Math remains a top choice for students and is a valued subject with implications in all areas of life and many professional sectors. Canada has some of the best mathematics universities in the world that offer interesting programs for academic and research excellence. High-quality education and a strong economy also enable students to pursue enriching careers in various professional fields. The opportunities after a degree in the subject are immense and help earn handsome salaries.

According to Payscale, a Master of Mathematics degree holder in Canada can earn between CAD 42,000 and CAD 153,000. If you truly understand the power of numbers and like mathematics, pursuing higher education options in Canada can give you a solid foundation for a promising career.

Learn more about the best universities in Canada for Math below (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024). If you wish to learn more or begin your application, book a free consultation with SI-Canada today.

Top 10 Canadian Universities for Mathematics

1. University of Toronto

The Department of Mathematics at the University of Toronto is considered the best in Canada as it offers a variety of options for studying mathematics at both undergraduate and graduate levels. The university's programs are flexible and include minor and major programs with other subjects, as well as eight specialist programs at the undergraduate level.

While the minor and major programs are intended for students who wish to combine their mathematical skills with work in other disciplines, the specializations allow students to have in-depth knowledge and expertise in the language of mathematics and mathematical reasoning. At the graduate level, students can take unique courses such as the Masters of Science in Applied Computing and the Master of Mathematical Finance Programming.

• Course to consider: Bachelor of Science in Mathematics
• International fees: $60,510
• Entry requirements: All candidates must have passed the senior secondary level of education with six courses, including English and Calculus & Vectors or their equivalent. English language proficiency is also required for non-native speakers of the language.

2. University of British Columbia

The University of British Columbia's Department of Mathematics is among the best in Canada and offers more than 131 programs each year that 73 award-winning faculty members teach. Maths programs are available at undergraduate and graduate levels, including PhD options. Undergraduate degrees are offered through three faculties: the B.A. The program, the B.Sc. Program with major and honours in Mathematics, the B.A.Sc. Program, and the Math (B.Sc.) & Education (B.Ed.) Program.

At the graduate level, UBC offers M.Sc. and PhD degrees, which can be pursued in the pure and applied branches of the subject. Apart from the programs by the Department of Mathematics, students also have the option to go for other programs offered by the Department of Statistics and the Institute of Applied Mathematics.

• Course to consider: Bachelor of Science in Mathematics
• International fees: $48,610
• Entry requirements: The candidates must have completed senior secondary school with Math/Applied Math, Chemistry, and Physics subjects. English language proficiency is also required for non-native speakers of the language. 

3. University of Waterloo

One of Canada's most prestigious research-intensive universities, the University of Waterloo is known for its experiential learning programs and solid employer-student connections. The university has North America's only dedicated Faculty of Mathematics and is recognized nationally and internationally as one of the top-ranked Mathematics and Computer Science schools.

Students get the option to choose from a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, including opportunities to conduct research. The university offers 23 undergraduate programs in three categories: Honour Mathematics, Computer Science, and Math and Business. Most of the programs are available as co-op programs, which help students learn by applying their skills through real-world experiences. At the graduate level, students can go for Masters and Ph.D. degrees in various subjects as specialization, including Pure Mathematics, Data Science, and Applied Mathematics, among others.

• Course to consider: Master of Mathematics in Applied Mathematics
• International fees: $23,088 per year
• Entry requirements: All candidates must have graduated with a four-year Honours Bachelor's degree specializing in Mathematics, Engineering or Science with a strong concentration in math. An overall score of 78% must be achieved in the undergraduate work. English language competency is also required for non-native speakers of the language. 

4. University of Montreal

The University of Montreal is among the most popular French universities in the world. Most of its programs are in English and French. The Department of Mathematics and Statistics is part of the Faculty of Arts and Science at UdeM. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs in mathematics.

• Course to consider: Bachelor in Mathematics
• International fees: $840,418
• Entry requirements: All applicants must have passed senior secondary education and completed one year of university studies, including mathematics, or they may need to attend a preparatory year at UdeM. Candidates must also show proficiency in the French language.

5. McGill University

The McGill University Department of Mathematics and Statistics was established in 1846 and has made giant strides, particularly in research fields such as number theory, algebraic geometry, combinatorics, and mathematical physics. 

The department offers undergraduate programs with majors in mathematics and various subjects, including biology, physiology, physics, computer science, and statistics. Specialized programs with pure and applied mathematics as the focus are also available. At the graduate level, McGill provides excellent teaching and research training wherein the students can choose from an extensive curriculum with fundamental and advanced courses offered in every subject branch. 

• Course to consider: B.Sc. Honours Mathematics
• International fees: $61,326
• Entry requirements: All candidates must have passed the senior secondary examination with scores between 75%-85% to apply. Non-native speakers of English also need to show competency in the language.

6. University of Alberta

The Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences at the University of Alberta is specifically engaged in various teaching, research, and outreach activities. The department has around 60 regular faculty members who guide students to excel in pure and applied mathematics and statistics.

Students are provided with a continuously evolving environment where they have the option to take up programs at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The teaching methodology at the university incorporates technology in various aspects, and the faculty members often employ innovative ways to impart education. Many have also won awards at the provincial and national levels. The mathematical department is also known for its outreach activities beyond the campus, as the teachers and students readily lend their expertise to the private sector, allowing students to get valuable experience in real-world scenarios.

• Course to consider: Master of Science with a specialization in Applied Mathematics (Mathematical and Statistical Sciences)
• International fees: CAD 19,015
• Entry requirements: Applicants must have a four-year undergraduate degree in a subject with a strong background and showcase proficiency in the English language. 

7. McMaster University

McMaster University offers its educational programs in the field through the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, which operates under the Faculty of Science. The university has a tradition of providing innovative programs at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels along with research initiatives, which also applies to this department. 

With 42 regular faculty members, the university offers several course options to students in mathematics, many of which can be clubbed with cooperative versions, allowing students to have work terms of eight months during their university studies. The department generally follows a student-centred approach to teaching wherein many subjects are taught in an interdisciplinary manner. The university's research strength lies in Algebra and Number Theory, Financial Mathematics, Mathematical Logic, Applied Mathematics, and much more.

• Course to consider: MSc in Mathematics 
• International fees: CAD 37,500
• Entry requirements: Applicants must have a first-class degree and showcase proficiency in the English language. 

8. Simon Fraser University

The university has a specific Department of Mathematics that combines current computational tools and theory to impart high-quality education. It is known to offer internationally renowned educational programs. 

Simon Fraser University has an impeccable faculty that includes award-winning teachers. Students are generally given a friendly atmosphere while receiving rigorous and up-to-date coursework. The university is also strong in conducting research activities wherein researchers from several disciplines collaborate to produce ground-breaking advances in mathematics and its applications in other fields such as engineering, genomics, and medicine. Students also get workshops to enhance their professional skills to help them gain better job opportunities after graduation. 

• Course to consider: Master of Science in Mathematics 
• International fees: CAD 6,198
• Entry requirements: Applicants must have a bachelor's degree from a recognized university and showcase proficiency in English language. 

9. University of Calgary

The University of Calgary provides undergraduate and postgraduate programs in the subject through the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. The different branches of the discipline are explored along with their real-world applications. 

The teaching methodology at the university is student-centric, wherein a lot of the learning happens when students work on problems in the class during the assignments. They are given foundational and advanced knowledge and skills in many modern sub-disciplines, including differential equations, geometry, number theory, probability, and more. Many courses also give the option to choose modules, giving students the flexibility to curate their learnings in their final degree. The university also focuses on research activities to allow students and researchers to work on solutions to people's problems. 

• Course to consider: MSc in Mathematical Finance
• International fees: CAD 31,867
• Entry requirements: Applicants must have a four-year degree to pursue the master's course and showcase English language proficiency. 

10. Queen’s University at Kingston

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics at Queen’s University at Kingston is the center of excellence, wherein teaching, learning, and research are integrated to provide students with a unique experience. 

About 30 regular faculty members and 15 members from other departments joined to take up specific courses. Students can take undergraduate and postgraduate courses with a curriculum combining pure and applied mathematics. This allows students to take up specific subjects of interest and enrich their academic experience to suit their preferences. The university also offers three specialization programs - Mathematics and Biology, Mathematics and Computer Science, and Mathematics and Physics. Many programs also include the option of providing internships during the study years, enhancing the overall experience of studying at Queen's University at Kingston. 

• Course to consider: MSc in Mathematics and Statistics 
• International fees: CAD 45,498
• Entry requirements: Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from a recognized university and showcase proficiency in the English language. 

Study Mathematics in Canada

If you are interested in studying at one of the best mathematics universities in Canada, book a free consultation with SI-Canada to learn more about the application process and other relevant information.