10 Best Universities In Canada For Psychology - Complete Guide for Students

Thinking about studying psychology in Canada? Whether you're aiming for a bachelor’s or master’s degree, here are the top 10 psychology universities in Canada for 2025—chosen based on their global reputation, strong academics, and what students have to say about them.

Top 10 Universities in Canada for Psychology (2025)

1. University of Toronto (U of T) - Toronto, Ontario

Ranked among the top 20 in the world for psychology, the University of Toronto offers one of the best and most research-focused psychology programs in Canada. The department has campuses across the city and covers areas like clinical psychology, brain science, social behaviour, and child development. 

Students get access to top-notch research labs, expert professors, and chances to work across different subjects. U of T also supports students with good research funding and helpful career programs.

2. University of British Columbia (UBC) - Vancouver, British Columbia

UBC is well-known around the world for its creative and wide-ranging psychology programs. It has one of the biggest psychology departments in Canada and offers research-based courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels.

You can study topics like brain and behaviour, child development, health, and culture. Located in Vancouver, UBC has a diverse and welcoming vibe. Students also get access to modern labs and co-op programs that give real work experience, great for those planning careers in research or practical psychology.

3. McGill University - Montreal, Quebec

McGill University has one of the oldest and most respected psychology departments in Canada. It offers both B.A. and B.Sc. programs in psychology, along with strong master’s and PhD options. Students can explore topics like how the brain works, how we see and understand the world, mental health, and language.

McGill has top-class research labs like the Montreal Neurological Institute and a friendly, collaborative learning environment. Plus, being in a bilingual city, you can study in English, French, or both.

4. Western University - London, Ontario

Western University is known for its strong focus on brain research, mental processes, and behaviour. Its Psychology Department works closely with the Brain and Mind Institute and teams up with other areas like medicine, education, and business. 

Students can choose an honours specialisation in their undergrad and go on to research-based master’s or PhD programs. Western also offers great support through mentorship, internships, and hands-on lab experience, making it a solid choice for anyone looking to build a career in psychology.

5. McMaster University - Hamilton, Ontario

McMaster University offers an exciting program in Psychology, Neuroscience, and Behaviour (PNB) that lets you learn across different subjects. It’s well-known for research in child development, brain function, and how we understand the world around us. 

Students enjoy flexible course options, hands-on lab training, and co-op opportunities. McMaster also focuses on learning through questions and discussions, with lots of support from friendly professors, perfect for building a career in research, healthcare, or teaching.

6. Université de Montréal - Montreal, Quebec

Université de Montréal is one of the best French-speaking universities in Canada and offers great psychology programs for both undergrad and postgrad students. It’s especially strong in areas like clinical psychology, mental health, testing and assessments, and therapy.

Students get real-world experience by training in community clinics and hospitals. If you're a French-speaking student looking for quality education and hands-on practice in psychology, this is a great place to study.

7. University of Alberta - Edmonton, Alberta

The University of Alberta offers a wide range of psychology programs for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students. You can explore topics like how we think, animal behaviour, social interactions, and mental health. The university has excellent labs and works closely with research centres like the Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute. 

Students also get great support through mentorship and research assistant jobs, making it a good choice if you’re aiming for a career in research or clinical psychology.

8. University of Waterloo - Waterloo, Ontario

The University of Waterloo is known for its focus on real-world learning and new ideas. Its psychology programs mix classroom learning with practical experience. One of the best features is the co-op program, where students get to work in real jobs in areas like mental health, business, or research. Waterloo is strong in topics like decision-making, emotions, workplace behaviour, and human interactions with technology. With modern labs and a mix of subjects, it’s a great place to prepare for grad school or jobs in the field.

9. York University - Toronto, Ontario

York University has one of the biggest psychology departments in Canada, with lots of options for both undergrad and grad students. It’s known for its strengths in clinical psychology, counselling, child development, and research methods. The program focuses on both theory and real-world learning.

Students get chances to work in healthcare settings, use modern labs, and learn from experienced researchers. York also has one of the few officially recognised clinical psychology programs in Ontario, making it a great pick for future therapists or researchers.

10. Queen’s University at Kingston - Kingston, Ontario

Queen’s University offers a friendly and research-focused place to study psychology. It’s known for areas like social behaviour, child development, brain science, and mental health. Classes are small, so students get more time with professors and hands-on learning. 

Queen’s also has well-funded master’s and PhD programs, plus partnerships with hospitals for clinical training. With a strong alumni network and a supportive learning environment, it’s a great choice if you’re planning a career in healthcare or research.

Admission Requirements for Psychology in Canada (UG & PG)

Here’s a breakdown of what you need to apply for psychology courses in Canada, whether you're going for a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.

1. Bachelor’s in Psychology (Undergraduate)

To apply for a psychology undergrad program in Canada, here’s what you’ll generally need:

Education:

• Completed Class 12 from a recognised board (CBSE, ICSE, or State Board)
• Minimum 70-85% marks (depends on the university)
• Some colleges may prefer students with a Psychology, Biology, or Math background

English Language Test (if you're an international student):

• IELTS: 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0)
• TOEFL iBT: 86-100
• PTE Academic: 60+

Other Documents:

• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Academic transcripts
• Letters of recommendation (optional but good to have)
• Resume/CV (for a few competitive programs)

2. Master’s in Psychology (Postgraduate)

For a Master’s in Psychology, especially in research or clinical areas, here’s what you’ll need:

Education:

• A 4-year Bachelor's degree in Psychology or a related field (like Neuroscience, Sociology, Cognitive Science)
• Minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 or 70-75% in Indian grading (around 7.0 CGPA)
• Some programs (like clinical or experimental psychology) may ask for a thesis in your undergrad

English Language Test:

• IELTS: 6.5 to 7.5 (no band less than 6.0)
• TOEFL iBT: 90-100
• PTE: 65+

Other Documents:

• Statement of Intent or Research Proposal (for thesis-based courses)
• 2-3 Letters of Recommendation
• Academic CV / Resume
• Any work, research, or volunteer experience in the field (especially for clinical programs)

GRE:

Not usually required, but some top universities might ask for it.

Tip: For clinical psychology, programs are highly competitive. You’ll have better chances if you have:

• Strong stats/research method skills
• Previous research or published work
• Sometimes, an interview is also part of the process

Tuition Fees & Scholarships for Psychology Programs in Canada (2025)

Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) Psychology Programs

• Average Fees for International Students: Around CAD 36,100 per year, based on the national average for arts and humanities programs.

Note:

If you're applying to a university in Quebec (like Université de Montréal), the fees might be lower due to regional rules for international students.

Graduate (Master’s & PhD) Psychology Programs

Average Fees for International Students: Around CAD 21,100 per year nationally.

Some universities are more affordable:

Memorial University of Newfoundland

• Master's: Approx. CAD 4,833/year
• PhD: Approx. CAD 4,497/year

University of Saskatchewan

• Approx. CAD 4,112 per 3-credit course
• That adds up to about CAD 16,000/year (depending on course load)

Scholarships & Funding Help

1. University-Specific Scholarships

UBC (University of British Columbia)

Offers the Outstanding International Student (OIS) Award

• Worth CAD 10,000-25,000
• For students with strong academics and extracurriculars

McGill University

Psychology grad students can apply for major Canadian research grants like:

• NSERC, SSHRC, and CIHR awards

2. Provincial & National Scholarships

Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)

• CAD 5,000 per term (up to CAD 15,000/year)
• For Master’s and PhD students in Ontario universities like the University of Toronto, Western, McMaster, York, etc.

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship

One of Canada’s top PhD scholarships

• Worth CAD 50,000/year for 3 years
• For top research students, including those in psychology

Other Funding Options

Bursaries:

• Need-based financial aid (you don’t have to repay it)
• Available at most Canadian universities

External Scholarships:

• Platforms like WeMakeScholars and Hotcourses Abroad list 60+ psychology-specific scholarships
• Includes both merit-based and demographic-based awards (for women, international students, minorities, etc.)

Career Opportunities After Studying Psychology in Canada

A psychology degree from Canada can lead you to many exciting careers, not just in mental health, but also in education, business, and research. No matter if you finish a bachelor's, master's, or PhD, the skills you learn, like understanding human behaviour, research, and communication, are valuable in many fields.

After a Bachelor’s in Psychology (BA/BSc)

A bachelor’s degree gives you a strong base in how people think, feel, and behave. While it doesn't let you work as a licensed therapist yet, it opens the door to several entry-level jobs.

Job Options:

• Human Resources Assistant
• Caseworker / Social Services Assistant
• Rehabilitation or Mental Health Support Worker
• Administrative roles in hospitals or schools
• Market Research Analyst
• Youth Worker / Behavioural Therapist (with extra training or certifications)

After a Master’s in Psychology

A master’s lets you focus on areas like counselling, mental health, business psychology, or education. You can now apply for mid-level jobs with more responsibility.

Job Options:

• Registered Psychotherapist (after getting licensed)
• Counselling Psychologist (in some provinces)
• Industrial-Organizational (I/O) Consultant
• Addiction Counsellor
• Program Evaluator
• Academic Research Assistant or Coordinator
• Behaviour Analyst (ABA Therapy)

After a PhD in Psychology

A PhD is required if you want to become a licensed Clinical Psychologist or work as a professor or researcher. This degree gives you access to top-level roles in mental health and education.

Job Options:

• Clinical Psychologist (licensed)
• Neuropsychologist
• Forensic Psychologist
• University Professor or Lecturer
• Director of Mental Health Services
• Lead Researcher in hospitals or labs

To become a registered psychologist in Canada, you usually need:

• A PhD
• Supervised clinical hours
• Licensing exams like the EPPP

Where Can You Work?

Psychology grads in Canada can find jobs in many areas, such as:

• Mental health clinics (public and private)
• Hospitals and rehab centres
• Schools, colleges, and universities
• HR departments in companies
• Government offices and research groups
• NGOs and community organisations
• Marketing or user experience teams

Average Salary in Canada (2025 Estimates)

(Sources: JobBank Canada, Glassdoor, PayScale)

How to Choose the Right Psychology University in Canada

Canada has many great universities for psychology but picking the right one for you can be tricky. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you choose the best fit based on your goals, interests, and budget.

1. Know Your Career Goals

First, think about what you want to do after your degree:

• Want to be a clinical psychologist or a researcher? Go for research-focused universities like U of T, UBC, or McGill.
• Want to work in counselling, mental health, or business settings? Look for schools with co-op programs (like Waterloo) or practical training (like York or Queen’s)

2. Check Rankings & Faculty

Instead of just looking at overall university rankings, check how the psychology department ranks. Also, explore what the professors specialise in, especially if you’re interested in things like brain science, mental health, or child development. Top choices with great faculty and research areas: U of T, McGill, UBC

3. Review the Program Details

Not all psychology programs are the same! Some focus more on theory and research, while others include practical training like internships or co-ops.

Check for things like:

• Specialisations (clinical, forensic, organisational, etc.)
• Elective choices and lab access
• Thesis or non-thesis options
• Field placements or practicums

4. Know the Entry Requirements

Each university has its own rules for admission.

Check the required:

• GPA / marks
• English test scores (like IELTS/TOEFL)
• Other documents (SOP, letters of recommendation, resume)

Top schools like the University of Toronto and McGill are more competitive so that they may ask for higher grades and strong academic profiles.

If you’re applying for a master’s, see if they need research experience or a thesis from your bachelor’s.

5. Compare Fees & Cost of Living

Psychology tuition can cost anywhere from CAD 20,000 to 36,000 or more per year.

Big cities like Toronto and Vancouver are more expensive to live in than smaller cities like Kingston or Edmonton.

Look out for:

• Scholarships (like UBC’s OIS or McGill entrance awards)
• Bursaries (need-based financial help)

6. Think About Campus Life & Student Support

Your campus experience matters!

Do you prefer a big city vibe or a quiet town?

Check for:

• Mental health and career support
• International student help
• Student clubs (especially psychology-related ones!)

7. Check for Accreditation (for Clinical Psychology)

If you want to become a licensed psychologist, make sure the program meets your province’s rules.

Look for programs that offer:

• Supervised practicum/internship hours
• A good track record of students getting into PhD or licensing programs

Conclusion

Now that you know the top psychology universities in Canada, it’s time to take the next step! Make a shortlist of your favourite ones, check out their programs, and start getting your application ready. The sooner you start, the better your chances of getting in and even grabbing a scholarship. Choosing the right university is the first big step in your psychology journey, so make it count!