University. www.concordia.ca/students/financial/tuition-fees/costs.html.

Scholarships for International Students – Concordia University. www.concordia.ca/international/students-from-abroad/scholarships.html.

International Students. www.sfu.ca/students/financialaid/costs/international-students.html.

Fall. www.sfu.ca/students/residences/fees/Fall.html.

Tuition and Fees. www.ualberta.ca/admissions/international/tuition-and-scholarships/tuition-and-fees.html?

Fee And Cost of Living Estimates. www.ualberta.ca/graduate-studies/prospective-students/tuition-and-cost-of-living-estimate.html.

International Undergraduate Scholarships. www.ualberta.ca/admissions/international/tuition-and-scholarships/scholarships-and-awards/index.html?

“—.” Dalhousie University, www.dal.ca/admissions/money_matters/tuition_payments/Tuition_Fees.html.

“Budgeting Spreadsheet and Cost of Living in Halifax.” Dalhousie University, www.dal.ca/admissions/money_matters/managing-money/cost-of-living-halifax.html.

“International Student Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards.” Faculty of Graduate Studies | Dalhousie University, www.dal.ca/faculty/gradstudies/finance-your-studies/scholarships-bursaries/international-scholarships.html.

“Tuition Fee Estimator.” Finance Department, www.uwindsor.ca/finance/fee-estimator.

“G. Annual Student Expenses (2021).” Common University Data Ontario (CUDO), www.uwindsor.ca/common-university-data-ontario/399/g-annual-student-expenses-2021.

“International Students – Scholarships and Bursaries.” Student Awards and Financial Aid, www.uwindsor.ca/studentawards/international-students-scholarships.

Tuition and Fees | Future Students | York University. futurestudents.yorku.ca/financing-your-degree/tuition-fees.

Shaikh, Sara, and Sara Shaikh. “Cost of Living in Toronto [Latest Pricings 2023].” UniAcco, Sept. 2023, uniacco.com/blog/cost-of-living-in-toronto.

“Scholarships, Awards and Bursaries – York International.” York International, 5 May 2023, yorkinternational.yorku.ca/scholarships-awards-and-bursaries.

“Tuition Fees – International Students.” Study, www.uottawa.ca/study/fees-financial-support/university-fees/tuition-international.

Elden, and Elden. “Cost of Living in Ottawa for Students 2023 [Latest Pricing].” UniAcco, Sept. 2023, uniacco.com/blog/cost-of-living-in-ottawa#:~:text=Considering%20all%20expenses%2C%20the%20average,%2C%20groceries%2C%20and%20some%20entertainment.

“Scholarships and Awards – Overview.” Study, www.uottawa.ca/study/fees-financial-support/scholarships-awards-overview.

“—.” University of Regina, www.uregina.ca/cost-aid/tuition-and-fees/index.html.

International Applicants | Housing Services, University of Regina. www.uregina.ca/housing/apply/international-applicants.html.

Semwal, Akansha. “Cost of Living in Canada for Indian Students – Updated June’23.” Upgrad Abroad, Sept. 2023, www.upgradabroad.com/articles/cost-of-living-in-canada.

Scholarships | UR International, University of Regina. www.uregina.ca/international/future-students/scholarship/index.html.