McMaster University and Western University are two of the top-ranking public universities in Canada. Compare the two universities based on the various factors as mentioned below.
| McMaster University | Western University | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 5.5 Out of 10 | 5 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 173 QS World University 2026 # 116 Times Higher Education 2025 # 176 QS World University 2025 | # 151 QS World University 2026 # 120 QS World University 2025 # 185 Center for World University Rankings 2025 |
| Subject Strength | # 176 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025 # 41 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 | # 176 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025 # 201 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 151 for Law by Times Higher Education 2025 |
| Programs | UG Programs -69 PG Programs -48 Doctorate Programs -6 | UG Programs -42 PG Programs -43 Doctorate Programs -13 |
| Acceptance Rate | 59.0 % | 58.0 % |
| Exam Score | Duolingo-120 GMAT-600 GRE-305 IELTS-6.5 PTE-60 TOEFL-86 | Duolingo-115 IELTS-6.5 PTE-58 TOEFL-86 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 53040 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 17096 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 31210 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 25144 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 1590 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 32800 Per Year |
| placement (average package) | Ranked #81 for graduation emplyment rate Salaries by degree:
| Western University has an employment rate of 91.5% after 6 months of graduation. With dentistry, medicine and therapy & rehabilitation having an employment rate of 100%. Average salary of Western University graduates is 62,000 USD. Highest earning graduates are Doctorate (293,000 USD); Executive MBA (181,000); Masters in Finance (161,000 USD); MBA (109,000 USD), etc. |
| Campuses and B-Schools | DeGroote School of Business | Richard Ivey School of Business Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 7.7/10 Read 29 reviews | 7.5/10 Read 25 reviews |
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| General Facts | McMaster University | Western University |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1887 | 1878 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 21:1:1 | 22:1 |
| Male:Female | 45% Male, 0% Female | 44% Male, 56% Female |
| Location Facts | Located on the western end of lake Ontario, McMaster University is located in the Golden Horshoe. It is surrounded by Cootes Paradise and natural marshlands. | Main campus is located on 1,120 acres of land in London, Ontario. Campus is surrounded by residential neighborhoods. The university operates twelve academic faculties and schools. The central campus includes most of the university residences and teaching facilities. |
| Library | McMaster University has a total of 4 libraries. There are 1.9 million print and electronic books, 86,000 print and electronic journal titles, 14,000 linear feet of archival resources combined. | Western University libraries consist of six different libraries that house over 5.7 million book holdings, electronic resources such as e-books, serial titles, and databases, etc. |
| Campus Life | Located in the Waterfall Capital of Canada- Hamilton, the campus has McMaster Museum of Art, W.J. McCallion Planetarium, McMaster Nuclear Reactor, McMaster Hall, 16 sports clubs, Bertrand Rusell Archives, etc. | The university if considered Canada’s most beautiful university with Gothic-style buildings mixed with modern, LEED-certified structures. The university operates the Artlab Gallery and the McIntosh Gallery; has links with the Museum of Ontario Archaeology; has nine student residences housing; Community Centre, etc. |
| Hostel | #Triple Residence Room - $6700 #Double Residence Room - $8590 #Single Residence Room - $9650 | #Off-Campus Rent - $14400 #Residence & Meal Plan (8 months) - $18400 |
| Famous Alumni | Tihomir Oreškovi (11th PM of Croatia); Bertram Brockhouse (Nobel Laureate in Physics); Stephen Elop (President and CEO of Nokia Corporation); Myron Scholes (Nobel Laureate in Economics); Roberta Bondar (Canada’s first female astronaut and neurologist in space) | Western University is home to over 300,000 alumni. Some of the famous alumni are: |
| Weather |
McMaster University and Western University rank at #6 and #8 in Canada. Based on global rankings, McMaster University would be the first choice among candidates looking for higher education in Canada. However, Western University also has its own plus points.
Why Choose McMaster University?
- McMaster University rankings are higher globally as well as for subjects such as engineering and technology, computer science, nursing and medicine.
- The graduate employability rankings for McMaster University (#4) is higher than Western University (#6) in Canada.
- The average salary of graduates is also higher.
Why Choose Western University?
- Western University ranks higher for subjects such as arts and humanities, business and management and law.
- MBA program at Western's Ivey School of Business ranks #1 in Canada.
- Admissions at Western University are comparatively less selective.
Based on the global rankings and the return on investment, McMaster University would be the first choice. Although, it is suggested that students looking for studies in Canada must choose between the two universities based on the program of choice.
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