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Four B.C. universities rank among Canada’s best in Maclean’s 2027 list
Maclean’s has grouped universities by size in its 2027 Canadian rankings. UBC placed third among large universities, while Simon Fraser University and the University of Victoria took the top two mid-size spots; the University of Northern British Columbia ranked second among small universities.
With the fall semester underway, four B.C. universities have been named among Canada’s best in Maclean’s 2027 university rankings. Maclean’s changed its education-ranking methodology this year to make the results “more user-friendly and easier to understand.” It grouped institutions by size: large universities have more than 30,000 full-time-equivalent students; mid-size universities have 10,000 to 30,000; and small universities have fewer than 10,000.
The University of British Columbia ranked third among large universities. Maclean’s cited UBC’s record for producing Rhodes Scholars and faculty members who have received 3M National Teaching Fellowships. The publication also noted that UBC operates Canada’s largest student-housing program, including the 650-bed Exchange Residence, which has 71 “nano” suites measuring 140 square feet each. McGill University and the University of Toronto ranked ahead of UBC.
B.C. universities took the top two positions in the mid-size category. Simon Fraser University ranked first, with Maclean’s pointing to its flexible semester system and extensive co-op offerings. The publication described the original Burnaby campus as known for its mountain views and Arthur Erickson-designed buildings, and noted that SFU also has established campuses in downtown Vancouver and Surrey. All three campuses have strong ties to their local communities, Maclean’s wrote.
The University of Victoria ranked second among mid-size universities, with Maclean’s highlighting its natural setting. The publication said the location also shapes UVic’s identity, and cited research strengths in ocean and climate health, Indigenous knowledge, clean growth, health sciences and sustainable communities.
The University of Northern British Columbia placed second among Canada’s Best Small Universities for 2027. Maclean’s highlighted the university’s commitment to sustainability. Its heating system uses biomass from sawmills and has earned environmental accolades from afar. The Wood Innovation Research Laboratory is recognized as a Passive House, which means it uses significantly less energy than a standard building.
Other B.C. institutions on the small-university list include the University of the Fraser Valley at No. 18 and Vancouver Island University at No. 22. The full 2027 rankings are available at https://macleans.ca/education/university-rankings/.