Are you an international student who is looking for the best universities to attend? You have probably come across many options and suggestions. You should know that Canada is home to some of the best universities in the world. And if you have selected Toronto as the city in which you want to study, you have probably wondered which are the best universities in Toronto for international students?
Of course, your choice depends on what subject you want to study. But you should know that being a student in Toronto is an incredible opportunity that will not only teach you a lot in your field, but provide you with a rich experience due to its first class offerings and diverse culture. Succeeding as an international student in Canada might seem challenging at the beginning, but it is exactly through this challenge that you develop yourself and hone your skills. So, what are the best universities based in Toronto for international students?
University of Toronto
The top university in Toronto and Canada is the University of Toronto. The university is a global leader in research and innovation. You can choose from a wide range of graduate and undergraduate programs across various disciplines. The University of Toronto is particularly known for its strong programs in engineering, science, business and the humanities. The campus offers all kinds of extra-curricular activities for students’ enjoyment including plays at Hart House Theatre, talks at Convocation Hall, an athletic centre and clubs at Hart House.
The University of Toronto is located right downtown and is within walking distance to the Annex, Chinatown and Kensington Market. The closest subway stop is St. George Station.
The education the university offers is top-notch and they try to help students develop their skills through in-house writing workshops to assist you with your essays. You can also seek assistance with your paper from the writing experts at EduBirdie who can help you complete your essays. They offer valuable insight into how your final draft should look.
The community at the University of Toronto is inclusive and diverse and you will find a large group of international students there so you should be able to find like-minded people and make friends easily.
York University
If you are looking for renowned institutions in Toronto, you should add York University to your list. This university offers a lot of research opportunities, especially if you want to delve deeper into some topics. At the same time, the academic programs they offer are quite strong, so you can be sure you get the best education as an international student.
With over 55,000 enrolled, the student population is quite large and the university organizes many events within the community, so you will have the opportunity to make friends easily. The programs that York University is known for include business, computer science, social sciences, engineering, and science.
York University is located in the northwest section of Toronto. The campus is on the subway line with its own stop: York University. It takes approximately 45 minutes from York University subway stop down to the Bloor and Yonge stop, which is in the center of Toronto. Although students of York University can get downtown easily, they do not have the distractions of the downtown core to disrupt their studies.
OCAD University
If you are drawn to the arts and you are looking for a specialized institution on that topic, you can consider OCAD University.
If your interest is in the area of media, art, or design and you want to study in Toronto, then OCAD University should be at the top of your list. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various creative disciplines. These include fine arts, graphic design, illustration, and digital media. At the same time, you should know that international students are supported at this university to achieve their full potential. The environment is dynamic and supportive, so you can build and pursue your career in arts at OCAD University. OCAD is located in the funky Queen Street West neighbourhood where you can check out cool cafes and shop at boho stores. The university is also located behind the Art Gallery of Ontario where students can head for inspiration and relaxation. Take a five minute walk to Kensington Market for very affordable eats and browse clothing from vintage shops.
Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University)
If you are looking for a university that has strong programs and a welcoming and lovely downtown campus, then you should definitely consider Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University). With a campus located in the heart of downtown Toronto near Yonge and Dundas Streets and within a one minute walk to the Toronto Eaton Centre, you will have everything you need at your fingertips. Get affordable but nutritious meals in from restaurants in Chinatown, which is within a five-minute walk of the university. Seek respite from your studies at Allan Gardens Conservatory, again within a five-minute walk of the university campus. Metro Grocery Store is located on nearby Gould Street for any grocery needs. Finally, Nathan Phillips Square in front of Toronto City Hall offers music festivals and a farmers market on Wednesdays throughout the summer and free outdoor skating in the winter.
The university is known for its innovative programs and strong industry connections. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, particularly in fields such as business, media, communication, computer science, engineering and nursing. So, you have plenty of choices here but also plenty of opportunities to make friends and hone your skills.
Final Thoughts
Being an international student comes with challenges. You need to move from your home country, adapt to a new environment and culture, meet new people, and make new friends. Being away from your family might feel like an obstacle at the beginning, but these universities in Toronto strive to offer you the best opportunities to develop and network.
Their campuses are vibrant and there are lots of events organized for international students to facilitate their integration. You can choose from a wide variety of programs. Many of these universities are renowned for their excellent educational programs, so make sure you check them thoroughly and choose the one that suits your career and development plans the best. And thus, you will succeed as an international student in Canada.
You may be interested in reading “Free Things to Do in Toronto in 2023“.
