Best universities for social sciences degrees in Canada 2026
Discover the Times Higher Education rankings for the best social science schools in Canada 2026.
This list highlights the top-ranked universities for social sciences in Canada, based on the Times Higher Education Subject Rankings: Social Sciences 2026. These rankings provide valuable insights into the leading institutions for engineering education and research.
A total of 34 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 social sciences 2026
| Canada Social Sciences Rank 2026 | Global Social Sciences Rank 2026 | University | Overall | Teaching | Research Environment | Research Quality | Industry | International Outlook |
| 1 | 24 | University of Toronto | 77.8 | 75.4 | 84.2 | 74.9 | 69.5 | 75 |
| 2 | 29 | University of British Columbia | 74 | 65.8 | 71.5 | 84.2 | 67 | 89.1 |
| 3 | 40 | McGill University | 70.1 | 63 | 68.5 | 75.5 | 74.4 | 87 |
| 4 | 126–150 | Université de Montréal | 50.8–52.9 | 39.8 | 42.8 | 69.5 | 73.6 | 84.2 |
| =5 | 151–175 | Simon Fraser University | 48.6–50.7 | 30.1 | 35.3 | 80.5 | 82.1 | 84.1 |
| =5 | 151–175 | University of Waterloo | 48.6–50.7 | 33.1 | 37.6 | 74.3 | 87.7 | 72.6 |
| =7 | 176–200 | McMaster University | 47.3–48.5 | 29.5 | 29.3 | 81.9 | 84.3 | 66.3 |
| =7 | 176–200 | University of Alberta | 47.3–48.5 | 31.1 | 38.6 | 66.9 | 100 | 72.7 |
| =7 | 176–200 | Western University | 47.3–48.5 | 30.8 | 29.7 | 74.9 | 86.3 | 79.2 |
| 10 | 251–300 | University of Ottawa | 42.1–44.3 | 27.7 | 30.3 | 66.4 | 62.7 | 75.2 |
| =11 | 301–400 | Dalhousie University | 37.8–41.9 | 21.7 | 21.7 | 70.2 | 66.5 | 69.2 |
| =11 | 301–400 | Queen’s University | 37.8–41.9 | 28.7 | 28.2 | 63.5 | 77 | 60.1 |
| =11 | 301–400 | University of Calgary | 37.8–41.9 | 21.6 | 30 | 64.8 | 79.2 | 61.1 |
| =11 | 301–400 | University of Saskatchewan | 37.8–41.9 | 25.1 | 26.5 | 63.3 | 98.5 | 59.8 |
| =11 | 301–400 | University of Victoria | 37.8–41.9 | 20.5 | 25.1 | 78.1 | 57.3 | 69 |
| =11 | 301–400 | Université du Québec | 37.8–41.9 | 27.9 | 31.4 | 53.2 | 58.3 | 65.2 |
| =11 | 301–400 | York University | 37.8–41.9 | 27.3 | 26 | 65.3 | 76.1 | 70.5 |
| =18 | 401–500 | Carleton University | 34.6–37.7 | 21.5 | 21.6 | 62.1 | 65.3 | 57.8 |
| =18 | 401–500 | Concordia University | 34.6–37.7 | 19.9 | 17.8 | 66.1 | 67.3 | 62.1 |
| =18 | 401–500 | Toronto Metropolitan University | 34.6–37.7 | 16.6 | 23.9 | 67 | 72.6 | 45.3 |
| =18 | 401–500 | Université Laval | 34.6–37.7 | 26 | 23.5 | 56.4 | 60.7 | 71.5 |
| =22 | 501–600 | Memorial University of Newfoundland | 31.7–34.5 | 20.6 | 15.2 | 61 | 53 | 73.8 |
| =22 | 501–600 | Ontario Tech University | 31.7–34.5 | 11.4 | 14.4 | 67.2 | 69.2 | 56.9 |
| =22 | 501–600 | University of Guelph | 31.7–34.5 | 19.5 | 16.9 | 62.9 | 67.3 | 54.1 |
| =25 | 601–800 | Brock University | 26.6–31.6 | 12.7 | 13.4 | 62.3 | 8.9 | 44.5 |
| =25 | 601–800 | University of Manitoba | 26.6–31.6 | 21.3 | 19.5 | 51.7 | 51.7 | 45.2 |
| =25 | 601–800 | University of New Brunswick UNB | 26.6–31.6 | 17.7 | 12.8 | 49.6 | 59.9 | 55.1 |
| =25 | 601–800 | University of Regina | 26.6–31.6 | 13.3 | 14.2 | 56.2 | 72.1 | 46.4 |
| =25 | 601–800 | University of Windsor | 26.6–31.6 | 17.7 | 16.8 | 52.8 | 63.8 | 64.2 |
| =30 | 801–1000 | Lakehead University | 21.6–26.5 | 13.7 | 13.6 | 44.3 | 37.6 | 40.1 |
| =30 | 801–1000 | St Francis Xavier University | 21.6–26.5 | 17.5 | 13.2 | 35.6 | 17 | 29.4 |
| =30 | 801–1000 | University of Lethbridge | 21.6–26.5 | 18.8 | 10.6 | 30.1 | 30.3 | 50.4 |
| =30 | 801–1000 | University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) | 21.6–26.5 | 17.6 | 14 | 38.2 | 17.7 | 60.4 |
| =30 | 801–1000 | Wilfrid Laurier University | 21.6–26.5 | 15.4 | 12 | 53.1 | 35.1 | 38.8 |
Key insights into the top universities for social sciences in Canada 2026
- The University of Toronto takes the number one spot for social sciences in Canada
- The University of British Columbia scores highly for international outlook
- Simon Fraser University has a high score for its links to industry
- Some 34 Canadian universities are included in the social sciences ranking
How to choose the right university for social sciences
The social sciences include anthropology, geography, politics, media and communications studies and sociology. Find out more about what the social sciences are here.
Social science students learn how to analyse complex problems, explore the best solutions and communicate their discoveries effectively. These transferrable skills can be applied to a variety of careers.
The table for the best universities for social sciences in Canada was derived from data collected for the THE World University Subject Rankings: Social 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.
