Founded in 1957, the University of Waterloo’s Faculty of Engineering has grown into Canada’s largest engineering school and one of the most internationally recognized. Waterloo’s reputation is anchored in its top-ranked co-operative education system—the largest of its kind worldwide—and its role in driving innovation through entrepreneurship and industry partnerships. With a 95.7 percent employment rate among engineering grads just six months after graduation in 2024, Waterloo engineers are among the most employable in Canada.

At Waterloo, prospective students choose between 15 engineering programs including Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Software, and emerging areas such as Biomedical and Nanotechnology when they apply.  On-campus housing is guaranteed in first year, with direct access to Waterloo’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and research labs.

Founded in 1873, University of Toronto’s Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering has built an international reputation for excellence in research and teaching, consistently ranking among the top engineering schools worldwide. With more than 8,000 students, U of T Engineering is the second largest in Canada, recognized for its breadth, research intensity, and the global career outcomes of its graduates. In 2020, U of T reported a graduate employment rate of 88.1 percent within six months of graduation.

Students follow a common first-year curriculum covering physics, chemistry, mathematics, and design, before branching into 10 core disciplines including Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Computer, and Mineral Engineering. The Professional Experience Year (PEY) Co-op allows students to complete a minimum of 12 months to a maximum of 20 months of full-time, paid work experience with leading employers in Toronto and beyond, one of the longest internship models in Canada. Housing is available on the St. George campus, and students benefit from proximity to Canada’s largest tech and financial hub as well as institutes like the Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence.

Engineering at UBC has been central to the university since its early years, and today the Faculty of Applied Science is a fixture on international rankings. With campuses in Vancouver and the Okanagan, UBC Engineering is one of Canada’s largest programs for civil, mechanical, electrical, and environmental engineering. Its west coast setting and research culture attract students from across Canada and abroad. BC Student Outcomes 2022-24 data reported an employment rate of 83 percent among UBC Engineering and Applied Science grads.

The BASc begins with a common first year, after which students apply to one of more than a dozen disciplines including Civil, Electrical, Chemical, Mining, Materials, and Biomedical Engineering. A comprehensive co-op program is available in all disciplines, with placements across Vancouver’s growing tech economy and international opportunities through UBC’s global partnerships. Housing is offered at both campuses, including residence guarantees for incoming first-year students. The program also emphasizes interdisciplinary connections, allowing students to integrate engineering with fields such as commerce, sustainability, and health.

Founded in 1873, Polytechnique Montréal is one of Canada’s oldest and largest engineering schools, affiliated with Université de Montréal. Entirely French-language and focused on engineering disciplines, it has educated more than 50,000 engineers and is a cornerstone of Quebec’s innovation economy.

Students complete a preparatory first year before entering one of more than a dozen engineering disciplines. The school emphasizes co-operative education, with structured paid work terms across Quebec’s aerospace, energy, and manufacturing sectors. Polytechnique reports employment rates between 90 and 100 percent for its undergraduate engineering programs. On-campus residence is available through Université de Montréal’s housing network.

Established in 1958, McMaster’s Faculty of Engineering is one of Canada’s most innovative. The university pioneered the “Engineering I” model, where all students begin with a common first year before selecting a discipline, ensuring a broad foundation and informed decision-making. McMaster’s focus on design, problem-solving, and interdisciplinary collaboration reflects its reputation as one of the most forward-thinking engineering schools.

The BEng offers programs in Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Chemical, Software, Materials, and Biomedical Engineering, among others. McMaster also offers unique interdisciplinary programs such as Integrated Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences (iBioMed). Its co-op system is integrated across all programs, giving students flexible options for 4–16-month work terms with employers in Canada and abroad. 82.6 percent of McMaster’s engineering grads were employed within six months of graduating in 2020. Housing is guaranteed for first-year students, including international students.

Founded in 1821, McGill has long been recognized internationally for academic excellence, and its Faculty of Engineering, established in 1931, has grown into one of Canada’s leading hubs for research and innovation. Situated in the heart of Montreal, McGill connects students directly to a global city with strengths in aerospace, AI, and advanced materials. The faculty offers substantial experiential opportunities: in 2023–24 Faculty of Engineering students participated in 706 internships or co‑ops. Among graduating engineering students, 66 percent had secured employment at the time of graduation, with another 19 percent pursuing further education.

Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) students start by choosing one of nine program specializations including Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Mining, Chemical, and Bioengineering.  Housing is guaranteed for first-year students.

Founded in 1908, the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Engineering sits in the heart of the province’s energy and technology ecosystem. Its strength comes from deep ties to industry, giving students access to field-scale projects in energy systems, process engineering, environmental remediation, and carbon-transition technologies through partners such as Suncor and Cenovus. The faculty also benefits from resources like the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute and the National Institute for Nanotechnology, which support applied work in AI, robotics, materials, and biomedical engineering. The result is a program shaped by Alberta’s industrial landscape and by research facilities that offer practical experience on a large scale.

The BSc in Engineering starts with a common first year before branching into disciplines such as Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Chemical, Petroleum, and Computer Engineering. The accompanying co-op program allows students to complete up to 20 months of paid work experience. Residence is guaranteed for first-year students, and the Edmonton campus connects students to both Alberta’s industrial base and research institutes like the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii).

Founded in 1841, Queen’s University has one of Canada’s oldest and most respected engineering programs. The Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science traces its roots to the School of Mining and has built a reputation for producing graduates who combine strong technical skills with leadership and professional readiness.

The BASc begins with a common first year before students specialize in programs such as Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Mining, Geological, and Computer Engineering. The Queen’s Undergraduate Internship Program (QUIP) allows students to complete 12–16 month paid placements, and design-focused courses run throughout the program. Queen’s engineering grads had an average employment rate of 92 percent within six months of graduation in 2020. Housing is available to first-year students in Queen’s residence system, which is integrated into Kingston’s historic campus.

The Schulich School of Engineering at the University of Calgary opened in 1965 and has quickly become one of Western Canada’s leading engineering schools. Its strengths reflect the city’s focus on energy, resources, and technology, while also expanding into other spheres including biomedical, software, and sustainability, combining strong academics with industry integration.

Students begin with a common first year, then specialize in disciplines like Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Geomatics, Mechanical, Oil & Gas, and Software Engineering. The program includes extensive lab-based learning and a structured internship program that provides 12–16 months of paid work experience. Residence is guaranteed for first-year students who apply by the deadline.

Western University’s Faculty of Engineering was established in 1954 and has developed a reputation for combining academic rigor with a close-knit community experience, offering a strong balance of tradition and modern innovation. Graduates of Western’s Engineering program have an average employment rate of 81.3 percent within six months (and 98 percent within two years, according to its site).

Students complete a common first year before moving into disciplines such as Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Software, Green Process, and Integrated Engineering. Western’s optional co-op and internship programs give students flexible opportunities to gain paid industry experience, with placements in Ontario’s manufacturing, automotive, and energy sectors. Housing is guaranteed for first-year students in Western’s residence system.

The University of Victoria, founded in 1963, has built a reputation for research strength and student-centered learning. Its Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science reflects the character of the university: midsized, innovative, and deeply connected to its west coast setting.

UVic offers programs in Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Biomedical, Computer and Software Engineering. Students begin with a common first year and then choose their engineering discipline before entering second year, with additional support available for students who start as undeclared or transfer into the program. A hallmark of UVic is its co-op system, which is mandatory for all engineering students and provides multiple paid placements throughout their degree. BC Student Outcomes 2022-24 data reported an employment rate of 89 percent among UVic Engineering and Applied Science grads. The university guarantees residence for first-year students, with modern housing on its Vancouver Island campus.

As Canada’s largest bilingual university, the University of Ottawa has developed a reputation for bridging cultures, languages, and disciplines. Its Faculty of Engineering, created in 1989, has grown rapidly and today offers programs that combine academic depth with strong co-op placements in the nation’s capital. Their Engineering graduates report an 80.7 percent employment rate within six months as of 2020 (and a 91.4 percent employment rate within two years, according to its 2023 program guide).

Students enter their chosen engineering discipline (Biomedical Mechanical, Chemical, Civil, Computer, Computer Science, Electrical, or Mechanical) and can later choose technical specializations. The co-op program is the second-largest in Ontario, with students gaining work experience in federal departments, research labs, and Ottawa’s growing private tech sector. Courses are offered in English or French, and students can study in either language or a combination of both. Housing is available on campus, with residence options guaranteed for first-year students who apply on time.

Concordia’s Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science, located in downtown Montreal, has grown steadily since the merger of Sir George Williams University and Loyola College in the 1970s. Today it’s a modern, industry-focused faculty known for applied learning, strong ties to Montreal’s tech and aerospace sectors, and a broad mix of engineering and computer science programs.

Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) students can specialize in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Computer, Aerospace or Building Engineering. Co-op is offered in most programs, and students often land roles in Montreal’s aerospace, construction and software sectors. Students can live on campus at the Grey Nuns residence downtown or at the Loyola campus.

Founded in 1942 in Ottawa, Carleton University has always emphasized practical, career-focused education. The Faculty of Engineering and Design is known for its strong studio-based culture and close integration with Canada’s aerospace, communications, and technology sectors.

The Bachelor of Engineering offers programs in Aerospace, Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Biomedical, Computer Systems, and Sustainable and Renewable Energy Engineering. The third largest co-op program in Ontario, according to its website, Carleton co-op placements regularly connect students to the federal government, the National Research Council, and private employers. Carleton reported a 78.2 percent employment rate within six months of graduation as of 2020. Housing is guaranteed for first-year students who meet deadlines.

Founded in 1818, Dalhousie is one of Canada’s oldest universities and the leading research institution in Atlantic Canada. Located in Halifax, its Faculty of Engineering draws students from across the region and internationally, with strengths in materials, ocean engineering, and sustainable energy.

Starting out with a common first year before inviting students to specialize, Dalhousie offers core programs in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, and Industrial Engineering, supported by strong ties to Atlantic Canada’s shipping, energy, and health industries. The school offers co-op and internship opportunities across the region, and its Halifax setting provides access to research partnerships and employers. Residence is guaranteed for first-year students.

Memorial University’s Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, founded in 1961, has built its strengths around Newfoundland and Labrador’s marine and offshore industries. That focus shapes both its programs and the kinds of field experience students can access.

Students begin in a common first year (Engineering One) before moving into majors such as Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Ocean and Naval Architectural, and Process Engineering. The program uses a mandatory co-operative education model established in 1969, one of Canada’s longest-running engineering co-op structures. Students alternate academic terms with paid work terms, supported by long-standing employer partnerships. Exmar Offshore Company, for example, has hired more than 220 MUN students since 2005, and many other placements connect directly to the region’s marine, offshore and energy sectors. Housing is available on the St. John’s campus, with access to MUN’s marine research facilities and coastal field sites.

Université Laval, founded in 1852 in Quebec City, is one of Canada’s oldest universities and home to a Faculty of Science and Engineering that mirrors the province’s resource, environmental and infrastructure sectors. All engineering programs are delivered in French and span an unusually wide range of disciplines.

Students apply directly to one of sixteen accredited engineering degrees, from core fields like Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Chemical engineering to highly specialized areas such as Water Engineering, Mining and Mineral Processing, Metallurgy, Geological Engineering, Aerospace, Environmental Technologies, and Forest-Related Engineering. This breadth reflects the economic landscape of Quebec and gives francophone students an uncommon level of choice.

Laval’s engineering degrees share foundational first-year coursework in math, science and design, but each program has its own structure and internal concentrations. The university maintains a strong co-op system with placements across Quebec, and international opportunities in Europe and Africa. On-campus residence is available, and the setting in Quebec City offers a full francophone environment.

Toronto Metropolitan University, formerly Ryerson, has evolved into a strongly industry-connected engineering school shaped by its downtown Toronto location. The Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science focuses on applied learning, studio-style coursework and close collaboration with employers in the city’s technology, aerospace and health innovation sectors.

Students can begin in Aerospace, Biomedical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Industrial or Mechanical Engineering, or start in Undeclared Engineering for the first semester before choosing a discipline. TMU’s co-op and internship system places students across Toronto’s major industries, supported by employer networks built through applied research and long-standing partnerships with multinational organizations.

The employment rate for engineering graduates within six months was 82.2 percent in 2021. On-campus housing is limited, but guaranteed for incoming first-year students, with residence buildings located in the downtown core.

The University of Saskatchewan’s College of Engineering, founded in 1912, has served as the primary engineering school for the prairie provinces. In 2018, it launched the innovative “Re-Engineered” first-year program, designed to emphasize design, teamwork, and professional skills alongside traditional math and science foundations.

Students begin in the common first year before specializing in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Computer, Geological, or Environmental Engineering. Co-op and internship opportunities are available through Saskatoon’s resource, agriculture, and infrastructure industries, as well as across Western Canada. Housing is available on campus, with guaranteed spaces for first-year students.

The Lassonde School of Engineering at York University is one of Canada’s newest engineering faculties, established in 2012. Built with a focus on interdisciplinary learning and innovation, Lassonde has quickly grown into a significant presence in Ontario’s engineering landscape.

Programs include Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Computer, Software, and Earth & Atmospheric Science Engineering. Co-op and internship opportunities are available, with strong links to Toronto’s tech and startup ecosystem. Lassonde also emphasizes entrepreneurial learning, offering students access to York’s incubators and research networks. The employment rate within six months for Lassonde engineering grads at York was 87 percent in 2021. On-campus housing is guaranteed for first-year students, with multiple residence options across the Keele campus.