According to Maple News, four Canadian cities have been recognized among the world’s top 100 destinations for international students in the 2026 QS Best Student Cities ranking. The list, published by global education consultancy Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), highlights cities based on factors such as academic excellence, student satisfaction, affordability, and employer activity.
The Canadian cities making the cut are Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, and Ottawa. Notably, Montreal leads the pack at equal 18th place globally, followed by Toronto at 22nd, Vancouver at equal 29th, and Ottawa joining the top 100 at equal 80th.
Montreal, Quebec’s largest city, continues to be a standout in Canada’s international education landscape. It received particularly high scores in the ‘Student View’ (94.4) and ‘Student Mix’ (91.5) categories, reflecting a vibrant and diverse student community as well as a welcoming environment. The city’s overall appeal remains strong, supported by quality universities like McGill University—Canada’s top-ranked institution in the 2026 QS World University Rankings at 27th globally.
Montreal also performed well in ‘Employer Activity’ (80) and ‘Desirability’ (74.8), suggesting strong post-graduation opportunities and lifestyle appeal. However, the city saw a drop in ‘Affordability’, scoring significantly lower at 30.5—a reminder of rising living costs that may affect international students.
Toronto, Canada’s largest metropolitan area, continues to attract students worldwide with its diverse cultural offerings, major universities such as the University of Toronto, and an active labor market. Meanwhile, Vancouver scored jointly at 29th, praised for its scenic environment and high quality of life, though it is also known for its high cost of living.
Ottawa, Canada’s capital city, completes the group at 80th place. Though smaller in size compared to the other three, Ottawa boasts respected institutions like the University of Ottawa and Carleton University and a consistently high standard of living.
The QS Best Student Cities ranking evaluates global destinations across various indicators, including affordability, career opportunities, student diversity, and academic reputation. Canadian cities continue to thrive in these rankings, reaffirming the country’s reputation as a top choice for international education.
This recognition not only enhances Canada’s global standing in higher education but also reflects its ongoing efforts to attract and support a growing international student community.