There are six universities in Toronto, Ontario, including the University of Toronto. Students wanting to know how to get into university in Ontario are often drawn to the top-tier universities in Toronto and the many educational opportunities. Toronto is home to some of the best universities in Canada, and some of the most diverse and multicultural student populations in the country. In this blog, we’ll look at a list of the universities in Toronto, including admissions statistics, how to apply, and tips on how to get into the university of your choice.
Please note: although we have made every effort to provide the most accurate information, admissions information changes frequently. Therefore, we encourage you to verify these details with the official university admissions office. You are responsible for your own results. BeMo does not endorse nor affiliate with any official universities, colleges, or test administrators and vice versa.
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Universities in Toronto
- OCAD University
- Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University)
- Université de l’Ontario français (UOF)
- University of Toronto
- York University
- University of Guelph-Humber
Admission Statistics for Universities in Toronto
University acceptance rates in Canada can be very competitive, especially at top universities like the University of Toronto. The universities in Toronto may also favor in-province applicants, so acceptance rates for out-of-province applicants may be slighter more competitive.
How to Apply to Universities in Toronto
To apply to any of the universities in Toronto, you’ll need to complete an application through the Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC), a unified, online application system for all universities in Ontario, including many of the top universities in Toronto and the universities in Ottawa. Regardless of whether you’re an in-province, out-of-province, international or mature student, you must apply through OUAC.
Your status determines whether you’ll need to complete an OUAC 101 application or OUAC 105 application. Here are the criteria for OUAC undergraduate applications:
OUAC 101 Criteria
Do you meet all of the following requirements?
- You are taking courses during the day at an Ontario high school (this includes students returning for second semester and graduated students returning to upgrade 1 or more courses).
- You have not, at any point, been out of high school for more than 7 consecutive months.
- You will have received or expect to receive your Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with six 4U/M courses at the end of the current year.
- You have not attended a postsecondary institution (university/college/career college).
- You are applying to the first year of an undergraduate degree program or diploma program at an Ontario university.
- You are under 21 years of age.
OUAC 105 Criteria
Do you meet any of the following requirements?
- You currently reside in Canada and:
-you are a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident (landed immigrant) or currently studying in Canada on a study permit or other visa and
-you are not currently attending an Ontario high school day program.
- You currently live elsewhere (not in Canada) and:
-you are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident (landed immigrant) and
-you are not currently attending an Ontario high school day program.
- You currently reside outside of Canada and:
-you are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (landed immigrant) and
-you are not currently attending an Ontario high school day program (in Ontario or abroad).
In general, out-of-province students and international students who want to apply to universities in Toronto will apply with the OUAC 105 application. If you want to know how to apply to university in Ontario as a mature student, the OUAC 105 is typically what you will need to fill out, too, if you don’t meet all the criteria for the OUAC 101.
There are two special exceptions to make note of. If you are applying to a Bachelor of Education program, you’ll need to complete a TEAS application through the OUAC system. Applicants to Common Law programs in Ontario will complete an OLSAS application.
How to Get into Universities in Toronto
1. University of Toronto
The University of Toronto is considered one of the best universities in Canada and ranks among the top 50 universities in the world. It offers a wide variety of programs in different disciplines, and boasts a strong dedication to research, particularly in healthcare and technology.
If you’re wondering how to choose the best university to maximize your chances of acceptance to medical school, the University of Toronto is an excellent choice for Canadian applicants who want to apply to the University of Toronto Medical School or other top medical schools in Canada.
Admission requirements
Applicants to the University of Toronto must have completed their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with six subjects at the 4U/M level:
- English: ENG4U / EAE4U
- Calculus & Vectors: MCV4U
- Advanced Functions: MHF4U
- Biology: SBI4U
- Chemistry: SCH4U
- Physics: SPH4U
Out-of-province applicants, or students who did not attend an Ontario high school will have equivalent course requirements, depending on the province or territory where they graduated high school. Applicants who completed any IB or AP courses may eligible for transfer credits.
Keep in mind that certain programs or departments, such as the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering, may have additional admission requirements.
International and mature applicants
Graduates from an international high school or Canadian citizens who studied abroad during their Grade 12 year can check the U of T website for related course prerequisites.
Applicants whose first language is not English will also be required to submit an English Language Proficiency test as part of their application. This is common requirement for students who want to apply for university in Canada as an international student.
Mature students can apply to the U of T through the OUAC 105 application or the part-time application. If you are over 21 and have not attended university courses before, you can join the university’s Pathway Program to become eligible for admission if you are missing any prerequisites.
Admissions Decisions
Once the admissions committee verifies that you meet their academic requirements for admissions and any specific course requirements for the program you’re applying to, the focus is on your academic performance for the most recent 2 years of study and your supplemental application documents. Supplemental documents can include your official transcripts, proof of English language proficiency and standardized test scores, personal statements or portfolio of work, if required by the program you’re applying to.
Admissions decisions are sent out throughout the admissions cycle, beginning in February and continuing into May. Deadlines to submit your OUAC application can vary depending on the program, so be sure to check the U of T website’s important application deadlines for your program. Note that the deadlines for submitting supplementary applications will be different than the OUAC application deadlines, too.
Website: https://future.utoronto.ca/apply/
2. York University
York University is well-known for its experiential learning and programs in fine arts, science, business and law. It is ranked as one of the top universities in Canada and well-regarded by graduate business programs, if you’re searching for the best undergrad business schools.
Admission requirements
Admission requirements are specific to the program you’re applying to and the province you graduated high school in. All applicants will need to submit their official transcripts and list of course descriptions. Some students may also have to submit supplemental application materials. For instance, applicants to Faculty of Education, School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design and the Lassonde School of Engineering will have an additional application to submit.
Note that international applicants or applicants whose first language isn’t English will need to submit an English Language Proficiency test. Mature students will also need to submit a resume and personal statement as part of admissions requirements.
Mature students, international students, visiting students and applicants to certificate programs can choose to submit an application through York University’s online application portal instead of OUAC. Applicants should submit only ONE application of their choice.
Website: https://futurestudents.yorku.ca/requirements/apply
Want to know how to get into Canadian universities? Here's a quick guide:
3. OCAD University
OCAD University is Canada’s largest and oldest university focusing on fine arts, design, digital media, research and innovation.
Admission requirements
OCAD admissions will first review your academic transcripts to ensure you meet minimum requirements for admission. This means a complete review of your OUAC application, so in addition to good grades you should present a strong OUAC activities and employment section which highlights your skills and experience in the area you want to study at OCAD.
From there, you will need to submit a portfolio for your specific program, a statement of intent and a writing sample if required. Your letter of intent will be a 300-word letter explaining your interest in a specific OCAD program, and who or what inspires you from a creative standpoint. Your portfolio will be a collection of your works in progress and finished works, with a 50-word description for each entry. If you need to submit a writing sample, it will be a short essay in response to a prompt, similar to a college essay.
For complete guidelines on putting together your portfolio and submitting your work, check the OCAD University website.
Admission decisions
Applications to OCAD open in mid-October for the following September’s entry. The deadline for application is February 1, with portfolio and supplemental application deadlines in mid-February. Admissions decisions are sent out soon after in late March, with the deadline to accept offers of admission in May.
There is only one undergraduate admissions in September of each year, so it’s critical to submit your application and documents on time.
Website: https://admissions.ocadu.ca/apply/guide-admissions
4. University of Guelph-Humber
The University of Guelph-Humber is a collaboration between the University of Guelph (UofG) and Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning. The University has 7 core specialized programs for students in:
- Business
- Community Social Services
- Early Childhood Studies
- Justice Studies
- Kinesiology
- Media and Communication Studies
- Psychology
Admission requirements
Each program may have its own minimum cut-off for grades and academic requirements. Students who do not meet the minimum can submit a student profile to explain factors which may have affected their academic performance. If you want to know how to get into college with a low GPA, or have an average of 70% or lower, it’s recommended that you submit this optional application component.
Admission decisions
Admissions decisions are typically made from early March through May. All applicants receive an admission decision by the end of May. All admitted applicants need to accept their offer by June 1 through the OUAC website.
Website: https://www.guelphhumber.ca/
5. Toronto Metropolitan University (Ryerson University)
The Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), formerly named Ryerson University, is ranked as one of the best universities in Canada, and is deeply committed to research, education and business. The university is home to Canada’s largest network of business incubators: the Zone Learning network.
Admission requirements
Ontario high school students can submit their OUAC 101 application to apply to the Toronto Metropolitan University. Academic requirements include a minimum of 70% for admission. All other applicants can submit their OUAC 105 application, and also need to fill out the supplemental application form. Applicants may need to submit a portfolio, resume, admission essay or attend an interview, depending on the program of choice.
Once you’ve submitted your application and your documents, you’ll need to create an online applicant profile through TMU’s website. Here you will receive updates on your application status and offers of admission.
Website: https://www.torontomu.ca/admissions/undergraduate/apply/
6. Université de l’Ontario français (UOF)
UOF is a French-language university in downtown Toronto, offering five bachelor’s degree programs for Francophone students in Ontario. UOF is also Ontario’s only Francophone university. The university recently launched its Bachelor of Education program, but also offers programs in digital cultures, urban environments, human plurality and economy, and social innovation.
To apply, students must have a minimum grade average of 70% or equivalent. Students whose first language is not French or who did not attend a Francophone school must submit proof of French language proficiency.
Website: https://uontario.ca/programmes-et-admissions/admission/conditions-dadmission
Does your chosen program require an admissions essay? Watch this video!
FAQs
1. How many universities are there in Toronto?
There are 6 major universities in Toronto: the University of Toronto, York University, OCAD University, University of Guelph-Humber, Toronto Metropolitan University (Ryerson University) and the Université de l’Ontario français (UOF)
2. Is it hard to get into universities in Toronto?
In general, universities in Toronto can be moderately to very selective, and acceptance rates can be competitive. Universities in Toronto are all well-regarded and receive thousands of applicants from all over Canada and internationally, so the competition pool can be significant. It’s a good idea to talk to an academic advisor in Ontario, since many of the universities in Toronto consider your academic performance first and foremost in admissions decisions.
3. What can I study at universities in Toronto?
The universities in Toronto offer a wide range of four-year degree programs, as well as joint programs, certificate programs and more. In particular, universities in Toronto have excellent programs for students wanting to study applied sciences, medicine and health sciences, liberal arts, engineering, undergraduate business, humanities and social sciences, computer science and many more.
4. What GPA do I need to get into universities in Toronto?
On average, you will need a minimum GPA of 3.0 to be accepted to universities in Toronto, although some programs may have more relaxed or stricter admissions requirements.
5. How do I apply to universities in Toronto?
To apply to any of the universities in Toronto, you need to apply through the Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC) by creating an account and filling out an online application. You’ll then be able to indicate which universities in Ontario you want to apply to.
6. What is the most prestigious university in Toronto?
The University of Toronto is the most prestigious and recognized university in Toronto, and is considered one of the best universities in Canada.
7. Can I apply to universities in Toronto as an international student?
Yes, international students can apply to universities in Toronto through the OUAC system. Note that international students may have additional admission requirements to complete, such as submitting an English Language Proficiency Test. If you want to know how to study in Canada as an international student, be sure to check visa requirements, academic requirements for admission and if you are eligible for any financial aid.
8. What is the tuition at universities in Toronto?
On average, undergraduate tuition at universities in Toronto is around $7,000 CDN per year, but the full amount of tuition and fees is dependant on the program you enroll in. For instance, degrees in engineering or applied sciences tend to have higher tuition fees.
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