On Campus: York University is Top Five Among Canadian Universities in Maclean’s New Rankings

York University is once again among the most prestigious universities in Canada, according to Maclean’s 2025 University Rankings.

The 65-year-old public research university placed fifth in the overall comprehensive category. The country’s third-largest university, with over 53,000 students and 7,000 faculty and staff, also placed second in scholarship funding, showing its continued focus on making education accessible to all Canadians, regardless of income.

Many York students are the first in their families to pursue higher education. By investing in these students, York University plays a significant role in promoting social mobility in the country.

York also moved into third place in the reputation ranking for comprehensive universities. It ranks in the top 10 for business and education and the top 20 for nursing, computer science, and engineering.

The university’s leadership in research, education, and social impact is grounded in its commitment to equip graduates with the skills and experience to address complex, real-world challenges.

“York once again demonstrates its ongoing strength in providing an excellent student learning environment across our multiple campuses and in advancing research and creative activities to tackle today’s most pressing challenges,” said President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton. “We prepare our students to be agile leaders and innovators that society needs for a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.”

This diversity in high-ranking programs helps York attract students with a wide range of interests and career aspirations, helping to build a versatile workforce that benefits communities across Canada and around the world.

These new rankings add to York’s impressive achievements this year. The University’s commitment to global social impact was reflected in the 2024 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, where it rose to 35th in the world. These rankings assess universities against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as zero poverty and reduced inequalities, areas in which York is not only excelling but leading—ranking second globally for zero poverty and first in Canada for reducing inequalities.

This fall, York opened its new Markham Campus, expanding its reach and making higher education more accessible to students in suburban and underserved communities. The anticipated 2028 launch of a new School of Medicine will mark an exciting new chapter in York’s commitment to public health, with plans to train primary care physicians across essential specialties, including psychiatry, family medicine, and pediatrics.

York University’s rise in both national and global rankings is a source of pride for the GTA. The presence of a high-achieving, prestigious University brings so many benefits to the community, with ambitious, optimistic students and faculty working to improve society and make a positive impact.