Universities in Canada are established and operate under provincial and territorial government charters, directed by First Nations bands,[a] or by federal legislation.[b] Most public universities in the country are members of Universities Canada. The title "university" is protected under federal regulation.[1]
As of 2023[update], there are over 100 universities in Canada, offering education in English and French.[2] Most French-speaking universities are located in Quebec, though several institutions outside the province are either francophone or bilingual. 1.8 million students are enrolled in university.[3] Programs are offered to graduating high school students through choice; however, students must maintain specific entering averages, which generally range from 65 to 85%, depending on criteria set by the chosen university. On campus residences are available at 95% of universities in Canada.[4]
There are many public universities in Canada that are authorized to issue degrees. Degrees from Affiliated institutions and seminaries are typically awarded by the affiliate's parent institution.
The following is a list of private universities that are authorized to issue degrees by a provincial authority. The following list does not include satellite campuses (Northeastern University - Toronto) and (Niagara University) and branches in Canada for universities based in the United States. All of them are English language institutions.