Best Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering Universities in Canada

Home to many of the top aerospace engineering institutions in the world, Canada is also the abode of a notably developed aerospace industry. With annual revenues of about $22 billion, Aerospace Engineering is a rapidly evolving sector in the country with its command center located in the heart of Quebec. Montreal, another Canadian province, is one of the top 3 largest aerospace manufacturing centers worldwide. It boasts the reputation of being the only place where an entire aircraft can be assembled locally.

As a field of study, Aerospace Engineering has conventionally drawn its principles from problems related to atmospheric and space flight. As it stands today, it comprises two prime overlapping branches, namely aeronautical engineering, and astronautical engineering. The first definition of aerospace engineering dates back to 1958. This was when the Earth’s atmosphere and the space above it were considered a single realm for the development of flight vehicles.

With more students becoming interested in the Applied Sciences, Canadian Aerospace universities are inviting applications from international candidates to study in Canada. However, to evaluate some of the best aerospace engineering universities in Canada, we must first understand what an aerospace engineer actually does. 

Who Are Aerospace Engineers?

Aerospace engineers are professionals involved in designing systems used for space transportation, communications, exploration, and defense applications. They also manufacture cutting-edge technology consisting of aircraft, spacecraft, propulsion systems, satellites, and missiles. 

Some of the core concepts learned by Aerospace Engineers through the course of their program in Canada include

• Fluid Dynamics
• Materials Sciences
• Structural Analysis
• Propulsion
• Automatic Control and Guidance
• Aircraft Performance and Aircraft Structures

Thus, the multidisciplinary mode of learning and the experience of aerospace engineers as systems architects and engineers allows them to make contributions in many diverse sectors. Nowadays, the demand for such skilled professionals is on the rise. 

Due to their advanced skill set, aerospace engineers are also seen working in non-traditional industries such as the motor vehicle sector. Here, they apply their knowledge of lightweight materials and fluid mechanics to design lighter and more aerodynamic cars for the public.

Highlights: Best Aerospace Engineering Universities in Canada

Best Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering Universities In Canada

Canadian universities are renowned worldwide for their top-notch holistic education that encompasses practical skills alongside cohesive, hands-on knowledge. The program structure of each course is designed to monitor systematic progress, with each part of the education system integrated into an overarching national strategy. The colleges do not charge exorbitant tuition fees, and even the cheapest Canadian engineering universities impart innovative, comprehensive education to international students. 

Thus, it seems to be a small wonder that several aerospace engineering institutes in the country have also climbed their way into the top tier of international rankings.

The most acclaimed aerospace engineering colleges in Canada include 

• Concordia University, Montreal
• University of Windsor, Windsor
• Carleton University, Ottawa
• Ryerson University, Toronto (Toronto Metropolitan University)
• Royal Military College of Canada, Kingston
• University of Toronto, Toronto
• McGill University, Montreal

Concordia University, Montreal 

At Concordia University, the department of Mechanical, Industrial and Aerospace Engineering (MIAE) offers accredited bachelor’s (B.Eng) and master’s degree (M.Eng) programs in Aerospace Engineering. 

The coursework is overseen to be a blend of theoretical, practical and laboratory experiences. Most international students participate in interactive learning and work experiences through Co-Op and CIADI programs. 

With engaged student groups such as Space Concordia on campus, the university focuses to achieve operational excellence across rocketry, satellite, and space robotic domains.

University of Windsor, Windsor

Although the University of Windsor does not have a dedicated Aerospace Engineering unit, it allows its students to enroll in a co-op course with the Mechanical Engineering department. The degree conferred is the Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering – Aerospace Option. 

With a 92% employment rate after 6 months of the completion of the course, it is a coveted program of study. 

Applying an interdisciplinary approach, graduates at the University of Windsor learn about avionics alongside the execution of complex manufacturing and logistical operations. 

However, despite the fact that the university offers graduate M.Eng and MASc programs, the specializations do not incorporate an Aerospace Engineering course. 

Carleton University, Ottawa

Carleton University is renowned for establishing the first Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng) degree program in Aerospace Engineering in Canada. Fully accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board, the B.Eng course at Carleton integrates Co-op learning on paid work terms into your degree program. Many students enrolling in the baccalaureate course are later seen pursuing a 

Master’s in Mechanical Engineering or a 

Master’s in Automotive Engineering from other revered Canadian institutes. 

All graduate Aerospace Engineering programs are offered in collaboration with the Ottawa-Carleton Institute for Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. This combines the research strength of two premier institutes that provide 4 main streams in their curriculum. These include 

• Aerodynamics, propulsion, and vehicle performance
• Aerospace structures, systems, and vehicle design
• Aerospace electronics and systems
• Space systems design

Ryerson University, Toronto (Toronto Metropolitan University) 

The Toronto Metropolitan University applies a dynamic course outlook with its directory of BEng, PMDip, MEng, MASc and Ph.D. programs in Aerospace Engineering. 

With over 6 aerospace student groups on the campus itself, undergraduates are encouraged to join innovative competitions that take Hyperloop and NASA by storm. 

Graduate students take a more research-based approach that accelerates their careers and advances technology. M.Eng programs require the completion of eight one-term courses and a major project whereas MASc programs ask for the successful completion of five one-term course credits and a research thesis. 

Royal Military College of Canada, Kingston

The RMC is a military university that trains Canadian cadets interested in serving the Armed Forces. The university confers UG and PG degrees in the Social Sciences, Humanities, Science and Engineering in both English and French. 

However, it is important to note that civilian Canadian students and exceptional international students are also welcome to join the RMC. For them, the mode of education is similar to other Canadian universities, with no military duties or obligation to join the Canadian Forces. 

At both the undergraduate and graduate level, the department equips its students with several state-of-the-art laboratories that supplement their theoretical knowledge with adequate practical exposure. 

International students are allowed to enroll in the M.Eng course offered by the university. For the Master of Engineering degree, students need to fulfill the minimum requirement of taking eight-term courses and finishing a project under the supervision of a faculty member. 

University of Toronto, Toronto

The University of Toronto houses its own Institute for Aerospace Studies. UITAS is known to stand at the forefront of the Canadian aerospace education sector because of its ongoing excellence in the field of research.

Students, both domestic and international, who are interested in becoming Aerospace Engineers need to enroll in the four-year undergraduate EngSci program. Toward the end of the second year of Engineering Science, students select a major for their penultimate and ultimate years of study. Aerospace Engineering is one of these majors available at the baccalaureate level. 

At the postgraduate level, both M.Eng and MASc courses are available for international students. Full-time M.Eng programs have a course duration of a year, while part-time programs may take up to 3 years to complete. Despite the raised cost of living in Toronto compared to other Canadian cities, the university of Toronto remains the top pick for most international students pursuing Aerospace Engineering. 

McGill University, Montreal

Aerospace engineering is an evolving discipline focusing on the design and development of aircraft and spacecraft. At McGill University, undergraduates that are part of the Faculty of Engineering can opt to minor in Aerospace Engineering. Here, they are given the option to choose between 5 specialities. These include 

• Aerodynamics and propulsion
• Aircraft structure
• Spacecraft and systems
• Material and processes
• Avionics

In addition to this, a Masters of Aerospace Engineering program is available for international students at the graduate level. While intended to be a full-time course, the M.Eng program may also be undertaken on a part-time basis.

Eligibility Criteria for Aerospace Engineering Degree in Canada

The eligibility requirements for admission vary depending on the program you are applying to. 

At the undergraduate level, students need to 

• Have passed 10+2 with physics and mathematics as compulsory subjects
• Take standardized English proficiency tests and obtain a minimum score of 5.5 in IELTS

Some universities may also ask students to submit entrance test scores for exams such as SAT or the ACT. 

At the graduate level, applicants must have 

• A relevant bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution with a minimum B+ grade or 75% marks
• A minimum score of 6.0 in standardized English language exams such as the IELTS

Some universities may also ask students to submit entrance test scores for exams such as GRE. Work experience of 2-3 years is also given preference. 

Documents required for international students

• All past academic transcripts
• 2-3 Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
• A ‘statement of intent’ underscoring your interest, purpose, and basis behind selecting the course and the university  
• Proof of the English Language Proficiency (ELP) exam results 
• A Canadian Study Permit (will be provided after receiving an acceptance letter from the university of your choice.)

Career Prospects for Aerospace Engineering Graduates in Canada

Aerospace Engineering derives its origin from the vast branch of Mechanical Engineering. Thus, aeronautical engineers can be hired for mechanical engineering roles and vice versa. 

However, as a specialized branch, graduates from universities offering Aerospace Engineering courses earn a handsome salary in the range of 85,000- 1,20,000 CAD annually. 

According to Job Bank, an official government-monitored Canadian agency, ‘this occupational group is expected to face labor shortage conditions over the period of 2019-2028 at the national level’. This directly implies that the demand for aerospace engineers is going to see an uptick, with graduates occupying job titles such as 

• Aerospace Technician
• Aircraft Engineer
• Aviation Analyst
• Spacecraft Designer
• Aircraft Production Manager

In addition to this, international students can take advantage of the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program. This allows them to stay in Canada and gain valuable work experience for a maximum period of 3 years, after which they can return to apply for entrepreneurial or managerial roles in their home country. They can also work while studying to recompense their daily living costs during the course of the program. 

Conclusion 

Aerospace engineers are generally recruited to design, test, and help manufacture missiles, aircraft, spacecraft, and satellites. However, a career in aerospace engineering can unlock several avenues for you in addition to the conventional promenades opted for by most students. Global opportunities after pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in the subject comprise lucrative jobs in both public-sector organizations and private-sector companies. With Canadian institutes providing an unparalleled education at average program costs between 30,000-40,000 CAD, the return on investment is huge.