McGill University, Montreal's oldest university, is one of Canada's well-known medical-doctoral schools. It graduates more than 1,000 health care professionals annually, and is famous for its leading research and internationally diverse student body. In 1821 Scottish merchant James McGill designated that his 46-acre estate and country home be used to create a university or college in his name. Today, the school is a flourishing university which boasts of over 36,000 students, 300 programs of study, 11 facilities and two campuses.
According to the Times Higher Education, the University of Toronto is one of the world's top-rated universities, ranking No. 13 of 81 universities in North America and No. 1 in Canada for the year of 2010. Students attending the University of Toronto have access to three campuses, over 1,000 organizations and athletic teams, one of the strongest research facilities and more academic programs than any other university in Canada.
The University of British Columbia is internationally recognized for its research excellence. It ranked among the top universities in the world in 2010 according to Times Higher Education --- No. 22 in North America and No. 2 in Canada. The University of British Columbia is an institution which embraces big-thinking, new approaches and exploration. This openness to different ideas allows students and faculty to learn and teach in innovation ways and leads to breakthroughs and discovery. With more than 50,000 students and two campuses located in two cities which house such attractions as the Museum of Anthropology, three concert halls, the Pacific Museum of Earth and many athletic and music programs, this university not only provides high-quality education, but also strives to apply one of its core values which is enhancing societal good within the community.
The University of Alberta is a research-intensive and world-respected public university, which carries a vision of "uplifting of the whole people" not only in Canada, but across the world. Research is such an important theme at the University of Alberta, that it is thoroughly integrated into the university's curriculum from the beginning of a student's education until graduation. Students attending this university not only have access to more than 300 student groups in varying areas of interest, but are also able to study abroad at a partnering institution.