University of Toronto
Canada's largest research university: three campuses, a college system, and the birthplace of insulin.
- Students
- 103,140
- 81,412 undergraduates
- International
- 27%
- of students
- Tuition
- CA$66,110
- From · 2026-27
- Founded
- 1827
About U of T
Founded as King's College in 1827, the University of Toronto is Canada's largest university, with 103,140 students across its downtown St. George campus and its Mississauga and Scarborough campuses, including 81,412 undergraduates and 27,897 international students (27%) in 2025-26. It reports 1.73 billion dollars in research funding with its partner hospitals, runs the second-largest research library system in North America, and counts more than 720,000 alumni.
U of T's history of discovery includes insulin, early stem cell research, the first artificial cardiac pacemaker and foundational work on deep learning and neural networks. On the St. George campus, Arts and Science students also belong to one of seven undergraduate colleges (University, Trinity, Victoria, St. Michael's, Innis, New and Woodsworth), a system modelled on Oxford and Cambridge that provides a smaller home base for advising, residence and community. Professional faculties such as Applied Science and Engineering, Music and Kinesiology admit students directly.
The university suits self-directed students who want huge academic choice and a world city on their doorstep, and who are comfortable in a large, demanding environment. Applicants can apply to up to three program areas or campuses through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC).
Velut arbor aevo
“As a tree through the ages” — university motto
Why students choose U of T
The St. George college system gives Arts and Science students a smaller community, residence and registrar within a university of more than 100,000 students.
U of T's research record spans insulin, stem cells, the pacemaker and deep learning, and Geoffrey Hinton's Nobel-winning AI work was done on its faculty.
Three distinct campuses (downtown St. George, Mississauga and Scarborough) let students choose between a central-city experience and smaller suburban campuses.
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship recognises exceptional international applicants for academics, creativity and leadership.
Admissions
Fall 2027 entry
Selectivity
U of T does not publish an overall admit rate. Admission is to a program area on a specific campus, based on grades in required courses; Engineering, Computer Science and Rotman Commerce are among the most competitive, and some programs require supplementary applications.
Typical entry requirements
| IB Diploma | IB Diploma with English HL or SL; decisions based on predicted or final results excluding bonus points; math prerequisites require Math AA (HL or SL) or AI HL |
|---|---|
| A-levels | Five GCSE/IGCSE subjects plus three A-levels (or four AS subjects for most programs); English at GCSE/IGCSE or above; AS/A-level Math for calculus-prerequisite programs |
| US high school | Accredited diploma with a rigorous course load; calculus or AP Calculus AB/BC for math, science and commerce programs |
| English language | IELTS 6.5 TOEFL iBT: overall 4.5 on the new band scale with 4.5 in Writing and 4.0 in Speaking; IELTS Academic 6.5 with no band below 6.0; Duolingo 120 overall and 120 in Production; Cambridge C1/C2 180 with 170 in each component. Exempt after four or more years of full-time study in a Canadian school or an English-language school in an English-dominant country. |
Deadlines
- Recommended early application Non-binding Next deadline · In 32 daysNovember 7, 2026
Apply by November 7 and submit documents by December 1 to be considered in earlier admission rounds.
- Application deadline (most programs) Non-binding In ~3 monthsJanuary 15, 2027
Supporting documents due February 1, 2027 (January 15 for Engineering and Music). Supplementary applications due between January 15 and February 1 depending on program.
- Medical Radiation Sciences Non-binding In ~4 monthsFebruary 1, 2027
Joint program that requires some prior university preparation; no recommended early date.
Admission decisions are released from January through late May.
How to apply
Apply through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC), choosing up to three program areas/campuses (only one per faculty or campus). About a week later you receive access to the Join U of T applicant portal (or the Engineering Applicant Portal) to upload documents and complete any supplementary applications, such as portfolios or statements.
What admissions looks for
- Strong grades in the program's required courses, measured in your own curriculum (e.g. predicted IB results without bonus points).
- A rigorous academic course load, especially for US-curriculum applicants.
- Completed prerequisites such as calculus for math, science, commerce and engineering programs.
- For programs with supplementary applications, evidence of fit and achievement beyond grades, submitted through the applicant portal.
Tips for applying to U of T
- 1 Apply by November 7, 2026 with documents in by December 1 to be in the earliest decision rounds.
- 2 Use your three choices strategically: you cannot apply to two programs within the same faculty or campus, so spread choices across campuses (e.g. St. George and Mississauga).
- 3 Engineering applicants must report all SAT/ACT scores they have taken and meet a January 15 document deadline.
- 4 Make sure your English test meets the new TOEFL band-scale minimums if you test after January 2026.
Costs & financial aid
2026-27 · figures in CAD
U of T says it cannot offer direct financial aid to international students, but all international applicants are automatically considered for admission scholarships, and exceptional students may receive the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship. Canadian students should consult government student aid and U of T's own awards.
- $68,750
- Planned 2027-28 international tuition, Arts & Science (students entering fall 2027; for information only)
- $75,770
- Planned 2027-28 international tuition, Engineering (students entering fall 2027; for information only)
- 4%
- International tuition increase 2026-27 (Arts & Science, Architecture, Engineering)
- $792
- Mandatory UHIP health insurance for international students (2025-26)
Academics
Academic calendar: Fall-Winter session (two terms) plus Summer
Computer Science
A first-year admission stream in Arts and Science, on the campus where deep learning and neural networks were pioneered.
Engineering (Applied Science & Engineering)
Direct-entry faculty with its own applicant portal, online student profile and highest first-year tuition tier.
Rotman Commerce
The Commerce admission stream within Arts and Science, leading to the Rotman Commerce specialist from year 2.
Life Sciences
Builds on the university's medical research heritage, from insulin to stem cells, with partner teaching hospitals.
Humanities at the St. George colleges
The college system (University, Trinity, Victoria, St. Michael's and others) gives humanities students small-community programs within a large faculty.
Research
- Insulin was discovered at U of T in the 1920s; Frederick Banting received the Nobel Prize in 1923.
- Early stem cell research, the first artificial cardiac pacemaker and the electron microscope are among the university's listed discoveries.
- 1.73 billion dollars in research funding in 2024-25 with partner hospitals.
- U of T reports more than 1,500 venture-backed companies created and ranks first among Canadian universities for research-based startups.
Schools & faculties
- Faculty of Arts & Science
- Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering
- John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design
- Faculty of Music
- Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education
- Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing
- Faculty of Information
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Dentistry
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine
- University of Toronto Mississauga
- University of Toronto Scarborough
Student life
At St. George, first-year Arts and Science students join a college, which shapes residence, orientation and a lot of social life, while Hart House, one of North America's earliest student centres, hosts clubs, arts and athletics. The campus is woven into downtown Toronto, so museums, Chinatown and Kensington Market are a short walk away. Mississauga and Scarborough offer quieter, more self-contained campuses. The Varsity Blues compete in U Sports and Ontario University Athletics.
- Seven undergraduate colleges at St. George, each with its own residence and traditions.
- Hart House, a Gothic Revival student centre for clubs, arts and fitness.
- Varsity Blues teams in U Sports, including football, rowing and ice hockey.
- Students and alumni from around 200 countries and territories.
Housing. U of T guarantees residence to new full-time first-year undergraduates who meet its eligibility conditions, in college or campus residences across the three campuses.
Location
Toronto is Canada's largest city and one of the most multicultural in the world, with strong finance, tech, health and arts sectors. The St. George campus sits in the heart of downtown beside Queen's Park, served by subway lines; the Mississauga and Scarborough campuses lie in the western and eastern suburbs. Winters are cold and summers warm and humid, and housing is expensive.
Nearest airport: Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
Notable alumni
- FB Frederick BantingCo-discoverer of insulin; Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 1923
- LB Lester B. Pearson14th Prime Minister of Canada; Nobel Peace Prize 1957
- WL William Lyon Mackenzie KingPrime Minister of Canada
- PM Paul Martin21st Prime Minister of Canada
- MA Margaret AtwoodNovelist and poet
- AS Arthur SchawlowNobel Prize in Physics 1981 for laser spectroscopy
- WK Walter KohnNobel Prize in Chemistry 1998
- AC Adrienne Clarkson26th Governor General of Canada
Frequently asked questions
What is the University of Toronto's QS ranking for 2027?
U of T is 32nd in the QS World University Rankings 2027, second in Canada after McGill.
When is the U of T application deadline for fall 2027?
January 15, 2027 for most programs, with documents due February 1. U of T recommends applying by November 7, 2026 for earlier decisions.
Does U of T require the SAT?
No for most programs; SAT/ACT scores are optional for US-curriculum applicants, but Engineering applicants must disclose all scores they have taken.
How much is U of T tuition for international students?
For students entering in 2026-27, first-year international tuition is $66,110 CAD in Arts and Science and $72,860 CAD in Engineering. U of T's planned 2027-28 rates for students entering in fall 2027 are $68,750 and $75,770, subject to final approval.
What are the colleges at the University of Toronto?
At St. George, Arts and Science students belong to one of seven undergraduate colleges: University, Trinity, Victoria, St. Michael's, Innis, New and Woodsworth. The college provides residence, advising and community but does not limit your program.
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.
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