University of British Columbia vs University of Saskatchewan vs Algonquin College vs University Canada West - UCW vs McMaster University

Side-by-side comparison from 421 verified student reviews. Scan one row at a time — winners are highlighted

Quick verdict
Higher overall rating: Le Cordon Bleu Paris (4.60)
University of British Columbia: wins 1/7 categories
University of Saskatchewan: wins 0/7 categories
Algonquin College: wins 0/7 categories
University Canada West - UCW: wins 0/7 categories
McMaster University: wins 2/7 categories
Le Cordon Bleu Paris: wins 2/7 categories
Douglas College New Westminster: wins 2/7 categories
Comparing
Best programme: Arts
Best programme: Arts and Sciences
Ottawa, Canada
4.20
Read more reviews
61 reviews
×
Best programme: Aeronautics and Space Technology
British Columbia, Canada
4.20
Read more reviews
45 reviews
×
Best programme: Business Administration
Hamilton, Canada
4.40
Read more reviews
86 reviews
×
Best programme: Life Science
4.60
Top
Read more reviews
10 reviews
×
Best programme: Culinary Arts
Best programme: Accounting
Category ratings
Facilities
4.22
4.24
4.10
4.26
4.23
4.40
Win
3.88
Location
4.45
3.74
4.26
4.51
4.14
4.70
4.71
Win
Professors
4.10
4.33
4.21
4.23
4.22
4.60
4.88
Win
Internationality
4.35
4.57
3.98
4.36
4.49
4.60
Win
4.38
Student life
4.31
Win
3.94
3.91
4.16
4.15
3.90
4.25
Value
4.08
3.95
4.30
4.18
4.37
Win
3.90
4.25
Accommodation
3.86
3.71
3.75
3.35
4.08
Win
3.00
3.13
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • +Excellent academics and experienced faculty
  • +Valuable career preparation and practical learning
  • +Great campus resources and vibrant student life
  • +Dedicated, helpful professors
  • +Active learning and research opportunities
  • +Supportive campus environment and resources
  • +Practical skills & career readiness
  • +Supportive & knowledgeable instructors
  • +Well-organized & engaging programs
  • +Practical, career-focused programs with experienced faculty
  • +Affordable tuition and internationally recognized certifications
  • +Diverse and well-structured learning environment
  • +Supportive and passionate professors
  • +Welcoming and diverse student community
  • +Engaging and versatile academic programs
  • +Exceptional teaching quality from passionate, experienced instructors
  • +Unmatched precision, emphasis on quality, and professional skill development
  • +Welcoming environment, strong support, and valuable alumni network
  • +Practical, career-oriented programs with industry software
  • +High-quality instructors and engaging, interactive learning environments
  • +Abundant student resources for academic success
Cons
  • -Administrative and course selection issues are a significant frustration.
  • -Some professors and classes are subpar, with arbitrary grading.
  • -Social experiences outside of clubs can be disappointing.
  • -Administrative and management issues cause significant frustration.
  • -Outdated facilities and resources hinder learning.
  • -Lack of engagement and outdated curriculum diminish interest.
  • -Administrative and management issues, including financial fees and lack of support.
  • -Ineffective online learning experiences with unprepared professors.
  • -Lack of preparedness for the working world.
  • -Administrative & management issues are a frequent complaint.
  • -Facilities are often described as outdated or in poor condition.
  • -Communication from the institution is perceived as lacking or unclear.
  • -Administrative and management issues are a constant source of frustration.
  • -Outdated facilities and a lack of necessary resources hinder the learning experience.
  • -Communication and transparency from the institution are frequently lacking.
  • -Administrative and management issues cause frustration.
  • -Outdated facilities and lack of modern resources are disappointing.
  • -The curriculum feels irrelevant and disconnected from real-world needs.
  • -Students dislike the administrative and management issues.
  • -Outdated facilities and poor maintenance are frequently mentioned.
  • -The curriculum is often described as irrelevant or not engaging.
Rating summary
What students say

This institution demonstrates a commendable performance across several key areas. Its strongest suit is location, achieving a high rating of 4.45. Student life and internationality also receive positive marks, both above 4.3. The weakest area identified is accommodation, with a rating of 3.86. Other aspects like facilities, professors, and value fall within a solid range, generally around the 4.0 to 4.2 mark.

This institution receives its highest marks for Internationality, indicating a strong global presence. Professors are also highly rated, suggesting a dedicated faculty. Conversely, the university's weakest areas appear to be Location and Accommodation, both receiving the lowest scores. Student Life and Value are rated moderately well, while Facilities fall slightly above average.

This university demonstrates particular strengths in **Value** and **Location**, both receiving high marks. **Professors** are also highly rated, suggesting a strong academic environment. Conversely, **Accomodation** is the lowest-rated aspect, indicating potential areas for improvement. **Student Life** and **Internationality** fall in the mid-range, while **Facilities** are rated above average.

This institution receives excellent marks in several key areas, particularly excelling in **Location** (4.51) and **Internationality** (4.36). **Facilities**, **Professors**, **Student Life**, and **Value** also score positively, all above 4.1. The primary area for improvement seems to be **Accomodation**, which received a significantly lower rating of 3.35 compared to the other metrics.

This university garners high marks in nearly all surveyed areas. Internationality stands out as its strongest category with a rating of 4.49, followed closely by Value at 4.37. While Facilities and Professors also score well (4.23 and 4.22 respectively), Accomodation represents the weakest area, receiving the lowest rating of 4.08. Overall, student life, location, and value contribute to a positive impression.

This university demonstrates exceptional strength in its **location** (4.7), **professors** (4.6), and **internationality** (4.6). Students are particularly impressed with the quality of instruction and the global environment. Conversely, **accommodation** stands out as the lowest-rated area at 3.0, suggesting room for improvement in this aspect. Student life and value for money also received moderate scores.

A consistently positive assessment emerges for this institution, with its **Professors** earning an exceptional 4.875. **Location** and **Internationality** also score highly, reflecting strengths in these aspects. Conversely, **Accomodation** presents the lowest score at 3.125, indicating an area for potential improvement, while **Facilities** are rated moderately. Student life and value perceptions are solid.

Reviews summary
Highlights

With ~83% positive reviews, students praise demanding academics, supportive resources, and career preparation. A small minority note challenges with course selection and professor engagement.

With an average rating of 4.41/5 from 22 reviews, approximately 91% of feedback is highly positive. Students praise the quality of classes, helpful professors, and supportive learning environment. Some note the city's small size as a drawback.

With a 4.18/5 average rating, ~90% of 61 reviews are positive, highlighting transformative academics and supportive campus life. A small ~5% of feedback expressed concerns about cost and online learning effectiveness.

With a high average rating of 4.16/5, ~84% of reviews are positive, highlighting practical programs, experienced professors, and a diverse environment. No negative feedback was provided.

Over 90% of feedback is positive, highlighting a strong academic foundation, supportive professors, and a vibrant, diverse community. A small percentage of feedback exists with no negative reviews.

Students highly praise the exceptional quality of teaching and knowledgeable instructors. Facilities are noted as impeccable and the learning environment welcoming, contributing to professional and personal growth for ~100% of reviewers.

With an average rating of 4.5/5, ~88% of reviews are positive, highlighting practical, career-oriented programs and experienced, helpful instructors. No negative feedback was provided.

Rating distribution
5★
38%
52%
33%
31%
52%
60%
63%
4★
50%
43%
57%
53%
37%
40%
25%
3★
12%
10%
5%
16%
10%
0%
13%
2★
1%
0%
5%
0%
0%
0%
0%
1★
1%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Most useful review
Most liked
Underwhelming

I was there as an exchange student from Europe, attending classes at Sauder Business School and the Mechanical Engineering Department. Studying at UBC is definitely a mixed bag in terms of the quality of education. I did have a few great professors who held wonderfully challenging and well-thought-out classes, making me feel that UBC punches above its weight in terms of educational quality. However, some other lectures were undoubtedly subpar. Grading seemed quite arbitrary at times (moving goalposts seems to be a recurring theme at UBC), and the lectures were not nearly as good as they should have been, in my opinion. It is quite fair to say that other exchange students and I were often shocked that UBC allows these courses to occur annually without making efforts to improve them. At UBC as a whole, less is expected from students than at my home university. I've seen people never show up to class and hold presentations that would never fly at my home uni. Professors seems to welcome all questions even if they are about things a fourth-year engineering student just months before graduation needs to know. I am not sure if UBC ensures that its graduates are adequately educated, and would definitely think twice if I was a recruiter and had to hire someone who attented there. From what I have seen, I would tentatively recommend Sauder Business School. For Mechanical Engineering (and probably also Electrical and Civil Engineering), UBC is simply too small, offering a lack of choices and not many lectures; usually, only introductory courses are offered for most topics. I recommend attending a more engineering/science-focused university, such as Waterloo or others in the US or Europe. It is quite astonishing how much money people pay to attend these subpar classes. Enjoyed having a beach on campus.

Nothing to show

Multicultural Workspace

As an international student, I had a great experience studying at Algonquin University. The faculty and staff were incredibly supportive and made me feel welcome from the moment I arrived on campus. The university also provided me with numerous resources to help me adjust to life in a new country, such as language classes and cultural events. The quality of education at Algonquin University is exceptional, and I found the courses to be challenging yet engaging. The professors were knowledgeable and passionate about their subjects, and I appreciated the practical, hands-on approach to learning. The campus itself is beautiful and well-maintained, with modern facilities and a wide range of amenities. There are also plenty of opportunities to get involved in extracurricular activities and meet other students, which helped me feel more connected to the university community. Overall, I would highly recommend Algonquin University to any international student looking for a top-notch education and a supportive, welcoming environment.

A lot left to be desired

You can study and get a degree here, but the university in itself cares little about students and does very little to help when needed. Guidelines are very vague and facilities are not built for as many students as are accepted.

Combined Honors in Economics and Mathematics

Joining Mcmaster University is a wonderful experience. I personally have learned a lot. In addition, I really recommend and encourage students to join this school. University has a variety of courses.

Student in 2013

I really enjoyed my time at LCB! I've found that my skills when I entered the work force were much higher than others. I think though there was a big portion missing in recipe development and composition. True- we did learn it through memorizing the recipes, but we really were missing classes on how different ingredients affect the final textures.. how you can change them... etc. That I still am not an expert in .. and I create recipes! Ouf! Also, I don't know if you still do a month of sugar work... but that really wasn't necessary and should be either cut or minimized to just 2 lessons. It's such a niche skill to know that I would have really preferred more technical skills. I loved the old location. The "rumors" I'm getting about the new location are that it's not as good, unfortunately - that i's become more of a money focused/marketing machine. I really hope that this image can be fixed as I love LCB and enjoyed my time there! Oh also - there should be more help for students to get jobs and featuring old students accomplishments - from cookbook launches to new bakeries so that current and old students can support them.

Nothing to show

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Review our Privacy Policy for more details.
Close