97% of Canadian universities fall in global rankings

A general view of the Ryerson University campus in Toronto, is seen in this file image from Thursday, January 17, 2019. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young)

Nearly all Canadian universities lost ground in a global ranking of the top post-secondary schools, reflecting growing pressure from better-funded international competitors.

The rankings, released Monday by the Center for World University Rankings, show 37 of Canada’s 38 ranked universities fell compared to last year, while one maintained its position.

The University of Toronto remained Canada’s top-ranked institution at No. 23 globally, holding the same position as last year. McGill University slipped one place to No. 28, while the University of British Columbia dropped to No. 49 from No. 48.

The University of Alberta ranked 82nd globally, followed by the University of Montreal at 126th.

• READ MORE: Canada ranks 5th in education and research analysis

According to CWUR’s 2026 ranking, Canada’s top 10 schools also include:

6. Western University, No. 187 globally

7. McMaster University, No. 190

8. University of Calgary, No. 203

9. University of Waterloo, No. 216

10. University of Ottawa, No. 226

What is behind the decline?

“The decline of Canadian universities reflects years of inadequate funding, and the devaluation of science and education as public goods,” said Dr. Nadim Mahassen, president of the Center for World University Rankings.

“Canadian universities are struggling to deliver high-quality education, attract and retain talent, and produce quality research at scale.”

Mahassen said the issue goes beyond academia.

“This is not just an academic problem but a national one, because the erosion of Canada’s higher education system undermines scientific development, innovation, and the country’s long-term future.”

U.S. universities hold up top spots

The rankings evaluated more than 21,000 universities worldwide using measures that include education quality, employability, faculty achievements and research output.

Globally, American universities continued to dominate the top of the table. Harvard University held the No. 1 position for the 15th consecutive year, followed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Stanford University.

• READ MORE: Harvard faculty votes to make it more difficult for undergrads to earn A’s

Based on CWUR’s 2026 ranking, the global top five also includes University of Cambridge and University of Oxford, both from the United Kingdom, at No. 4 and No. 5, respectively.

China gains ground globally

Still, the broader global picture showed increased competition from China. Ninety-eight per cent of Chinese universities improved their positions this year, led by Tsinghua University at No. 36 globally. China now has 360 institutions in the Global 2000 list, the highest representation of any country.

“The results of this year’s rankings show that the United States boasts the top universities in the world,” Mahassen said.

“However, this dominance is increasingly contested further down the league table, as other universities, particularly from China, are catching up.”

Elsewhere, many institutions across Europe and Japan also declined amid funding pressures and intensified global competition.

The rankings are based on 81 million outcome-based data points and do not rely on surveys or university-submitted data, according to CWUR.