University of Toronto Daniels Faculty
The John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design at the University of Toronto is Canada's leading school for architecture, urbanism, and design education. The faculty occupies the stunning One Spadina Crescent building, a heritage restoration that itself exemplifies design excellence. Programs span undergraduate and graduate levels in architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, visual studies, and curatorial studies. The faculty's approach emphasizes design thinking as a method for addressing complex challenges including climate change, urbanization, and social equity. Studio-based learning places design practice at the center of education, with students developing projects addressing real-world problems. Faculty members include practicing architects, landscape architects, and scholars whose work shapes built environments across Canada and internationally. The downtown Toronto location provides immediate access to Canada's largest and most diverse city as a living laboratory for urban design. Connections with municipal planning, architectural practices, and development firms create opportunities for applied learning. The faculty's global perspective is reflected in international studios, visiting critics from leading global practices, and research addressing urban challenges worldwide. Graduates lead architectural practice, landscape design, urban planning, and visual culture in Canada and internationally.
- Acceptance Rate
- 65.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.25
- Size
- N/A
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- N/A
- Setting
- N/A
- Graduation Rate
- N/A
- Retention Rate
- N/A
- Tuition (In-State)
- N/A
- Tuition (Int'l)
- N/A
Student Life & Environment
Life at the Daniels Faculty centers on One Spadina, a landmark building where historic architecture meets contemporary intervention. The restored Romanesque Revival structure houses studios, fabrication labs, exhibition spaces, and the largest architecture library in Canada, creating an environment purpose-built for design education. Students spend long hours in studio, working on design projects surrounded by classmates engaged in similar challenges. This immersive environment builds intense camaraderie and professional preparation simultaneously. The building's fabrication facilities include digital production equipment, wood and metal shops, and material testing resources that allow students to work at full scale and experiment with construction techniques. Beyond One Spadina, students access the full range of University of Toronto resources, from libraries holding millions of volumes to athletic facilities to student services supporting health and wellbeing. Toronto itself extends the classroom, with students encouraged to explore the city's neighborhoods, visit construction sites, and engage with the professional community through lectures, exhibitions, and networking events. Student organizations coordinate social activities, competitions, and advocacy around issues affecting design education and practice.
Location & Surroundings
Toronto provides an unparalleled setting for design education, with its dramatic skyline, historic neighborhoods, natural ravine systems, and ongoing waterfront revitalization offering endless case studies and design opportunities. The Daniels Faculty's location at One Spadina Crescent places students at the intersection of the University of Toronto's historic campus and the Annex neighborhood, with its Victorian houses, local businesses, and tree-lined streets. Downtown Toronto lies within walking distance, with its concentration of significant buildings spanning every era of Canadian architecture. The city's ongoing construction boom means students observe major projects taking shape throughout their education. Toronto's multiculturalism shows in its neighborhoods, each with distinct character that reflects immigrant communities from around the world. The city's ravine network provides examples of urban ecology and landscape architecture that inform environmental design thinking. Public transit connects students to sites across the metropolitan area for research and studio work. The professional design community in Toronto includes major firms, solo practitioners, and public agencies who engage with the faculty through lectures, juries, and internship opportunities. While expensive for students, Toronto offers cultural, professional, and recreational resources that make it one of North America's most compelling cities for design education.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Tuition at the Daniels Faculty reflects University of Toronto's fee structure, with domestic students paying considerably less than international students. Canadian students can expect annual tuition in the range of 15,000 to 20,000 CAD for professional programs, while international students face fees that can exceed 50,000 CAD annually. These figures position U of T among the more expensive Canadian options but still significantly below comparable American programs. Living costs in Toronto add substantially to the overall investment, as housing prices in Canada's largest city create challenges for student budgets. The university and faculty offer various forms of financial support to help manage these costs. Merit-based scholarships recognize outstanding applicants, while need-based aid helps students from families with limited resources. Teaching and research assistantships provide both funding and professional experience for graduate students. Many students work part-time in Toronto's architecture and design offices, gaining experience while earning income. Career outcomes for Daniels graduates remain strong, with alumni entering top firms, launching their own practices, and assuming leadership roles in design organizations across Canada and internationally.
Campus Location
Explore More
See your match score for University of Toronto Daniels Faculty
Find out how you compare to admitted students with a personalized admission assessment.
See your match score — Sign up free