Best universities for physical science degrees in Canada 2026
Discover the Times Higher Education rankings for the best physical science schools in Canada 2026.
This list highlights the top-ranked universities for physics and maths in Canada, based on the Times Higher Education Subject Rankings: Physical Sciences 2026. These rankings provide valuable insights into the leading institutions for physical sciences education and research.
A total of 32 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 in Canada for physics, chemistry and maths 2026
| Canada Physical Sciences Rank 2026 | Global Physical Sciences Rank 2026 | University | Overall | Teaching | Research Environment | Research Quality | Industry | International Outlook |
| 1 | =27 | University of Toronto | 81.5 | 72.4 | 77.7 | 90 | 71.8 | 92.1 |
| 2 | =54 | University of British Columbia | 71.9 | 60.4 | 59.7 | 85.3 | 70.5 | 93.2 |
| 3 | 66 | McGill University | 67.6 | 55.4 | 54.3 | 80.7 | 79 | 90.9 |
| 4 | 101–125 | University of Waterloo | 59.4–62.0 | 42.6 | 41.1 | 77.9 | 72.9 | 89.3 |
| 5 | 126–150 | University of Alberta | 56.7–59.2 | 37.2 | 40.7 | 72.9 | 98.1 | 91.8 |
| 6 | 151–175 | University of Victoria | 54.9–56.6 | 29.3 | 29.6 | 87.1 | 61.7 | 93.6 |
| 7 | 201–250 | Université de Montréal | 50.6–53.6 | 28.9 | 36.4 | 72.6 | 99.8 | 85.2 |
| =8 | 251–300 | Memorial University of Newfoundland | 47.7–50.5 | 21.8 | 24.1 | 72.4 | 86.8 | 88.7 |
| =8 | 251–300 | University of Saskatchewan | 47.7–50.5 | 27.1 | 22 | 71.9 | 73.5 | 87.4 |
| =8 | 251–300 | Université du Québec | 47.7–50.5 | 32.1 | 26.5 | 62.1 | 94.6 | 87 |
| =11 | 301–400 | Dalhousie University | 43.0–47.6 | 22 | 23 | 65.1 | 68.8 | 86.1 |
| =11 | 301–400 | Simon Fraser University | 43.0–47.6 | 26.8 | 21.3 | 67.6 | 84.8 | 91.6 |
| =11 | 301–400 | University of Calgary | 43.0–47.6 | 24.5 | 28.7 | 64.2 | 78.5 | 83.6 |
| =11 | 301–400 | University of Guelph | 43.0–47.6 | 18.8 | 22.8 | 67.2 | 85.6 | 63.8 |
| =11 | 301–400 | Western University | 43.0–47.6 | 25.3 | 23.4 | 68.5 | 93 | 89.1 |
| =16 | 401–500 | McMaster University | 40.1–42.9 | 23.7 | 26.2 | 50.9 | 87.6 | 86 |
| =16 | 401–500 | Queen’s University | 40.1–42.9 | 26.2 | 26.4 | 53.7 | 88.8 | 72.9 |
| =16 | 401–500 | University of New Brunswick UNB | 40.1–42.9 | 19.5 | 14 | 68.4 | 53.4 | 86.7 |
| =16 | 401–500 | University of Ottawa | 40.1–42.9 | 24.3 | 29.8 | 54.1 | 69.7 | 86.8 |
| =16 | 401–500 | Université Laval | 40.1–42.9 | 22.2 | 26.6 | 56.3 | 92.2 | 71.8 |
| =16 | 401–500 | York University | 40.1–42.9 | 19.4 | 19.9 | 63.7 | 57.4 | 91.9 |
| 22 | 501–600 | Carleton University | 37.4–40.0 | 17.6 | 24.5 | 58.6 | 54.7 | 77.3 |
| =23 | 601–800 | Concordia University | 32.8–37.3 | 16.9 | 14.6 | 57.7 | 60.9 | 72.8 |
| =23 | 601–800 | Lakehead University | 32.8–37.3 | 17.3 | 13.6 | 52.5 | 45 | 62.3 |
| =23 | 601–800 | Ontario Tech University | 32.8–37.3 | 14.3 | 15 | 62 | 44.9 | 62.8 |
| =23 | 601–800 | University of Manitoba | 32.8–37.3 | 23 | 16.6 | 56.2 | 51.2 | 64.2 |
| =23 | 601–800 | University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) | 32.8–37.3 | 16.6 | 12.5 | 60.9 | 21.2 | 58.1 |
| =23 | 601–800 | University of Regina | 32.8–37.3 | 14.1 | 10.8 | 62.4 | 37.5 | 70.4 |
| =23 | 601–800 | University of Windsor | 32.8–37.3 | 22.4 | 23.8 | 43.3 | 75.6 | 81.8 |
| 30 | 801–1000 | Wilfrid Laurier University | 27.5–32.7 | 15.2 | 9.8 | 55.4 | 34.1 | 68.4 |
| =31 | 1001–1250 | Brock University | 20.9–27.4 | 11 | 8.9 | 37.1 | 30.2 | 69.5 |
| =31 | 1001–1250 | University of Lethbridge | 20.9–27.4 | 13 | 10.1 | 29.4 | 49.6 | 64.7 |
Key Insights into the top universities for physics, chemistry and maths in Canada 2026
- The University of Toronto takes the first place position for physical sciences in Canada
- There are 32 Canadian universities featured in the physical science ranking
- Brock University is a new entry this year
- The University of British Columbia scores particularly highly for international outlook
- The physical sciences ranking ranks universities that offer courses in physics, chemistry, astronomy, maths, statistics, geology, environmental, earth and marine sciences.
Choosing the right university for physical sciences in Canada
The physical sciences include a range of subjects including mathematics and statistics, physics and astronomy, chemistry, geology, environmental sciences and earth and marine sciences.
A physical science degree can lead to a wide range of careers including computing, engineering, climate change patent law and policy work or a job in a scientific institute.
Tuition costs are often a little lower than similar study destinations such as the US or the UK and the country is known for its welcoming attitude and diverse population.
In Canada, most universities offer specialised four-year programmes in mathematics, physics, chemistry and earth sciences, but many also offer joint honours options combining two sciences, or a major and minor system where you can study the physical sciences alongside any other course of your choice, including those in the arts and humanities.
Choosing the best school for physics, chemistry or maths is a crucial step for prospective students. The Times Higher Education Physical Science Rankings help identify universities with strong reputations in teaching, research, and industry collaboration.
The table for the best universities for physical sciences in Canada was derived from data collected for the THE World University Subject Rankings: Physical Sciences. 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.
