Canada is renowned for its world-class education system, and when it comes to engineering, the country offers some of the most prestigious universities globally. For aspiring engineers, choosing the right university can be a life-changing decision that shapes both their academic journey and future career. But beyond just academics, another key consideration for students is the environment they will be living in – and that’s where real estate comes into play. Whether you’re planning to rent, buy, or simply navigate the housing landscape, understanding the real estate market around top engineering universities is crucial.
Canada’s Top Engineering Programs:
Carleton University
Carleton University’s Faculty of Engineering and Design in Ottawa offers 14 Bachelor of Engineering programs, each with the opportunity for valuable co-op placements at leading organizations like Amazon, the Canadian Space Agency, and the National Research Council of Canada. Students can explore a wide range of engineering fields, including aircraft and vehicle design, machinery, software development, telecommunications systems, medical technologies, and solutions to environmental challenges. Its proudly recognized as one of Canada’s leading research institutions.
Location: Ottawa, Ontario
Ottawa, Canada’s capital and political centre, sits between Toronto and Montreal, offering the charm of a smaller city with the influence of a national hub. Known for its historic landmarks and scenic waterways, it’s also home to over 1,000 farms (more than Montreal, Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver combined). Framed by the Ottawa and Rideau Rivers and the UNESCO-listed Rideau Canal, Ottawa blends nature, culture, and politics into one unique city.
Average 1 Bedroom Rent – $2,020
Real Estate Prices
- Detached: $698,700
- Attached: $431,200
- Condo: $400,900
McGill University
McGill University’s Faculty of Engineering is known for its rigorous programs, cutting-edge research, and vibrant student community. The Faculty emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to global challenges, offering programs in civil, mechanical, electrical, computer, and bioengineering, with a focus on integrating fields like medicine, business, and environmental science. Key research areas include renewable energy, AI, biomedical engineering, and sustainable infrastructure. With global internships, industry partnerships, and a focus on creativity, McGill prepares more than 3,500 undergraduate and graduate students students to lead in shaping the future of engineering.
Location: Montreal, Quebec
Montreal is an energetic city where history, culture, and diversity come together, offering a wide range of experiences. From its robust arts scene and festivals to its delicious food and scenic parks, the city has a unique charm. Whether you’re exploring the historic Old Montreal or enjoying nature on Mount Royal, and whether you’re into arts, technology, or outdoor activities, there’s plenty to discover for every student.
Average 1 Bedroom Rent – $1,724
Real Estate Prices
- Detached: $610,000
- Condo: $420,000
Queen’s University
Queen’s University’s Smith Engineering leads in transformative education and research. A $100 million donation in 2023 reshaped the approach, focusing on problem-based learning and technical mastery. The Faculty offers a range of programs, including Chemical, Civil, Computer, and Mechanical Engineering, and addresses global challenges in AI, sustainability, and infrastructure resilience. Research facilities like the Beaty Water Research Centre and Ingenuity Labs support innovation and collaboration.
Location: Kingston, Ontario
With just over 170,000 people, Kingston is a small, vibrant city between Ottawa and Toronto. One of the best parts about living on Queen’s campus is how close you are to the heart of Kingston, just a 10-minute walk to downtown.Whether grabbing a bite, running errands, or doing some retail therapy, everything you need in this “student town” is right around the corner.
Average 1 Bedroom Rent – $1,831
Real Estate Prices
- Detached: $607,100
- Attached: $520,600
- Condo: $417,600
Simon Fraser University
Simon Fraser University’s School of Engineering Science in Burnaby has a unique focus on technological innovation and equips students for success in today’s fast-growing high-tech industries. It offers undergraduate programs in Engineering Science, Mechatronic Systems Engineering, Sustainable Energy Engineering, and Computing Science. Graduates are well-prepared for a wide range of careers, with 90% of Engineering Science students securing employment shortly after graduation. The median starting salary for these graduates is $80,250.
Location: Burnaby, British Columbia
Just 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver, Burnaby is the third-largest city in British Columbia, with a population of over 249,000. It’s perfectly positioned—bordering Coquitlam, New Westminster, and Richmond, making it easy to access the entire Metro Vancouver area. What really sets Burnaby apart is its balance of urban convenience and natural beauty. A full 25% of the city is dedicated to green space, offering parks, lakes, and trails that make it easy to stay active and enjoy the outdoors. Burnaby is known for its cultural diversity, with more than half of residents speaking a primary language other than English or French.
Average 1 Bedroom Rent – $2,336
Real Estate Prices (Greater Vancouver Area)
- Detached: $2,034,400
- Attached: $1,113,100
- Condo: $767,300
The University of Alberta
The University of Alberta’s Faculty of Engineering offers nine accredited undergraduate degrees and diverse graduate programs across five departments. Its Co-op Program, running since 1981, has built a strong reputation for helping students gain real-world experience and preparing them for the fast-changing demands of the global workforce. Today, the faculty is backed by a global network of over 30,000 engineering alumni.
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Edmonton, the capital of Alberta, offers a well-rounded lifestyle that blends urban convenience, natural beauty, and affordability—making it an increasingly attractive place to call home.For those who love the outdoors, the North Saskatchewan River runs through the city, creating endless opportunities for walking, biking, and enjoying nature all year long. Often called Canada’s “Festival City,” Edmonton hosts over 50 annual events, building a strong sense of community and keeping the cultural scene vibrant throughout the year. Beyond lifestyle perks, Edmonton also stands out for its affordability, low taxes, growing economy, and strong job market—making it a smart choice for both young professionals and families.
Average 1 Bedroom Rent – $1,310
Real Estate Prices
- Detached: $490,900
- Attached: $293,000
- Condo: $207,200
University of British Columbia
The Univsirty of British Columbia’s Faculty of Applie Science is ranked as one of Canada’s top engineering programs, placing second nationally and 25th globally in the latest QS World University Rankings for engineering and technology. Times Higher Education, QS, and Maclean’s all highlight UBC’s excellence across disciplines, including biomedical, integrated, mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering. Faculty are leading change by combining policy, design, and technology to address global challenges like human inequity and climate change.
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver is Canada’s largest city on the West Coast and the biggest in British Columbia. Known for its stunning natural surroundings and cultural diversity, it’s also home to Stanley Park, a 400-hectare urban oasis. Nestled between the mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver offers a unique blend of urban energy and natural beauty. From world-class universities and cutting-edge research opportunities to endless outdoor adventures, this is a city that inspires both learning and lifestyle.
Average One Bedroom Rent – $2,531
Real Estate Prices
- Detached: $2,034,400
- Attached: $1,113,100
- Condo: $767,300
University of Toronto
The University of Toronto’s Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering is the top-ranked engineering school in Canada—and the first ever in Ontario. From mechanical to aerospace, students dive into hands-on programs backed by world-class research and real-world impact. Innovation here is focused through six key innovation clusters: advanced manufacturing, AI and data, human health, robotics, sustainability, and water.
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Toronto, Canada’s largest city, is one of the most multicultural urban centres in the world, offering an outstanding environment for both living and learning. With a population of over 3 million in the city and more than 7 million in the Greater Toronto Region, “The Six” is a global hub for business, technology, and entertainment. Toronto region’s diversity shines through its more than 250 ethnic communities and 170 languages, while its commitment to nature is reflected in over 1,600 parks and 200 kilometers of trails. Its green spaces cover more than 18% of the city’s land.
Average One Bedroom Rent – $2,313
Real Estate Prices
- Detached: $1,723,489
- Attached: $1,337,498
- Condo: $716,460
University of Waterloo
The Univeristy of Waterloo is home to Canada’s largest engineering school, with over 8,600 undergraduate students enrolled across 15 cutting-edge programs. Known for its hands-on, immersive education, Waterloo offers students an experience that extends far beyond the classroom. Every engineering student participates in the university’s renowned co-op program, gaining up to two years of paid, real-world work experience before graduation. The school’s newest program, Architectural Engineering, combines civil engineering and architectural design, with students learning across both the main Waterloo campus and the School of Architecture in Cambridge.
Location: Waterloo, Ontario
Waterloo is a vibrant city in the heart of Southwestern Ontario, just 100 km from both Toronto and London. As part of the Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge region, it offers a unique mix of urban energy and community feel. With two major universities (University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier) it’s a true student city. Waterloo is also a major tech hub, home to companies like Google, SAP, and Oracle NetSuite. Nearly 1,000 startups have been launched by UWaterloo students, faculty, and alumni.
Average One Bedroom Rent – $2,010
Real Estate Prices
- Detached: $921,985
- Attached: $663,145
- Condo: $457,925
*Rent prices sourced from Rentals.ca April 2025 report.
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