York University: A Top Global Destination for International Students in Canada

When international students consider studying in Canada, names like the University of Toronto, McGill, and the University of British Columbia often dominate the conversation. But another Canadian institution has steadily climbed global rankings, earning recognition for academic quality, inclusiveness, and international engagement — York University in Toronto.

York is one of Canada’s top-ranked comprehensive universities. Its reputation for academic excellence is reflected across several other key global ranking systems:

• Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025: York ranks 38th in the world out of more than 2,300 institutions and #1 in Canada for Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10) and Quality Education (SDG 4).
  
• QS World University Rankings 2026: York climbed 29 places to rank 333rd globally.
• The Shanghai Ranking places York University places in the top 75 global universities for key subjects in psychology, business administration, geography and aerospace engineering and with sociology in the top 100, across the globe.
• U.S. News & World Report (2025 Best Global Universities): York ranks among the top 20 universities in Canada, recognized particularly for its impact in education, social sciences, and environmental studies.

York offers more than 200 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across 11 faculties, including its world-renowned Schulich School of Business, Osgoode Hall Law School, and Faculty of Education, each ranked among the best in Canada.

• The Schulich School of Business is ranked among the top 25 business schools globally for responsible business education.
  
• Osgoode Hall Law School, one of Canada’s oldest and most prestigious, is recognized internationally for its emphasis on legal ethics, human rights, and transnational law.
  
• The Faculty of Education ranks among Canada’s top education faculties, known for its research in inclusive education, digital learning, and teacher preparation.
  
• York’s Lassonde School of Engineering and Faculty of Science offer cutting-edge programs in Space Engineering, Computer Science, and Data Science, connecting students to Canada’s growing technology sector.
• A new Medical School is expected to open in 2028 and new programs at the Markham Campus, which opened in 2024, include the Bachelor of Applied Science in Digital Technologies, a fully work-integrated degree program that allows students to gain paid professional experience while studying. 

York University places a strong emphasis on sustainability, inclusion, and social justice. This focus has earned York multiple distinctions in the THE Impact Rankings, particularly for advancing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

These rankings measure how universities contribute to solving real-world challenges, from climate change and gender equality to affordable education and sustainable cities. York’s top global placements demonstrate a commitment to public good that resonates with international students who value education as a vehicle for change.

An International Campus in a Global City

Located in Toronto, one of the most diverse cities in the world, York offers a welcoming environment for its thousands of international students from over 170 countries. The university provides extensive support for newcomers, including immigration advising, orientation programs, academic tutoring, and international student employment resources.

The city’s multicultural setting allows students to experience global culture firsthand through food, festivals, internships, and community engagement. With three campuses — Keele, Glendon, and Markham — York provides access to both the urban energy of downtown Toronto and the innovation hubs of the Greater Toronto Area.

York’s graduates join a worldwide network of more than 375,000 alumni. Many have become leaders in business, law, public service, media, and the arts. The university’s strong industry partnerships, especially in Toronto’s finance, technology, and creative sectors, help international students build careers both in Canada and abroad.

Work-integrated learning programs and research placements are embedded in many degrees, ensuring that graduates leave with experience that translates directly to employment.

For international students choosing Canada, York University offers a globally ranked institution with a strong sense of community and a campus deeply connected to one of the world’s most dynamic cities.