University of British Columbia vs McMaster University vs Wilfrid Laurier University vs Le Cordon Bleu Paris vs ABC Business Academy

Side-by-side comparison from 366 verified student reviews. Scan one row at a time — winners are highlighted

Quick verdict
Higher overall rating: Le Cordon Bleu Paris (4.70)
University of British Columbia: wins 1/7 categories
McMaster University: wins 0/7 categories
Wilfrid Laurier University: wins 0/7 categories
Le Cordon Bleu Paris: wins 3/7 categories
ABC Business Academy: wins 0/7 categories
Douglas College New Westminster: wins 1/7 categories
RUBIKA: wins 2/7 categories
Comparing
Best programme: Arts
Hamilton, Canada
4.40
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85 reviews
×
Best programme: Life Science
Best programme: Business Administration
4.70
Top
Read more reviews
9 reviews
×
Best programme: Culinary Arts
Toronto, Canada
Not rated
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0 reviews
×
Best programme: Accounting
Valenciennes, France
4.40
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15 reviews
×
Best programme: 2D Animation
Category ratings
Facilities
4.22
4.22
4.12
4.56
Win
Not rated
3.88
4.47
Location
4.46
4.13
3.98
4.78
Win
Not rated
4.71
3.13
Professors
4.10
4.22
4.08
4.67
Not rated
4.88
Win
4.27
Internationality
4.35
4.49
3.85
4.67
Win
Not rated
4.38
3.87
Student life
4.31
Win
4.16
4.29
4.00
Not rated
4.25
4.20
Value
4.08
4.38
4.13
4.00
Not rated
4.25
4.67
Win
Accommodation
3.86
4.10
3.68
3.22
Not rated
3.13
4.33
Win
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • +Excellent professors and engaging courses
  • +Abundant resources and study spaces
  • +Strong career preparation and practical experience
  • +Supportive and passionate professors
  • +Welcoming and diverse student community
  • +Engaging and versatile academic programs
  • +Welcoming and inclusive campus culture
  • +Dedicated and approachable professors
  • +Valuable practical experience and diverse programs
  • +exceptional quality of teaching and knowledgeable, approachable instructors
  • +strong emphasis on precision, quality, and professional skill development
  • +welcoming environment and supportive alumni network

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  • +Practical, career-oriented programs with industry software
  • +High-quality instructors and engaging, interactive learning environments
  • +Abundant student resources for academic success
  • +Industry-active instructors and professional preparation
  • +Supportive and welcoming atmosphere
  • +Emphasis on practical, project-based learning
Cons
  • -Administrative and course selection difficulties.
  • -Subpar teaching quality and arbitrary grading.
  • -Lack of genuine social connections outside of clubs.
  • -Administrative and management issues are a significant source of frustration.
  • -Facilities are often described as outdated and poorly maintained.
  • -The curriculum or teaching quality is frequently criticized.
  • -Administrative and management issues are frequent frustrations.
  • -Declining quality of faculty and department resources is a concern.
  • -Outdated facilities and resources are a drawback.
  • -Administrative and management issues cause significant frustration.
  • -Outdated facilities and technology hinder the learning experience.
  • -Lack of career support and industry relevance leads to dissatisfaction.

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  • -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.
  • -Administrative and management issues cause frequent problems.
  • -Facilities are frequently described as outdated and in poor condition.
  • -Teaching quality and curriculum relevance are inconsistent and often disappointing.
Rating summary
What students say

This institution receives strong commendations for its **location (4.46)**, **internationality (4.35)**, and **student life (4.31)**. Facilities and value are also well-regarded, with ratings around 4.08 to 4.22. The **accommodation rating (3.86)** is the lowest among the surveyed aspects, indicating this is an area that could see improvement.

This university receives its highest marks in **Internationality**, boasting a rating of 4.49. Close behind is **Value** at 4.38, followed by **Facilities** and **Professors**, both scoring 4.22. The **Location** also performs well with a 4.13 rating. The **weakest area** of the university, though still strong, is **Accomodation** at 4.10. Overall, the institution presents a very positive picture.

This institution receives its highest marks for Student Life, closely followed by its Value and Facilities. Conversely, Accommodations present the weakest area, scoring notably lower than other surveyed aspects. Professors and Internationality also received solid, above-average ratings, while Location is rated slightly below the overall average.

This institution receives high marks for its Location, scoring 4.78, and for its Professors and Internationality, both at 4.67. Facilities also rate well at 4.56. Student Life and Value are both solid at 4.00. The weakest area is Accomodation, which received a rating of 3.22.

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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.

This institution demonstrates exceptional strengths in its **Value** (4.67) and **Facilities** (4.47), indicating high satisfaction in these key areas. **Accomodation** (4.33) and **Student Life** (4.20) also received positive scores. However, the university's **Location** (3.13) stands out as a comparatively weaker aspect, with **Internationality** (3.87) also receiving a moderate rating.

Reviews summary
Highlights

With 190 reviews and an average rating of 4.23/5, ~87% of students report positive experiences, citing excellent academics, professors, and campus resources. A small amount of feedback (approx. 1%) noted difficulties with course selection and finding genuine connections.

Approximately 90% of university reviews are positive, highlighting a supportive community, knowledgeable and passionate professors, and a positive academic experience. No negative feedback was reported.

With an average rating of 4.3/5, ~88% of reviews are highly positive, praising inclusive campus spirit, engaging programs, and approachable professors. A small amount of feedback (~3%) mentions academic advising issues and program specificity.

All 9 reviews are positive, with an average rating of 4.67/5. Students highlight exceptional teaching quality and knowledgeable instructors, along with impeccable facilities. The curriculum and emphasis on precision are frequently praised.

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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.

With a 4.4/5 average rating from 15 reviews, ~93% are positive. Students praise quality teaching from industry professionals and a supportive, welcoming atmosphere. The heavy workload and project-focused curriculum prepare them well for professional careers.

Rating distribution
5★
38%
53%
43%
67%
0%
63%
47%
4★
49%
36%
48%
33%
0%
25%
47%
3★
12%
11%
7%
0%
0%
13%
7%
2★
1%
0%
3%
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.

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.

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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.

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