U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities: Rankings, Tuition Fees & Admission Guide
The presence of U15 universities in Canada is one of the significant reasons why international students choose to pursue higher education in the country, especially in STEM fields. These universities are leading public research universities situated all across Canada. Known for offering high-quality education, research opportunities, and strong industry connections, they contribute tremendously to Canada’s innovation, scientific advancement, and economic growth.
In the blog, you will learn about the U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities, including their benefits, tuition fees, and admission process.
- What is the U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities?
- History of U15 Canada Universities
- Advantages of Studying at U15 Universities in Canada
- List of U15 Universities in Canada
- Popular Courses at U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities
- Study Intakes in U15 Canada Universities
- Eligibility Criteria to Study at U15 Canada Universities
- Required Documents for U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities
- Some Important Tips for Strengthening Your Application Profile for U15 Canada Universities
- Key Takeaways by AdmitX
- FAQs
What is the U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities?
- The U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities, or U15 Canada Universities, is an association of 15 leading public research universities in the country.Â
- Just similar to the Ivy League in the USA and Russell Group in the UK, this group is formed to optimise research and innovation policies in Canada, advance scientific knowledge, and promote the development of highly qualified leaders across all sectors.Â
- In one sense, the U15 universities in Canada help foster a high-value academic and research environment for international students and research scientists.
History of U15 Canada Universities
The back story of establishing the U15 universities in Canada involves the deep and careful consideration of raising the country’s standards as a leading academic and research destination in the world.
Mid-1980s: Executive heads of five Ontario-based universities- McMaster University, Queen’s University, University of Toronto, University of Waterloo, and the University of Western Ontario, began meeting informally to discuss mutual interests related to their research-intensive institutions.
1991: This informal group expanded to include McGill University, University of Alberta, University of British Columbia, Université de Montréal, and Université Laval, forming the ‘Group of Ten.’
2006: The group further expanded to include Dalhousie University, the University of Calgary, and the University of Ottawa, becoming the ‘Group of Thirteen.’
2011: The University of Manitoba and the University of Saskatchewan joined, bringing the total to 15 members. The organization was then rebranded as the ‘U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities.
Advantages of Studying at U15 Universities in Canada
Some of the advantages that Indian students get while studying at U15 Canada universities are discussed below.
Academic Excellence & Reputation
- Canadian U15 universities are consistently ranked among the top institutions in the world for their global rankings, student satisfaction, academic quality, and teaching standards.
- Earning a degree from these universities can enhance the networking and employability opportunities for Indian students.
Expert Faculty
The U15 Group of Canada Research Universities have a network of highly qualified and distinguished expert faculty who are notable for contributing to their fields as scientists, noble laureates, policymakers, etc.
World-Class Research & Innovation
- U15 Universities conduct around 80% of Canada’s competitive university research, which includes spending US $8.5 billion annually.
- This means that international students are always immersed in an environment that fosters their research and innovation capabilities.
Networking & Career Opportunities
- The U15 Canada universities have strong ties with governments and leading industries that provide students with internship opportunities and research collaborations.
- These connections and experiences help students to get a diverse range of employment opportunities with competitive starting salaries.
List of U15 Universities in Canada
Following is a list of U15 universities in Canada, along with their QS World University Rankings 2025.Â
| Institute | QS World University Rankings 2025 |
|---|---|
| University of Toronto | 25 |
| McGill University | 29 |
| University of British Columbia | 38 |
| University of Alberta | 96 |
| University of Waterloo | 115 |
| Western University | 120 |
| University of Montreal | 159 |
| McMaster University | 176 |
| University of Ottawa | 189 |
| Queen’s University at Kingston | 193 |
| University of Calgary | 198 |
| Dalhousie University | 275 |
| University of Saskatchewan | 340 |
| University of Laval | 423 |
| University of Manitoba | 661 |
Popular Courses at U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities
The popular courses to study at U15 universities in Canada are listed below.
- Agricultural Sciences
- Business Management
- Computer Sciences & Artificial Intelligence
- Environmental Sciences & Sustainability
- Forestry & Agricultural Sciences
- Geology & Geophysics
- Kinesiology & Sports Sciences
- Law & Public Administration
- Mathematics & Statistics
- Medicine & Health Sciences
- Petroleum & Energy Engineering
- Pharmacy
Study Intakes in U15 Canada Universities
- The academic year in U15 universities in Canada commences in September every year, marking the beginning of fall intake.Â
- Fall intake is the primary intake when all of the major academic programs are available for international students.
- Some U15 universities also accept applications for winter intake when a limited number of academic programs are available.
- Summer intake is usually not available for international students to pursue regular study programs. Instead, they can enroll in diploma and bridge courses.
| Intakes | Application Cycle | Class Commencement |
|---|---|---|
| Fall (September) | September/October 2024-March 2025 | September 2025 |
| Winter (January) | September-December 2024 | January 2025 |
| Summer (May) | October 2024-February 2025 | May 2025 |
Eligibility Criteria to Study at U15 Canada Universities
The general eligibility criteria for studying at U15 universities in Canada are tabulated below.
| Entry Requirements | For Undergraduate Programs | For Postgraduate Programs |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Requirements | CBSE/ISC: 85-95% State Boards: 90-95% | 65-80% |
| Entrance Exams/Standardised Tests | Yes, depends on the courses | GRE: 260-300 GMAT: 680-740 IELTS- 6.5-7.5 TOEFL: 90-110 Duolingo: 110-125 PTE: 65-75 |
| Work Experience | No | Preferably 1-2 Years 3-5 Years for an MBA |
Extracurricular Activities
Apart from academics, U15 universities also require applicants to have impressive records in extracurricular activities such as internships, projects, olympiads, sports activities, etc.
Interview and Portfolio
- International students may be required to appear in an interview or submit a portfolio, depending on the course and university.
- Through these, applicants can showcase their expertise in the relevant field of interest and claim their candidature for the particular program.
Required Documents for U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities
Following is a list of required documents that are needed to be submitted while applying for the U15 Canada universities.
- All previous academic transcripts
- 1 CV/Resume
- 1-2 Statements of Purpose
- 2-3 Letters of Recommendation
- Standardised Test Scorecards (depending on course/study level)
- GMAT
- GRE
- TOEFL/IELTS/PTE/Duolingo etc.
- Application Fee (depending on the university)
- WES Evaluation Report
- Work Experience Letter/Portfolio (if required)
- Certificate for Extracurricular Activities
- Passport
Some Important Tips for Strengthening Your Application Profile for U15 Canada Universities
The admission process for U15 universities in Canada can be highly competitive due to the limited number of seats and a large pool of applicants, making it challenging for institutions to identify the most deserving candidates. However, by following the steps below, you can make your application stand out.
- Maintain decent grades in your academics.
- Look out for your subject interest and align your long-term goals with it.
- Start preparation for the application process at least 1 year ago to avoid last-minute chaos. This involves
- Preparation and appearance in the standardised tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, GMAT, GRE, MCAT, UCAT, etc.
- Arranging university application documents like academic transcripts, SOPs, LORs, CVs, work experience letters, standardised test scorecards, etc.
- Applying for a passport (in case you don’t have one)
- Craft a compelling and strong personal statement or essay
- Choose recommenders who know you well and write specific and detailed recommendations.
- Gain relevant extracurricular and professional experience by participating in club activities, competitions, and community projects.
- Stay updated with the university application deadlines and application process.Â
- Start applying as soon as the application window opens.
Key Takeaways by AdmitX
U15 universities in Canada are an association of highly prestigious and reputed public research universities that are known for their extraordinary academic and research excellence all over the country.
These institutes are often involved in crafting research, innovation, and technological policies for Canada and preparing world-class leaders in all sectors. Studying at the U15 Group of Canadian research universities provides high academic and innovation calibre, offering students a world-class education, cutting-edge research opportunities, and access to state-of-the-art facilities.Â
FAQs
How to apply for U15 universities in Canada?
You can apply for U15 universities in Canada directly through university websites and provincial application portals such as Ontario Universities Application Portal (OUAC), Apply Alberta, CommonApp, ApplyBoard, etc.
What is the annual tuition fee at U15 Canada universities?
The average annual tuition fees at U15 Canada universities vary depending on the university and course. It is between CAD 40,000-70,000 or INR 24 Lakhs-42 Lakhs.
What are the top 5 courses offered at U15 universities in Canada?
The top 5 courses offered at U15 universities in Canada are business management, computer science and information technology, engineering and technology, healthcare, and natural sciences.
Which intake is best for pursuing regular study programs in U15 universities?
The fall intake is widely regarded as the best intake for pursuing regular study programs in U15 universities because of the availability of a maximum number of programs, scholarships, and internship opportunities.Â
What are the top U15 universities in Canada?
The top 5 U15 universities in Canada in terms of QS World University Rankings 2025 are the University of Toronto (#25), McGill University (#29), University of British Columbia (#38), University of Alberta (#96) and University of Waterloo (#115).
