Introducing the 2026 Maclean’s Ultimate Guide to Canadian Universities

At this time of year, Grade 12 students are receiving offers from university programs and deciding where they want to study in the fall. Meanwhile, students in Grade 11 are trying to get top marks so next year their applications will be successful. Here’s the good news for stressed-out students (and parents): Canada has a wide assortment of high-quality, publicly funded universities.

There’s a school and a program for everyone. Plus, from a demographics standpoint, this is a great time to apply. Over the last few years, the federal government has lowered its number of international student permits, which impacts enrolment. Schools are more eager than ever to recruit domestic students.

The 2026 edition of the Maclean’s Ultimate Guide to Canadian Universities, released this week, is a comprehensive resource to help students and parents navigate these decisions and opportunities. It offers the latest information on schools, programs, admissions, scholarships and campus living arrangements. No high school student should approach university life without it. Maclean’s is uniquely qualified to be a post-secondary education co-pilot. For decades, we’ve chronicled campus life and ranked universities using a carefully developed methodology. The Ultimate Guide to Canadian Universities provides the resources students need to make the right choices for their education.

Order a copy here.

—Sarah Fulford, editor-in-chief