The Best Universities in Canada to Study Finance & Accounting for International Students 2023

Canada has a reputation as the best place in the world to earn a degree in finance due to its abundance of job opportunities, plethora of funding opportunities, and top-tier educational institutions. A degree from a reputable Canadian university opens doors not only in Canada, but around the world.

A strong grasp of mathematics is essential for success in the accounting profession. Having a quick mind and the ability to quickly assess, compare, and comprehend numerical data and factual information is also essential. A bachelor’s or master’s degree in accounting is recommended for those considering a career in the field since it prepares students for the critical thinking and quantitative skills required in the field.

If you are looking for an accounting degree in Canada, the best university options are listed below in order of quality.

1. University of Toronto

The University of Toronto is widely recognized as an excellent learning environment and a pioneer in a wide range of academic fields. Financial studies is one of the many highly rated majors offered at the university’s more than 90 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Graduates from the university are in high demand, making it a good choice for anyone seeking economics, finance, or accounting-related employment. The main campus of the University of Toronto features some of the most stunning gardens and structures in the GTA and Mississauga. When it comes to studying and researching, the University of Toronto is a great place to do so. UTM (University of Toronto Mississauga), U of T St. George, and U of T Scarborough are the three campuses that make up the University of Toronto (U of T) (UTSC). These campuses can be found in several of the world’s liveliest, most welcoming, and culturally varied major cities. You can locate a festival, a street fair, a sports team, or some culture in Toronto.

2.  McGill University

In 1821, King George IV of Britain established McGill University in Montreal, Canada, with James McGill as its founder. If you want to get a great education, your best bet is the best public university in the country, which has more than 400 different majors and areas of study. McGill University is a top choice for anyone thinking about a career in banking because of its prestigious Master of Business Administration (MBA) program and other highly regarded offerings in finance, analytics, and law. The McGill University Centre for Continuing Education offers courses, as well as certificate and diploma programs, in a wide range of disciplines. The University places a heavy emphasis on both teaching and research. McGill University’s Centre for Teaching and Learning provides faculty and lecturers with formal training and development opportunities, promotes the use of cutting-edge teaching methods and technologies, and investigates ways in which university instructors can improve their skills as educators.

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3. The University of British Columbia

The University of British Columbia, more commonly known as UBC, is a prestigious institution of higher education in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The school’s excellent on-campus recruitment strategy is one reason its graduates are in such high demand. Graduate and postgraduate programs in fields such as business administration, international economics, and others are made available to students. For those interested in a career in accounting or finance, UBC is a top choice because to its innovative curriculum and experienced instructors. Approximately 500 undergraduate and graduate degrees in areas such as business and technology management, information technology, applied technology, the liberal arts and sciences, and languages and translation can be conferred each year at this university. Over the years, UBC has collaborated with local businesses on over 1,300 research projects and assisted in the start-up of approximately 200 new businesses.

UBC is actually in two places. The downtown cultural and economic core of the greater Vancouver area is located about a half-hour drive from Point Grey, where the main campus is located. The second campus may be found in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, next to Okanagan Lake. Students can explore varied passions including skiing, flying, and even archaeology thanks to the university’s state-of-the-art sports complexes and plethora of student clubs. On-campus facilities range from the National Laboratory for Particle and Nuclear Physics (TRIUMF) to a traditional Japanese botanical garden complete with an Ichiba tea house to Canada’s second largest research library with over 7 million volumes. UBC has produced numerous Nobel laureates, over sixty Rhodes Scholars, and over two hundred fellows of the Royal Society of Canada during the course of its history.

4. York University

A public institution of higher learning, York University has called Ontario, Canada, home since its inception in 1959. It has more than 11 faculties in a wide range of subjects, making it the second largest university in Ontario and the third largest in Canada. In addition to its exceptional programs in the fields of law, business, and finance, the university is renowned for its extensive provision of financial aid to students. The business school at this school is ranked sixth in the country by Time Higher Education and first in the nation by The Economics. At this school, undergrads and grads can choose from a wide variety of courses and degrees. You will be taught by world-class professors throughout your whole academic career; their cutting-edge research will have a direct bearing on what you learn and how it is taught.

 An extensive library that is open 24/7/365 and stocks multiple copies of all required textbooks is just one example of the excellent learning resources available to you. On top of that, you’ll have access to a personal supervisor and many workshops to help you along the way. The University of York is committed to helping you achieve your postgraduate goals. When students first arrive at York, they are encouraged to visit the Careers Service to begin planning for their futures. Numerous potential employers make regular visits to campus, and there are plenty of opportunities to attend workshops to hone your skills. Careers also features full-time and internship opportunities, both regionally and nationally. The faculty is eager to help students find work in their home countries when they graduate.

5. Queen’s University 

in 1841, Queen Victoria’s royal charter helped establish Queen’s University in Ontario, Canada. When it comes to Canadian universities, Queen’s University is reliably a top pick. The university offers more than 150 different graduate and undergraduate courses, with business administration, accounting, and finance being among the most popular. Further, anyone interested in learning about business management can do so at Queen’s University in Kingston’s Smith School of Business. Courses in this field can be found throughout disciplines, from business and economics to accounting and finance. Queen’s University is located in the Canadian city of Kingston. Montreal and Toronto, the two largest cities in Canada, are roughly the same distance from the school. Admissions hopefuls are encouraged to attend regular campus tours and open houses to familiarize themselves with the campus and visitor center before deciding whether or not to apply. The primary campus occupies an area of nearly 100 acres. Having served as the University’s primary building since its construction in 1905, Grant Hall is easily the most recognizable building on campus. The campus features a number of world-class museums and performing arts centers in addition to its six interconnected libraries.

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6. McMaster University

McMaster University, which is found in Hamilton, Ontario, draws in students from all over the world. It was founded in 1887, and since then it has grown to encompass more than 70 different research centers and institutes across the country, each of which provides a wide range of educational opportunities. Master’s and doctoral programs in economics, business, accounting, and finance are available at McMaster University. Among the best universities in Canada, QS places it in fourth place. QS (Top universities) and THE regularly rank McMaster University as one of the top universities in the world (Times Higher Education).

 The inclusion of McMaster University in this year’s world ranking, which is published by the most prestigious rating organizations in the world, further solidifies McMaster’s standing as one of the greatest in the world. According to QS’s 2023 rankings of the best universities in the world, McMaster is ranked 152nd overall and sixth in Canada. This is reflected in an official Canadian ranking. It is one of the few Canadian colleges to make it into the top 200 universities in the world, according to various rating agencies.

McMaster University has four campuses: the main one in Hamilton’s downtown; Burlington; Kitchener-Waterloo; and Niagara.

7. University of Montreal

If you have a passion for the French language and are considering a career in finance, you should apply to the University of Montreal (UdeM). The graduate programs and concentrations in economics, mathematics, management, and finance at this public Canadian institution, established in 1878, are among the best in the world. The Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities placed the University of Montreal at #7 among Canadian universities. Students who want to learn more about a particular area of interest can do so by joining one of the many officially recognized clubs or organisations on campus. There are two significant student governments at this university that are responsible for coordinating all student activities. FAÉCUM (the organization) currently has ties to more than eighty different student organizations. The University of Montreal is a member of U15, a consortium of 15 Canadian research universities. The university’s 465 research centers, institutes, and departments help it rank third among the world’s top 50 research universities in 2018.

A significant number of students have completed their studies and graduated from the university at this point. These former students are now located in different parts of Canada and the world. Numerous well-known politicians, scientists, and businesspeople are among its alums. A large number of these alums have gone on to hold influential positions in government and other fields, making them household names.

8.  Laval University

The Université Laval in Quebec City, Canada, was the first French-language university in North America. Over 500 degree programs and over a thousand online courses are available to students at this institution, which accepts new students in the fall, winter, and spring. The school provides numerous online economics and finance courses, some of which focus on managing and analyzing financial data. There are a variety of master’s degrees available, including an M.Sc. in business administration and an M.A. in interdisciplinary studies (DESS). Nearly thirty distinct buildings can be found across campus, all with a modern aesthetic. 

The Science Building, the Wood Research Center, and the Social Science Library are just a few of the many academic structures on campus. The School of Administrative Sciences, the School of Architecture, the School of Dentistry, the School of Pharmacy, the School of Forestry, the School of Agriculture, the School of Theology and the School of Religious Studies, and the School of Science and Engineering are just some of the most illustrious academic units on campus. In addition, the university has begun constructing new buildings and enlarging existing ones to accommodate the ever-increasing student body.

There are four Canada Excellence Research Chairs located at this university: the Excellence Chair in Neurophotonics, the Research Excellence Chair in Photonic Innovations, the Research Excellence Chair in Remote Sensing, and the Research Excellence Chair in Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome in Metabolic Health. There are now nineteen researchers with Canada Excellence Research Chairs. More than 60 colleges and institutes provide more than 500 different areas of study at this university. The university has an enrollment of around 43,000, including around 7,000 international students. There are about 9,600 people working here full and part time; which includes 3,045 professors and staff.

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9. Humber College

Students from all over the world can choose from a variety of accounting classes at Toronto’s Humber College. Certificates can be earned in account management, financial planning, and professional accounting, among other related areas. There are more than 44 courses here that can count toward a master’s degree, and the atmosphere is great for honing your critical thinking skills. “Higher education institutions that stress links to working life and economic development,” as defined by Humber College, is what polytechnics are. Education in the technical and professional fields is given a more hands-on focus. As an added bonus, it conducts R&D that improves the quality of working life and stimulates economic expansion. This study was designed to fit the regional economy. Classes in these and other subjects can be found at Humber College’s Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning.

10. Waterloo University

Students’ social perspectives and the capacity for change at the University of Waterloo have been praised for their participation in experiential learning. There are many options for advanced study in accounting in Canada, including a Doctor of Philosophy in Accounting, a Master of Taxation, and a Master of Quantitative Finance. Approximately 250,000 people have graduated from Waterloo. The university is home to one Nobel laureate, five Killam Prize winners, and two Canada 150 Research Chairs. Many well-known people have graduated from the University of Waterloo, including BlackBerry co-founder Mike Lazaridis, former Dragon’s Den panelist Kevin O’Leary, Mars mission pioneer Martha Leino, Desire2Learn president John Baker, Stanford computer science professor David Cheriton, Google Canada senior engineering director Steven Woods, and Olympic medalist Heather Moyse.

Top 10 Reasons to Choose a Career in Accounting

Accountants are a company’s essential support structure. Keeping and analyzing a company’s financial records and accounts is mostly what an accountant is responsible for doing in their employment. It is a highly vital profession to be an accountant since you are responsible for providing information about the financial situation and state of an organization. 

You could be able to enter many various realms of opportunity if you pursue a profession in accounting. Professionals in the fields of accounting and finance who have the necessary qualifications are in high demand all around the world. And because new technological developments are continually driving the sector forward, this provides ambitious individuals with lots of prospects for growth and career progression in their chosen fields.

There is a plethora of justification for you to pursue education in the field of accounting. Continue reading to learn our top ten reasons for saying so.

1. Rudimentary Knowledge of Mathematics

In spite of the fact that computers have made the lives of accountants easier by calculating complex equations, these professionals still need to have certain essential mathematical abilities in order to perform their work. These days, every single part of the bookkeeping process is carried out on a computer. 

It is not necessary to employ complicated equations in order to calculate with really high numbers.That is something that, with the help of computers and sophisticated software, can be done automatically for you. Having a solid understanding of numerical principles is still required of you. To be successful in the corporate world of today, accountants need to be able to deal productively with clients who come from a wide variety of industries. This is necessary for the accountant to achieve success.

2. Access to Diverse Range of Professions

As was said earlier, the presence of a trained accountant is essential to nearly every sector of the economy. Because of this, you will have the option to work in a diverse range of dynamic businesses, ranging from the studios that produce movies to the mega corporations that deal with stocks and investments

In addition to this, the default accounting position is not the only option available; there are others. If you have a degree in accounting, you have the ability to use your skills in a wide variety of intriguing work opportunities. This is especially true if you have experience in the field. You may, for instance, become a forensic accountant and investigate financial crimes and wrongdoings; as an alternative, you could become an environmental accountant and ensure that firms earn a profit while simultaneously conserving the environment.

3. Self Employed or Experienced Entreprenuer 

If you are a certified public accountant, you have a more comprehensive understanding of the business sector as a whole, which places you in a favorable position to start your own company.

If you are an accountant, you might still be an entrepreneur. This is because being an accountant offers you the capacity to understand the ins and outs of a wide number of businesses and industries, which is necessary for being an entrepreneur. You have the potential to work as an independent accountant, establish your own firm, and even hire additional staff members if you are a highly skilled and competent accountant who also possesses the appropriate abilities and credentials.

 If this describes you, you have the potential to work as an accountant. A degree or certification in accounting will almost certainly come in handy at some point. If you have a qualification in accounting, you might be able to use that as the foundation for a future career in finance or economics. Or, even if you decide in the future that you want to go to a completely different field of employment, you will still have a varied set of skills and experiences that many businesses would find to be useful. Employers will be able to see that you are skilled with numbers, that you are able to handle rigorous record-keeping and reporting, and that you are familiar with budgeting and financial forecasting if you hold an approved certification. In addition, employers will be able to see that you are able to handle rigorous record-keeping and reporting if you hold an approved certification. No matter what kind of job you hold, each of these skills and traits will serve you well and make you a more valuable employee. You don’t even need a natural knack for mathematics if you want to be an exceptional accountant; all you need is the right training.

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4. Access to International Travels

Because it is the language that is used in business, the language of numbers is the sole language that is understood by people all over the world. There is no variation in the mathematical techniques and norms from one location to another. The numerical values remain unchanged in every respect. Additionally, both domestically and globally, there will always be a need for those who are highly knowledgeable in the field of finance.

If you pursue a career in accounting, you might find that it opens doors for you to travel to different parts of the world. This is especially true if you land a job with a multinational company that operates in a number of different countries and has offices in each of those places.

Alternately, if you work in a field such as auditing, you might be required to physically visit several locations, which would call for you to do some local traveling close to your place of employment.

5. High Degree of Consultation

There has to be a greater emphasis on consultation and a less focus on number crunching.

People who are interested in pursuing a career in accountancy do not need to be concerned with difficult mathematical equations because the primary role of accountants is to provide advice to their customers. Accountants are not mathematicians; instead, they provide their clients with a variety of services, including consulting, bookkeeping, and communication, in addition to maintaining their clients’ financial records.

6. Online Accountancy Education

Accounting and finance are only two of the many topics that may be studied in their entirety online today, but there is a vast selection of other topics available to study as well. Getting an education online is a choice made by a lot of people these days for all kinds of different reasons. Sometimes the fact that they are unable to study on campus full-time is due to the fact that they have other commitments, such as a family, a full-time job, or all of these, which prevents them from doing so. Sometimes it’s because they feel more comfortable learning on their own. As a result of the difficulties associated with physically commuting to a school location, this is sometimes the case. On the other hand, there are some people who just prefer to study online because it gives them the flexibility to do so whenever it is most convenient for them.

Online College offers a wide range of accounting classes, some of which are long and lead to degrees that are acknowledged on a national scale, while others are more condensed and do not result in accreditation.

7. High Networking Stance Through Volunteering 

In order to ensure that their operations are carried out in an effective manner, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) not only seek the assistance of volunteers who contribute to charitable and welfare causes, but they also hire professionals such as accountants. This is done in order to guarantee that their operations are carried out in an effective manner.

Large organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the United Nations (UN), and Amnesty International, amongst many others, are always struggling to find sufficient funding and rely heavily on volunteers to carry out a significant portion of their work.

These are just some of the many examples of organizations that fall into this category. As a consequence of this, these organizations require the support of qualified professionals who are also prepared to donate some of their time to aiding them in some capacity. You, as a trained accountant volunteer, will have the opportunity to meet high-caliber persons who may be able to aid you in progressing further in your career. They are able to produce a letter of recommendation for you, connect you with other professionals, or even assist you in securing a position with the relevant organization all of which are services that they may provide.

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8. College Diploma is Not A Must

Your employers or clients will not choose you based on your grades or your alma mater; rather, they will assess whether or not you have the abilities and attributes necessary to become an accountant. If you do not have these qualities and skills, they will choose someone else.

In the world of accounting, having the necessary skills as well as the appropriate professional credentials is vitally necessary. You can choose to educate yourself on your own, or you can enroll in a school that will offer you with the proper certificates. Getting your ACCA certification early in your working life is a great way to improve your chances of landing a job. You can make a decent living off of it, and it’s applicable in a number of different countries all around the world. It is even a possibility to start studying accountancy as soon as one finishes the SPM if one so chooses.

9. High Market Demand of Accountants 

The stability of certain professions is dependant on the prevalent market trends; the presence of an excessive number of recent graduates has a detrimental impact on the stability of other professions; and still other professions face the possibility of becoming obsolete as a result of automation. However, despite the instability of the economy, one of the jobs that is regarded as being among the safest is that of an accountant. This is because accountants are trained to analyze financial data. In Malaysia, there is a significant demand for experienced finance professionals who also have abilities in the commercial sector, and it is projected that this demand will continue to rise over the next several years.

Accountants are needed in a diverse range of industries; in point of fact, wherever there is money, there is also an accountant. In other words, wherever there is money, there is also an accountant.

Because having enough money to meet one’s needs is such a fundamental requirement, jobs in the financial industry, such as accounting, are in constant demand. Businesses and a wide variety of other types of organizations have an ongoing demand for qualified professionals in the financial sector. When there is money at stake, you must need the assistance of an accountant.

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10. Tenable and Permanent Employment Opportunities

It is uncommon for shifts in government policy or reductions in budgetary allocations to have an effect on a career in accounting.

In order for businesses to stay afloat in the face of difficult economic conditions, it is common practice for them to lower their operating expenses and either decrease or terminate their personnel. 

An accountant always has the ability to bring themselves up to date on any new laws, government regulations, or policies that have been established by the government. In point of fact, it is feasible that they will be the ones who discover the changes and adjust to them first. This would be the case if they are the ones who discover them first. However, nothing can be guaranteed one hundred percent, and nothing can be declared to be one hundred percent infallible. These are also limitations of the human condition. Adjustments could be necessary in a lot of different situations.