Top 5 Cities to Study in Canada in 2027, Universities & Accommodation

Canada is a leading study abroad destination. If you're thinking about heading to Canada to study, there are three important questions to consider. What are the best Canadian cities for students? Which universities can you study at? And what student accommodation options are available?

In this blog, we'll explore some of the best cities in Canada for international students, highlight leading universities, and look at student accommodation options in each city.

What Are the Best Canadian Cities for Students?

Choosing the right student city depends on several factors, including quality of life, universities, attractions, transport, and cost of living. A good student city should offer a comfortable environment, reputable universities, things to do outside class, and accommodation and living options that suit different budgets.

Here are five Canadian cities worth considering for your studies:

Montréal

In the 2027 QS Best Student Cities ranking, Montréal ranks 20th globally. It is widely known as Canada's cultural capital and is a multicultural, multilingual city where French and English are widely spoken. This gives international students plenty of opportunities to experience different cultures and languages.

Montréal is home to leading institutions such as McGill University and Université de Montréal. The city also has museums, galleries, festivals, and other cultural attractions, making it an appealing place to live and study.

Living costs in Montréal can vary depending on your lifestyle, neighbourhood, and accommodation. Numbeo provides regularly updated estimates for everyday expenses, excluding rent, so it's worth checking the latest figures when planning your budget.

Toronto

Toronto is Canada's largest city and is known for its multicultural population, diverse neighbourhoods, and extensive public transport network. In the 2027 QS Best Student Cities ranking, Toronto ranks 22nd globally.

Toronto is home to major universities, including the University of Toronto and York University. The city also offers museums, galleries, restaurants, entertainment venues, and plenty of opportunities to explore different cultures.

Toronto can be an expensive city for students, particularly when accommodation is included. When planning your budget, consider rent alongside food, transport, study costs, and other everyday expenses.

Vancouver

Vancouver ranks 33rd globally in the 2027 QS Best Student Cities ranking. The city is known for its natural scenery, with beaches, forests, and mountains surrounding the city.

Vancouver is home to leading universities, including the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University. Students can also enjoy attractions such as Stanley Park, Gastown, theatres, galleries, and music venues.

Vancouver is one of Canada's more expensive cities, so international students should plan carefully for accommodation and everyday expenses. Numbeo provides regularly updated cost-of-living estimates that can help when preparing a budget.

Ottawa

Ottawa, Canada's capital, ranks 84th in the 2027 QS Best Student Cities ranking. The city is known for its bilingual character, with English and French widely spoken, and it offers a mix of cultural attractions, green spaces, and student-friendly neighbourhoods.

Ottawa is home to major universities, including the University of Ottawa and Carleton University. Students can explore attractions such as the Rideau Canal, the Canadian Museum of History, and the National Gallery of Canada.

Ottawa is generally more affordable than Toronto and Vancouver according to the QS Best Student Cities comparison, although your actual costs will depend on your accommodation and lifestyle.

Calgary

Calgary is home to respected institutions, including the University of Calgary and Mount Royal University. The University of Calgary is particularly well known for its research and offers more than 250 programs across 14 faculties.

The city offers attractions such as the Calgary Zoo and Prince's Island Park. Calgary is also close to the Rocky Mountains, making it a convenient base for students who enjoy outdoor activities.

Like other major Canadian cities, Calgary has different accommodation and living costs depending on where you live and your lifestyle. Check current cost-of-living data when preparing your student budget.

Leading Canadian Universities for International Students in 2027

Rather than limiting the list to Canada's five highest-ranked universities, here are five leading universities located in the cities covered in this guide. Their QS rankings are based on the 2027 QS World University Rankings.

McGill University

McGill University is a leading university in Montréal. It ranks 30th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2027 and is the highest-ranked university in Canada in this edition.

McGill welcomes international students from more than 150 countries, with international students representing about 30% of its student body. The university offers more than 500 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

McGill also provides dedicated support for international students, including immigration support, health services, and resources to help students settle into university life.

University of Toronto

The University of Toronto ranks 32nd globally in the QS World University Rankings 2027. It is one of Canada's leading research universities and has three campuses across the Greater Toronto Area.

The university offers more than 700 undergraduate programs and more than 300 graduate programs across a wide range of subjects. Students can choose from disciplines including business, computer science, engineering, humanities, life sciences, and many others.

Its large academic community and research environment make Toronto an option for students looking for a wide choice of programs and opportunities.

Université de Montréal

Université de Montréal is a leading Francophone research university in Montréal. It ranks 162nd globally in the QS World University Rankings 2027 and seventh in Canada.

The university has around 39,900 students, including more than 9,000 international students. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across its faculties and schools.

Université de Montréal also has two affiliated schools, HEC Montréal and Polytechnique Montréal, which provide additional opportunities in areas such as business, engineering, and technology.

University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is a research-intensive university in Calgary, Alberta. It ranks 249th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2027.

The university offers more than 250 programs across 14 faculties, covering a wide range of academic disciplines. Its programs include areas such as engineering, medicine, business, science, and environmental studies.

The University of Calgary also has a strong focus on research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and industry connections.

University of Ottawa

The University of Ottawa is a bilingual English-French research university located in Canada's capital. It ranks 228th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2027.

The university has more than 41,000 students, including more than 11,000 international students. Students can choose from a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with opportunities to study in English, French, or both depending on the program.

Its location in Ottawa also gives students access to Canada's government, cultural institutions, museums, and other major organisations.

Top Student Accommodation Options in Canada

In Montréal

• Montreal - Drummond St: A student accommodation offering single rooms and amenities including Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and air conditioning. It is close to McGill University and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.

• EVO Vieux Montreal: A Montréal PBSA offering different room options, with amenities including laundry facilities, an on-site gym, and bills included.

In Toronto

• Dalhousie: Toronto student accommodation offering modern en-suite and single rooms, high-speed Wi-Fi, and an on-site gym.

• Toronto Downtown: Fully furnished single rooms with amenities including high-speed Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and a swimming pool.

• Yorkville Luxury: A student accommodation option near the University of Toronto, offering en-suite rooms, Wi-Fi, and laundry facilities.

In Vancouver

• GEC Viva: Vancouver student accommodation offering shared and private apartments, including premium options. It is located near the Canadian College of Technology and Business.

• Marine Gateway: Fully furnished student apartments in Vancouver, located near Langara College.

In Ottawa

• Enjoy the nature: Student accommodation offers double bedrooms, with access to Central Ottawa by public transport.

• Hillside Apartments: Accommodation offering self-contained studios, apartments, and double rooms, alongside facilities such as a lounge, secure bike storage, and an on-site gym.

In Calgary

• ENTHUSIASTS: Calgary student accommodation offering different room types and amenities, including a garden, swimming pool, and on-site gym.

• Mainstreet Cochrane Apartments: Accommodation offering two-bedroom apartments and various amenities. The property is also pet-friendly.

  
  

Final Tips Before You Decide

• Match the city to your lifestyle: Consider Montréal for culture and bilingual living, Vancouver for outdoor activities, Toronto for its large urban environment and career opportunities, Ottawa for bilingual study and life in Canada's capital, and Calgary for access to nature and outdoor activities.

• Budget carefully: Compare accommodation, food, transport, tuition, and other everyday expenses before choosing a city.

• Compare accommodation options: Look at room types, location, facilities, contract terms, and total costs before booking.

• Check current information: Rankings, prices, availability, and university requirements can change, so always check the latest information before making a decision.

• Visit if possible: If you have the opportunity, visiting a city before committing can help you understand its neighbourhoods, transport, and overall student environment.

  
  

Finding Your Place in Canada

Choosing where to study in Canada is about finding a city that fits your academic goals, budget, and lifestyle. Montréal offers a strong cultural and bilingual environment, Vancouver combines university life with access to nature, Toronto provides a large and diverse urban setting, Ottawa offers life in Canada's capital, and Calgary provides access to both a growing city and the Rocky Mountains.

Once you've chosen your city and university, finding the right student accommodation is the next step. Compare your options based on location, room type, facilities, and budget so you can choose a home that works for your student life in Canada.