By Admin, #OasisVisas 
Canada continues to shine on the global education stage, with four of its cities making it to the QS Best Student Cities 2026 list. This ranking, created by global higher education experts Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), highlights the best cities in the world for international students.
The four Canadian cities that earned a spot in the top 100 are:
| City | QS 2026 Ranking |
| Montreal | =18 |
| Toronto | 22 |
| Vancouver | =29 |
| Ottawa | 80 |
Montreal
Montreal, the largest city in Quebec, ranked 18th this year. Known for its strong student culture and diverse environment, Montreal performed very well in the Student View (94.4) and Student Mix (91.5) categories. It also scored decently in Employer Activity (80) and Desirability (74.8). However, its Affordability score (30.5) dropped, marking its lowest category score.
Montreal is home to McGill University, which was ranked 27th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and is the top Canadian university in that list. Montreal had ranked 10th in the previous year, making this year’s fall quite significant.
Toronto
Canada’s largest city, Toronto, ranked 22nd. It scored well in Student View (93.1), Student Mix (91.8), Employer Activity (85.6), and Desirability (82.4). But like Montreal, it suffered from a low Affordability score (17.4).
Toronto is home to the University of Toronto, which ranked 29th globally, and York University, ranked 333rd. The city was 11th in the 2025 ranking, showing a noticeable drop this year.
Vancouver
Vancouver, British Columbia’s coastal city, came in at =29. It performed especially well in Student Mix (91.8) and also did reasonably well in other categories, except Affordability (16.9), which dragged down its overall score.
Vancouver is often noted as Canada’s most expensive city, with a cost of living averaging around $3,793.63 per month in 2025. Still, it hosts top institutions like the University of British Columbia (40th globally) and Simon Fraser University (308th globally).
Ottawa
Canada’s capital city ranked 80th. It did well in Student View (80.3), Student Mix (82.3), and Desirability (73.6). However, lower scores in Employer Activity (35.6), Affordability (22.1), and University Rankings (27.4) affected its overall standing.
Ottawa is home to the University of Ottawa, which ranked 218th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026.
Declining Rankings for North American Cities
Compared to last year, most North American cities have seen a decline in their QS Best Student Cities rankings. For Canadian cities, scores in Student Mix and Desirability have dipped, although not as sharply as in the United States.
How the Ranking Works
QS evaluates cities based on six key categories:
- University Rankings – Number and performance of universities in the latest QS rankings.
- Student Mix – Proportion and diversity of international students.
- Desirability – Safety, pollution, and overall appeal of the city.
- Employer Activity – Local job market and how employers value local graduates.
- Affordability – Tuition fees and cost of living.
- Student View – Student satisfaction, quality of life, and likelihood of staying after graduation.
To qualify for the list, cities must have over 250,000 residents and at least two ranked universities.
Studying in Canada: What You Should Know
Canada continues to attract students globally thanks to its high-quality universities and welcoming environment. However, if you’re considering studying in Canada, here are a few important points:
- You must apply to a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) listed by the Canadian government.
- After acceptance, you’ll receive a Letter of Acceptance, which is needed to apply for a study permit.
- Proof of financial support is also required. For example, from September 1, 2025, students must show at least $22,895 in funds if applying alone.
- You may need a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter, biometrics, a medical exam, or police certificates.
- Keep track of changes to Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) rules, as there have been updates throughout 2024 and 2025.
Canada remains one of the top choices for international students, and despite minor setbacks in rankings, cities like Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, and Ottawa continue to offer strong academic, cultural, and career opportunities.