The 10 Best Canadian Universities for Psychology: Ready to Get Psyched Up?

Calling all aspiring Freuds and Skinners who wish to pursue their higher education in Psychology from Canada! The Land of the Maple Leaf features some of the best and most prestigious Psychology programs in the world. Imagine living in a country surrounded by shimmering lakes, majestic skyscrapers, and soaring mountain ranges while diving into the depths of the human psyche! Amazing, right? So grab on your thinking hats as we take you through the 10 best Canadian universities for Psychology. 

Why Study in Canada?

Besides the natural landscapes, what attracts thousands of students to Canada is its world-class education and high quality of life. Home to some of the best universities in Canada to study Psychology, Canada offers cutting-edge facilities, a nurturing environment, and excellent job opportunities. The country also provides exceptional education programs, skill development resources, and cultural diversity. No wonder so many students around the world prefer Canada for their further education.  

10 Best Canadian Universities for Psychology

Step into the realm of the human mind and behavior at the top Canadian universities for Psychology. These colleges for Psychology in Canada not only offer academic excellence but also nurture a profound understanding of the intricacies of human cognition. The hands-on learning environment at these institutes is sure to captivate you and reshape your perspectives. Let's explore the 10 top Canadian universities for Psychology.

1. University of Toronto

QS Ranking: #21
Acceptance Rate: 43%
Course Fees: CA$61,720 - CA$70,000
Degree: B.Sc., CDP, M.Sc., & PhD

Established in 1827, the University of Toronto is one of the best Canadian universities for Psychology. Studying here will equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to pave a successful path in Psychology. At the University of Toronto, you will gain domain-specific knowledge, enhance your research abilities, sharpen your critical thinking, and increase your employability. A few Psychology programs that you can study here include Health Psychology, Cognition and Psychopathology, Behavioral Genetics, and Neuroethics.

2. McGill University

QS Ranking: #30
Acceptance Rate: 46%
Course Fees: CA$36,809 - CA$61,066
Degree: B.A, B.Sc., M.A, M.Sc., & PhD

Home to thousands of students from more than 150 countries, McGill University is one of the best colleges for Psychology in Canada. The university’s Psychology department is one of the oldest in Canada. Taught by faculty like Al Bregman, Tony Marley, and Brenda Milner, the Department offers exceptional education with research-intensive programs, both in the labs and in the fields. If you pursue Psychology at McGill University, the best university to study Psychology in Canada, you will learn about the basics of Psychology, Biology, Psychology Statistics, and Clinical Psychology. 

3. University of Waterloo

QS Ranking: #112
Acceptance Rate: #53%
Course Fees: CA$21,762 - CA$55,000
Degree: B.A., M.A., & PhD

Next on our list of the best Canadian universities for Psychology is the University of Waterloo, established in 1957. The university is home to over 42,000 students and 244,000 alumni and offers work-integrated learning opportunities with over 7500 active co-op employers. The University of Waterloo is considered one of the best colleges for Psychology in Canada for a reason. You can specialize in any six Psychology majors, including Clinical, Cognitive, Cognitive Neuroscience, Developmental, Industrial, and Social, taught by exceptional faculty. 

4. Simon Fraser University

QS Ranking: #318
Acceptance Rate: 59%
Course Fees: CA$33,045 - CA$44,000
Degree: B.A., M.A., & PhD

Ranked among Canada’s top research institutions, Simon Fraser University offers the best Psychology program. One of the best Canadian Psychology universities, the institute has over 2,000 undergraduate and graduate students, 40 faculty members, and 15 staff members. The Psychology curriculum focuses on offering comprehensive training in theoretical knowledge and psychological methods. For students looking to specialize in one field, you can choose from six core areas: Clinical Science, Cognitive & Neural Science, Developmental Psychology, History, Quantitative & Theoretical Psychology, Law & Forensics, and Social Psychology.

5. York University

QS Ranking: #353
Acceptance Rate: 27%
Course Fees: CA$31,864 - CA$42,233
Degree: B.A., B.Sc., M.A., & PhD

York University is one of the best universities in Canada for Psychology studies, housing over 10,000 international students from 172 countries. Studying Psychology at York University means getting both theoretical learning and research opportunities in various areas of Psychology, be it social, developmental, or counselling. You will gain knowledge about all aspects of Psychology, like memory, learning, personality, psychological disorders, cognition, and quantitative methods. Besides classroom learning, students can also make the most of the online and evening classes offered by York, the best Canada university for Psychology.

6. University of British Columbia

QS Ranking: #34
Acceptance Rate: 52.4%
Course Fees: CA$48,610 - CA$64,732
Degree: B.A., B.Sc., M.A., & PhD

A global center for learning, teaching, and research, the University of British Columbia has been churning out exceptional students since 1915. One of the best Canadian universities for Psychology, the university’s Department of Psychology is a leader in research and scholarship. While studying Psychology at the University of British Columbia, one of the good Psychology universities in Canada, you can learn about and conduct research across areas of Psychology. These areas include Behavioural Neuroscience, Clinical, Cognitive Science, Developmental, Health, Learning Enhancement, Quantitative Methods, and Social/Personality.

7. Western University

QS Ranking: #114
Acceptance Rate: 58%
Course Fees: CA$36,874 - CA$45,000
Degree: B.A., B.Sc., M.Sc., & PhD

Spread across 1300+ acres, offering modern and historic architecture, Western University is one of the top Canadian universities for Psychology. The university offers a welcoming and globally engaged environment for students coming here to pursue their education. At Western University, one of the best colleges for Psychology in Canada, students can pursue a range of undergraduate and graduate degrees in disciplines such as Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, Clinical, Industrial, and Social and Personality Psychology.

8. University of Guelph

QS Ranking: #486
Acceptance Rate: 66%
Course Fees: CA$18,428 - CA$35,000
Degree: B.A., B.Sc., M.A., & PhD

Research-intensive and learner-centred, the University of Guelph is next on our list of the best Canadian universities for Psychology. The university offers students the opportunity to share new ideas and conduct groundbreaking research in the field and laboratories. Students pursuing Psychology degrees will learn about Human Behavior and Cognition, Perception, NeuroPsychology, Personality, and Psychopathology. Studying Psychology at the University of Guelph, one of the good Psychology universities in Canada, is a decision you won’t regret!

9. McMaster University

QS Ranking: #189
Acceptance Rate: 59%
Course Fees: CA$37,236 - CA$58,000
Degree: B.A., B.Sc., M.A., & M.Sc.

One of the best Canadian universities for Psychology, McMaster University, was established in 1887. Over the years, the university has been continuously innovating education and research to improve the world around us. You can pursue a range of undergraduate and graduate programs across areas, such as Applied Psychology in Human Behavior and Neuroscience & Behavior. The programs offered focus on both theoretical and practical aspects of learning, emphasizing research as well.

10. University of Manitoba

QS Ranking: #671
Acceptance Rate: 52%
Course Fees: CA$21,100 - CA$35,000
Degree: B.A., M.A., & PhD

Last on our list of the best Canadian universities for Psychology is the University of Manitoba, established in 1877. Indulge in cutting-edge research in the field of mental health. Learn about the basics of Psychology or specialise in areas like Applied Behaviour Analysis, Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Clinical Psychology, and Developmental Psychology. Plus, you can expand your knowledge through co-op programs, exchange opportunities, and student clubs.

Specializations in Psychology

Psychology is a vast subject with many specializations. All the branches of Psychology offer unique insights into different areas of the human mind and functioning. Below are a few specializations in Psychology that you can consider when choosing one for yourself.

1. Sport Psychology
2. Clinical Psychology
3. Industrial Psychology
4. Child Psychology
5. Social Psychology
6. Forensic Psychology
7. Experimental Psychology
8. Counseling Psychology 
9. Criminal Psychology
10. NeuroPsychology

Eligibility to Pursue Psychology in Canada

To study Psychology at the best Canadian universities for Psychology, students are required to meet certain criteria. Though the eligibility criteria depends on the specific university you’re applying to, there are certain general eligibility requirements that you have to follow. Below are the eligibility requirements:

1. Complete 10+2 exams to pursue an undergraduate degree.
2. Have an undergraduate degree with a background in Maths, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology with a score of 65%.
3. Have an undergraduate degree in Psychology or a related subject with a GPA of over 3.0 to pursue a postgraduate degree.
4. Have an English proficiency test score (IELTS: 6.5 - 7.5, TOEFL: 86-100, & PTE: 68-73).
5. Possess a Canada student visa.

Documents Required to Pursue Psychology in Canada

To study Psychology in Canada, you need to do some meticulous planning and preparation, including gathering essential documents. Below we’ve mentioned a few documents that you need to present when applying to study in the best Canadian universities for Psychology.

1. Application form
2. Academic transcripts
3. Letter of recommendation
4. Canadian student visa
5. Valid passport
6. Admission test results
7. English proficiency test scores
8. Financial aid documents
9. Medical test results

Top Jobs with Psychology in Canada

Pursuing a Psychology degree from the best Canadian universities for Psychology will open doors of opportunities for you. In Canada, a country known for its open approach to mental health and well-being, the demand for skilled mental health professionals is on the rise. In the below table, we’ve listed some of the highest paying jobs in Psychology in Canada.

This was our list of the best Canadian universities for Psychology! Selecting the right institution for yourself is a vital step in shaping a successful career in Psychology. Offering outstanding programs with practical experience, Canada’s top Psychology universities are sure to help you excel in any field of Psychology.