Three Canadian powerhouses have muscled their way into the world’s top 50 universities, flexing academic muscle in engineering and biological sciences, according to the freshly dropped 15th edition of the QS World University Rankings by Subject. Released Wednesday by global education guru QS Quacquarelli Symonds, the list sizes up over 21,000 programs across 1,700 institutions in 100 countries, spotlighting 55 subjects and five key faculty areas.
Leading the Canadian charge is the University of Toronto, snagging a dazzling 25th place worldwide with a score of 84.1—and dominating in a jaw-dropping 46 subjects. Hot on its heels, McGill University lands at 29th with an 83 score, while the University of British Columbia rounds out the trio at 38th, clocking in at 81. QS ranks the heavy hitters based on research chops, learning vibes, job prospects, global reach, and green cred.
But it’s not all smooth sailing. “Funding woes are squeezing mature education systems like Canada’s,” warned QS Vice President Ben Sowter. “Support’s crucial to keep innovation humming, especially as Asia and the Middle East surge ahead while financial pressures pile up in the U.S., U.K., Australia, and here.”
Globally, Massachusetts Institute of Technology reigns supreme at number one, with Imperial College London and the University of Oxford trailing close behind. Canada’s not done yet, though—other standouts include the University of Alberta (96), University of Waterloo (115), Western University (120), Université de Montréal (159), McMaster University (176), University of Ottawa (189), Queen’s University at Kingston (193), and University of Calgary (198).