Nine Canadian universities appear in the Global University Employability Ranking 2020, designed by HR consultancy Emerging and published exclusively by Times Higher Education. The ranking reveals which universities recruiters at top companies think are best at preparing students for the workplace.
Canadian universities are popular with international students for offering cheaper tuition than many US colleges, and a simple application process.
Students thinking about graduate jobs will be pleased to hear that Canadian universities also maintain an excellent reputation with employers.
The University of Toronto is the top Canadian choice among employers. Canadian universities in the ranking are spread across the country, including Ontario, Québec and British Columbia.
Employability rankings by country
Top universities in the world for employability
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Top three universities in Canada for graduate employability
1. University of Toronto
Many ideas and inventions that begin at the University of Toronto have a significant impact on the global economy, whether through start-ups, commercial partnerships or businesses.
In disciplines from medicine to engineering, the university attracts world-leading scholars to undertake groundbreaking research and transfer that knowledge to students.
The strategic priorities for the university include strengthening international partnerships and reimagining undergraduate education to prepare students for lifelong learning.
2. McGill University
Every year, students at McGill participate in Innovation Week, which explores topics such as entrepreneurship in music, and the future of health. Activities are led by students and provide opportunities to connect with innovators and form industry partnerships.
Three hubs for entrepreneurial students offer start-up competitions, technology-based projects, and support and mentorship.
Opportunities to learn beyond the classroom include entrepreneurship projects, internships, public speaking training and museum excursions.
3. University of British Columbia
The University of British Columbia has a jobs and volunteering board for students and alumni to browse and find opportunities.
UBC also gives employers the opportunity to recruit students from the university through careers fairs, recruitment booths and uploading jobs on to the university’s jobs board.
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Top universities in Canada for graduate employability 2020
Click each institution to view its full World University Rankings 2021 profile
| Canada Rank 2020 | Employability Rank 2020 | Employability Rank 2019 | Institution | City |
| 1 | 8 | 15 | University of Toronto | Toronto |
| 2 | 23 | 17 | McGill University | Montreal |
| 3 | 28 | 61 | University of British Columbia | Vancouver |
| 4 | 41 | 36 | University of Montreal/HEC | Montreal |
| 5 | 77 | 78 | McMaster University | Hamilton |
| 6 | 131 | 120 | University of Alberta | Edmonton |
| 7 | 176 | 186 | University of Victoria | Victoria |
| 8 | 186 | 204 | Dalhousie University | Halifax |
| 9 | 200 | 240 | University of Waterloo | Waterloo |
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