Toronto Metropolitan University
A career-focused downtown Toronto university, formerly Ryerson, built around co-op, studios and startup incubators.
- Students
- 43,765
- 40,833 undergraduates
- International
- 8%
- of students
- Tuition
- CA$38,693
- From · 2026-27
- Founded
- 1948
About TMU
Toronto Metropolitan University opened in 1948 as the Ryerson Institute of Technology, a post-war school for skilled trades on the site of Ontario's first teacher training college. It gained degree-granting powers in 1971, became a university in 1993 and took its current name in 2022. Today it teaches about 40,800 undergraduates and 2,900 graduate students (2025-26) on a dense campus of more than 40 buildings around Yonge and Dundas in downtown Toronto.
The university is organised into the Faculty of Arts, the Ted Rogers School of Management (its largest faculty, with more than 11,700 undergraduates), The Creative School, the Faculty of Community Services, the Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science and the Faculty of Science, plus the Lincoln Alexander School of Law and a new School of Medicine in Brampton that took its first students in 2025.
TMU still reflects its polytechnic roots: many degrees offer a five-year co-op format, programs in journalism, media production, image arts, fashion and architecture are studio-based, and the Zone Learning network says it has helped launch more than 4,700 startups. It suits applicants who want a practical, city-embedded degree and are comfortable with a commuter campus where most students live off site.
Mente et artificio
“With mind and skill” — university motto
Why students choose TMU
Many programs, from Computer Science to Aerospace Engineering and Criminology, can be taken in a five-year co-op format with paid work terms.
The Creative School runs some of Canada's best-known media programs, including Journalism, Media Production, Image Arts and Fashion.
Zone Learning, TMU's network of incubator zones, says it has launched more than 4,700 startups and offers course credit for passion projects.
The campus sits at Yonge and Dundas in central Toronto, with the Mattamy Athletic Centre inside the historic Maple Leaf Gardens.
Admissions
Fall 2027 entry (September 2027)
Selectivity
TMU does not publish an overall admit rate. The university minimum is a 70% average in six Grade 12 U/M courses, but each program page shows the average required in previous years: e.g. Business Management and Journalism 70-75%; Computer Science, Criminology and Psychology 75-80%; Accounting and Finance, Biomedical Sciences and Media Production 80-85%; Aerospace and Computer Engineering 85-90%; Mechanical Engineering and Architectural Science 90%+.
Typical entry requirements
| Ontario high school (OSSD, six Grade 12 U/M courses) | Minimum 70% overall; recent admission ranges from 70-75% (Business Management, Journalism) to 90%+ (Mechanical Engineering, Architectural Science) |
|---|---|
| IB Diploma | Minimum 28 points with grades of 4 or higher in 3 HL and 3 SL subjects, including prerequisites; higher totals may be needed for competitive programs |
| GCE A-levels | Two or more A-levels with at least B in one and C in another, plus three GCSE/IGCSE subjects (B/6 in one, C/4 in two) |
| India (CBSE, CISCE, state boards) | Class XII with at least a 65% average and 60% in each prerequisite; higher for competitive programs |
| China | Senior high school graduation with an 80% overall average and at least 80% in each prerequisite subject |
| English language | IELTS 6.5 · TOEFL iBT 92 IELTS Academic 6.5 overall (no band minimums), Duolingo 120, PTE 60 for all programs. TOEFL iBT (tests before 21 January 2026): 83 for Engineering and most Science programs, 92 for all other programs including Computer Science and Architectural Science; 4.5 on the new scale for tests from 21 January 2026. CAEL 60 or 70. For fall 2027 the test score is due by April 1, 2027. |
Deadlines
- Guaranteed (equal) consideration date, all programs Non-binding Next deadline · In ~4 monthsFebruary 1, 2027
Complete applications received by this date get equal consideration. OUAC's own deadline for Ontario high school students falls in January; many programs keep accepting applications after February 1 while space remains.
- Grades-Plus non-academic requirements (e.g. Architectural Science portfolio) Non-binding In ~4 monthsFebruary 1, 2027 (or 10 business days after applying, whichever is later)
Due dates vary by program; check your program page.
- Prestigious entrance scholarships (AwardSpring) Non-binding In ~4 monthsFebruary 16, 2027
Application opens November 2, 2026. Includes the President's Entrance Scholarship and the International Student Leadership Award (Fall).
- English language test scores Non-binding In ~6 monthsApril 1, 2027
Applications are not complete without a test score where one is required.
Dates are from TMU's fall 2027 application dates, English language requirements, scholarships and Architectural Science pages (checked 29 September 2026). Decisions are released on a rolling basis, mostly between February and the end of May; applicants who applied by February 1 hear by late May if they are wait-listed.
How to apply
Ontario high school students apply through OUAC; other applicants use the application form TMU lists for their situation. After applying, activate your TMU online identity and upload transcripts, English test results and any required documents in the ChooseTMU Applicant Portal. Grades-Plus programs (e.g. Architectural Science, Fashion, Image Arts, Performance, Interior Design, Midwifery) also require non-academic submissions such as portfolios, essays, interviews or auditions.
What admissions looks for
- A competitive overall average in the best six Grade 12 U/M courses (or equivalent); the university minimum is 70% but most programs admit well above it.
- The program's prerequisite subjects, including Grade 12 U English for every program and calculus for Engineering, Accounting and Finance and some Science programs.
- For Grades-Plus programs, non-academic criteria such as portfolios, interviews, auditions and essays, including how carefully you follow the submission instructions.
- Proof of English proficiency where required.
Tips for applying to TMU
- 1 Check the grade range on your program's page: it shows the average needed in previous years, from 70-75% for Business Management to 90%+ for Mechanical Engineering and Architectural Science.
- 2 Apply by February 1, 2027 for equal consideration, and upload documents to the ChooseTMU Applicant Portal as early as possible.
- 3 Students at Canadian high schools with a final average of 86% or more get an automatic renewable entrance scholarship, worth up to $12,000 over four years at 95%+.
- 4 International applicants with an 86%+ average can apply by February 16, 2027 for the International Student Leadership Award ($10,000, up to 53 recipients for fall 2027).
- 5 Grade 11 marks can be used for early offers, but those offers set Grade 12 final results you must still achieve.
Costs & financial aid
2026-27 · figures in CAD
Students at Canadian high schools (including international students) with a final average of 86% or more receive a guaranteed entrance scholarship of $750-3,000 a year, renewable with good grades. Competitive awards include the President's Entrance Scholarship ($40,000 over four years, 12 recipients) and, for international students, the International Student Leadership Award ($10,000, up to 53 recipients in fall 2027). TMU designates over $7 million for entrance scholarships.
- CA$3,000 a year, up to CA$12,000 over four years
- Guaranteed renewable entrance scholarship (95%+ average)
- CA$10,000 (non-renewable), up to 53 recipients
- International Student Leadership Award, fall 2027
- CA$40,000 over four years, 12 recipients
- President's Entrance Scholarship
- CA$9,000-15,100+ plus meal plan; off-campus rent about CA$15,000-21,000+ for 12 months
- Residence, 2026-27
Academics
Academic calendar: Two semesters (fall and winter)
Business Management (BComm)
TMU's largest program, with about 6,600 full-time students at the Ted Rogers School of Management and co-op and direct-entry options.
Journalism (BJourn)
A hands-on program whose graduates include investigative reporter Robyn Doolittle; Class of 2022 journalism and professional communication graduates reported 94.3% employment six months out.
Media Production (BA)
Descended from the Radio and Television Arts program that trained novelist Louise Penny; recent admission range 80-85%.
Architectural Science (BArchSc)
A Grades-Plus program with a 12-14 piece portfolio and a 90%+ admission range; 86.8% of its Fall 2016 entrants graduated.
Aerospace Engineering (BEng)
One of eight engineering degrees, offered with a five-year co-op option; admission range 85-90%.
Computer Science (BSc)
About 1,380 full-time students, lab-based learning in AI, graphics and cybersecurity, and a co-op option; admission range 75-80%.
Research
- In the 2025 edition of Research Infosource's Canada's Top 50 Research Universities, TMU placed in the top five in six categories among Canada's comprehensive research universities.
- The Image Centre houses a photography collection of about 375,000 objects, including the Black Star collection of 292,000 photographs.
- Urban Water TMU runs a research facility on freshwater issues, and the university reports top-five Canadian growth in corporate research income.
Schools & faculties
- Faculty of Arts
- Ted Rogers School of Management
- The Creative School
- Faculty of Community Services
- Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science
- Faculty of Science
- Lincoln Alexander School of Law
- TMU School of Medicine
- Yeates School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
- The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education
Ontario graduate survey: 85.1% of TMU's Class of 2022 bachelor's graduates were employed six months after graduation and 90.5% two years after (24.1% response rate). The 77.2% graduation rate is the Ministry's seven-year rate for full-time students who entered in Fall 2016.
Student life
TMU is mainly a commuter school: its three on-campus residences (Pitman Hall, the International Living and Learning Centre and the Daphne Cockwell Complex) hold about 1,144 beds, so most students live off campus or at home. Campus life centres on Kerr Hall, Gould Street and the Student Learning Centre, and the pedestrianised stretch of Gould Street, TMU Square, gets an outdoor skating rink in winter. Varsity teams compete as the TMU Bold in Ontario University Athletics, based at the Mattamy Athletic Centre in the former Maple Leaf Gardens. Zone Learning incubators give students a route into startups alongside their degree.
- Varsity teams play as the TMU Bold in Ontario University Athletics (U Sports), with a falcon mascot since 2022.
- The Mattamy Athletic Centre occupies the upper floors of the historic Maple Leaf Gardens.
- Zone Learning incubators have launched 4,700+ startups.
- Maclean's 2026 ranked TMU 1st in Canada for student services among comprehensive universities.
Housing. About 1,144 on-campus beds across three residences, costing CA$9,000-15,100+ plus meal plan for 2026-27; most students rent off campus.
Location
TMU occupies several blocks of downtown Toronto between Yonge, Gerrard, Jarvis and Dundas Streets, with the subway at the campus edge. Toronto is Canada's largest city and its financial and media centre, which feeds co-op placements and internships, but housing is expensive: TMU estimates CA$15,000-21,000+ for 12 months of off-campus rent, plus about CA$128 a month for a transit pass.
Nearest airport: Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ); Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) is closer to downtown
Notable alumni
- IS Isadore SharpFounder of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts; diploma in architectural technology (1952)
- LP Louise PennyCrime novelist (Chief Inspector Gamache series); Bachelor of Applied Arts in Radio and Television (1979)
- RD Robyn DoolittleInvestigative journalist; journalism student and editor-in-chief of The Eyeopener
- PD Patrick DovigiFounder and CEO of GFL Environmental; studied business management
- MM Mena MassoudActor (Aladdin, 2019); graduated from the theatre performance program (2014)
- EM Eric McCormackActor (Will & Grace); attended the School of Theatre, leaving shortly before graduating
- ND Nina DobrevActor (The Vampire Diaries); studied sociology without completing a degree
Frequently asked questions
What average do I need to get into Toronto Metropolitan University?
The minimum is 70% in six Grade 12 U/M courses, but program pages show recent ranges from 70-75% (Business Management, Journalism) to 75-80% (Computer Science, Psychology) and 90%+ (Mechanical Engineering, Architectural Science).
What is TMU's application deadline for fall 2027?
TMU gives equal consideration to complete applications received by February 1, 2027. Many programs stay open after that while space remains, and Grades-Plus programs have their own non-academic deadlines.
How much is TMU tuition for international students?
For 2026-27, international tuition ranges from about CA$38,700 a year in Arts, Science and The Creative School to about CA$44,700 in Engineering and Architectural Science.
Does TMU require the SAT?
No. There is no minimum SAT or ACT, but US-curriculum applicants who have written one should submit their scores.
What IELTS score does TMU require?
IELTS Academic 6.5 overall for all undergraduate programs, with no band minimums; the score is due by April 1, 2027 for fall 2027 entry.
Sources & methodology
Figures on this page were checked against official university publications, national application services and ranking publishers in September 2026. Each number is shown with the year or admissions cycle it describes. Always confirm deadlines and fees on the university's own website before applying.
Explore nearby in the world top 100
Universities ranked close to TMU in the QS World University Rankings 2027.