The best is yet to come
OK
Log out of UNA?
Log out
Cancel
Revolutionizing Immigration with AI
My Appointments
Welcome to UNA
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

  1. 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).
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Valid Passport and Travel Documents.
  5. Photos meeting requirements.
  6. Payment of relevant application fees.

Application Process Overview

  1. 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).
  2. Apply to School and Obtain Acceptance: Submit applications to chosen institutions. Upon acceptance, the school will issue an LOA.
  3. Prepare Study Permit Application Documents: Gather all the required documents listed above.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

Tags
Study
加拿大BC省叫停留学毕业生移民新政 国际毕业生寻求永居须另辟蹊径
BC Halts New Immigration Streams for International Graduates; Other PR Pathways Essential Amidst Policy Shift
International graduates who had pinned their hopes on the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) graduate streams for obtaining Canadian permanent resident status are now facing significant challenges. The BC PNP has closed its previous International Graduate and International Post-Graduate streams and has indefinitely suspended the opening of three new graduate streams that were planned for 2025. This major shift is primarily a result of the federal government's substantial reduction in BC's provincial nomination allocation for 2025, compounded by a large backlog of existing applications. With the closure of the BC PNP graduate pathways, international graduates currently in BC must now actively explore other economic immigration avenues available across Canada, including the Canadian Experience Class under Express Entry, federal pilot programs, and Provincial Nominee Programs in other provinces.
04/27/2025
《加拿大公民法》违宪条款修法:法院再延期至11月20日
Unconstitutional Clause in Canada's Citizenship Act Amendment: Court Grants Another Extension Until November 20
A clause in Canada's Citizenship Act known as the "First Generation Limit" (FGL), which restricts the automatic acquisition of Canadian citizenship for children born abroad to Canadian citizens, has been ruled unconstitutional by the court. Although the federal government is required to make amendments, the legislative process has been slow. On April 22, 2025, the Ontario Superior Court once again approved the government's request for an extension, setting the final deadline for amendment at November 20, 2025. In her ruling, the judge acknowledged the ongoing harm caused by the unconstitutional law to those affected and explicitly expressed the expectation that the incoming government, once formed, will prioritize this legislation to rectify the unconstitutional situation as quickly as possible.
04/25/2025
聚焦2025大选:自由党与保守党移民政策立场深度解读
Canada's 2025 Election Approaches: In-Depth Analysis of Liberal and Conservative Immigration Policy Stances
As Canada's 2025 federal election draws near, immigration issues are once again taking center stage in public discourse and political debate. Against the backdrop of widespread concerns about housing affordability, pressure on social services, and labour market demands, the two major political parties – the incumbent Liberal Party and the main opposition Conservative Party – have recently unveiled their campaign platforms and leaders' statements, clearly outlining their potential future immigration trajectories. This report, presented as a professional immigration news piece, aims to dissect and contrast the different policy approaches demonstrated by the two parties across key areas such as permanent resident admission targets, temporary resident management, economic immigration, refugee and asylum processing, and border security, providing readers with a clear comparison of their policy blueprints to better understand their potential impacts.
04/25/2025
爱德华王子岛PNP举行年度第四次抽签:聚焦本地高需求人才
Prince Edward Island PNP Holds Fourth Draw of the Year: Focus on High-Demand Local Talent
On April 17, 2025, Prince Edward Island (PEI) conducted its fourth draw of the year through the Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP), issuing a total of 168 Invitations to Apply (ITAs). This draw prioritized applicants who have been working in the province for at least one year, particularly those employed in healthcare, trades, and manufacturing sectors. Additional priority was given to international graduates from designated institutions. So far in 2025, PEI has issued a total of 401 invitations through its PNP, all from the Labour Impact and Express Entry streams.
04/24/2025
阿尔伯塔省4月连发三轮省提名,81名医疗人才获移民邀请
Alberta Conducts Three Targeted PNP Draws in Early April, Inviting 81 Healthcare Professionals
Between April 1st and 8th, 2025, Alberta's Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) initiated three consecutive draws, specifically targeting and inviting 81 healthcare professionals through three distinct immigration streams. This recruitment effort utilized both Express Entry and non-Express Entry pathways, featuring significantly lower minimum scores compared to regular program streams. Notably, the non-Express Entry healthcare stream saw a minimum score of just 53, reportedly the lowest for an Alberta PNP draw in nearly two years. Policy details cover 9 in-demand healthcare occupations, requiring applicants to meet both professional licensing and language proficiency standards.
04/23/2025
深度解析加拿大公民申请延误陷阱:如何高效规避三大风险
In-Depth Analysis of Canadian Citizenship Application Delay Pitfalls: How to Efficiently Avoid Three Major Risks
For many permanent residents in Canada, obtaining citizenship is the final chapter in achieving the "Canadian Dream." However, potential "minefields" in the application process cannot be ignored. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) clearly states that incomplete application materials, missed crucial appointments, and issues related to inadmissibility are the three main reasons applications shift from "routine" to "complex," encountering lengthy delays. This report will deeply analyze these common obstacles and provide professional advice on mitigating risks and accelerating the processing timeline.
04/22/2025
加拿大永久居民境外遗失枫叶卡?返加必备文件申请全攻略
Losing Your Canadian PR Card Abroad? Your Essential Document Application Guide for Returning to Canada
As a Canadian permanent resident, your PR card is the official document confirming your status, and it's crucial if you plan to return to Canada by commercial transportation after traveling abroad. If your PR card is lost or stolen while outside Canada, you will face difficulties re-entering unless you have a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD). This article provides a professional breakdown of how to apply for a PRTD through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), detailing the application process, conditions for urgent processing, and specific rules for entering via land borders, aiming to offer clear, expert guidance for permanent residents in this situation.
04/22/2025
BC省提名发布最新企业家移民抽选结果:仅5人获邀,分数线维持高位
British Columbia Issues New Entrepreneur Immigration Invitations via PNP Base Stream
On April 15, 2025, British Columbia's Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) conducted its third Entrepreneur Immigration – Base Stream draw of the year. Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for provincial nomination were issued to 5 candidates, with the minimum required score set at 115. This draw strictly adheres to the province's 2025 policy standards, requiring applicants to possess significant net worth, make substantial direct investments, and commit to creating local jobs. The concurrent Regional Entrepreneur stream, guided by policy incentives favouring specific communities, signals BC's strategic shift towards aligning immigration with regional economic goals.
04/21/2025
曼尼托巴省推特别工签政策(MPNP):保障省提名候选人合法工作身份
Manitoba Launches Special Work Permit Policy (MPNP) to Safeguard Legal Work Status of Provincial Nominee Candidates (MPNP)
The Government of Manitoba, Canada, has announced the launch of a special work permit initiative starting April 22, 2025. This initiative will allow certain candidates under the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) to continue working legally while awaiting immigration results. The policy is intended to bridge the “status gap” in current immigration procedures and prevent valuable international workers from being forced to leave due to expired permits. The application window remains open until December 31, 2025.
04/18/2025
加拿大快速通道STEM类移民职业大幅调整:新增6类职业,19类被移除
Major Adjustment to Canada’s Express Entry STEM Occupations: 6 New Jobs Added, 19 Removed
In February 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) implemented a significant update to the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) occupation list under Express Entry (EE). The new list has been reduced from 30 to 11 occupations. Traditional engineering roles (such as civil and mechanical engineers) and cybersecurity specialists have been retained, while 19 information technology (IT) related roles, including software development and data science, were removed. This shift aims to better align immigration with Canada’s real-world industrial skills gap and provide applicants with clearer pathways.
04/17/2025
Sorry, your request failed
Please try again
OK