Best universities for life sciences degrees in Canada 2026
Discover the Times Higher Education rankings for the best life science schools in Canada 2026.
This list highlights the top-ranked universities for biology and agriculture in Canada, based on the Times Higher Education Subject Rankings: Life Sciences 2026. These rankings provide valuable insights into the leading institutions for life sciences education and research.
A total of 27 Canadian universities have been ranked for their excellence in teaching, research, industry collaboration, and international outlook.
The rankings are based on a rigorous methodology designed by Times Higher Education’s data experts, ensuring accuracy and reliability for students, academics, and industry leaders worldwide.
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Top universities for life sciences in Canada 2026
| Canada Life Sciences Rank 2026 | Global Life Sciences Rank "026 | University | Overall | Teaching | Research Environment | Research Quality | Industry | International Outlook |
| 1 | 24 | University of Toronto | 85.9 | 80.6 | 87.5 | 86.3 | 96.5 | 92.3 |
| 2 | 34 | University of British Columbia | 80.6 | 72.8 | 78.4 | 86.4 | 71.9 | 93.6 |
| 3 | 36 | McGill University | 79 | 76.7 | 72.5 | 83.7 | 72.6 | 91.7 |
| 4 | 96 | University of Alberta | 62.9 | 44.4 | 53.4 | 75.7 | 100 | 82.5 |
| =5 | 126–150 | McMaster University | 57.0–59.0 | 31.7 | 37 | 88.4 | 99.9 | 66.9 |
| =5 | 126–150 | University of Guelph | 57.0–59.0 | 47.7 | 50.5 | 67 | 87.9 | 70.8 |
| =5 | 126–150 | Université de Montréal | 57.0–59.0 | 39.1 | 42 | 73.4 | 99.8 | 85.3 |
| 8 | 176–200 | University of Calgary | 52.5–54.5 | 28.8 | 34.3 | 76.9 | 72.1 | 82.9 |
| =9 | 201–250 | University of Ottawa | 49.6–52.4 | 22 | 27.5 | 79.5 | 68.2 | 77.1 |
| =9 | 201–250 | Université Laval | 49.6–52.4 | 31.5 | 34.9 | 65.3 | 99.2 | 75.3 |
| 11 | 251–300 | Western University | 47.1–49.5 | 23.1 | 28.3 | 69.7 | 99.2 | 82.5 |
| =12 | 301–400 | Carleton University | 42.4–47.0 | 19.9 | 22 | 65.5 | 70.5 | 81.7 |
| =12 | 301–400 | Dalhousie University | 42.4–47.0 | 22.8 | 22.1 | 73.9 | 61.3 | 84.9 |
| =12 | 301–400 | Queen’s University | 42.4–47.0 | 24.7 | 22.3 | 69.1 | 79.9 | 66.6 |
| =12 | 301–400 | Simon Fraser University | 42.4–47.0 | 19.1 | 19.3 | 68.4 | 81.8 | 82.6 |
| =12 | 301–400 | University of Saskatchewan | 42.4–47.0 | 32.7 | 28.9 | 57 | 93.3 | 82.4 |
| =12 | 301–400 | University of Waterloo | 42.4–47.0 | 22.3 | 23.6 | 71.7 | 71.1 | 80 |
| =12 | 301–400 | Université du Québec | 42.4–47.0 | 29.3 | 25.9 | 59.9 | 63.8 | 85.5 |
| =19 | 401–500 | Memorial University of Newfoundland | 38.8–42.2 | 17.4 | 18 | 67.2 | 61.6 | 87 |
| =19 | 401–500 | University of Manitoba | 38.8–42.2 | 18.6 | 19.7 | 68.5 | 65.9 | 57.9 |
| 21 | 501–600 | York University | 35.5–38.7 | 17.4 | 15.2 | 58.8 | 51.6 | 86.1 |
| =22 | 601–800 | Lakehead University | 29.3–35.4 | 12.5 | 14.1 | 59.4 | 38.7 | 63.5 |
| =22 | 601–800 | Toronto Metropolitan University | 29.3–35.4 | 12.5 | 16.5 | 44.7 | 50.9 | 55.3 |
| =22 | 601–800 | University of New Brunswick UNB | 29.3–35.4 | 13.8 | 10.3 | 61.8 | 32.5 | 72.1 |
| =22 | 601–800 | University of Windsor | 29.3–35.4 | 16.2 | 20.2 | 39 | 52.1 | 75.4 |
| =26 | 801–1000 | Brock University | 23.4–29.1 | 10.2 | 10.1 | 39.6 | 18.9 | 48.5 |
| =26 | 801–1000 | University of Lethbridge | 23.4–29.1 | 15.2 | 11.6 | 31.2 | 46.5 | 60.8 |
Key insights into the best universities in Canada for life sciences
- The University of Toronto is the best university in Canada for life sciences degrees.
- The ranking contains 27 Canadian universities in total
- The University of British Columbia scores particularly highly for international outlook.
- The ranking for life sciences rank universites that teach courses in biology, veterinary medicine, biochemistry, agriculture and forestry and sport science.
Choosing the right university for life sciences in Canada
Home to beautiful natural surroundings and diverse cultural heritage, it’s no wonder Canada is a top destination for international students. Tuition costs are often a little lower than similar destinations such as the US or UK.
Canadian institutions have a long history of nurturing scientific talent, from Kirsty Duncan, who sat on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change that won the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize before becoming Canada’s first Minister of Science, to Sir Frederick Banting, co-discoverer of insulin and its potential to treat diabetes.
Many universities in Canada have a major and minor system where you can study life science disciplines alongside any other subject of your choosing, offering you breadth and flexibility as well as depth in your studies.
Choosing the best school for biology, agriculture or sports science is a crucial step for prospective students. The Times Higher Education Life Science Rankings help identify universities with strong reputations in teaching, research, and industry collaboration.
The table for the best universities for life sciences in Canada was derived from data collected for the THE World University Subject Rankings. The results are calculated using 18 performance indicators underlying five metrics: research environment, teaching (the learning environment), research quality, industry and international outlook. For more insights and a detailed breakdown of our ranking methodology, visit our methodology page. Use the ranking table above to explore the right institution for you.
For more insights into the top universities for biological studies, you may want to check out the top universities for life sciences in Australia, the top universities for life sciences in the UK, and the best universities for life sciences in the US.
