University of Toronto

What the University of Toronto Is

The University of Toronto (UofT) is a public research university established in 1827, making it one of Canada’s oldest universities. It operates across three campuses: St. George (downtown Toronto), Mississauga (UTM), and Scarborough (UTSC). The St. George campus is the largest and most competitive, housing the Faculty of Arts & Science, the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering, and the Rotman School of Management.

UofT is ranked 29th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and consistently places as the top or second-ranked university in Canada. It is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a consortium of 71 leading North American research universities, and is one of only two Canadian members.

The university enrols approximately 97,000 students across all three campuses, including over 27,000 international students. India is one of the top source countries for international enrolment. UofT’s research output is among the highest in North America, with over CAD 1.6 billion in annual research funding.

Note: A separate profile exists for the Faculty of Arts & Science. This profile covers the full university, including Engineering, Rotman Commerce, and graduate programs.

Who It’s For

UofT is relevant for Indian students in several categories:

Undergraduate applicants targeting Computer Science (the most competitive program at St. George, with an admission average typically above 93%), Engineering Science, Rotman Commerce, or Life Sciences. UofT does not use SAT/ACT for Canadian applicants, but international applicants from the Indian curriculum (CBSE, ISC, or state boards) generally need 90%+ aggregate in Class 12, with specific subject requirements per program. English proficiency requires IELTS 6.5 (minimum 6.0 per band) or TOEFL 100+.

Graduate applicants looking at the MSc in Computer Science, Master of Engineering, or Rotman MBA. The Rotman MBA requires GMAT or GRE scores, with a median GMAT around 680 for admitted students.

UofT’s post-study work visa pathway is a significant draw: graduates of programs lasting two years or more are eligible for a three-year Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) under Canadian immigration rules, which can lead to permanent residency through Express Entry.

Programs Popular with Indian Students

• Computer Science (St. George): The most sought-after undergraduate program. Admitted through Arts & Science, students enter a general first year and apply to the CS specialist/major in second year based on GPA. This two-stage admission means that getting into UofT does not guarantee a CS specialisation — first-year grades matter significantly.

• Engineering Science: The most selective engineering stream in the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering, offering specialisations in Machine Intelligence, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Aerospace, and Biomedical Engineering. Students in other engineering disciplines (Mechanical, Civil, Chemical, Industrial) enter through general engineering streams. UofT Engineering is accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB).

• Rotman Commerce: A four-year Bachelor of Commerce program housed within the Faculty of Arts & Science but managed by the Rotman School of Management. Covers finance, accounting, and management. Rotman is AACSB-accredited.

• Life Sciences: A broad undergraduate stream covering biology, biochemistry, immunology, neuroscience, and related fields. Popular with Indian students planning for medical school or research careers. UofT’s Faculty of Medicine is ranked among the top 15 globally.

• Mathematics and Statistics: Strong research-oriented programs through the Department of Mathematics and the Department of Statistical Sciences.

Campus and Location

The St. George campus occupies over 70 hectares in downtown Toronto, integrated into the city’s urban core. University College, built in 1859, is one of several heritage buildings on campus. Research facilities include the Fields Institute for mathematical sciences, the Donnelly Centre for cellular and biomolecular research, and the Myhal Centre for Engineering Innovation. The campus is directly accessible via the TTC subway (Queen’s Park, St. George, and Museum stations).

UTM (Mississauga) is a suburban campus approximately 33 km west of downtown, with its own programs in management, computer science, and sciences. UTSC (Scarborough) is in eastern Toronto and is known for its co-op programs, particularly in management and computer science. Students should note that each campus operates somewhat independently — a CS degree from UTSC carries a different program structure and reputation than one from St. George.

Toronto itself is Canada’s largest city and financial capital, with a large and established Indian community. The Greater Toronto Area has the largest concentration of South Asian residents in Canada, which provides a familiar cultural infrastructure for Indian students.

Cost of living: Toronto is one of Canada’s most expensive cities. Off-campus rent for a shared room near campus ranges from CAD 900–1,500/month. On-campus residence is available for first-year students but not guaranteed.

Costs and Financial Aid

International undergraduate tuition at UofT varies significantly by program and campus. For the 2025–26 academic year, approximate annual tuition for international students is (source: UofT fee schedules):

• Computer Science (Arts & Science, St. George): ~CAD 65,410/yr
• Engineering: ~CAD 68,780/yr
• Rotman Commerce: ~CAD 59,600/yr
• Arts & Science (general): ~CAD 62,250/yr
• Life Sciences: ~CAD 62,250/yr

These figures exclude ancillary fees (approximately CAD 1,500–2,500/yr) and health insurance (UHIP, approximately CAD 756/yr for single students).

Scholarships for international students: UofT offers automatic entrance scholarships (Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and residence for four years — approximately 37 awards per year) and faculty-specific awards. The Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering offers the International Scholars Award. Most scholarships are merit-based and highly competitive.

See University of Toronto fees for a detailed breakdown.

Things to Verify Before Applying

• CS admission is two-stage: Admission to Arts & Science at St. George does not guarantee entry into the CS specialist or major. First-year GPA cutoffs for CS programs have historically been competitive (typically 83–87% in required courses). Students who do not meet the cutoff must pivot to a different major.

• Campus matters: Programs, fees, and academic culture differ across St. George, UTM, and UTSC. Ensure you are applying to the correct campus. Offers of admission are campus-specific and not transferable.

• English proficiency: IELTS minimum 6.5 overall (6.0 per band) or TOEFL 100 (22 per section). Some programs have higher requirements.

• Credential evaluation: Indian applicants with CBSE or ISC Class 12 should check the specific percentage/grade requirements for their target program, as requirements vary by faculty.

• Post-graduation work permit: Graduates of two-year programs can apply for a three-year PGWP. One-year master’s graduates receive a PGWP matching the program length. Verify current IRCC rules before relying on this pathway.

• Housing: On-campus residence is competitive. Apply early through the residence application portal, which opens in spring for September intake.

Where to Go Next on This Site

• UofT Faculty of Arts & Science — the Arts & Science faculty profile
• BSc Computer Science — computer science degree pathways
• MBA — MBA programs including Rotman
• BSc Mathematics — mathematics degree options
• BA Economics — economics programs
• GRE — required for some graduate programs

Sources Used

• University of Toronto — About UofT
• UofT Fees — Future Students
• UofT Enrolment Data
• QS World University Rankings — University of Toronto
• UofT Admissions