QS Top Universities Canada vs UK: Fees & International Students: Choosing between Canada and the UK for higher education requires careful evaluation of university rankings, fee structures, and international student support systems. Both countries host world‑class institutions that attract tens of thousands of overseas students each year, offering diverse programs and strong employer reputations.
According to the QS World University Rankings 2026, Canada’s McGill University and the UK’s Imperial College London headline their respective nations. McGill enrolls 10,194 international students with tuition starting at ₹22.05 lakhs, while Imperial hosts 9,230 internationals at ₹40.70 lakhs per year. Below is a snapshot of the top four pairings to guide your decision.
| Metric | Imperial College London | McGill University | University of Oxford | University of Toronto | UCL | UBC | Cambridge | University de Montréal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| QS Rank 2026 | 2 | 27 | 4 | 29 | 9 | 40 | 3 | 168 |
| Employer Reputation (ER) | 100 | 93.5 | 100 | 99.1 | 99.4 | 94.8 | 100 | 44 |
| International Students | 9,230 | 10,194 | 9,087 | 31,911 | 26,184 | 16,228 | 7,973 | 8,885 |
| Tuition (Starting Annual Fee) | ₹40,70,283 | ₹22,04,763 | ₹45,00,000* | ₹18,50,000* | ₹27,91,051 | ₹34,00,000* | ₹45,00,000* | ₹4,00,196 |
| Programs Offered | 225 courses | 249 UG, 167 PG, 3 MBA, 79 PhD | 300 UG/PG | 600+ UG/PG | 500+ UG/PG | 496 UG/PG | 300 UG/PG | 200+ UG/PG |
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*Approximate fees converted to INR; actual fees vary by program and exchange rate.
Imperial vs. McGill: Employer Reputation & Costs
Imperial College London tops global employer rankings with an ER of 100, reflecting its graduates’ high demand worldwide. However, international tuition starts around ₹40.7 lakhs per year across STEM and business programs.
In contrast, McGill University combines a strong employer score (93.5) with a lower starting fee of ₹22.05 lakhs, making it an attractive balance of prestige and affordability. McGill’s medical and humanities faculties particularly excel in global research collaborations.
Oxford vs. Toronto: Scale & Global Reach
The University of Oxford (ER 100, QS 4) hosts around 9,087 international students, offering over 300 UG/PG programs. Its historic reputation commands fees near ₹45 lakhs.
Meanwhile, the University of Toronto (ER 99.1, QS 29) enrolls 31,911 internationals—one of the largest cohorts globally—across 600+ programs, with annual fees around ₹18.5 lakhs. Its vast alumni network and research funding appeal to STEM and social science scholars alike.
UCL & UBC: Urban Campuses & Diversity
University College London (UCL) ranks ninth globally (QS 9, ER 99.4), with 26,184 international students paying approximately ₹27.9 lakhs. Its central London location offers unparalleled access to industry and culture.
University of British Columbia (UBC) (QS 40, ER 94.8) hosts over 16,000 internationals in Vancouver’s scenic setting, charging around ₹34 lakhs. UBC’s multidisciplinary approach and sustainability research draw students worldwide.
Cambridge & Montréal: Specialized Strengths
The University of Cambridge (QS 3, ER 100) delivers elite programs in sciences and humanities, though its ₹45 lakhs fees and 7,973 internationals reflect a more selective intake.
Conversely, Université de Montréal (QS 168, ER 44) offers highly subsidized French‑language programs for roughly ₹4 lakhs, attracting over 8,800 internationals seeking cost‑effective education in Canada.
Making Your Decision: Factors to Consider
- Budget & Scholarships: Investigate institutional scholarships, assistantships, and government funding in both countries.
- Program Fit & Research: Align your academic interests with departmental strengths and global rankings.
- Post‑Study Work Options: Canada’s 3‑year Post‑Graduate Work Permit vs. the UK’s 2‑year Graduate Route can influence career planning.
- Campus Culture & Support: Evaluate international student services, multicultural communities, and language requirements (English vs. French in Montréal).
