Concordia University vs McGill University

Concordia University vs McGill University

Subject Global Rankings & Strength (2025/2026)

Both McGill and Concordia rank among the world's top institutions, but McGill has a higher global profile. In the QS World University Rankings for 2026, McGill places approximately 27th internationally, while Concordia places more at around 465th. Times Higher Education places McGill firmly on global reputation rankings at the top 50, with Concordia in the 400–500 bracket.

In regards to subject strength, McGill dominates across a range of subjects including Medicine, Engineering, Data Science, and Arts & Humanities, including top 30 positions in a number of fields. Concordia is strong in Engineering, Business, and Fine Arts, and ranks in the top 250–500 range for a given subject. The research intensity emphasis of McGill and international collaboration make it stand out in terms of academic reputation.

General Information

McGill is the more mature, older university, established in 1821, with an enrollment of approximately 39,380 students, 27,196 of them undergraduates. Concordia, established in 1974, is ever so slightly larger in terms of enrollment, 45,445, 35,795 of whom are undergraduates. McGill's campus is more traditional and older, while Concordia's (Sir George Williams and Loyola) urban campuses provide a newer, accessible campus setting. McGill boasts research-focused programs, whereas Concordia prioritizes applied learning and cooperative education, particularly in business and engineering.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

Admissions to McGill are extremely competitive, with acceptance at about 46%, whereas Concordia is moderately selective with acceptance at about 78% of applicants4. McGill demands more standardized test scores and academic qualifications, especially for the fields of medicine, law, and engineering. Concordia is more open and provides latitude for global students, with excellent support for wide-ranging academic backgrounds.

Research Impact & Facilities

McGill has an excellent research environment, comprising several hospitals, research institutes, and one of Canada's biggest academic libraries. It is a member of the U15 group of universities in Canada and is strong in biomedical research, artificial intelligence, and sustainability. Concordia, although less research-focused, has been making big leaps in applied research, especially in engineering, digital arts, and social innovation, and is where the Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science, a new tech education superstar in Canada, can be found.

Cost & Financial Aid

Both are public universities, but McGill is higher in cost, particularly for international students. McGill's undergraduate fee is approximately INR 45–50 lakhs annually, whereas Concordia's is between INR 15–17 lakhs4. Concordia provides extra funding for out-of-province and international students, including INR 12 lakhs maximum in graduate programs. McGill offers need-based and merit-based scholarships, but competition is heavy. Concordia's co-op programs and affordability make it a choice for students who want value and work experience.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Achievement

The McGill graduates have a high level of employability all over the world, with alumni being successful in medicine, law, academia, and global business. The average McGill MBA graduate salary is INR 80–90 lakhs, with high rates of placement with top organizations. Concordia alumni are also quite successful, particularly in business, engineering, and creative arts, with MBA graduates having a salary of around INR 62–65 lakhs. Concordia's John Molson School of Business is also well considered for its entrepreneurship and co-op programs, while McGill's Desautels Faculty of Management is esteemed for its international reputation and academic intensity.