Higher education in Toronto, Ontario 2026

Toronto, known for its array of higher education options, providing foreign students with universities that cater to varied interests and financial situations. Below are some notable universities in the city:

University of Toronto

• A historic and prestigious institution in the heart of Toronto, educating over 60,000 students from various countries.

• The campus covers 10 city blocks, offering a broad spectrum of disciplines such as arts, law, engineering, pedagogy, medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy.

• Recognized as a leading North American research center, it houses one of the best university libraries globally.

• Known for its student exchange programs and sports facilities, it ranks highly in disciplines like nursing, pharmacy, computer science, and more.

York University

• As Canada's third-largest university, York University is a popular choice in Toronto.

• It hosts over 55,000 students across 11 faculties, with programs in humanities, arts, media, law, health, business, and engineering.

• Famous for its film school and first dance curriculum in Canada, it also features a renowned art gallery.

• It offers some of the country's leading environmental programs.

Ryerson University

• An urban university with a progressive approach, Ryerson has facilities scattered throughout Toronto.

• Its programs in business, architecture, engineering, communications, design, and sciences are well-regarded.

• Home to the Ted Rogers Business School, located in Toronto's business district, offering top business and MBA programs.

• It includes a contemporary law school with a novel approach to legal education.

• It offers an online platform for students.

Centennial College

• It educates a diverse student community in over 260 programs in business, communications, design, media, hospitality, engineering, healthcare, social sciences, transport, and languages.

• Educational process makes an emphasis on practical training, leading to a high employment rate among graduates.

• It supports students in finding employment in Canada post-graduation.

Humber College

• It educates a large student community on various campuses and through distance learning.

• It specializes in engineering and technology, with in-demand programs in IT, computer science, engineering, technology, business, and commerce.

• It features the Barrett Center for Technical Innovation, focused on applied scientific and technical research.

• It receives government funding and prepares skilled professionals through internships.

Education Costs in Toronto

Tuition fees in Toronto vary based on the institution, program, and study level. The exact cost depends on the chosen university and program. Many institutions offer scholarships and financial aid to eligible students.

Sam Jones

Recruitment Director for Partnership with INTO Universities (Europe and Central Asia)

What firstly should be considered when choosing a university?

It depends on the student - everyone determines the most important criteria for himself. I would advise you to take several rankings and compare them with each other, plus take into account the cost of the course, the location of the university and its scale, the percentage of graduates' employment. See where graduates continue their studies or where they go to work.

In Canada, the work of universities is regulated by the region where they are located, but two-thirds of the funding they receive from the state - this is the main difference between the higher education system. The levels of education traditionally consists of three stages:

• Bachelor's degree (4 years),
• Master's degree (1-2 years),
• Doctoral studies (3-5 years).

Many universities in Toronto also offer Post-Graduate Certificates and Diplomas, which are special programs for those who already have a higher education. The duration of studying on them takes from 9 months to 2 years.

Universities issue diplomas of all three levels, and bachelor's degrees can be completed in colleges.

In Toronto, MBA schools are also very popular. They have relatively recently begun to appear in Canada, so the cost here is not as high as in the United States or Europe. Canadian MBA programs are less well-known, but the quality is not inferior to the best. Features of business education in Toronto are the following:

• You can get a diploma only at universities,
• A relatively short period of study - 1-2 years, in comparison with the American course - (from 2 years),
• Emphasis is placed on the preparing of international personnel.

Pay attention that there are a lot of requirements for admission: among them are higher education, work experience, and the results of various tests, reviews and recommendations from previous jobs, and much more. But the level of knowledge and career prospects that a business education in Toronto provides pays for itself in full.

In Canadian higher education institutions, two forms of studying are traditionally used - lectures and seminars. From the second year, students begin to take internships, which are often fully paid. This approach helps students to firmly link theory and practice, often students receive permanent positions upon completing internships.

Higher education in Toronto has a number of its own features, including bilingual education (since Canada is a bilingual state). Studying can also be conducted separately in English or French.

Each academic year consists of two semesters: studies begin in September and end in June, with a two-week vacation at the end of December and two months in the summer. Students can choose to study without interruptions, allowing you to reduce the time to receive a diploma.

The Point System (ECTS) allows students to easily switch from one specialty to another or enter other universities. Diplomas from Canadian institutions are highly valued in the international arena. According to data, 70% of graduates find a job within a year after graduation. In addition, young professionals, including foreigners, have a great opportunity to stay in Canada to find a job, for which a year is allocated.

To enter one of the universities in Toronto, future students need to:

• Decide on an educational institution and program,
• Register,
• Collect a package of necessary documents,
• Provide a language certificate or pass an exam if there is none,
• Pass an interview,
• Apply for a visa.

Some universities may ask you to provide a portfolio, resume or motivation letter, as well as take entrance tests. The requirements for college and university applicants are almost the same.

How much will it cost for foreign students to study at Toronto universities? The average cost of higher education ranges from CAD$ 20,000 to CAD$ 25,000 per year, which is significantly lower than in the United States. The specific amount depends on the chosen direction of study.

Student success can have a significant impact on the cost of tuition – sometimes scholarships can reduce tuition fees by 70%. There is also the possibility of applying for grants for research projects. Along with studying, students have the opportunity to earn money in their free time: a student visa allows foreign students to work part-time.

In addition to tuition costs, the student needs to be able to pay for accommodation, meals, household needs, entertainment, etc. For a year, a minimum of CAD$ 13,000-CAD$ 15,000 will be required.

Students have several accommodation options:

• Hostel
• Rental housing,
• Host family.