Gourman Report Ranking of Canadian Universities

The Gourman Report, a widely respected source of higher education rankings, evaluates universities based on a combination of factors such as academic performance, research excellence, and institutional reputation. The 1998 edition of the report, which ranked Canadian universities, highlighted the outstanding achievements of the country’s top institutions. These rankings are significant because they offer a snapshot of how Canadian universities were perceived at the time, both domestically and internationally, reflecting the academic quality, research output, and overall prestige of these institutions.

At the top of the 1998 Gourman Report for Canadian universities was McGill University, with a score of 4.64. McGill, located in Montreal, Quebec, is one of Canada’s most prominent institutions, renowned for its exceptional academic programs, world-class faculty, and global research contributions. Established in 1821, McGill has long been recognized as a center of academic excellence. The university is particularly well-regarded for its strong medical school, its leadership in the natural sciences, and its distinguished faculty across a variety of disciplines, including law, engineering, and the humanities. McGill’s impressive score of 4.64 reflects not only its academic standing in Canada but also its international reputation. With a diverse student body and a commitment to fostering a global academic community, McGill is one of the top universities not only in Canada but in the world.

Following closely behind McGill, the University of Toronto earned a score of 4.61, securing the second position in the 1998 Gourman Report rankings. Toronto, Canada’s largest and most populous city, is home to one of the country's oldest and most prestigious universities. Established in 1827, the University of Toronto has been a leader in research, innovation, and academic excellence for nearly two centuries. Its comprehensive programs span numerous disciplines, with particular recognition in fields such as medicine, engineering, law, and the arts. The university is also known for its cutting-edge research, particularly in the fields of biotechnology, environmental science, and public policy. With a massive, diverse student body and a faculty that includes numerous distinguished scholars, the University of Toronto has maintained its status as a top-tier academic institution in both Canada and internationally. The university’s relatively high score of 4.61 reflects its strong standing in academic rigor and research contributions, which continue to enhance its global reputation.

The University of British Columbia (UBC), which earned a score of 4.22 in the 1998 Gourman Report, ranked third in Canada. Located in Vancouver, UBC is one of the most respected universities in Canada and is internationally recognized for its strong academic programs and cutting-edge research, particularly in the areas of environmental sciences, medicine, and engineering. UBC is known for its beautiful campus, which overlooks the Pacific Ocean and mountains, and its vibrant, diverse student body. Its academic strengths span many disciplines, with particular emphasis on science and technology. UBC’s impressive research output and its role in shaping policy and innovation both within Canada and globally contribute to its high ranking in the Gourman Report. UBC’s position as a leading Canadian institution is well-earned, with the university regularly placing among the top universities worldwide.

McMaster University, which earned a score of 3.89, ranked fourth in the 1998 Gourman Report. Located in Hamilton, Ontario, McMaster is renowned for its commitment to research and its problem-based learning (PBL) model, which was adopted by the university's medical school and later extended to other programs. McMaster has a strong reputation in the fields of health sciences, engineering, and social sciences, and its medical school is particularly well-regarded for its innovative curriculum. The university’s emphasis on interdisciplinary learning, community engagement, and global partnerships has helped McMaster maintain a prominent position in Canada’s academic landscape. The strong research programs and impressive academic offerings at McMaster contribute to its high score and its reputation as one of Canada’s top universities.

In fifth place, the University of Alberta earned a score of 3.63. Located in Edmonton, Alberta, this university is recognized for its strong research programs, particularly in the fields of energy, environmental science, and health sciences. The University of Alberta is also well-regarded for its agricultural and engineering programs, which have long been central to its academic identity. With a deep commitment to innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration, the University of Alberta attracts top scholars and researchers who contribute to advancing knowledge across a wide range of fields. The university’s role in Canada’s energy sector, coupled with its global research initiatives, bolsters its academic standing both nationally and internationally.

York University, with a score of 3.61, ranked sixth in the 1998 Gourman Report. Situated in Toronto, York is known for its diverse academic offerings and its commitment to creating an inclusive learning environment. The university excels in the social sciences, humanities, law, and business, with strong programs in law, business administration, and education. York University is also home to the Schulich School of Business, which is widely regarded as one of Canada’s top business schools. The university’s focus on research in the arts and social sciences, coupled with its progressive approach to teaching and learning, contributes to its academic reputation and high standing in the rankings.

Carleton University, located in Ottawa, Ontario, earned a score of 3.58 in the 1998 Gourman Report, ranking seventh among Canadian universities. Carleton is particularly known for its strong programs in public affairs, international relations, and journalism. The university’s proximity to the nation’s capital provides students with unparalleled opportunities to engage in internships, research projects, and policy work with government agencies, think tanks, and international organizations. Carleton has established itself as a leader in social sciences, communications, and public policy, and its research output and academic rigor have helped it secure a prominent position in the rankings.

Simon Fraser University (SFU), with a score of 3.55, ranked eighth in the 1998 Gourman Report. Located in Burnaby, British Columbia, SFU is a leading institution in the fields of business, social sciences, and environmental studies. The university is particularly known for its interdisciplinary approach to research and education, as well as its strong focus on innovation and entrepreneurship. SFU’s commitment to providing students with a well-rounded education that emphasizes both academic learning and real-world experience has helped it gain national and international recognition. The university’s emphasis on sustainable development and social justice also resonates with its diverse student body and faculty.

The University of Manitoba, with a score of 3.50, ranked ninth in the Gourman Report. Located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, this university is known for its strong programs in agriculture, engineering, and health sciences. The University of Manitoba is the largest university in the province and has a significant impact on the local community. The university’s commitment to research, especially in the fields of northern studies and agriculture, has helped it maintain a solid academic reputation. While the University of Manitoba may not have the global recognition of some of Canada’s other top universities, it continues to provide high-quality education and contribute to important areas of research and development.

Finally, the University of Ottawa, with a score of 3.45, ranked tenth in the Gourman Report. Located in Canada’s capital, Ottawa, the university is well-regarded for its bilingual offerings (English and French), strong programs in political science and international studies, and its ties to the federal government and international organizations. The University of Ottawa has a strong research profile, particularly in the social sciences and health sciences, and its strategic location provides students with unique opportunities to engage in internships and projects related to Canadian and international public policy. Its academic offerings, coupled with its focus on community engagement and bilingualism, make it a unique and respected institution in the Canadian higher education system.

In conclusion, the 1998 Gourman Report highlights the strength and diversity of Canadian higher education institutions. The universities that ranked at the top—McGill University, the University of Toronto, and the University of British Columbia—are not only leading educational institutions in Canada but are also recognized globally for their academic excellence and research contributions. The other universities in the report, such as McMaster, the University of Alberta, and York University, continue to offer high-quality education and make valuable contributions to Canadian society through their innovative programs and research initiatives. These rankings underscore the importance of academic rigor, research capacity, and institutional reputation in shaping Canada’s top universities and providing students with an exceptional education.

Gourman Report Ranking of Canadian Universities (1998)

Rank, Institution, Score
1 McGill Univ 4.64
2 U of Toronto 4.61
3 U of British Columbia 4.22
4 McMaster Univ 3.89
5 U of Alberta 3.63
6 York Univ 3.61
7 Carleton Univ 3.58
8 Simon Fraser Univ 3.55
9 U of Manitoba 3.50
10 U of Ottawa 3.45
11 U of Calgary 3.39
12 Universite de Montreal 3.38
13 U of New Brunswick 3.37
14 Universite Laval 3.36
15 U of Windsor 3.34
16 U of Western Ontario 3.32
17 U of Winnipeg 3.31
18 Memorial U of Newfoundland 3.30
19 Universite de Sherbrooke 3.29
20 U of Saskatchewan 3.28
21 Queen's U (Kingston) 3.27
22 U of Waterloo 3.26
23 U of Victoria 3.25
24 Dalhousie U 3.24
25 Concordia U 3.23
26 U of Guelph 3.20
27 U of Regina 3.18
28 Lakehead U 3.16
29 Laurentian U 3.15
30 Universite de Moncton 3.14
31 Brandon Univ 3.13
32 Bishop's Univ 3.12
33 Royal Military College of Canada 3.11
34 Trent Univ 3.10
35 Wilfrid Laurier Univ 3.09
36 Acadia Univ 3.08
37 Brock Univ 3.07
38 Technical U of Nova Scotia 3.06
39 Mount Allison U 3.05
40 Mount Saint Vincent U 3.04
41 U of Lethbridge 3.03
42 U of Prince Edward Island 3.02
43 Universite du Quebec (Montreal) 3.01
44 Athabasca U 2.99
45 Saint Mary's U 2.97
46 St. Thomas U 2.95
47 Universite du Quebec (Trois-Riveres) 2.92
48 Ryerson Polytechnic U 2.90
49 Universite du Quebec (Chicoutimi) 2.85
50 U of St. Michael's College 2.84
51 Trinity Western U 2.82
52 Universite du Quebec (Hull) 2.80
53 Universite du Quebec (Rimouski) 2.77
54 Nova Scotia Agricultural College 2.73
55 Uni College of Cape Breton 2.70
56 Universite du Quebec (Abitibi-Temiscaminque) 2.69
57 St. Francis Xavier U 2.65
58 Universite Sainte-Anne 2.60
59 U of King's College 2.53
60 Saint Paul U 2.47

The ranking provided above is compiled from the Dr. Jack Gourman book, The Gourman Report, Undergraduate Programs, 10th Edition 1998.