Study in Canada 2026: Top Cities & New PGWP Rules You MUST Know!
Four Canadian Cities Among Top Global Student Destinations in 2026
Canada continues to shine on the world stage as a premier destination for international education. In the 2026 edition of QS Best Student Cities, Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, and Ottawa have proudly secured spots among the top 100 global cities for international students.
Whether you're planning your academic journey or guiding others, understanding these rankings and the benefits of studying in Canada can help shape future success.
Canada’s Top Cities for International Students in 2026
| City | QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2026 |
|---|---|
| Montreal | =18 |
| Toronto | 22 |
| Vancouver | =29 |
| Ottawa | =80 |
City Highlights & Real-Time Benefits
1. Montreal – Canada’s Cultural & Academic Capital
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Student View Score: 94.4
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Student Mix: 91.5
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Top University: McGill University – Ranked 27th globally (QS 2026)
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Affordability: 30.5 (Relatively Low)
✅ Use Case: An engineering student from Brazil chooses Montreal for its multicultural environment and global university reputation. They find part-time work via McGill's student employment network and plan to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after finishing their degree.
2. Toronto – The Financial & Innovation Hub
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Student View Score: 93.1
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Employer Activity: 85.6
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Top Institutions: University of Toronto (#29 globally), York University (#333)
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Affordability: 17.4 (One of the Lowest)
✅ Use Case: A data science aspirant from India enrolls at the University of Toronto and joins research labs working on AI. Their postgraduate job offer with a Toronto tech startup ensures easy PGWP transition and eventual PR eligibility.
3. Vancouver – Gateway to the Pacific
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Student Mix Score: 91.8
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Top Universities: University of British Columbia (#40), Simon Fraser University (#308)
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Cost of Living: $3,793.63/month (as of 2025)
✅ Use Case: A Filipino student pursues a Master’s in Public Health at UBC and gains hands-on experience through Vancouver Coastal Health’s internship program. Upon graduation, their program qualifies for PGWP and a possible BC PNP nomination.
4. Ottawa – Canada’s Academic and Political Capital
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Student Mix Score: 82.3
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Top University: University of Ottawa (#218 globally)
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Affordability: 22.1
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Employer Activity: 35.6 (Needs Improvement)
✅ Use Case: An international relations student from Nigeria studies in Ottawa, gaining access to federal internships. They later pursue permanent residence through Express Entry’s Canadian Experience Class.
Understanding QS Ranking Methodology
QS evaluates each city based on six key pillars:
| Category | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| University Rankings | Number and global performance of universities |
| Student Mix | Ratio of international to local students and inclusiveness |
| Desirability | Safety, pollution, student satisfaction |
| Employer Activity | Job opportunities and employer perceptions |
| Affordability | Cost of living and tuition fees |
| Student View | Personal experiences, friendliness, diversity, willingness to stay post-study |
Planning Your Study in Canada: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Choose a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
Ensure the college or university you apply to is on Canada's official DLI list, which is essential for study permit and PGWP eligibility.
2. Secure Your Letter of Acceptance (LOA)
You’ll need this to apply for a Canadian study permit.
3. Meet Financial Requirements
As of September 1, 2025, international students must show proof of $22,895 CAD for a single applicant.
4. Submit Supporting Documents
You may also need:
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Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter
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Biometrics
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Medical Exam
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Police Certificates
PGWP Eligibility: Key Criteria and Changes
Due to changes in 2024-2025, international students must be careful when selecting their programs.
Programs Now Require a Field of Study Match (For Non-Degree College Programs)
You must:
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Match your program to a CIP code (Classification of Instructional Programs)
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Ensure it aligns with in-demand sectors like:
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Agriculture & Agri-Food
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Education
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Healthcare & Social Services
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STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Math)
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Skilled Trades
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Transport
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Other PGWP Requirements:
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CLB language score of 5 or 7 (depending on level of study)
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Full-time enrollment in a PGWP-eligible DLI
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Program duration of at least 8 months (or 900 hours in Quebec)
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Apply within 180 days of receiving program completion confirmation
✅ Use Case: A Colombian student completes a Data Analytics diploma at a public college in Toronto. Since it’s in-demand (STEM field), they receive a PGWP and secure a job, eventually transitioning to permanent residency.
Final Thoughts
Studying in Canada not only gives you access to world-class education, but also opens pathways to work and immigration opportunities. With cities like Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, and Ottawa leading the way, international students have plenty of reasons to consider Canada as their next destination.
Need Help Planning Your Study or Work in Canada?
Get personalized support on:
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PGWP eligibility checks
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CIP code matching
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DLI verification
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Study permit documentation
Schedule a Consultation with our immigration advisors today!