As we all know, Toronto is one of Canada’s most prosperous metropolises and has the most popular and famous universities. According to the QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2025, Toronto ranks 11th among international students, up two spots from the previous year. The rich culture, diverse community, and high-quality education system attract a large number of international students from all over the world every year.
So what are the best colleges in Toronto? What are their respective advantages? How can you get into these Toronto universities? This article will answer these questions for you.
Why Choose Colleges in Toronto?
There are many world-class colleges and universities in Toronto, offering rich and diverse educational resources. They are not only research universities, but also colleges that focus on vocational training and art & design. A wide range of subject options are provided, such as humanities, science and engineering, art and design, etc. All kinds of courses are available. In addition, Toronto has formed an inclusive and culturally integrated learning environment on campus. What’s more, colleges in Toronto have partnerships with many well-known companies. Students can go there for internships, accumulate work experience, and lay a good foundation for future career development.
| Why Study in Toronto? | |
|---|---|
| Education | Many world-famous colleges and universities. |
| Economy | 1. The financial center of Canada. The Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) is the largest stock exchange in Canada. The headquarters of Canada’s five largest banks are all located in Toronto. |
| 2. Home to the headquarters of several media, communications, retail and hospitality companies, including Manulife Financial, Hudson’s Bay Company and Four Seasons Hotels. | |
| Culture | 1. Cultural Diversity: More than 50% of Torontonians were not born in Canada. People here come from more than 200 countries and speak more than 160 languages. |
| 2. More than 70 film festivals and Broadway music festivals, more than 200 art exhibitions and historical museums. The third largest film production center in North America. | |
| Career Prospects | The 8th in Canada’s best cities for young people to work. |
| Delicious Food | The annual ‘Taste of Danforth’ food festival is a representative of the local immigrant food culture. |
Overview: Best Colleges & Universities in Toronto
There are two main types of educational institutions: public colleges and private colleges in Toronto. Before we go into detail about the top colleges and universities in Toronto, let’s take a look at a list.
| Top Colleges & Universities in Toronto | |
|---|---|
| University/College Name | Information |
| University of Toronto | 2025 QS World Ranking: 25 2025 Times Higher Education: 21 |
| 2025 QS World Ranking: 362 2025 Times Higher Education: 401-500 |
|
| Toronto Metropolitan University | 2025 QS World Ranking: 801-850 2025 Times Higher Education: 601-800 |
| QS World World Ranking for Art and Design: 51-100 | |
| Humber College | Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges |
| George Brown College | One of the largest and most comprehensive public colleges in Canada |
| Seneca College | One of the top public colleges in Toronto |
| ILAC College | A premier private career college in Toronto |
| Toronto School of Management | An innovative private college in downtown Toronto. Paid internships (Co-op) available |
| Centennial College | The first public college in Ontario. |
Below is the detailed information of those colleges and universities. Let’s take a closer look at them.
Top 10 Colleges & Universities in Toronto
1. University of Toronto (U of T)
The University of Toronto is one of the best universities in Toronto, and also one of the world’s top universities. It has a tradition of innovation and rigorous scholarship, shaping the future of education and knowledge and cultivating countless outstanding talents.
As one of the best public universities in Toronto, U of T has multiple colleges, including the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Engineering, the College of Medicine, etc., covering almost all disciplines. In each field, there are first-class professors teaching, and the school encourages interdisciplinary research, so that students can achieve more comprehensive development.
| University of Toronto | |
|---|---|
| Item | Detail |
| Type of University | Public university |
| Establishment | 1827 |
| Acceptance Rate | 43% |
| Types of Programs | Bachelor, Master, PhD |
| Tuition Fees | From $61,720/year |
| Rankings | 2025 QS World Ranking: 25 |
| 2025 Times Higher Education: 21 | |
| Top Courses | Applied Science & Engineering, Computer Science, Rotman Business, Psychology |
| Campuses | St. George Campus, Mississauga Campus(UTM) and Scarborough Campus(UTSC) |
| Language Requirements | TOEFL iBT: 89 with 22 in each of Speaking and Writing |
| IELTS Academic: Minimum 6.5 with no band below 6.0 | |
| Cambridge English C1: Minimum 180 with no band below 170 | |
More information: University of Toronto acceptance rate: details, requirements and More
2. York University
York University is another great choice of public universities in Toronto, Canada. It is known for its practical and innovative courses. For example, it offers unique majors such as Environmental Science and Sustainability, and Global Health, which keep up with the trends of the times and provide students with the latest and most cutting-edge information.
York University has always been famous for its business administration, law, fine arts, liberal arts, social sciences, psychology and other majors. Its business administration major ranks first in Canada in the London Economist, Financial Times EMBA and Forbes rankings.
| York University | |
|---|---|
| Item | Detail |
| Type of University | Public university |
| Establishment | 1959 |
| Acceptance Rate | 27% |
| Types of Programs | Bachelor, Master, PhD |
| Tuition Fees | From $34,835/year |
| Rankings | 2025 QS World Ranking: 362 |
| 2025 Times Higher Education: 401-500 | |
| Top Courses | Social Sciences & Management, Accounting & Finance, Business Management Studies |
| Campuses | Glendon Campus, Keele Campus, Markham Campus |
| Language Requirements | TOEFL iBT: Minimum 88 |
| IELTS Academic: Minimum 6.5 | |
3. Toronto Metropolitan University
Toronto Metropolitan University (Formerly Ryerson University) is known for its practical orientation, strongly focusing on vocational training and applied sciences. Many courses are closely integrated with industry needs, making graduates highly competitive. In class, teachers use teaching methods such as case analysis and group discussion to let students learn in real situations. This method not only improves learning effects, but also cultivates teamwork spirit and lays the foundation for a future workplace.
| Toronto Metropolitan University | |
|---|---|
| Item | Detail |
| Type of University | Public university |
| Establishment | 1948 |
| Acceptance Rate | 80% |
| Types of Programs | Bachelor, Master, PhD |
| Tuition Fees | From $26,380/year |
| Rankings | 2025 QS World Ranking: 801-850 |
| 2025 Times Higher Education: 601-800 | |
| Top Courses | Computer Science, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Environment |
| Language Requirements | TOEFL iBT: Minimum 83 / 92 (depending on programs) |
| IELTS Academic: Minimum 6.5 | |
4. OCAD University (Ontario College of Art & Design)
OCAD University focuses on visual arts and design. It is one of the best public universities in Toronto and one of the top art schools in North America, enjoying a high reputation in the creative industry. The campus is full of artistic atmosphere. Various exhibitions and displays often attract people’s attention.
OCAD, the well-known Toronto college, offers a variety of majors, such as graphic design, illustration, and digital media. These majors emphasize creative thinking and encourage students to explore new ways of expression, while also teaching relevant skills so that they can smoothly enter the workplace after graduation.
| OCAD University (Ontario College of Art & Design) | |
|---|---|
| Item | Detail |
| Type of University | Public university |
| Establishment | 1876 |
| Acceptance Rate | 63% |
| Types of Programs | Bachelor, Master, PhD |
| Tuition Fees | From $13,941/year |
| Rankings | QS World World Ranking for Art and Design: 51-100 |
| Top Courses | Graphic Design, Illustration, Environment Design |
| Language Requirements | TOEFL iBT: Minimum 84 with at least 20 in reading, at least 19 in listening, at least 22 in speaking and at least 20 in writing. |
| IELTS Academic: Minimum 6.5 with no part below 6.0 | |
| CAEL: 70 overall with no part below 60. | |
5. Humber College / Humber Polytechnic
Humber College (rebranded as Humber Polytechnic since 2024) is one of the largest public colleges in Toronto and Canada. It is the most distinctive, creative, outstanding, and oldest polytechnic in Canada. The rigorous and excellent academic atmosphere has earned Humber College a good reputation in Ontario. According to official surveys, students generally believe that Humber College’s courses, services and facilities are second to none in Toronto. At the same time, Humber College is the only Canadian member of the “League of Vanguard” in the United States, and a member of the Canadian language institution Language Canada.
The curriculum of Humber College is flexible and innovative, with more than 150 full-time courses and more than 200 part-time courses, including postgraduate courses, undergraduate courses, diploma courses, certificate courses, and internship courses. In addition, Humber also provides students with a variety of work practice and corporate internship opportunities to continuously improve students’ competitiveness.
| Humber Polytechnic | |
|---|---|
| Item | Detail |
| Type of University | Public college |
| Establishment | 1967 |
| Acceptance Rate | 70% |
| Types of Programs | Bachelor, Master, Diploma |
| Tuition Fees | From $ 14,800-$ 28,155/year |
| Rankings | Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges |
| Campuses | North Campus, Lakeshore Campus, International Graduate School |
| Top Courses | Computer Engineering Technology, Advertising-Media Sales, Visual and Digital Arts |
| Language Requirements | TOEFL iBT: Minimum 80-88 |
| IELTS Academic: Minimum 6.0 with no part below 5.5 | |
| CAEL: Minimum 60 | |
6. George Brown College
George Brown College is a public college in Toronto with vocational training as its main direction. Its curriculum is closely aligned with market demand and is very suitable for people who want to enter the workplace quickly. The college offers more than 170 diploma, bachelor’s and postgraduate certificate programs and more than 1,200 continuing education courses. There are currently more than 30,000 full-time students (including about 6,500 international students) and 65,828 part-time students. The total number of faculty and staff is 4,863.
George Brown College has opened a series of emerging courses for specific vocational skills training, such as culinary arts, beauty care, and architectural technology. These courses usually combine theory and practice, allowing students to master a skill and find job opportunities faster.
| George Brown College | |
|---|---|
| Item | Detail |
| Type of University | Public college |
| Establishment | 1966 |
| Acceptance Rate | 55% |
| Types of Programs | Bachelor, Master, Diploma |
| Tuition Fees | From $ 15,480-$ 18,190/year |
| Rankings | One of the largest and most comprehensive public colleges in Canada |
| Top Courses | Business Administration, Electronics Technician, Culinary Arts |
| Language Requirements | TOEFL iBT: Minimum 80-88 |
| IELTS Academic: Minimum 6.0 with no part below 5.5 | |
| CAEL: Minimum 60 | |
7. Seneca College
Seneca College was founded in 1967 and is located in Toronto, Ontario. It is recognized as one of the largest public colleges in Canada with the most courses and majors. It has close cooperation with the University of Toronto and York University, and even shares a campus with York University. The college provides high-quality full-time and part-time education, with more than 290 courses, including bachelor’s degree, diploma, certificate, graduate certificate and continuing education certificate.
Among the outstanding graduates of Seneca College, there are business elites, government heads, ambassadors, well-known journalists, Oscar winners (3D animation), software engineers, bioengineering experts, and power engineers. The college’s curriculum is constantly updated to keep up with the development trends of popular majors, so that graduates are fully prepared to adapt to the needs of the current and future job market.
| Seneca College | |
|---|---|
| Item | Detail |
| Type of University | Public college |
| Establishment | 1967 |
| Acceptance Rate | 85% |
| Types of Programs | Degree, Diploma, Certificate programs |
| Tuition Fees | From $ 15,022-$ 20,000/year |
| Rankings | One of the top public colleges in Toronto |
| Top Courses | Accounting & Finance, Animation, Aviation Safety |
| Language Requirements | TOEFL iBT: Minimum 84-88 with no part below 21 and 22. |
| IELTS Academic: Minimum 6.5 with no part below 6.0 | |
| CAEL: Minimum 70 with no less than 60 for writing | |
8. ILAC International College
ILAC College is a leading private career college in Toronto, offering career programs in Business, Sales, Marketing, and Customer Service. The campus is located in the center of Toronto.
The school provides internship opportunities, allowing students to work with companies on campus and have the opportunity to gain Canadian work experience and connect with future career development. Students learn knowledge in class, build connections with industry professionals, connect themselves with business owners, and import what they have learned into physical operations throughout the internship.
ILAC College offers a variety of courses, including language classes, diploma courses, and Pathway (English bridging courses). Students can study in a diverse learning environment.
| ILAC College | |
|---|---|
| Item | Detail |
| Type of University | Private college |
| Establishment | 1997 |
| Tuition Fees | $8,800-$14,700/year |
| Rankings | A premier private career college in Toronto |
| Top Courses | Service Excellence for Business, Sales & Marketing, Business Administration |
| Language Requirements | IELTS Academic: 4.0-5.0 |
9. Toronto School of Management (TSOM)
Toronto School of Management (TSoM) is the biggest private college in Toronto. It’s an innovative College that offers a wide range of career-focused courses in business administration, hospitality, tourism and accounting.
| Toronto School of Management | |
|---|---|
| Item | Detail |
| Type of University | Private college |
| Establishment | 2017 |
| Tuition Fees | About $14,300/year |
| Highlight | An innovative private college in downtown Toronto. Paid internships (Co-op) available |
| Top Courses | Digital Business Management, Microcredentials, Hospitality and Tourism Management |
| Language Requirements | IELTS Academic: 5.5 |
| TOEFL iBT: 71 | |
10. Centennial College
Centennial College is the first government-run public college in Ontario and one of the best public colleges in Toronto. Its curriculum focuses on the combination of theory with practice, based on high standards of teaching quality and aimed at adapting to social needs. Centennial Polytechnic has 8 branches located in 4 campuses, offering more than 160 internationally recognized certificates, college diplomas, university bachelor’s degrees and postgraduate certificates, covering business, tourism and culture, engineering technology and applied sciences, health and community studies, transportation, media and design, and English language.
| Centennial College | |
|---|---|
| Item | Detail |
| Type of University | Public college |
| Establishment | 1966 |
| Acceptance Rate | 7% |
| Types of Programs | Degree, Postdegree, Diploma, Certificate programs |
| Tuition Fees | $14,503/year |
| Campuses | Progress Campus, Morningside Campus, Ashtonbee Campus, Story Arts Centre Campus |
| Highlight | The first public college in Ontario. |
| Top Courses | Advertising, Academic and Career Entrance, Animation |
| Language Requirements | IELTS Academic: 6.5 |
| TOEFL iBT: 80 with no test below 20 | |
Improve Your Chances to Get in Colleges in Toronto
We believe that one of the above 10 universities or colleges in Toronto may be your dream destination. So when you are applying to your dream Toronto universities, you can do some preparation in advance to increase your chances of being admitted. Here are some suggestions:
1️⃣ Plan Ahead
Adequate preparation in advance is the first step to success. Choose your preferred colleges or universities in Toronto, and the majors you are interested in. Set your goals and make a timetable.
2️⃣ Study Hard
Of course, excellent grades are the basic conditions of being admitted in good colleges in Ontario. Complete course assignments carefully, actively participate in extracurricular activities, and constantly expand your knowledge, professional qualities and comprehensive abilities.
3️⃣ Letters of Recommendation
Getting a recommendation letter from a teacher or mentor is also one way to improve your chances of acceptance. This is also an essential requirement for most of the top universities in Toronto.
Conclusion
This city can meet all your expectations of big city life. Those universities and colleges in Toronto provide rich and high-quality higher education resources. Each Toronto college has its own unique features. If you want to pursue scientific research or theoretical depth, you can consider a comprehensive university such as the University of Toronto. When you prefer practical skills or creativity, you can choose York University or OCAD University. At the same time, George Brown College is undoubtedly a good choice for those who want to gather practice experiences and enter the workplace quickly. When choosing a school, you should make wise decisions based on your personal interests and future career plans to ensure the best learning experience and achieve your life goals.
FAQ
What is the number 1 college in Toronto?
The University of Toronto is the best college in Toronto. It is ranked 25th in the 2025 QS World Ranking, and the 21st in 2025 Times Higher Education.
How many colleges are there in Toronto?
There are four public colleges in Toronto: George Brown College, Humber College, Centennial College, and Centennial College. And many private colleges in Toronto also provide great courses.
Which college has lowest fees in Toronto?
Cheapest colleges in Toronto include York University, OCAD University, and Humber College. These colleges charge relatively lower tuition fees.
