Do you have plans to study in Canada? Toronto, precisely? Are you searching for the best colleges and universities in Toronto to study? Then you have come to the right place. In this article, we’ll talk about what study life in Toronto is like, the best universities in Toronto by popular choice, and why choosing to study in Toronto might just be your best decision yet.
Toronto is one of the most exciting cities in North America. And if you’re a student, it’s also one of the most exciting places to study. The city has been gaining popularity among students in recent years due to its incredible diversity and high-quality universities.
Whether you’re looking for an intimate liberal arts education or a STEM degree with opportunities for recruitment at top companies like Google, Toronto has something for everyone.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some of Toronto’s best colleges and universities along with their average tuition fees so that you can make an informed decision about which school might be right for you.
Overview of Higher Education Studies in Toronto
Toronto is a global city, the most populous in Canada, and the provincial capital of Ontario. It’s also home to some of Canada’s top universities, including the University of Toronto, York University, and Ryerson University.
The city is also a hub for research and innovation—it has more than 30 institutions devoted to higher education in fields like Engineering and Computer Science.
In fact, Toronto was named 2022’s 8th best city to live in by The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) because of the world-class education system that produces high numbers of graduates in Information Technology (IT) professions each year
So, Why Study in Toronto?
Toronto is a multicultural city. According to the 2016 Census, almost half of Toronto’s population was born outside of Canada. This makes it one of the most diverse cities in Canada, and one of the most diverse cities in the world.
Toronto is also a safe city. The homicide rate in Toronto is one of the lowest in Canada with 1.62 victims per 100,000 population in 2020; which is a stark difference from Thunder Bay’s 6.35.
This means that Toronto is a:
- Diverse,
- Safe,
- Livable, and
- Highly educated city.
These are some of the metrics that are important to students when considering what city to study in. So, this rightly makes Toronto a world-class city to study, work, and live in.
The Colleges and Universities in Toronto
Below are the best universities in Toronto:
University of Toronto
The University of Toronto, commonly referred to as U of T or UToronto, is the largest and most comprehensive university in Canada. The school is consistently ranked among the world’s top 50 universities by several major publications and remains a top choice for students from around the globe.
The University of Toronto has over 150 academic programs across three campuses: St George (UofT Mississauga), Scarborough, and downtown (UofT St George). With more than 45,000 full-time undergraduate students enrolled each year at these campuses combined with 36 000 graduate students, this makes it one of the largest universities in Canada.
Given such a large student body there are plenty of clubs and activities available to get involved in at UofT including sports teams like Varsity Blues Rugby Club & Men’s Hockey Club; or cultural groups like Black Student Association (BSA) and Chinese Student Association (CSA).
To study any 4-year undergraduate major at UToronto will cost as much as CAD 61,350 (Canadian Dollars) annually. Domestic students pay way less, however, with CAD 6,100 in the first year.
York University
York University is Canada’s third-largest university and one of the most diverse in North America. It is a top university that was founded with a strong focus on graduate studies, and today it has a student population of over 50,000 from almost 150 countries. York University is ranked as the 16th best university in Canada, and arguably the best in Toronto (second only to UToronto).
The University offers more than 200 programs across 11 faculties, including business, communication and information technology, education and human development, environmental science & engineering; health sciences; liberal arts & professional studies; science (biology); social science & justice studies; sociology/anthropology/geography; visual arts.
The tuition fee for international students at York University will range from CAD 30,000 to 37,345 for competitive majors like Engineering, Design, Commerce, or other science-related programs. While domestic students do not pay more than CAD 11,000 annually for these same programs.
To get specific tuition detail, see bursary information.
Ryerson University (now Toronto Metropolitan University)
Ryerson University is one of the largest universities in Toronto, with over 50,000 students. It ranked in the top 50 universities in the world. It offers over 100 degrees at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Because Ryerson University has such a strong reputation for Engineering and Arts, it has become known as one of Canada’s leading institutions for innovation. The school’s Ted Rogers School of Management offers programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels that will allow you to gain expertise in business management skills such as marketing, finance, or accounting.
The university also offers programs like Global Innovation Exchange (GIX) which provides opportunities for students to collaborate on projects with experienced professionals from around the world through digital technology platforms such as Slack or Facebook groups where ideas are shared freely without boundaries imposed by geographic location or cultural differences.
Ryerson also has strong ties with many high-tech companies including Google Canada that provide support services so students can learn more about new technologies while they’re still being developed – allowing them to access early career opportunities before anyone else outside academia knows how useful these tools might be.
Another example would be IBM which works closely together with faculty members at Ryerson University helping them understand how artificial intelligence can impact future careers related to fields like healthcare services while providing assistance with research projects involving artificial intelligence technologies.
In essence, Ryerson University maintains its foothold as a top university in Toronto due to its connections with elite companies in Canada, and its high graduation rate.
Ryerson University is predominantly known for its highly-valued Engineering, Science, and Architecture majors which cost a ton of money to study (without financial aid and scholarships). The tuition cost annually at Ryerson starts at CAD 7,048 for domestic students and nearly CAD 40,000 for international students; different disciplines have varying costs. See more.
University of Toronto Scarborough
The University of Toronto Scarborough is a public university located in the city of Scarborough, a district of Toronto in Ontario. It is one of three universities that make up the federated University of Toronto system, along with U of T‘s St. George and U of T‘s Mississauga (in the west) campuses.
Like the famous University of Toronto, the Scarborough branch is just as excellent in terms of academic quality, research, and innovation.
The university offers programs in more than 50 areas of study across sixteen faculties: Arts and Science, Anthropology, Biological Sciences, Sociology, Health and Society, Human Geography, Language Studies, Psychology, Political Science, Management, Philosophy, Physical and Environmental Sciences, Historical and Cultural Studies, Global Development Studies, Computer and Mathematical Sciences, and English.
UTSC also offers graduate programs in Management, Physical and Environmental Studies, and Psychology Clinical Science, for those who want to navigate these career paths further.
Also bear in mind that similar to universities in Toronto, the cost of tuition at UTSC is cheaper for domestic students than for international candidates.
For domestic students, tuition is CAD 6,100; for domestic (Canadian) students outside Toronto, the price rises to just CAD 6,248; while for international, the tuition is nearly CAD 60,000 per year – precisely, CAD 59,390.
The tuition fee at UTSC increases when you study in programs like Computer Science and Management as you climb further up to upper levels.
Furthermore, UTSC is a recommendation for those who can afford it because they offer hands-on learning environment will help you develop critical thinking skills while you explore topics like the environment and human rights.
If you’re looking for a challenging degree that will prepare you for a career in the real world, UTSC is the place for you.
Victoria University in the University of Toronto
Victoria University is a small school in the University of Toronto, offering a variety of programs in the fields of Literature, English Drama, Reformation & Rennaisance Studies, etc. Established in 1836 as one of the oldest universities in Toronto, the university is known for its student-centered approach: it’s one of the few schools that requires students to take part in a co-op program before they graduate.
This allows students to gain real-world experience while still in school, which can help them stand out when looking for jobs after graduation.
The university operates via its two colleges – Victoria College, and Emmanuel College. The former is a college system in the Victoria University (overseen by the University of Toronto) that offers majors in Literature, English Drama, French, and Philosophy via its six research institutes.
While the latter, Emmanuel College, is a ministerial college that offers programs in Theology, Pastorial Studies, and programs curated for students towing the path of religious leadership, or those wanting to become part of the school of thought.
Overall, it is a great school with unique programs. Students who are interested in any of these programs they offer can definitely check it out.
Tyndale University
Tyndale University is a private, Christian liberal arts institution located in Toronto, Canada. It offers undergraduate degrees in more than 40 majors, including biblical studies and theology, performance arts in music, English, psychology, philosophy, pastoral ministry, youth ministry, social service work, history and global studies, and business administration, to name a few.
Tyndale is one of the popular Christian universities in Toronto. It is widely recognized for its theology programs. The school also offers certificate, masters, and seminary programs for those interested.
Students interested in pursuing a Master’s degree can choose between a degree in Clinical Counselling, or Thanalogy. Overall, Tyndale is a great Christian open for those who are really keen of become religious leaders.
The tuition fee cost CAD 1,623 per 3 credit hour courses at Tyndale; which really means that the fee isn’t fixed, and will vary based on your selection.
Northeastern University-Toronto
If you’re looking for a top-tier university education and want to live in one of the most culturally rich cities on earth, Northeastern University-Toronto is another place for you.
NUT’s programs are designed to give you the skills and knowledge to succeed in a variety of fields, including business, engineering, technology, and more. They offer both undergraduate and graduate degrees, so you can get ahead of the curve even if you want to start college later in life.
Northeastern University offer programs in Information Technology, Biotechnology, Informatics, Regulatory Affairs, and Project Management at their Toronto campus. If you are looking for other programs, however, they may only be available through online offerings, or may require you to transfer to another campus at some time.
And when it comes to location, there’s no better spot: Northeastern U-Toronto is located in downtown Toronto—right next door to some of the city’s most well-known attractions.
The cost of tuition at NUT is CAD 29,550 for most of its undergraduate programs.
OCAD University
OCAD University is a public university in Toronto, Ontario. It’s the largest Arts and Design school in Canada with over 15,000 full-time students. OCAD offers courses that cover visual arts, design, and media—and it’s one of only two universities in Toronto to offer a Bachelor of Architecture program (alongside Ryerson University).
The University has three campuses: The main campus is located in downtown Toronto; the George Leslie Mackenzie Centre is located at its Scarborough campus, and its Thornhill location includes the Advanced Research Centre for Arts & Technology (ARCAT).
The average tuition fee at OCAD is CAD 15,920 to 20,000. Find out more.
University of Guelph-Humber
The University of Guelph-Humber is a well-respected post-secondary institution, with an outstanding reputation for providing students with the best possible learning experience. The school was birthed out of a collaboration effort between University of Guelph and Humber College; so, you should note that this is not the University of Guelph, as many people confuse it.
The university offers only a handful of programs in Kinesiology, Psychology, Justice Studies, and Business to mention a few. It also has a number of international partnerships that allow you to study abroad at one of its partner institutions in Europe or Asia.
UofGH is located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada’s largest city. The campus is located just north of Highway 401 and south of Black Creek Pioneer Village. It’s surrounded by beautiful parks and green spaces such as High Park Zoo, Christie Pits Park, Toronto Botanical Garden, Rosedale Ravine Park etc., which makes it easy for you to explore all these great places during your free time.
If you’re looking for great career opportunities after graduation from UofGH, this school offers you the opportunity to do so.
Université de l’Ontario français
Université de l’Ontario français is a French language private university in , Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It was founded 4 years ago in a bid to provide education to Francophones who live in the province of Ontario. The university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in French and English.
UOF is committed to diversity and inclusion, and it has adopted a policy of non-discrimination on the basis of gender identity and gender expression.
The Following are the Best Colleges in Toronto:
George Brown College
George Brown College is a public college in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is a member of the Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology (CAAT).
The college was established in 1967 and George Brown College of Applied Arts and Technology is founded through the amalgamation of the Provincial Institute of Trades and the Provincial Institute of Trades and Occupations.
George Brown College is regarded as the best college in Toronto. The school offers degree programs in applied arts and technology and has three campuses in downtown Toronto; including Ontario, Canada.
The school offers accredited programs in business management; engineering technology; media arts; construction trades; culinary arts; health services and much more.
The base tuition fee to study at George Brown College is CAD 15,190 payable annually.
Humber College
Humber College is a public college in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It was founded in 1967 and has three main campuses: Lakeshore Campus (which also has an education center) and North Campus (near York University).
Humber offers programs in business, health, media, design, and community safety. The college is the only post-secondary institution in Canada to offer a Bachelor of Aviation degree through its School of Aeronautical Education at Pearson International Airport.
Humber’s main campus is located on Lake Shore Boulevard West between Kipling Avenue and Albion Road by Mimico Creek within the former City of Etobicoke. The school occupies most of an 80-hectare site that includes woodlands once occupied by a group home for mentally handicapped children operated by the province; nearby facilities include Royal York Collegiate Institute high school and Humber Valley Village retirement residence complex.
Humber College offers accredited degree programs in applied arts, music, commerce, creative advertising, copywriting, journalism, engineering, construction, culinary studies, photography, public relations, and other media studies to name a few.
The tuition cost at Humber is equally affordable. The cost varies between programs, but you can expect to pay at least CAD 11,000 yearly for most programs offered at Humber. This makes Humber one of the cheapest colleges in Toronto.
Seneca College
Seneca College is a public college that offers more than 100 programs across its 50 campuses in Ontario. Seneca is the largest college in Ontario, with over 40,000 students enrolled for the 2018-2019 school year and an annual operating budget of almost $300 million.
Seneca’s campuses are located throughout Toronto and surrounding areas, including two satellite locations in Hamilton and York Region; however, most courses are offered at Seneca’s main campus on Finch Avenue West.
The school’s motto is “Learning Forever,” which reflects its dedication to providing lifelong learning opportunities through various degree-granting programs as well as certificate programs and industry certifications.
Students can choose from a variety of undergraduate degrees such as business management or accounting; graduate degrees like MBA; post-baccalaureate certificates like leadership development or project management; or adult upgrading options if they’re looking to complete high school credits for university admission consideration.
Aside from business, management, accounting, and other applied science courses, Seneca College also offers health programs like an accelerated nursing degree in collaboration with York University.
You can expect to pay between CAD 8,000 to CAD 12,000 in yearly tuition fees at Seneca College.
Centennial College
Centennial College is a college in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The college has over 20,000 full-time students in more than 100 programs of study.
Centennial College is a unique school that is known for its affordable education, as well as its diverse student body and its willingness to go the extra mile to ensure students are getting the most out of their education.
Centennial College is located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It offers over 100 programs of study at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
A few of their most sought-after programs include:
- Business,
- Child Studies and Education,
- Engineering,
- Digital Media Technologies,
- Health Sciences/Nursing, to mention a few.
Canadian students can enroll in Engineering programs at Centennial College for as low as CAD 7,146.50 in yearly tuition; however, this cost varies, depending on your program selection.
While international will pay nearly twice that amount. However, compared to top universities in Toronto, Centennial College is actually an affordable higher institution by a country mile.
Sheridan College
Founded in 1967, Sheridan College is a public college in Ontario, Canada. The college has two main campuses — one located in Brampton and another in Oakville — as well as three satellite campuses: one in Vaughan, one in Halton Hills, and another in Stouffville.
The school offers more than 100 programs at the certificate, diploma, and degree levels to students looking to pursue careers in business, design/fashion/media arts along with health sciences fields such as paramedicine or nursing.
Students at Sheridan College pay an average amount of CAD 15,740 (without financial aid) in yearly tuition for most of the programs offered at the school.
Trinity College
Trinity College is a university in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It was founded in 1851 by Bishop John Strachan as the Anglican “University of King’s College,” originally intending for the school to be an Anglican university. The school was renamed Trinity College in 1852. It is a part of schools federated in the University of Toronto.
Trinity is known for its academic excellence and low student-to-teacher ratio. The school is well-respected for its Theology program. Moreover, the school also has a strong arts and science program, including theatre and dance departments.
The professors at Trinity are some of the best in Canada—many are internationally renowned experts in their fields. They offer students a wealth of knowledge that will prepare them for whatever careers they choose after graduation. The student body is diverse, welcoming students from all backgrounds and walks of life who want to learn together at one of Canada’s top universities.
Knox College
Knox College in Toronto is a university that provides students with a challenging and rewarding learning experience. Like Victoria College, and Trinity College, it is one of the colleges federated in the University of Toronto.
It is a postgraduate college for students who want to continue their education in theology and theological-related studies. The school provides students with the opportunity to learn from internationally renowned professors, who are experts in their field.
Students can also take advantage of the school’s excellent facilities, which include libraries and computer labs. In the area of tuition cost, domestic students should expect to pay CAD 6,965 to CAD 8,170; while international students will pay CAD 20,950 to CAD 25,700 in tuition cost (only) per year.
University of St. Michael’s College
University of St. Michael’s College is a Canadian university located in the heart of downtown Toronto. Like Knox College, it is another college federated with the University of Toronto, offering registrarial services, sponsored programs, and student residence.
The University of St. Michael’s College is a Catholic liberal arts university, with a focus on experiential education and community engagement.
The University of St. Michael’s College is home to more than 5,000 students from over 60 countries around the world. The student body includes undergraduates as well as graduate students, who pursue degrees in over 30 different programs at the undergraduate level as well as a number of masters programs throughout the university’s six schools: Arts and Science; Business; Education; Fine Arts; Humanities & Social Sciences; and Health Studies & Religious Studies (theology).
They offer continuing education classes for those who want to take refresher courses after they’ve long graduated.
However, the downside to this college of studies is the high cost of tuition. At CAD 47,640 (excluding other expenses), not many students can afford this school.
Toronto International Business College
The Toronto International Business College (TIBC) is an ideal place to gain the skills you need to succeed in a competitive industry. If you’re looking to start or advance your career in business, TIBC offers a wide range of programs that can help you get there.
The school offers a Business Diploma program that costs CAD 28,000 to study, including options for financial aid for students who may qualify for them.
The instructors at TIBC are accredited professionals who have years of experience in their fields, which means they know what it takes to succeed in their line of work and will teach their students the same thing. In addition, the school’s faculty members are dedicated professionals who care about their student’s future success.
This combination of high-quality education and caring teachers makes TIBC one of the best colleges in Canada for getting ahead in business or any other related field that interests you.
ILAC International College
ILAC International College is a private college in Toronto that offers a wide range of programs. It’s a good choice for international students, as well as those who want to study in Toronto.
ILAC College has been around since 1974, so you can be assured that this school has been around the block and knows what they’re doing when it comes to higher education.
That’s why ILAC is considered one of the best colleges in Toronto by many students and teachers alike.
Some of the programs offered at ILAC International College include Diploma programs in:
- Business,
- Business Administration, and
- Sales and Marketing.
Depending on your selection, the cost of these programs ranges between CAD 8,400 to CAD 10,500.
Evergreen College
Although not popular, but Evergreen College is a place where you can learn in an environment that’s supportive and fun, with no pressure to conform to one way of thinking.
You’ll find yourself surrounded by people who are just like you—people who are curious about the world around them, who want to explore their own interests and passions, and who want to make their mark on the world in a way that’s meaningful to them.
The school’s tuition cost CAD 22,000 for diploma and certification courses like business administration, pharmacy technician, computerized accounting, etc.
If you’re looking for a university that will allow you to be yourself and pursue your dreams, we think Evergreen College should be at the top of your list.
Toronto School of Management
Toronto School of Management (TSOM) is a private college that offers a wide range of courses and programs.
TSM is located in the heart of downtown Toronto, so it’s easy to get around and explore the city. The school has a diverse student body including international students from over 20 different countries.
The college offers many accommodation options including residence halls, shared apartments, and off-campus housing.
Being a management school, the programs predominantly offered in this school include Business Management, Business Administration, and Digital Marketing, as well as Hospitality and Tourism courses.
The cost of tuition varies between CAD 9,250 to CAD 16,000.
Honorable Mentions
There are also some specialty and religious colleges in Toronto that you might find interesting for continuing your studies. If either of them appeals to you, feel free to do some more research.
Some of them are mentioned below:
- The Royal Conservatory of Music.
- The Mitchener Institute of Education.
- Islamic Institute of Toronto.
- Randolph Center for the Arts.
- Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine.
- CDI College, North York.
- Canadian Christian College.
- Max the Mutt College of Animation, Arts & Design.
- Toronto Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology.
- Toronto Baptist Seminary.
Popular Questions Asked
Which college in Toronto is best for international students?
A lot of international students come to Toronto to study, so it’s important to know which colleges and universities in Toronto are best for you.
While many people might automatically assume that U of T is the best option because they think it has the highest reputation, this is not necessarily true.
Some international students prefer Ryerson because of its smaller class sizes or York because it has a more diverse student population. The choice is up to you.
This article contains the top colleges and universities in Toronto for international students; make use of this to continue your research and settle for schools that align mostly with your interests – be it cost, location, or other logistics.
What is the cheapest college in Toronto?
Most colleges in Toronto are by far cheaper than universities. But, if we are to provide a name, then the cheapest college should be Humber College – also noting the numerous ranges of programs it offers. You can also argue that Centennial College is quite affordable.
But overall, most colleges in Toronto cost less than CA$ 20,000 a year, which makes them very affordable; most of these colleges in Toronto even offer professional courses like Engineering (George Brown), and Nursing (Seneca College) which gives them an edge.
On the other hand, the same CA$ 20,000 is not close to what universities in Toronto cost. In the end, the choice remains yours.
Are there tuition-free universities in Canada?
There are no tuition-free universities in Canada. Tuition-free universities are rare and not available in most countries. The United States and Canada do not have tuition-free universities.
Wrapping It Up
Toronto is one of the most popular cities in Canada because it offers so much to students from around the world. It has a huge selection of different universities and colleges, so you can choose which school best fits your needs and budget.
The city itself is also very diverse and multicultural, which makes it an exciting place for international students. Needless to say, you’d love it in this beautiful city.