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Curious about studying in Toronto? Read our comprehensive guide on everything you need to know about studying in this beautiful Canadian city. Learn about the 5 best local colleges and universities, and get a feel for what student life is like in multicultural Toronto.
Toronto is an exceptional study destination by anyone’s standards. Canada‘s largest city offers international students a safe, welcoming, diverse environment, with a rich culture and top-tier career opportunities.
The fourth largest city in North America, Toronto brings a charm of its own. It’s perfect for those looking for a cosmopolitan, big city experience without the overwhelming feel of other destinations. What’s more, the city has a real global feel, with about half of Toronto’s residents born outside of Canada.
Home to multinational institutions and a thriving economy, Toronto offers pathways to industries like technology, banking, and healthcare. Importantly, it’s also home to some of Canada’s highest-ranked universities and business schools.
We’ve researched the best colleges and universities in Toronto, considering academic reputation, rankings, graduate programs, location, career outcomes, and more.
Here are our top five schools:
The University of Toronto, School of Graduate Studies (SGS) offers more than 70 professional graduate programs across a wide range of disciplines. The school also offers 140 combined degree programs, enabling students to personalize their learning experience. Studies take place across one of three beautiful campuses across the city, each set amid wide green spaces and equipped with state-of-the-art facilities.
Canada’s largest graduate school, SGS, offers exceptional research funding. Graduates are highly sought after, with U of T ranked 21st globally in the Times Higher Education’s subject areas.
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The Rotman School of Management is part of the University of Toronto, a globally-renowned center of research and academic excellence. The school’s campus is located in downtown Toronto, just a short walk from Bay Street, the heart of Toronto’s business and financial hub.
A diverse faculty and cohorts provide a rich, multicultural environment. Moreover, the school aims to produce leaders who benefit society through ethical, data-driven leadership.
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Schulich School of Business, part of York University, offers a diverse range of top-tier master’s programs that prepare students for the complexities of the business world. The school’s programs emphasize innovation, global perspective, and robust leadership, giving graduates the skills, confidence, and mindset to excel in their chosen fields.
Students are empowered by an impressive array of research labs. These labs have contributed to an extensive research output, including 1,854 journal publications and multiple academic awards. The school has two main campuses, with most master’s programs taking place at the Keele Campus, designed to be one of North America’s most environmentally sustainable campus buildings.
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Smith School of Business, a part of Queen’s University, brings a pioneering approach to team-based and experiential learning. Smith’s Toronto campus is located in the heart of the city’s downtown area, offering high-tech classrooms, collaborative workspaces, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Smith School of Business is accredited by the AACSB and the EFMD (EQUIS), and the school sees high career placements, particularly in finance and consulting. Students receive exceptional post-graduation support, with Smith’s career services ranked #1 in Canada by the Financial Times for six consecutive years.
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Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) offers a vibrant learning environment enriched by a diverse community and strong industry connections. The university’s business school, Ted Rogers School of Management, offers leadership development through practical learning.
The campus is located in the city’s downtown area, placing students in the heart of Canada’s financial hub. With the school’s Master of Science in Management (MScM) program, students receive a balance of theoretical and practical abilities while building strong network ties.
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Toronto offers industry connections, a multicultural environment, and a wonderfully rich experience beyond the classroom. As a student, you’re exposed to Canada’s business and financial hubs, with some of the country’s leading multinational companies on your doorstep.
There are many diverse neighborhoods throughout the city, many offering a specific cultural focus. You’ll find Chinese, Greek, Korean, and Italian neighborhoods with excellent specialty restaurants. What’s more, Toronto’s public transport system is excellent, making it easy to explore the city and its surroundings.
Whether you’re into music, art, food, sport, or nature, you’ll find plenty to add to the experience of studying in Toronto.
Home to world-class universities and business schools, Toronto is one of the best cities in North America to study for a master’s degree. It’s a research-intensive environment, with the best business schools in Toronto offering a blend of focused, theoretical study and practical, hands-on learning.
The city affords excellent career pathways for international students, with post-graduation work permits available, as well as exceptional career guidance and job support. You’ll benefit from strong industry connections within AI-forward tech companies, leading financial institutions, and innovative startups. Other sectors such as life sciences, healthcare, real estate, and entertainment are also prevalent in the city.
Discover the best student neighborhoods in Toronto and the general cost of living in the city:
According to Numbeo, the average living cost for one person in Toronto is CAD$1,555 excluding rent. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center is CAD$2,008.33 per month. This varies, depending on the neighborhood.
Toronto blends academic rigor, urban cool, and outdoor beauty, all wrapped up in a welcoming energy that is typically Canadian. If you’re looking for an enriching learning experience and to launch your career, the city and its top schools have so much to offer.
Explore the top universities and business schools in Canada. You never know, one of them might be the setting for a truly life-changing experience.
Get more insight into studying a master’s in Canada. Take a look at our FAQs on Canada.
