Toronto, the largest city in Canada, located on the shores of Lake Ontario, offers students an appealing blend of urban living and world-class academic experiences. With its prestigious universities and lower tuition and living costs compared to the United States, the city has become one of the most popular destinations for international students seeking to study in Canada. In this post, we’ll introduce and review the best universities in Toronto in 2025.
The Best Universities in Toronto in 2025
Beyond its high-quality education, Toronto provides diverse job opportunities for students, including volunteer work, internships, and professional roles. Student associations, clubs, magazines, and campus radio stations also help learners shape their future careers.
Socially, Toronto is an energetic and vibrant city. Neighbourhoods like Chinatown, Koreatown, and Little Italy, along with cultural events such as TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival), Nuit Blanche (the overnight contemporary art festival), and fashion showcases like Ryerson Mass Exodus, are just a few of the city’s many attractions.
The city’s public transit system, supported by the Presto smart card, ensures convenient and affordable access for students.
1. University of Toronto
Founded in 1827, the University of Toronto (U of T) offers more than 700 undergraduate and 200 graduate programs, hosting nearly 60,000 students.
The university is globally recognised for its excellence in medicine, business, engineering, humanities, and education.
Its main campus, St. George, located in downtown Toronto, features green spaces and historic architecture reminiscent of Oxford and Cambridge. The Mississauga campus, with 225 hectares of protected greenland, and the Scarborough campus, known for its laboratory-based programs and new aquatic centre, are also key branches.
U of T’s 44 libraries contain about 19.5 million physical items and over 6.4 million digital resources, making it the third-largest library system in North America.
International students come from around 160 countries, with the largest groups from China, India, the United States, South Korea, and Hong Kong.
Notable alumni include five Canadian prime ministers, celebrated authors such as Margaret Atwood and Michael Ondaatje, and renowned actor Donald Sutherland.
2. York University
Established in 1959, York University has grown into one of Canada’s leading international teaching and research institutions.
With about 53,000 students from 178 countries, York boasts one of the most diverse student bodies in Canada.
The university offers more than 8,500 experiential learning opportunities, including internships, community projects, co-ops, and capstone programs, helping students prepare for the rapidly changing future.
The main Keele campus spans 457 hectares, making it the largest university campus in Canada. The Glendon campus offers programs in both English and French. York also has satellite campuses in Hyderabad (India) and Costa Rica.
Students benefit from programs in the Schulich School of Business, Osgoode Hall Law School, and a wide range of disciplines across the humanities, performing arts, science, health, engineering, and education.
Notable alumni include Rachel McAdams (actor), Lilly Singh (comedian and host), Dan Riskin (evolutionary biologist and TV host), and several acclaimed writers and journalists.
3. Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU)
Founded in 1948, Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) currently hosts about 46,000 students across more than 60 undergraduate and 55 graduate programs.
TMU’s urban campus and striking architecture are well known. The main campus is located in Toronto’s Garden District, surrounded by Gerrard, Jarvis, Dundas East, and Yonge Streets.
The university comprises over 40 buildings, including its 11-story main library—one of the city’s key academic centres.
Ranking of the Best Universities in Toronto – 2025
| Rank in Toronto | Global Rank 2025 | Global Rank 2024 | University Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 21 | 21 | University of Toronto |
| =17 | 401–500 | 351–400 | York University |
| =25 | 601–800 | 601–800 | Toronto Metropolitan University |
Conclusion
Toronto is not only a dynamic and multicultural city but also home to some of the world’s top academic institutions. With its abundance of career and cultural opportunities, along with advanced educational and research facilities, it remains one of the best destinations for both domestic and international students in 2025.