McGill University or University of Toronto?

In the QS World University Rankings by Subject, the two Canadian universities have similar sets of subject strengths: both score highly for arts and humanities as well as life sciences and medicine. Let's compare how the two universities perform in each of the individual subjects.

Choosing between these two top universities in Canada also means making a choice between their respective cities – Montréal and Toronto. Both are in the south-east of Canada, although Toronto’s a little further south, and both are large cities – the two largest by population in the country. 

While Toronto is accepted as Canada’s commercial and financial capital, both cities can make strong claims to be the country’s leading cultural hub. As well as vibrant music, film and nightlife scenes, both cities boast extremely high levels of international diversity.  

Though Toronto may be slightly more diverse overall, Montréal has a more internationally diverse student community.

One of the main differences between the two cities is language. Toronto is English-speaking, while Montréal, where McGill is located, is in the French-speaking province of Quebec. However, most teaching at McGill is conducted in English, and proof of English proficiency is an application requirement. 

It should also be noted that while the University of Toronto’s main campus is right in the heart of the city, it also has two additional campuses, one in Scarborough (a district in the east of the city) and another in Mississauga (a neighbouring city to the west). 

The University of Toronto's student population is significantly larger than McGill's. As well as being split across three campuses, the University of Toronto makes its huge community more manageable by using a college system, similar to that at Oxbridge (Oxford and Cambridge) in the UK. Applicants to the Faculty of Arts and Sciences choose one of seven colleges, each of which provides a smaller student community within the overall university. 

So, if your decision about where to study in Canada can’t be made based on the course that best matches your own academic interests and career plans, lifestyle factors could certainly help tip the balance. Maybe you want to practice your French, or perhaps you like the idea of being part of a smaller college community and a member of a very large student body.