Higher education is essential for a variety of reasons. It may help you build critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills that will be helpful throughout your career and give you the abilities you need to succeed in today’s employment market. A college education may lead to more work prospects, greater pay, and a more successful career. UNESCO works with governments to guarantee that all students have equitable access to and completion of high-quality higher education with globally recognized credentials.
If you are an international student who wants to attend the University of Toronto, you may wonder what you need to do to get into this top school. In this piece, we’ll tell you what you need to do to get into UofT, how to apply, how much tuition and fees are, how to get grants and scholarships, and what your living and residence choices are.
A brief overview of the University of Toronto
The University of Toronto (UofT) is one of the most famous and well-known universities in Canada and the world. It has three sites in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area. Together, they offer more than 700 education programs. It also has students from more than 168 countries and areas, which makes it a varied and lively place to learn.
There are many different schools and classes at the University of Toronto. The academic programs at the University are grouped into schools and divisions. Departments, colleges, centers, and institutes offer extra help for study and research in specific areas. The University comprises numerous schools, including the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering, the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Design, and Arts and Social Sciences. In addition, there are the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry, Faculty of Information, Faculty of Law, and Joseph L. Rotman School of Management.
The University has three sites in the Greater Toronto Area with more than 700 student studies and 200 graduate programs. You can use their A-Z list to search their departments, schools, and organizations to find a particular field or subject area.

The significance of higher education and the advantages of attending a university like the University of Toronto
Obtaining higher education can increase employment opportunities and result in higher salaries. Additionally, it provides students with exposure to fresh concepts, teaches them critical thinking skills, and equips them with the necessary abilities to thrive in their careers.
The University of Toronto offers you networking and connections opportunities.
One of the most important reasons people attend universities and colleges is to secure jobs. Getting a job also requires networking and connections. Also, you will need networks and connections to expand your business if you are a businessman/woman. The University of Toronto boasts a sizable and varied student population, with over 25% hailing from 168 countries and regions. This presents an excellent opportunity for students to form friendships and connections with people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and viewpoints, enhancing their learning experience and personal development. Furthermore, the University’s alum network is vast and extends worldwide, featuring numerous prominent leaders and innovators.
The University of Toronto provides research opportunities.
The University of Toronto promotes independent research projects for its students with the guidance of knowledgeable faculty members. This approach offers valuable opportunities for students to acquire new knowledge, enhance their problem-solving abilities, and utilize excellent resources such as laboratories, libraries, and databases.
The University of Toronto offers a wide range of academic programs.
You might be wondering why you should choose the University of Toronto among other universities globally. The answer is simple, the University of Toronto offers a range wide of programs that will meet your needs.
They offer over 700 programs in different areas, including arts, sciences, engineering, and business. You can also conduct research projects with guidance from experienced faculty members.
Getting Admission to The University of Toronto
Eligibility requirements
- Minimum academic qualifications:To apply to the University of Toronto, you must meet different admission requirements depending on your academic background and program of study. Usually, universities require a minimum GPA of 3.15 or 3.6 on a 4.0 scale, depending on the program.
- Language proficiency: To be eligible for specific programs, you may be required to complete a Grade 12 English course and other prerequisite courses. Additionally, depending on the program and your country of origin, you may need to achieve a minimum score on standardized tests such as the SAT, ACT, IELTS, or TOEFL.
- Other requirements: For undergraduate programs, there is an application fee of 180 CAD; for graduate programs, the fee is 120 CAD. Depending on the program you are applying for, you may need to provide a personal profile or statement of interest. The University of Toronto offers conditional admission based on your grades from Grades 11 and 12 and may also consider any repeated courses and other academic achievements. Most program deadlines close mid-January, and admission decisions are typically shared by February.
The application process
- How to apply: If you are an international student looking to apply to U of T, these are the steps you need to follow: first, use the Program Finder to select the program that interests you. Then, make sure to review the admission requirements and deadlines for your chosen program.
- Required Documentation: To apply to the University of Toronto, have all necessary documents, including transcripts, test scores, and a personal profile or statement of interest. Then, submit your application online through the Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC).
- Fees and deadlines: Please note that there may be fees involved in the application process and specific deadlines to meet. You must pay the application fee and any additional fees to complete your application process. Use the Join U of T portal to track your application status. And remember to accept your offer of admission before the deadline.

Tuition and Fees
If you’re an international student considering studying at U of T, the tuition and fees you’ll need to pay will depend on factors such as your program, campus, faculty, and course load. The average tuition fee for undergraduate programs in the 2021-2022 academic year was 58,680 CAD per year, while graduate programs averaged 24,030 CAD per year. Remember that in addition to tuition fees, you’ll also need to pay incidental fees, which cover various services like health insurance, athletics, student unions, and libraries. The incidental fees can vary depending on your campus and faculty, but they usually amount to around 2,000 CAD per year.
To get a better idea of what your total tuition and fees might be, try using the Financial Planning Calculator based on your chosen program and campus.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
The University of Toronto provides numerous scholarships and financial aid options for international students who exhibit academic excellence, leadership potential, community involvement, or financial need. Below are some examples of these opportunities:
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program
The U of T offers a highly esteemed scholarship that covers tuition fees, books, incidental fees, and residence support for four years. This scholarship is given to a maximum of 37 exceptional international students nominated by their high schools.
University of Toronto International Scholar Award
The U of T offers a merit-based scholarship to international students with high achievement. This scholarship can range from 5,000 CAD to 40,000 CAD per year for four years.
University of Toronto International Student Award
International students admitted to U of T who show financial need can receive a need-based grant ranging from 3,000 CAD to 10,000 CAD per year for four years.
Faculty and College Scholarships
U of T provides scholarships offered by different faculties and colleges, including the Faculty of Arts and Science, the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering, and the Rotman School of Management. Each scholarship has different requirements, deadlines, and application procedures.
External Scholarships
External organizations, including governments, foundations, and corporations, offer scholarships with various eligibility criteria, deadlines, and application processes.

Housing and Residences
U of T offers a variety of housing and residence options for international students, both on-campus and off-campus.
New full-time students attending their first year of University in an undergraduate degree for the first time are guaranteed on-campus housing, providing they have indicated their interest and satisfied all application requirements. On-campus housing includes dormitories, apartments, townhouses, and cooperative housing. The advantages of living on campus are:
When choosing a place to live on campus, it’s essential to consider factors such as proximity to classes, study areas, and athletics facilities. Having a live-in support network of Resident Assistants or Dons to turn to for assistance is also helpful. Living on campus provides an opportunity to develop independence and social skills while being part of a diverse and inclusive community.
Off-campus housing is an option for international students who desire privacy and flexibility. This can involve renting or subletting apartments, condos, houses, or rooms. Living off-campus offers several perks, such as having more choices in location, size, price, amenities and greater control over your living environment and expenses. It also allows one to explore the city and its culture and become part of a diverse and independent community. For more information on housing and residences for international students, please refer to this resource.

Conclusion
If you are an international student seeking a high-quality education in a multicultural and dynamic city, the University of Toronto is an excellent choice. To be admitted, you must meet specific admission requirements, submit an online application, pay tuition and fees, apply for scholarships and financial aid, and select housing and residence options. We hope this article has provided a clear overview of the admission process. If you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us or visit the Future Students website. Visit us for more educational updates. We wish you the best of luck on your academic journey!
FAQs
How old is the University of Toronto?
The University of Toronto, founded as King’s College in 1827, has been around for 196 years as of 2023. It was the first institution of higher learning in Upper Canada and transitioned into a secular institution in 1850, adopting its present name. Today, it is the top University in Canada and is renowned for being one of the world’s foremost research-intensive universities.
Where is the University of Toronto located?
The University has three main campuses located in downtown Toronto: St. George, Mississauga, and Scarborough.
How many students attend the University of Toronto?
The University of Toronto has the highest number of students enrolled in Canada, with 97,066 students as of the 2021-2022 academic year. They offer over 700 undergraduate and 200 graduate programs. The student body is diverse, with individuals from every province and over 160 countries. International students account for 28% of the total enrollment.
What programs does the University of Toronto offer?
The University of Toronto provides diverse programs in different fields of study. Their website states that over 700 undergraduate and 200 graduate programs are available across three Greater Toronto Area campuses. The programs offered include Accounting, Actuarial Science, African Studies, American Studies, Animal Physiology, Anthropology, Applied Mathematics, Applied Statistics, Archaeology, Architectural Studies, Art and Art History, and many others.
What is the admission process like at the University of Toronto?
If you’re interested in applying to the University of Toronto, the admission process may vary depending on your academic background, preferred program, and campus location. Typically, you must apply through the Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC) and provide the required documentation. You must meet the minimum academic requirements specific to your program and province to be considered for admission, usually in the low to mid-80s range. Keep in mind that higher grades are typically recommended. Additionally, some programs may require supplementary applications, auditions, or profiles. You can find more information about admission requirements and deadlines for various programs on the University’s website or by contacting them directly.
How much does tuition cost at the University of Toronto?
At the University of Toronto, the tuition fees you pay depend on several factors, such as your program, year of study, course load, and campus. The University’s website details the tuition fees for the 2023-2024 academic year, ranging from $6,100 to $70,160 for domestic students. Also, from $60,510 to $70,160 for international students. These fees are calculated based on a standard full-time course load of 5.0 credits. You can easily find the tuition fees for your program and campus by visiting their website.
Along with tuition fees, you also need to pay for incidental and ancillary fees, which vary based on your campus and program and are estimated to be around $1,979 for the 2023-2024 academic year. It is also essential to consider other expenses such as books, supplies, housing, food, transportation, etc. The University offers a financial planning calculator to help you plan your budget.
Does the University of Toronto offer scholarships or financial aid?
The University of Toronto provides financial aid programs and scholarships to its students. As an Ontario resident, you can apply for the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP), a mix of grants and loans. By qualifying for OSAP, you will be automatically considered for other funding sources. If you are from another Canadian province, territory, or First Nations band, you can apply for aid through your government’s financial aid program or your First Nations band. Additionally, you may apply for funding through the Out-of-Province University of Toronto Advance Planning for Students (UTAPS) Program. International students are automatically considered for various admission scholarships during the admissions review process. The University of Toronto Scholars Program and President’s Scholars of Excellence Program are the two major admission awards, and they are merit-based. No separate application is required for these scholarships.
What are the housing options for students at the University of Toronto?
The University of Toronto offers a variety of housing options for students. Each U of T campus provides a range of housing choices that enable students to become part of a friendly, supportive, and tightly-knit community at the University. If you are a new full-time student in your first year of an undergraduate program, you are guaranteed a residence place provided you meet all the deadlines and express your interest in residing on campus. Alternatively, many students live off-campus in one of the Greater Toronto Area’s numerous student-friendly and culturally diverse neighborhoods. If you decide to find your housing, the University’s housing offices can assist you in navigating the rental market and discovering the perfect fit. You may also use their Roommate Finder service to locate a rental unit and share it with another student by browsing the University of Toronto’s off-campus rental housing listings.