As a category of physical science required to create many useful products and services, chemistry deals with matter's structure, composition and properties. A chemistry degree will allow students to explore chemical bonds, intermolecular forces, and the properties of atoms, all of which play an important role in giving matter their unique properties.

Chemistry degrees typically cover a wide range of topics related to the chemical sciences. At the best chemistry universities in Canada, students have a strong foundation in fundamental chemistry concepts, including atomic and molecular structure, chemical bonding, thermodynamics, kinetics, and quantum mechanics. Students will also have the opportunity to choose from a range of elective courses to specialize in particular areas of chemistry, such as organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, or materials science.

By studying chemistry in Canada, students gain useful reasoning, logic, and problem-solving skills. Canada has become a favourite destination for pursuing higher studies in many disciplines. Some reasons why students choose Canada to take up degree programs include exciting post-study work permit options and affordable education in a friendly environment. Canadian universities are also among the top-ranked educational institutions offering world-class services in terms of studying a subject and research initiatives that lead to various innovations.

Learn more below about the best universities for the study of chemistry in Canada (QS World University Rankings by Subject of 2024), and begin your application by arranging a free consultation with SI-Canada today.

Best 10 Chemistry Degrees in Canada

1. University of Toronto

University of Toronto's Department of Chemistry was established in 1859 and has been an internationally recognized institution due to its teaching excellence, highly advanced research facilities, and the development of distinguished scientists. It has a wide range of services to deliver high-quality education, including a library, electronics and computing facility, chemical stores, glassblowing shop, NMR lab, machine shop, X-ray analysis lab, and Spectrometry lab. It offers various programs at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels that lead to specialized knowledge in the subject.

• Suggested course: Master of Science in Chemistry
• Entry requirements: Candidates must hold a BSc. Degree in Chemistry or a related discipline with an academic standing of at least B+, apart from English Language proficiency. 
• International fees: $60,266

2. University of British Columbia

As one of the most prestigious institutions in the country that attracts the highest number of international students, UBC is a leading research-intensive university. The Faculty of Science at the university has a dedicated Department of Chemistry offering undergraduate and graduate-level chemistry programs. Students also have the option to take upcooperativee education programs thatenables them to experience real-world opportunities through sixteen months of work placement. The research work in chemistry at the University of British Columbia addresses the challenges of current times with a detailed study of the chemical phenomena and comes with innovations in various fields.

• Suggested course: BSc Honours in Chemistry
• Entry requirements: Graduation from a university-preparatory program at a senior secondary school is required, along with English language proficiency. 
• International fees: $46,295

3. McGill University

McGill is one of the top universities in the country, and it has been providing exciting programs in various subjects since it started operations in 1821. McGill's Department of Chemistry provides a comprehensive teaching and research environment through its state-of-the-art laboratories and experienced faculty members. The university offers Honours, Minors, Majors and Liberal BSc programs that help students enter the field or continue higher education at the university or other world-renowned educational institutions. A McGill chemistry graduate can receive various professional opportunities on many levels, not just in the country but also in North America and Europe.

• Suggested course: BSc Honours Chemistry
• Entry requirements: Completion of senior secondary level with a score ranging between 75%-85%. Subjects must include Mathematics and two science subjects from biology, physics, and chemistry. English language proficiency is also required.
• International fees: $58,506

4. University of Alberta

The Faculty of Science at the University of Alberta delivers high-quality programs that investigate, explain, and explore the real science behind issues that affect our daily lives. At the graduate levels, students can go for the Master's and PhD level programs and receive a competitive stipend for the research work.

• Suggested course: Bachelor of Science Chemistry (Major) 

5. University of Montreal

Among the largest French-language universities in the world, the University of Montreal has been imparting high-quality education to students since its inception in 1878. The Department of Chemistry at Montreal is one of the best academic units in Canada and enjoys an international reputation due to the quality of its research, infrastructure, and faculty. It offers almost 70 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, enabling students to start working or continue their education. Research conducted by graduate students also becomes an essential part of their training. The departments also carry out interdisciplinary research with biochemistry, biological science, and physics departments. 

• Suggested course: Master's in Chemistry 
• Entry requirements: Candidates must hold a BSc degree with a major in chemistry or any relevant subject and demonstrate good knowledge of French and English
• International fees: $64,632

6. University of Waterloo

The University of Waterloo's Department of Chemistry provides interdisciplinary and cutting-edge undergraduate and graduate programs. The department believes chemistry to be a "central science" as it serves as a foundation in environmental sciences, health, nanotechnology, and the development of new materials. It delivers the programs through a high-quality curriculum imparted in a technologically advanced environment through award-winning faculty members. The specializations done at the university can help students to pursue exciting careers in business, industry, government, and academia.

• Suggested course: Bachelor of Science in Chemistry  
• Entry requirements: Completion of senior secondary education with at least 70% individually in Mathematics, English and two other science subjects and an overall 80% score. English language proficiency is required for non-native speakers of the language. 
• International fees: $47,000

7. McMaster University

McMaster University is among the top universities in Canada, and the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology under the Faculty of Science explores the chemistry of solids and living systems. It has state-of-the-art equipment and internationally recognized faculty members, providing excellent academic and research services. The undergraduate programs give students the theoretical background and hands-on laboratory training to better under real-world problems. In contrast, the graduate programs offer various opportunities to conduct cutting-edge research in modern chemical science. The laboratories at the department offer compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practices, a standard not present in any other academic lab in North America.

• Suggested course: BSc Honours Chemistry
• Entry requirements: The applicant must have completed senior secondary school with at least five subjects and demonstrate English language proficiency. 
• International fees: $44,645

8. University of Calgary

The University of Calgary's Department of Chemistry is integral to the Faculty of Science. It provides undergraduate and graduate programs in the subject with a solid theoretical background and experimental skills. The department houses state-of-the-art laboratories and has specialized tools to train the students with professional skills and conduct scientific research.

At the undergraduate level, students can opt for interdisciplinary programs that combine a strong chemistry background with environmental sciences, natural sciences, nanoscience, and neuroscience. Graduate programs are also offered in five specializations, including biological and medicinal chemistry, computational chemistry and molecular modelling, and energy and environment. 

• Suggested course: Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
• Entry requirements: Complete senior secondary education in Mathematics, English, and two other science subjects. English language proficiency is required for non-native speakers of the language.

9. University of Ottawa

The Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences at Ottawa is one of the best departments in Canada for this subject. Apart from national and internationally recognized faculty members, it has many research chairs who impart chemical education through innovative approaches. With programs in pure chemistry, biochemistry, and biopharmaceutical science, the university offers a diverse range of specialized education. Academic and research-led programs are offered at undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate levels with organic, inorganic, biological, and medicinal chemistry training.

• Suggested course: Master of Science in Chemistry
• Entry requirements: Candidates must have attained a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry or a related discipline with an overall academic score of at least 75% (B+). English language proficiency is also required for non-native speakers of the language.

10. Western University

Established in 1878, Western University is ranked among the top 1% of all universities globally and is one of Canada's major research-intensive educational institutions. The Department of Chemistry at Western University was founded in 1882 and has been growing by leaps and bounds since then. Currently, it offers Honours, Minors, Majors and Specialization programs in the subject at the undergraduate level. At the graduate level, the department offers programs leading to Master of Science and Doctoral degrees, and all programs at this level are research-based. The small class sizes, award-winning faculty, and technologically advanced facilities enable students to learn the necessary skills of today's times. 

• Suggested course: Master of Science in Chemistry
• Entry requirements: Candidates must have attained a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry or a related discipline with an overall academic standing of at least B+. English language proficiency is also required for non-native speakers of the language.
• International fees: $56,000

Study Chemistry in Canada

Begin your application to study chemistry in Canada by arranging a free consultation with SI-Canada today.