Study in Toronto

Toronto for students

This year, three of Toronto’s universities feature in the QS World University Rankings®. The highest-ranked of these is the University of Toronto, which also lays claim to being the highest-ranked university in Canada, placing 26^th in the world.

In the student survey factored into this year’s results, the word most often used to sum up the appeal of Toronto is “diversity” – in reference both to the huge range of activities the city has to offer, and the diverse and inclusive quality of its community.

Toronto ranks highly in the student view indicator, coming in at 15th, with one respondent describing it as, “a very inclusive, multicultural and diverse city,” while another praised “the amount to see/explore when you have time, and the diverse quality of people that you meet.”

Is Toronto the student city for you? Have your say.

Best universities in Toronto - QS Best Student Cities ranking: 13th

World Ranking	Institution
26	University of Toronto
=494	York University
801-1000	Ryerson University

More about Toronto

Toronto scores well across the range of indicators. It ranks particularly highly for desirability, placing second in the world – a reflection of the high standard of living within the city and its popularity amongst prospective students.

Number of universities ranked by QS	3
Highest-ranked institution	University of Toronto (26th in the world)
Population	6,197,000
Average international fees (at ranked unis)	US$27,100
Desirability rank	2nd
Employer Activity rank	=22nd
Affordability rank	=88th
Student View rank	15th

To find out how each of the above categories is calculated, view the methodology.

Why study in Toronto

Friendly people

The warmth and hospitality of Toronto’s local people is widely known. Studying in Toronto you will make lifelong friends and contacts.

Plenty of work opportunities

There are plenty of work opportunities open to students and graduates. The city ranks joint 22nd worldwide for the employer activity indicator.

It’s easy to get around

Toronto’s excellent transport system makes it easy to get around the city. The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is the largest transit system in North America.

Fantastic food

Toronto has approximately 7,500 restaurants, each serving delicious foods from all around the world.

Cost of studying in Toronto

Studying in Toronto can be quite expensive. The city ranks joint 88th in the world this year for affordability, due to high living costs and relatively high tuition fees.

According to Numbeo, a single person living in Toronto will need around US$999 per month for living expenses, plus an additional US$1,584 for rent in a one-bedroom apartment. Tuition fees in the city cost an average of US$27,100 per year for international students.

Life and culture in Toronto

As Canada’s largest city, Toronto is extremely diverse, with a variety of languages, foods and customs. The city is packed full of interesting sights and attractions, meaning there’s always something to keep you entertained. 

Toronto has one of the highest scores of any city for desirability (one of the six areas assessed), only beaten by Tokyo. This reflects both its all-round high quality of life and its status as an in-demand destination among students worldwide.

All the attractions that make Canada an appealing place to study are on offer here in Toronto – a diverse community, vibrant cultural scene and nightlife, stunning natural surroundings, and, of course, world-leading universities.

The iconic CN Tower makes Toronto’s skyline particularly memorable. This landmark is definitely worth a visit as it was once the tallest free-standing structure when it was completed in 1973. However, it has since been overtaken by Dubai’s Burj Khalifa.

In the summer you can enjoy the city’s 50km of waterfront, with plenty of beaches, marinas and parks to explore. In the winter, there are lots of nearby skiing resorts just a short drive away.

Careers in Toronto

If you’re thinking of staying in Toronto after graduation, you’ll be pleased to discover that the city scores highly in the employer reputation indicator – a reflection of the strong reputation of the city’s graduates amongst employers in the area.  

Toronto is Canada’s financial centre, and the city boasts lots of jobs for graduates looking to work in the financial sector. It also has strong media, tourism and data industries, all of which are on the lookout for talented, skilled graduates.

To work in Canada, you will need a Canadian work visa which, once you have secured a job offer, can be easily completed online. It’s worth noting that even if you’re a native English speaker you’ll still need to take a formal language exam, such as the IELTS.