HEAD-TO-HEAD INSTITUTIONAL DOSSIER · 2026/2027 INDEX

University of Cambridge vs Mcgill University

University of Cambridge Logo
University of Cambridge

Cambridge, United Kingdom

QS World: #618% Admit
Mcgill University Logo
Mcgill University

Montreal, Canada

QS World: #3038% Admit
EXECUTIVE DECISION BRIEFINGCross-System Synthesis

01 · Global Academic Standing

Cambridge symbolizes unparalleled global prestige, offering an ancient, tutorial-based, research-intensive collegiate culture in the UK. McGill, a top-tier North American university, offers rigorous, flexible education in vibrant Montreal. Cambridge provides elite immersion; McGill, dynamic urban scholarship.

02 · Departmental & Subject Strengths

For unparalleled theoretical depth and pure scientific inquiry, Cambridge's Natural Sciences program stands supreme. Conversely, for a leading North American program with extensive research and practical applications, McGill’s Neuroscience offers a distinct advantage.

03 · Campus Environment & Cohort Culture

Choose Cambridge if you prioritize intense academic depth, a collegiate system, and global elite research focus. Choose McGill for a dynamic, interdisciplinary North American experience in a bustling metropolis, valuing flexibility and practical career paths.

SECTION 01 · QUANTITATIVE BENCHMARK LEDGER

Head-to-Head Indicator Showdown

Indicator Tally7 — 1 Advantage
Comparative DimensionUniversity of CambridgeMcgill University
QS World University Rank
Global employer & academic reputation index
#6 (2027)+24 places
#30 (2027)
THE World University Rank
Teaching, research environment & citations
#5 (2027)+38 places
#43 (2027)
ARWU Shanghai Rank
Nobel/Fields alumni & highly cited researchers
#4 (2026)+69 places
#73 (2026)
U.S. News Global Rank
Global research reputation & publications
#5 (2027)+63 places
#68 (2027)
Admissions Selectivity
Estimated acceptance rate (lower = more selective)
18%More selective
38%
Annual International Tuition
Estimated undergraduate/graduate base fee
£52,000
$40,000Lower tuition
Founding Heritage
Year of institutional establishment
1209Lead
1821
Student Cohort Scale
Total enrolled degree-seeking students
24,912
39,513
Campus Safety Index
Composite campus & surrounding municipal safety
92 / 100Lead
89 / 100
SECTION 02 · DECADE TRAJECTORY COMPARISON

10-Year Historical Ranking Trajectory

Decade-long global standing curve across major league tables (higher curve position = stronger rank).

SECTION 03 · DEPARTMENTAL BENCHMARKS

QS Subject Rankings Showdown

Click any discipline row to inspect side-by-side degree programs, tuition, and scholarships below.

Cambridge: 2 leads·Mcgill University: 0 leads
Academic Subject (Click to Inspect Programs)CambridgeMcgill University
Anatomy and Physiology#2#5
Psychology#2#22

Cambridge · Specialist Subject Standings

Archaeology#1
English Language and Literature#1
Chemistry#2

Mcgill University · Specialist Subject Standings

Mineral and Mining Engineering#2
Library and Information Management#11
Music#13
Discipline Focus: Anatomy and Physiology
Clear Filter ×

Cambridge Programs

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Computer ScienceBachelor
Duration: 3 yrs
£35,000/yrOfficial Page
Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Advanced Computer ScienceMaster
Duration: 1 yrs
£45,000/yrOfficial Page
PhD in Computer SciencePhD
Duration: 3 yrs
£38,000/yrOfficial Page
Master of Engineering (MEng) in Engineering (Electrical and Information Sciences)Master
Duration: 4 yrs
£35,000/yrOfficial Page

Mcgill University Programs

Refer to the official Mcgill University course catalog for current intake fees.

SECTION 04 · FINANCIAL & LIVING BENCHMARK

Cost of Living & Annual Budget Face-off

Estimated monthly student expenditure in Cambridge vs Montreal alongside annual international tuition.

Upper-Moderate Index

Cambridge (Cambridge)

$2,140/mo
Housing & Utilities$1,550/mo
Food & Groceries$480/mo
Local Transit & Personal$110/mo
Est. International Tuition$52,000/yr
Est. 1-Year Total Budget~$77,680/yr
Upper-Moderate Index

Mcgill University (Montreal)

$2,140/mo
Housing & Utilities$1,550/mo
Food & Groceries$480/mo
Local Transit & Personal$110/mo
Est. International Tuition$40,000/yr
Est. 1-Year Total Budget~$65,680/yr
APPLICANT DECISION SUITE · FREE & PRO TOOLS

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