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    McGill University
    Higher Education

    McGill University

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    "Inspired by challenge, committed to shaping a better future."

    Founded 1821 Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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    About

    McGill University, known in French as Université McGill, is a public research university in Montreal, Quebec, that teaches primarily in English. It was founded in 1821 under a royal charter, and its name honors James McGill, a Scottish merchant whose 1813 bequest laid the groundwork for the institution. Initially called the University of McGill College, it officially became McGill University in 1885.

    Today, McGill enrolls more than 39,000 students. Its main campus sits on the slopes of Mount Royal in downtown Montreal's Ville-Marie borough, while a second campus lies in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, about 30 kilometers west. The university is one of only two members of the Association of American Universities located outside the United States, the other being the University of Toronto, and it is the sole Canadian member of the Global University Leaders Forum within the World Economic Forum. McGill offers degrees and diplomas in over 300 fields, with most students enrolled in its six largest faculties: Arts, Science, Medicine, Education, Engineering, and Management.

    McGill's distinguished community includes 15 Nobel laureates, 149 Rhodes Scholars, a Turing Award winner, three Canadian prime ministers, two governors general, and 15 Supreme Court justices. Its alumni also count four Pulitzer Prize winners and 121 Olympians who have collected more than 35 Olympic medals.

    Products & Sub-brands

    Undergraduate and graduate degreesProfessional programs in Medicine, Law, Management, Education, EngineeringResearch initiativesContinuing education and executive programs

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Who owns McGill University?
    McGill University is a public institution, meaning it is owned and operated by the government of Quebec, Canada. It operates under a royal charter granted in 1821 and is publicly funded through government allocations, tuition, and research grants.
    Who is the CEO of McGill University?
    McGill University is led by a Principal and Vice-Chancellor, who serves as the equivalent of a CEO. The current leadership oversees the university's academic and administrative operations, supported by a board of governors and senate.
    How much is McGill University worth?
    As a public institution, McGill does not have a market valuation. However, its endowment is among the largest in Canada, and its research output, real estate holdings across two Montreal campuses, and global reputation place it among Canada's most valuable educational institutions.
    McGill University vs University of Toronto: which is better?
    McGill has been ranked #1 in Canada in the QS World University Rankings 2027 at #30 globally, while the University of Toronto competes closely as one of only two Canadian members of the Association of American Universities. Both are elite Canadian institutions, with McGill historically known for its undergraduate focus and Toronto for its research breadth.
    Is McGill University still in business?
    Yes, McGill University is fully operational and thriving. It enrolls more than 39,000 students, continues to rank among the top universities globally, and remains active in research, athletics, and community engagement, despite currently facing a class-action lawsuit.

    Keywords

    McGill UniversityMontrealhigher educationresearch universityQuebecJames McGillCanadian university

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    Company Info

    Founded
    1821
    Founder
    James McGill
    Headquarters
    Montreal, Quebec, Canada
    Industry
    Higher Education
    Ranking
    #1 in Canada, #30 globally (QS 2027)
    Students
    39,000+

    Official Website

    www.mcgill.ca/

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