Top 10 Best Universities For Political Science in Canada
Canada has always been popular for the world’s top-ranked universities. The country is also known for offering top-quality political science degrees. Universities there are famous for their strong research programs, which attract students from all over the world.
Canada is a leader in global politics, and its schools reflect that. The demand for skilled policy analysts, diplomats, and public administrators is growing. In this guide, we’ll help you explore the best universities for Political Science in Canada. You’ll discover what makes each unique and how they can help you succeed.
Ranking Criteria: How We Evaluated the Best Universities
When choosing the best universities for political science in Canada, we looked at a few key factors. These factors help us understand how strong each program is. Let’s break them down:
Academic Reputation
The first thing we looked at is how well-known each university is for political science. Universities with strong reputations attract top professors. These professors bring fresh ideas and research, making the program better.
Faculty Expertise
Next, we checked the expertise of the professors. Great professors are essential. Universities with strong political science faculty expertise usually offer better learning experiences. Many of them are experts in areas like international relations, public policy, and law.
Research Output
Another key factor is research. Political science is all about understanding government systems, policies, and politics. Universities that publish research papers, books, and studies show their strength. Research-driven programs help students explore political topics deeply.
Co-op and Internship Opportunities
Co-op programs and internships are important for real-world experience. These programs let students apply their knowledge outside the classroom. Many Canadian political science programs offer co-op placements with the government, NGOs, and international organizations.
Graduate Employability
Finally, we looked at the employability of graduates. Universities with strong career services and employer connections help students find jobs faster. Some universities have strong ties with the Canadian government, international organizations, and top businesses.
Top 10 Universities for Political Science in Canada (2025)
| University | Location | Offered Program/Degree | Annual Tuition (Domestic/International) | Employer Reputation |
| University of Toronto | Toronto, ON | Specialist, Major, Minor in Political Science | $6,100 – $14,180 / $58,160 | 80.9 |
| McGill University | Montreal, QC | B.A. Major, M.A., Ph.D. in Political Science | $18,000 – $25,000 / $18,000 – $35,000 | 76 |
| University of British Columbia | Vancouver, BC | Major, Honours, Combined Majors, M.A., Ph.D. | $8,800 – $14,000 / $33,000 – $45,000 | 77.7 |
| University of Ottawa | Ottawa, ON | Major, Honours B.A., M.A., Ph.D. | $7,900 – $15,000 / $28,000 – $39,000 | 62.6 |
| Université de Montréal | Montreal, QC | Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D. in Political Science | $7,500 – $18,000 / $18,000 – $28,000 | 65.6 |
| Carleton University | Ottawa, ON | BA in Political Science, M.A., Ph.D. | $7,200 – $11,000 / $16,000 – $25,000 | 59.1 |
| York University | Toronto, ON | BA in Political Science, M.A., Ph.D. | $7,500 – $11,000 / $16,000 – $23,000 | 62.4 |
| Queen’s University at Kingston | Kingston, ON | Major in Political Studies, M.A., Ph.D. | $9,200 – $15,000 / $26,000 – $35,000 | 67.7 |
| University of Alberta | Edmonton, AB | BA in Political Science, M.A., Ph.D. | $7,000 – $12,000 / $20,000 – $30,000 | 63.5 |
| University of Waterloo | Waterloo, ON | Honours B.A., M.A. in Political Science | $7,000 – $13,000 / $20,000 – $30,000 | 68.9 |
1. University of Toronto
The University of Toronto (U of T) is in Toronto, Ontario. It is the best political science university in Toronto and one of the best universities for political science in the world. In 2025, U of T ranked 25th globally in the QS World University Rankings. The Political Science Department offers both undergraduate and Graduate political science degrees. These programs cover various political topics. U of T has research centers like the Munk School of Global Affairs. The university’s acceptance rate is about 43%. U of T has a strong employer reputation.
The university offers limited enrollment programs for Political Science. There are the Specialist, Major, and Minor programs. These programs require students to complete specific courses and meet certain criteria. Students can apply for these programs through ACORN after completing at least 4.0 credits.
Admission Requirements
Undergraduate Programs:
- High school diploma with strong grades.
- Prerequisite courses, including English and other subjects.
- English proficiency:
- IELTS: Minimum score of 6.5
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 90
Graduate Programs:
- Bachelor’s degree with a CGPA of B+
- Transcripts from all previous institutions
- Letters of reference (2 required)
- Statement of purpose
- English proficiency:
- IELTS: Minimum score of 6.5
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 90
2. McGill University
McGill University is in Montreal, Quebec. It is one of Canada’s top universities. In 2025, it ranked 29th in the QS World University Rankings. The Political Science Department offers B.A. with a Major Concentration, M.A., and Ph.D. programs. These programs help students learn about politics, governments, and policies.
McGill has research centers like the Centre for the Study of Democratic Citizenship. This center focuses on democracy and political engagement. The university has a strong employer reputation. Many companies value McGill graduates. The acceptance rate is around 46%.
Admission Requirements
Undergraduate Programs:
- High school diploma
- English proficiency scores:
- TOEFL iBT: 90
- IELTS: 6.5
- PTE Academic: 65
- Duolingo: 115
Graduate Programs:
- MA: A Bachelor’s degree
- Minimum GPA: 3.0 (out of 4.0)
- PhD: A superior academic record, normally in the top 10% of their graduating class or a CGPA of at least 3.5, is required.
- English proficiency scores:
- TOEFL iBT: 86
- IELTS: 6.5
- PTE Academic: 65
3. University of British Columbia
UBC is in Vancouver, British Columbia. It’s one of Canada’s leading universities. UBC offers various undergraduate programs in Political Science, including Major, Honours, and Combined Majors. It also offers both Master of Arts (MA) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs.
UBC has research centers like the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs. This center focuses on public policy and international affairs. The university has a strong employer reputation. Graduates are valued by employers worldwide. The acceptance rate is about 52%.
Admission Requirements
Undergraduate Programs:
- GPA: 3.0 (B+ or 65%)
- English Proficiency: A minimum of 70% in Grade 11 or Grade 12 English (or their equivalents)
Graduate Programs:
- A four-year bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
- CGPA: B+ average (76% at UBC)
- IELTS: 6.5 or TOEFL iBT: 92
4. University of Ottawa
The University of Ottawa is in Ottawa, Ontario. It’s one of Canada’s leading universities. In 2025, it ranked 189th globally in the QS World University Rankings. The School of Political Studies offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. programs. These programs explore politics, governance, and international relations.
Located near Canada’s Parliament Hill, the university provides unique opportunities for political engagement. The School has strong ties with the government and international organizations. This proximity offers students valuable internships and networking opportunities. The acceptance rate is around 58%. Graduates are well-regarded in various political and public service sectors.
Offered Programs
- Major in Political Science
- Honours BSocSc Political Science and Juris Doctor (JD)
- Certificate in Political Science
- Master of Arts (MA) in Political Science
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Political Science
- Graduate Diploma in Public Management and Governance
- A co-op program is available for the MA in Political Science with a major research paper.
5. Université de Montréal
Located in Montreal, Quebec, Université de Montréal is a leading institution. It ranks among the top schools for political science. The university offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. programs in Political Science. These programs cover topics like political theory, international relations, and public policy. The Department of Political Science has research centers focusing on various political aspects. The acceptance rate is approximately 50%. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in politics, public service, and academia.
Offered Programs
- Bachelor’s in Political Science and Philosophy
- Bachelor’s in International Studies.
- Master’s in Political Science (with thesis or supervised project).
- PhD in Political Science.
- Interdisciplinary programs.
- Specialized Graduate Diploma (D.E.S.S.).
- Short Graduate Program in Social Work
- Short Graduate Program in International Studies
- Specialized Graduate Diploma (D.E.S.S.) in Journalism
- Short Graduate Program in Society, Public Policies, and Health
Admission Requirements
- Undergraduate: A 12-year high school diploma is required.
- Graduate (Master’s and PhD): A Master’s degree or equivalent is usually required for PhD programs.
- GPA: Applicants need a qualifying GPA of 3.0 out of 4.3 (or the equivalent) for graduate programs.
- French Language Proficiency
6. Carleton University
Carleton University is located in Ottawa, Ontario. It’s a well-respected university. The university has a strong focus on political science. Carleton’s Political Science department offers bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. programs. These programs cover areas like Canadian politics, international relations, and political theory. The university’s location in the capital gives students great opportunities for internships. Many students work with government organizations, think tanks, and international agencies. Carleton’s research centers, like the Institute of Political Economy, support students in their studies.
Carleton’s acceptance rate is around 21%. It is more competitive, but it offers a strong academic environment. Many graduates find successful careers in politics, public service, or international organizations. The university is known for its diverse and welcoming campus. It ranks highly for employer reputation, meaning graduates are well-regarded by employers.
Admission Requirements
Undergraduate Programs:
- BA in Political Science
- BA Combined Honours
- Bachelor of Global and International Studies
- Entry Requirements: Applicants must hold an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent and have a minimum 75-77% average.
Graduate Programs:
- MA in Political Science
- PhD in Political Science
- Entry Requirements:
- MA: An Honours BA (or equivalent) in Political Science with at least high second-class standing (Carleton GPA of at least 9.0).
- PhD: An MA in Political Science, normally with a GPA of 10.0.
7. York University
York University is located in Toronto, Ontario. It is another top political science university of Toronto. It is a large, diverse university with a strong reputation. The university’s Department of Political Science offers bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. programs. The program’s focus is on political theory, international relations, and comparative politics. York University provides students with opportunities to engage in real-world politics through internships. The university’s research centers support political science students in their academic journey.
York University has an acceptance rate of around 27%, so it’s a bit competitive. The university’s graduates are known for their success in politics, public policy, and academia. York University ranks well for employer reputation. This means many employers highly value York graduates.
Admission Requirements
Undergraduate Programs:
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent.
- A minimum of six 4U or 4M courses.
- 4U English (ENG4U) or French (FRA4U).
- Proficiency in English or French.
Graduate Programs:
- An average of B+ or higher in MA courses
- CGPA: Average of at least 4.00
- Transcripts from all previous institutions
8. Queen’s University at Kingston
Queen’s University is located in Kingston, Ontario. It is one of Canada’s oldest and most prestigious universities. The Department of Political Studies at Queen’s offers bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. programs. These programs cover topics like public policy, international relations, and political theory. Queen’s offers unique opportunities for students to engage in research through its many political science centers.
The acceptance rate at Queen’s University is around 42%, making it competitive but not too difficult. Queen’s is well-known for producing successful graduates who go on to work in politics, law, or academia. The university ranks high in employer reputation, showing that its graduates are highly respected by employers.
Admission Requirements
Undergraduate Programs:
- Major in Political Studies: 60 of the 120 units are required to be in Political Studies courses.
- Joint Honours: Requires 42 units of Political Studies courses, 42 units of courses in another discipline, and 36 elective courses.
- Bachelor of Arts Honours (BAH) in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics: An interdisciplinary program specialization.
- Secondary School Prerequisites: Six 4U and 4M courses
Graduate Programs:
- MA in Political Studies: Need a four-year undergraduate degree in political science or equivalent.
- Minimum Grade: B+ average.
- PhD Program: Requires an A-average in a Master’s degree in political science or equivalent.
- English proficiency:
- IELTS: Minimum score of 6.5
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 88
9. University of Alberta
The University of Alberta is another top university with great Political science research opportunities. The university offers Political Science programs. The department offers three majors, two minors, and three certificates in Political Science.
The acceptance rate at the University of Alberta is around 50%. The university is known for producing graduates who go on to work in government, NGOs, and international organizations. Its employer reputation is very strong.
Admission Requirements
- A minimum GPA of at least 3.3
- Prerequisite courses
- English proficiency
10. University of Waterloo
The University of Waterloo ranks in the 201-250 range globally. The university’s Political Science programs are available at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Waterloo offers specialized political theory, international relations, and public policy programs. The university also offers co-op programs that give students practical work experience in political organizations.
Waterloo has an acceptance rate of around 53%, making it moderately competitive. The university is known for its employer reputation, meaning its graduates are highly valued by employers.
Admission Requirements
- High school diploma with six Grade 12 U or M courses, including required courses.
- Minimum Grade: 70% in Grade 12 English.
Admission averages range from the high 70s to the mid-90s, depending on the program and applications.
Specializations and Unique Opportunities
Choosing the political science specializations in Canada can impact your career. Let’s explore two main areas: Comparative Politics and Public Policy.
Comparative Politics vs. Public Policy
Comparative Politics involves studying different political systems worldwide. It looks at how countries compare in their political structures, processes, and outcomes.
Public Policy, on the other hand, focuses on creating and analyzing government policies. It deals with solving societal problems through effective policy-making. If you’re interested in how policies are developed and their impact, this might be the right path for you.
Political Science Programs and Internships in Canadian Government
Gaining real-world experience is crucial in political science. Many Canadian universities offer co-op programs and internships that place students in government roles. These opportunities provide hands-on experience and a chance to apply classroom knowledge.
For example, the University of Ottawa reports that about 80% of its students secure internships with the federal government. This high placement rate offers students valuable insights into the political process.
Participating in internships allows you to:
- Build professional networks.
- Gain practical skills.
- Enhance your resume.
Affordability and Scholarships for Political Science Students
Comparison of Political Science Degree Cost
| University Name | Domestic Tuition | International Tuition |
| University of Toronto | $7,000 – $10,000 | $35,000 – $50,000 |
| McGill University | $7,500 – $11,000 | $18,000 – $32,000 |
| University of British Columbia | $8,000 – $11,500 | $42,000 – $55,000 |
| University of Ottawa | $6,000 – $9,500 | $25,000 – $33,000 |
| Université de Montréal | $7,000 – $10,000 | $16,000 – $30,000 |
| Carleton University | $7,000 – $9,500 | $24,000 – $35,000 |
| York University | $6,500 – $9,000 | $27,000 – $35,000 |
| Queen’s University | $7,500 – $10,000 | $22,000 – $30,000 |
| University of Alberta | $6,500 – $9,000 | $28,000 – $35,000 |
| University of Waterloo | $7,000 – $10,000 | $27,000 – $38,000 |
Careers in Political Science: What Can You Do With a Political Science Degree?
A political science degree in Canada opens many career doors. Graduates often find roles in government, law, business, and education. Employers include government agencies, law firms, NGOs, and corporations.
Salaries vary by role and experience. For example, legal services offer higher earnings. Graduates working in legal services have the highest salaries.
According to Statistics Canada, political science and government graduates earn a median wage of $55,200 two years after graduation. This figure increases to $72,700 ten years post-graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best university for political science in Canada?
The University of Toronto and McGill University are often considered the best for political science in Canada. Both schools offer strong programs, renowned faculty, and excellent research opportunities. It depends on your interests and needs, so it’s a good idea to research each university’s strengths.
How much does a political science degree cost in Canada?
The cost varies by university and whether you’re a domestic or international student. On average, domestic students pay between $7,000 and $20,000 per year, while international students may pay between $15,000 and $30,000 per year. Costs also vary based on location and program type.
Can international students study political science in Canada?
Yes, international students can study political science in Canada. Many universities offer programs to students from around the world. You’ll need a study permit, and universities often have specific entry requirements for international students.
Which universities offer online political science courses?
Some universities in Canada, like the University of Toronto and Athabasca University, offer online political science programs. These programs are flexible and allow students to study from anywhere.
What are the admission requirements for political science in Canada?
Admission requirements vary by university. Generally, you’ll need a high school diploma with good grades. Some universities may also require specific courses, like English or social studies.
Is a political science degree in Canada worth it?
Yes, a political science degree in Canada can be worth it. It opens many career doors, including in government, non-profits, and research. Graduates often find opportunities in politics, policy analysis, and diplomacy.
Which school has the best co-op program for poli sci?
The University of Ottawa and Carleton University are known for their strong co-op programs in political science. Both universities offer students opportunities to work with the government and other political organizations.
Are there scholarships for international students?
Yes, so many universities in Canada offer scholarships for international students. These are mostly based on academic merit, financial need, or other factors. Check the university’s financial aid page for specific opportunities and application details.
What GPA do I need for McGill’s political science program?
To get into McGill’s political science program, a GPA of about 3.7 or higher is often required. However, it also depends on other factors like extracurricular activities and personal statements.
How competitive are political science programs in Canada?
Political science programs in Canada can be competitive, especially at top universities like McGill and U of T. These universities have many applicants, so it’s important to have strong grades, relevant experiences, and a passion for the field to stand out.
Conclusion
Choosing the right school is really important for your future. Only the best universities for Political Science in Canada offer strong programs and great opportunities. Whether you want to work in government, policy, or diplomacy, Canada has many options. Take your time, explore, and find the right fit for your goals. Good luck on your journey!
