Canada is an extremely lucrative education destination for international students these days and for all good reasons. Engineering is one of the most popularly chosen professions among the youth all across the globe, so it is natural for them to venture out while looking for the best opportunities available. In particular, we will be dealing with chemical engineering for the purpose of this blog.
Chemical engineering (also known as process engineering) is the application of physics, chemistry, and biology, with mathematics, for the purpose of converting raw materials into more usable forms. It involves the design, improvement, and maintenance of processes involving chemistry or biology for large-scale manufacturing work.
- International undergraduate engineering tuition in Canada varies widely by university
- Per official fee pages, the University of Toronto charges about CAD 70,060 per year (2025-26), the University of Saskatchewan about CAD 59,383 per year (2026-27), McMaster about CAD 56,000 per year (2025-26), Queen's about CAD 59,284 per year (2026-27), and UBC about CAD 1,789 per credit (2026)
- The Statistics Canada national average international undergraduate tuition is CAD 41,746 per year for 2025-26
- Most programmes require IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90.
What Are the Prerequisites to Study Chemical Engineering in Canada?
Most Canadian universities require chemical engineering applicants to have completed high school with strong grades, typically 75 to 80 percent, in chemistry, physics, pre-calculus mathematics, and English. International students must also prove English proficiency, usually IELTS 6.5 overall or TOEFL 90. Graduate programmes require a relevant bachelor's degree and often research experience or references.
Before we go in depth and on to the top universities, let us see the basic requirements of any college in Canada offering chemical engineering courses.
Firstly it is pertinent to know that almost all post-secondary schools that have an engineering program offer a chemical engineering degree program. There are also some universities like Acadia University, University of Saskatchewan, St. Mary's University, and BCIT that offer certificate and diploma programs and not necessarily degrees in chemical engineering as well.
For undergraduate degree programs, completion of high school is a requirement, with an average of at least 75-80% achieved. English, pre-calculus math, physics, and chemistry are required as subjects studied or exams taken.
Similarly, completion of high school is a definite requirement for admission to most diploma and certificate programs in chemical engineering as well, with the completion (and an average of minimum 70%) of English, math, physics, and chemistry. However, in case you have not completed high school or are missing prerequisites, upgrading options are usually available.
Most engineering universities offer undergraduate as well as graduate and doctoral degrees and thus can be enrolled in for both a Bachelor's and a Master's program. Hence the following list has not been segregated on that basis and rather compiled as one.
BBA in Canada 2026: Top Universities, Fees, ScholarshipsRead →Which Are the Top Universities for Chemical Engineering in Canada?
Top universities for chemical engineering in Canada include the University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, University of Waterloo, McGill University, McMaster University, University of Alberta, Queen's University, University of Calgary, Western University, and University of Saskatchewan. Most are globally ranked, offer co-op placements, and provide accredited bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programmes for international students.
- University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
- University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- The University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
- McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
- University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
1. University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
This university in the province of Alberta appeared in this year's QS ranking. The University of Alberta provides more than 400 programs in 18 faculties, and the faculty of Engineering by itself has 4,400 undergraduate with almost 1,500 graduate students.
The faculty offers 21 engineering programs and is also Canada's second-largest Engineering Co-op Program. International students consist of nearly 17 per cent of the undergraduate population and almost 39 per cent of graduate students.
International undergraduate engineering tuition at the University of Alberta is set per programme and guaranteed for the duration of the degree; confirm the current figure on the university's official tuition page before applying.
Eligibility for English proficiency: TOEFL 90, IELTS 6.5, PTE 91.
2. University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
University of Toronto ranks as one of the most reputable universities in Canada this year.
The Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering is absolutely massive, with almost 8,000 students in undergraduate and graduate programs combined.
Undergraduates have the option to pursue a study program in one of eight core study areas, Chemical Engineering being one of the major players therein.
International undergraduate engineering tuition at the University of Toronto is about CAD 70,060 per year for 2025-26, per the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering's official finances page.
Eligibility for English proficiency: TOEFL 100, IELTS 6.5.
3. McGill University, Montreal, Canada
McGill University is one of the top English-instruction universities in Quebec, and has taken its place among the top three Canadian universities this year. The university also ranked among the top five Canadian universities by reputation and took first place as Canada's top medical/doctoral university.
McGill's impeccable Engineering Faculty offers nine undergraduate programs, in addition to graduate degrees and diplomas in eight study areas. Research is given its due importance, and students are encouraged to get hands-on experience with various opportunities for summer programs and co-op placements.
There is also a strong focus placed on innovation, where the faculty is dedicated to stimulating technologically based innovation and entrepreneurship skills.
International undergraduate engineering tuition at McGill is charged per credit and guaranteed for the duration of the programme; confirm the current rate on McGill's official Student Accounts page.
Eligibility for English proficiency: TOEFL 90, IELTS 6.5.
4. University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
This university's research-based programs will allow you to conduct original research with access to state of the art facilities, research centres, and labs.
They offer accredited undergraduate programs in eight different engineering disciplines including their well-known chemical engineering studies. Graduate programs are also offered that lead to Master's and Doctoral degrees in engineering.
They are one of Canada's oldest engineering schools, having founded a tradition of excellence and a sense of community for their students.
International undergraduate engineering tuition at the University of Saskatchewan is about CAD 59,383 per year for 2026-27, per the university's official tuition page.
Eligibility for English proficiency: TOEFL 86, IELTS 6.5, PTE 63.
5. University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
The city of Calgary is often called the engineering capital of Canada.
The faculty of this university offers eight undergraduate degree programs and 24 graduate programs. Students have the choice to pursue highly specialized concentrations in subjects like Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, and Mechatronics, and even the option to minor in these fields of study.
This school also boasts the largest internship program of its kind in Western Canada.
International engineering tuition at the University of Calgary is charged per course (about CAD 3,627 per three-unit course for recent cohorts, 2026-27); confirm your cohort's rate on the Schulich School of Engineering's official page.
Eligibility for English proficiency: TOEFL 86, IELTS 6.5.
6. The University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
The University of Western Ontario (UWO), commonly known as Western University, is one of the top research universities in Canada in fields like health sciences, wind engineering, neuroscience, and more.
One of its distinguishing features is that the university's Faculty of Engineering offers undergraduates nine study programs with an Accelerated Master's Program that allows students to complete graduate courses while simultaneously meeting requirements for a bachelor's degree. Thus, students can complete a master of engineering science degree in just one year after completing their bachelor's.
International undergraduate engineering tuition at Western University is among the higher in Canada; confirm the current Year 1 figure on Western's official fee schedule before applying.
Eligibility for English proficiency: TOEFL 83, IELTS 6.5, PTE 58.
7. McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
Among other world rankings, McMaster has appeared near the top of the QS subject rankings as an education destination for engineering and technology. Its Faculty of Engineering is highly extensive. The School of Engineering and Applied Sciences consists of several core world-class departments, including a vast array of engineering concentrations.
The Faculty of Engineering is so big that it is divided into schools including the W Booth School of Engineering Practice and Technology and the School of Biomedical Engineering. Each school focuses on providing students with research-based, student-centred learning to aid their career enhancement.
International undergraduate engineering tuition at McMaster is about CAD 1,874 per unit (roughly CAD 56,000 per year), 2025-26, per the McMaster Registrar's official fee schedule.
Eligibility for English proficiency: TOEFL 86, IELTS 6.5, PTE 60.
8. University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
The University of Waterloo is ranked among the top engineering schools worldwide. The school boasts being the largest engineering school in Canada, with more than 9,500 students enrolled in it.
The university is heavily focused on research and currently has international research partnerships exceeding $64 million in value. Through a wide variety of co-op programs embedded with in-class education, undergraduate students may gain up to two years of paid work experience before completing graduation.
One of the main edges of studying here is that graduate students have many opportunities to partner with local businesses to develop projects, and all students have access to the largest student design centre in North America as well.
International engineering tuition and incidental fees at the University of Waterloo are about CAD 75,000 for two terms (2026 estimate, official figure shown for Software Engineering within the Faculty of Engineering); confirm the exact Chemical Engineering rate on the official fee schedule.
Eligibility for English proficiency: TOEFL 90, IELTS 6.5.
9. University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
University of British Columbia (UBC) is known as a worldwide centre for research and teaching. It has regularly secured its place among the 40 best universities in the world.
The university's Faculty of Applied Sciences provides programs in 21 specializations at undergraduate and graduate levels. Graduate studies offers programs for industry professionals looking to enhance their horizons as well as programs for individuals wishing to pursue research-based careers in future.
UBC is often known for the scope, strength and impact of its research efforts, where the spotlight is on fields like advanced manufacturing, clean energy, digital technology and many more.
International undergraduate tuition for Chemical and Biological Engineering at UBC is about CAD 1,789 per credit (roughly CAD 57,000 per year for a full courseload), 2026, per the UBC Academic Calendar.
Eligibility for English proficiency: TOEFL 90, IELTS 6.5, PTE 65.
10. Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
MBA in Canada Without GMAT 2026: Best Schools GuideRead →What Makes Queen's University a Top Choice for Chemical Engineering?
Queen's University offers chemical engineering through its CEAB-accredited Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, known for collaborative research, strong industry links, and a high graduate employment rate. International undergraduate engineering tuition at Queen's is about CAD 59,284 per year for 2026-27, confirmed on the university's official fee schedule. Programmes span bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels.
It has achieved excellence in teaching and research, as its Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science boasts a high employment rate for its engineering graduates within two years of graduating, which is phenomenal.
International undergraduate engineering tuition at Queen's is about CAD 59,284 per year for 2026-27, per the university's official fee schedule.
Eligibility for English proficiency: TOEFL 88, IELTS 6.5, PTE 60.
Duolingo Approved Universities in Canada 2026Read →What Are the Key FAQs About Chemical Engineering in Canada?
Common questions cover eligibility, fees, scholarships, and job scope. A bachelor's in chemical engineering takes four years and a master's one to two years. Most universities offer scholarships and have strong industry tie-ups. Always verify current entry requirements and international tuition directly with your target institution's official page before applying, as fees change annually.