Posted by Top 10 Civil Engineering Universities in Canada for 2025
Canada’s civil engineering programs blend world-class research, hands-on learning, and strong industry ties. Whether you’re aiming for structural design, environmental management, or smart infrastructure, these ten universities stand out for their academic reputation, co-op and internship opportunities, and global outlook.
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University of Toronto (Toronto, Ontario)
Highlights:
- Global reputation in structural, geotechnical, and environmental engineering
- Cutting-edge facilities: Chadwick In‹nity Labs, George Vari Engineering and Computing Centre
- Dedicated research centres in sustainable infrastructure and earthquake engineering
Admission snapshot:
- Average admitted GPA: 3.7–3.9 (on 4.0 scale)
- English requirement: IELTS 6.5 overall (min. 6.0 in each band)
- Application deadline: January 15, 2025
Approximate tuition (2024–25):
- Domestic: CAD 14,180 / yr
- International: CAD 60,100 / yr
- University of British Columbia (Vancouver, BC)
- Emphasis on green infrastructure, water-resource management, and seismic retrofit
- Robust co-op program with TransLink, BC Hydro, and major consultancies
- Sustainability-focused curriculum and Living Lab initiatives
Admission snapshot:
- Average admitted GPA: 3.6–3.8
- English requirement: TOEFL 90 (iBT) or IELTS 6.5
- Application deadline: December 1, 2024
Approximate tuition (2024–25):
- Domestic (BC): CAD 5,399 / yr
- International: CAD 39,460 / yr
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University of Alberta (Edmonton, Alberta)
- Strengths in energy infrastructure, cold‐region engineering, and structural health monitoring
- Industry partnerships with Syncrude, ATCO, and municipal agencies
- Access to Convergence Centre for Climate-Smart Materials
Admission snapshot:
- Average admitted GPA: 3.5–3.7
- English requirement: IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 88
- Application deadline: March 1, 2025
Approximate tuition (2024–25):
- Domestic: CAD 5,850 / yr
- International: CAD 25,750 / yr
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McGill University (Montreal, Quebec)
- Bilingual learning environment with strong research in infrastructure resilience
- Interdisciplinary labs in urban water systems and geomechanics
- Active student clubs and design–build projects (e.g., Concrete Canoe)
Admission snapshot:
- Average admitted GPA: 3.4–3.7
- English requirement: IELTS 6.5; French proficiency recommended for Quebec courses
- Application deadline: February 1, 2025
Approximate tuition (2024–25):
- Quebec residents: CAD 3,189 / yr
- Out-of-province: CAD 33,200 / yr
- International: CAD 44,500 / yr
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University of Waterloo (Waterloo, Ontario)
- Renowned co-op program placing 85% of students in paid engineering work terms
- Innovation hub for smart-city solutions, digital twins, and advanced materials
- Close ties to BlackBerry QNX, Miovision, and local engineering firms
Admission snapshot:
- Average admitted GPA: 3.7–3.9
- English requirement: IELTS 6.5; TOEFL 88
- Application deadline: January 15, 2025
Approximate tuition (2024–25):
- Domestic: CAD 16,000 / yr
- International: CAD 60,000 / yr
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McMaster University (Hamilton, Ontario)
Highlights:
- Focus on infrastructure health monitoring and rehabilitation technologies
- World-class structural engineering lab and Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation
- Industry-sponsored capstone projects with PCL, Hatch, and Arup
Admission snapshot:
- Average admitted GPA: 3.6–3.8
- English requirement: IELTS 6.5; TOEFL 86
- Application deadline: January 15, 2025
Approximate tuition (2024–25):
- Domestic: CAD 10,000 / yr
- International: CAD 27,300 / yr
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University of Calgary (Calgary, Alberta)
- Specialized in water resources, environmental engineering, and pipeline integrity
- Collaborative research with Alberta Energy Regulator and Fisheries and Oceans Canada
- Outdoor testing fields for cold-climate and geotechnical studies
Admission snapshot:
- Average admitted GPA: 3.4–3.7
- English requirement: IELTS 6.5; TOEFL 88
- Application deadline: March 1, 2025
Approximate tuition (2024–25):
- Domestic: CAD 2,500 / yr
- International: CAD 19,400 / yr
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Western University (London, Ontario)
Highlights:
- Home to North America’s largest Boundary Layer Wind Tunnel Laboratory
- Expertise in wind engineering, bridge aerodynamics, and computational fluid dynamics
- Collaborative projects with Transport Canada and Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation
Admission snapshot:
- Average admitted GPA: 3.5–3.8
- English requirement: IELTS 6.5; TOEFL 86
- Application deadline: February 1, 2025
Approximate tuition (2024–25):
- Domestic: CAD 8,500 / yr
- International: CAD 35,000 / yr
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Queen’s University (Kingston, Ontario)
- Small-class environment with personalized faculty mentorship
- Research strengths in infrastructure asset management and smart materials
- Strong alumni network providing internships and career mentorship
Admission snapshot:
- Average admitted GPA: 3.6–3.8
- English requirement: IELTS 6.5; TOEFL 90
- Application deadline: January 15, 2025
Approximate tuition (2024–25):
- Domestic: CAD 10,500 / yr
- International: CAD 35,795 / yr
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Concordia University (Montreal, Quebec)
Highlights:
- Urban infrastructure lab focusing on transit systems and smart-city technologies
- Affordable tuition with strong support for international students
- Active co-op and internship connections with Hydro-Quebec and municipal agencies
Admission snapshot:
- Average admitted GPA: 3.4–3.7
- English requirement: IELTS 6.5; French recommended
- Application deadline: March 1, 2025
Approximate tuition (2024–25):
- Domestic: CAD 8,300 / yr
- International: CAD 25,000 / yr
Comparative Overview of Universities
| University | Location | Global Rank* | Dom. Tuition (CAD) | Int. Tuition (CAD) | Co-op/Internship |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto | Toronto, ON | Top 15 | 14,180 | 60,100 | Yes |
| University of British Columbia | Vancouver, BC | Top 25 | 5,399 | 39,460 | Yes |
| University of Alberta | Edmonton, AB | Top 70 | 5,850 | 25,750 | Yes |
| McGill University | Montreal, QC | Top 75 | 3,189–33,200 | 44,500 | Yes |
| University of Waterloo | Waterloo, ON | Top 90 | 16,000 | 60,000 | Yes |
| McMaster University | Hamilton, ON | Top 95 | 10,000 | 27,300 | Yes |
| University of Calgary | Calgary, AB | Top 115 | 2,500 | 19,400 | Yes |
| Western University | London, ON | Top 135 | 8,500 | 35,000 | Yes |
| Queen’s University | Kingston, ON | Top 180 | 10,500 | 35,795 | Yes |
| Concordia University | Montreal, QC | Top 210 | 8,300 | 25,000 | Yes |
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