Photo: Wikimedia Commons
About the university
Canada's largest and top-ranked research university, split across three campuses — the historic downtown St George campus sits minutes from the CN Tower, right in the middle of Canada's biggest city.
Country
🇨🇦 Canada
City
Toronto, Ontario
Founded
1827
Study levels
Diploma, Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Postgraduate Research
Intakes
September, January, May (selected programmes)
Approx. tuition
CAD 30k–45k/yr
Popular courses
What people actually study here.
Entry requirements & approximate costs
What it takes to get in, and to fund it.
Academic entry
Completed GCE A/Levels (or equivalent), assessed against the university's admission average for your intended programme.
English proficiency
IELTS Academic 6.5 overall (often with a minimum per-band score) is typical, unless your prior education was taught in English and meets IRCC's own exemption criteria.
Approximate tuition
Roughly CAD 30,000–45,000 a year for most undergraduate and master's programmes; medicine and a handful of specialised degrees run higher. Confirm current fees on the university's site.
These figures apply broadly across Canada's higher-education system, not just University of Toronto, always confirm your specific course's exact requirements and fees on the university's own site.
Scholarships
Ways to lower the cost.
Lester B. Pearson and other major entrance scholarships can cover full tuition for top applicants, though they're highly competitive.
The vibe
What it actually feels like.
- A genuinely downtown campus — the CN Tower is visible from the middle of the historic quad.
- Split into distinct colleges (Trinity, Victoria, University College and more), each with its own traditions.
- One of the most internationally diverse student bodies in North America.
For Sri Lankan applicants
Why Sri Lankan students consider it.
Canada's largest, top-ranked research university in its biggest city, Toronto is a natural fit for Sri Lankan students drawn to a large diaspora community alongside strong post-study work rights.
Fun things to do
Life outside the lecture hall.
Skate the free outdoor rink at Nathan Phillips Square, a short walk from campus in winter.
Explore Kensington Market's food stalls and vintage shops, a Toronto student staple.
Catch a Blue Jays or Raptors game — both venues are a short transit ride from downtown campus.
Opportunities for international students
What's on offer if you're coming from abroad.
Application guidance
From application to visa-ready file.
- 1
Choose your programme and check the admission average for your background
- 2
Apply directly to the university with certified transcripts and English test results
- 3
Receive your Letter of Acceptance and arrange your GIC and tuition payment
- 4
Begin your study permit documentation
Once you have an offer, the documentation process covers exactly what identification, academic and financial evidence your visa file will need next.
Related guides
Documentation, explained.
Student Visa Document Checklist for Sri Lankan Students
The short version. For the full explanation of each item, see our complete documentation process guide.
Student Visa Proof of Funds Explained
The single most common reason a student visa file stalls, explained in plain English.
Common Student Visa Documentation Mistakes
Most refused or delayed files aren't refused for one big reason. They're delayed by three or four small, avoidable ones.
Also in Canada
Other top Canada universities.
References & sources
Where this page comes from.
- University of Toronto · official websiteVisit ↗
- International admissions pageVisit ↗
- Hero photograph · Wikimedia CommonsSource ↗
- Robarts Library · Wikimedia CommonsSource ↗
- Hart House · Wikimedia CommonsSource ↗
Course lists, scholarships and admissions details summarised here are illustrative. Always confirm the current, exact terms on the university's own official website before applying. Photography is freely licensed via Wikimedia Commons, not sourced from the university's own site.
Aiming for University of Toronto? Let's make the money story match.
Campus photography & crest via Wikimedia Commons contributors. Course, admissions and scholarship details change. Always confirm current terms on the official site above before applying.