Several Top Canadian Universities Enter Global Top 100 in Subject Rankings; Key Study Permit Application Process Explained
Canadian Universities' Subject Strength Gains International Recognition
Recently, the highly anticipated QS World University Rankings by Subject released its latest results. This ranking aims to help students worldwide pinpoint top universities excelling in specific subject areas, based on their academic interests and career aspirations.
This year's ranking covers 55 specific subjects, grouped under five core academic areas: Engineering and Technology, Life Sciences and Medicine, Natural Sciences, Arts and Humanities, and Social Sciences and Management.
The data reveals that Canadian higher education institutions stand out in multiple fields. Here's a look at the performance of some top Canadian universities within the global top 100 across the five broad subject areas (partial list):
- University of Toronto: Ranked within the global top 20 in all five areas. Notably, it placed 14th in Life Sciences and Medicine, Arts and Humanities, and Social Sciences and Management; 17th in Engineering and Technology; and 20th in Natural Sciences, showcasing strong comprehensive capabilities.
- University of British Columbia (UBC): Also entered the global top 35 in all five areas, with particularly strong showings in Arts and Humanities (19th), Social Sciences and Management (20th), and Natural Sciences (22nd).
- McGill University: Ranked within the global top 50 across all five areas, with Life Sciences and Medicine (27th) and Arts and Humanities (36th) being areas of strength.
- University of Waterloo: Renowned for its strength in Engineering and Technology (47th) and Natural Sciences (72nd).
- McMaster University: Ranked 59th globally in Life Sciences and Medicine.
- University of Alberta: Placed 86th globally in Life Sciences and Medicine.
The QS rankings allow students to filter not only by broad area but also by the 55 more specific subjects (such as Data Science, Civil Engineering, Nursing, Economics, etc.) to find the most suitable institution.
The ranking methodology relies on five key indicators: Academic Reputation (based on survey responses from global academics), Employer Reputation (based on global employer evaluations of graduates from specific universities), Research Citations per Paper, H-index (measuring the productivity and impact of scholars or departments), and International Research Network (assessing research collaboration with other higher education institutions).
Studying in Canada: Study Permit Application Guide
For international students attracted by the academic excellence of Canadian universities and planning to pursue higher education in Canada, successfully obtaining a Study Permit is a critical step. Below are the main requirements and the basic process for applying for a study permit:
Core Application Materials
- Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI): You must obtain an official acceptance letter from a DLI recognized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
- Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL): This is a recently implemented requirement (except for Quebec). It is typically requested by the DLI from the relevant provincial or territorial government and then provided to the student.
- Proof of Sufficient Funds: Evidence of having enough money to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation costs. For 2024 onwards (excluding Quebec), a single applicant must demonstrate at least CAD $20,635 for living expenses (in addition to tuition and travel). This amount increases if family members are accompanying (e.g., $25,690 for 2 people, $31,583 for 3 people, with an additional $5,559 for each extra member). Scholarships can be included as part of the proof of funds.
- Valid Passport and Travel Documents.
- Photos meeting requirements.
- Payment of relevant application fees.
Application Process Overview
- Research and School Selection: Identify career goals, research suitable programs, and select DLIs offering them. Important: If planning to work in Canada after graduation, verify if the program and DLI are eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). If planning to bring a spouse who wishes to work, check the latest eligibility criteria for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) (currently primarily limited to spouses of Master's, PhD, or students in select professional degree programs).
- Apply to School and Obtain Acceptance: Submit applications to chosen institutions. Upon acceptance, the school will issue an LOA.
- Prepare Study Permit Application Documents: Gather all the required documents listed above.
- Obtain Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL): Contact the DLI where you've been accepted to understand and cooperate with the process for obtaining the PAL/TAL.
- Apply Online for Study Permit: In most cases, applications are submitted online via the IRCC website. The system will generate a personalized document checklist based on your answers; upload all required documents accordingly.
- Subsequent Steps and Approval: After submission, you may need to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo), undergo a medical examination, and/or provide police certificates. If approved, you will receive a Letter of Introduction and either a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) (depending on nationality). You must present the Letter of Introduction to a border services officer upon arrival in Canada to receive your official Study Permit.
Conclusion
The outstanding performance of Canadian universities in global subject rankings offers high-quality educational choices for international students. Concurrently, clearly understanding and adhering to the latest study permit application requirements and procedures is crucial for a smooth start to your study journey in Canada. Prospective students are advised to plan early, conduct thorough research, and complete the application process step-by-step.
Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2026–2028 Q&A: Understanding the Impact, Priorities, and Opportunities
On November 4, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) officially released the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, maintaining annual permanent resident targets at 380,000 for the next three years while gradually reducing the number of temporary residents—including international students and foreign workers. The plan aims to balance population growth with Canada’s housing, healthcare, and infrastructure capacity, while increasing the share of economic and francophone immigrants. This Q&A explains the plan’s key points, policy direction, and what it means for prospective applicants.
11/06/2025
Canada Announces 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan: Permanent Resident Targets Stabilized, Temporary Resident Numbers Tightened
On November 4, 2025, the Government of Canada officially released the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, setting an annual target of 380,000 permanent residents for each of the next three years. The plan aims to maintain steady immigration growth while tightening the inflow of temporary residents—including international students and foreign workers. Announced as part of the 2025 federal budget, the plan marks a policy shift from “expansion” to “stabilization,” emphasizing the balance between immigration growth and the country’s capacity in housing, healthcare, and infrastructure.
11/05/2025
Canada Updates Immigration Medical Exam Requirements for Temporary Residence Applicants — Four Countries Added, Six Removed
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced an update to the list of countries whose citizens must complete an Immigration Medical Exam (IME) when applying for temporary residence in Canada. Effective November 3, 2025, Argentina, Colombia, Uruguay, and Venezuela have been added to the list, while Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iraq, Latvia, Lithuania, and Taiwan have been removed. Applicants from newly added countries will now need to complete an IME, whereas those from the removed regions will no longer be required to do so. The new rules apply to individuals who have lived in or traveled to these countries for six consecutive months within the year before their intended arrival in Canada.
11/04/2025
Manitoba PNP issues 29 invitations to skilled workers, focusing on candidates with special work permits
On October 31, 2025, Manitoba issued 29 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) under the Skilled Worker Stream of the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP). This draw primarily targeted candidates already working in the province on facilitated work permits. Of the total invitations, 19 were issued under the Temporary Public Policy (TPP), while the rest were distributed among Francophone, regional, and employer-based recruitment initiatives.
11/03/2025
Prince Edward Island Holds Surprise PNP Draw Targeting International Graduates
On October 27, 2025, the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) conducted an unannounced draw, issuing 159 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to eligible candidates. The selection specifically targeted international graduates from the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI), Holland College, and Collège de l’Île who are currently living and working in the province. The move breaks from PEI’s regular draw schedule, signaling the province’s intention to accelerate its intake of skilled talent with local education and employment experience.
11/01/2025
Newfoundland and Labrador issues 100 invitations in latest 2025 draw
On October 22, 2025, Newfoundland and Labrador issued a total of 100 invitations through its Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) — the lowest number of invitations in a single draw so far this year. Of these, 55 invitations were issued under the NLPNP and 45 under the AIP. The province did not disclose which specific NLPNP streams were included in this round, but as of now, Newfoundland and Labrador has held 12 selection rounds across both programs in 2025.
10/31/2025
Canada Holds Third-Largest Express Entry Draw of 2025, Issuing 6,000 ITAs to French-Speaking Candidates
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted the third-largest Express Entry draw of 2025 on October 29, issuing 6,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates with French-language proficiency. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required for this draw was 416. This result highlights IRCC’s continued commitment to supporting French-speaking communities across Canada through its language-focused immigration policies. So far, French-speaking candidates have received the most invitations this year, underscoring the federal government’s priority on promoting bilingualism and balanced demographic growth.
10/30/2025
IRCC Invites 1,000 Canadian Experience Class Candidates in Latest Express Entry Draw
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a new round of Express Entry invitations on October 28, 2025, issuing 1,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) category. To be eligible for this draw, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 533 and must have created their Express Entry profile before 4:16 a.m. UTC on March 21, 2025. This was the 11th CEC-specific draw of 2025, and the fourth consecutive CEC draw with a consistent invitation size of 1,000 and CRS cut-off around 533–534 points — demonstrating continued stability in this program’s selection trend.
10/29/2025
IRCC Holds Another Provincial Nominee Program Draw, Inviting 302 Candidates
On October 27, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted another Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw through the Express Entry system, issuing 302 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to qualified candidates. This was the second PNP draw of October and the fifth overall Express Entry draw this month, highlighting the federal government’s continued focus on supporting provincial immigration priorities.
10/28/2025
Prince Edward Island Holds Second Largest Provincial Nominee Draw of 2025, Focusing on Priority Occupations and International Graduates
On October 17, 2025, Prince Edward Island (PEI) conducted its second-largest immigration draw of the year under the PEI Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP), issuing 160 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for provincial nomination. The draw primarily targeted skilled workers already employed in the province in priority occupations, as well as international graduates from designated educational institutions. As of October 26, 2025, PEI has issued a total of 1,081 ITAs through its PNP this year.
10/27/2025
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