Maclean’s: a starting point, not a teaching score
The Maclean’s ranking can help you put together an initial list, provided you understand what it measures. Its 2027 edition, announced in October 2026, replaces the previous institutional categories with three groups based on full-time-equivalent enrolment: large, medium and small universities. The “Small” category is not simply a new name for the former “Primarily Undergraduate” category.
The edition covers 56 institutions and combines 15 indicators, including retention, six-year graduation and research measures. It is therefore an overall ranking of institutions, not a standalone ranking of undergraduate teaching. Its year does not mean that all the data were collected in 2027.
To use this reference, note the edition and category for each result, then look for information about the programme and campus you are interested in. A ranking position alone does not tell you how many students will be in your discussion group or when you will receive feedback on your assignments.
Satisfaction and engagement: two different perspectives
A survey can inform your choice if you know who responded, when and to what question. A general assessment of the university experience does not necessarily describe every course or teaching quality on its own.
The 2025 survey by the AMS student society at UBC Vancouver provides an example. Conducted from February 24 to May 21, it collected 2,134 responses from full-time and part-time students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Among respondents, 66% said they were satisfied with their overall university experience. A separate question found that 68% felt the feedback they received helped them progress in their courses.
These results concern two different topics and the people who responded. They do not automatically represent all students at UBC Vancouver, let alone students at every Canadian university. The response rate is not specified in the methodological passage consulted. Use these figures to explore your questions further, not to predict your own experience.
The National Survey of Student Engagement, or NSSE, indicators offer another perspective on learning practices and interactions. They are reported on a scale of 60 points: a score of 40 is therefore neither 40% satisfaction nor a 40th-place ranking. Before comparing two results, check the year, level of study, scope and questions used.
Class size: start with the courses that interest you
A university’s size does not directly tell you how large its classes are. Instead, ask about enrolment in the required first-year courses for the programme you are considering. Specify whether the figure refers to the lecture, a tutorial or an average for an entire department.
At UBC Vancouver, for example, the university guide explains that tutorials commonly accompany lectures and offer opportunities for discussion or learning in smaller groups. This does not guarantee this format for every course or give its precise enrolment.
Also distinguish the student-to-faculty ratio from class size: they are two different pieces of information. To picture your study week, look for a representative course outline and ask what formats are planned: lectures, discussions, labs or other activities. A large lecture accompanied by smaller sessions may meet different needs than a course whose activities all take place in a small group.
Universities: three examples to explore
The following examples illustrate questions to ask about formats and support. They are not a ranking podium and do not prove that all courses at an institution work in the same way. StudyCanada profiles are starting points; service conditions should be checked separately.
McGill University: tutoring costs and conditions
The McGill University profile is a place to explore the institution. For its Tutor Matching Program, McGill listed, on November 6, 2026, a fee of 18 CAD per hour with an undergraduate tutor and 22 CAD per hour with a graduate tutor. Newly admitted undergraduate students receive one free hour during their first year at McGill.
These amounts apply to this specific service. Other subsidies are available to certain groups. Check the applicable conditions, tutor availability and whether the course you are interested in is covered.
Université de Moncton: subjects covered
The Université de Moncton profile presents another option. At the Moncton campus, the university describes free peer tutoring, either individually or in groups, for certain courses or through learning support centres.
Check the subjects and schedules for the term you are considering before counting on this support. Do not assume that it covers every course or is offered under the same conditions at the other campuses.
The University of British Columbia: course formats
The University of British Columbia profile is a way to explore a third option. Using the Vancouver campus course guide, ask which courses in the programme you are considering include discussion sessions or labs, who leads them and how assessment works. Check the arrangements for your chosen campus separately.
Build a comparison that suits you
Before narrowing your list, choose your essential criteria. If you learn mainly through discussion, opportunities to interact may matter more to you than an institutional average. If you are concerned about finding a subject difficult, the availability of suitable support may weigh in your decision.
Use the same framework for each institution and programme you are considering. Also note the source of each answer and leave a “to confirm” box when information is missing.
| Criterion | Question to ask |
|---|---|
| First-year courses | How many students are enrolled in the required courses that interest me? |
| Interactions | Are there discussions or labs? Who leads them? |
| Assessment | Can I see a representative course outline and grading criteria? |
| Feedback | When and how do students receive feedback on their first assignments? |
| Support | Does tutoring cover the subjects I am looking for? Under what conditions and at what cost? |
| Surveys | What population responded, on what date and to which question? |
| Personal situation | Do the language, campus, schedule and overall cost suit my plans? |
At an open house or in a conversation with a department, ask them to help you map out a typical week. If possible, also speak with students in the programme: their accounts may raise useful questions, while remaining individual experiences.
Finally, sort your criteria into essential, desirable and secondary. The right choice is not necessarily the one with the highest overall ranking: it is the one whose advantages and limitations for your learning you understand.