University of Toronto International Admission Requirements 2026

The University of Toronto (UToronto) is a public research university in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is considered one of the world’s top research-intensive universities. The motto of the University is “Velut arbor aevo” which means ‘ may it grow as a tree through the ages’.

UToronto is divided into 3 campuses. These campuses are:

• St George Campus: The St. George campus blends historical architecture and inviting green spaces as a backdrop to a truly remarkable community.

• Mississauga: Established in 1967, Mississauga is the second largest division of UToronto. The campus also boasts a vibrant research environment and many of its faculty and researchers are recognized internationally for their innovative work.

• Scarborough: Students get a head start on their futures through UToronto only co-op program as well as internships, hands-on research, community engagement and a vibrant campus life.

The College System

All students within the Faculty of Arts & Science on the St. George campus are affiliated with one of seven colleges. These colleges have deep roots in the history of the UToronto. The college system dates back to the earliest days of the university and remains one of its distinctive features. The colleges are a home base for their students and provide the advantages of a closer-knit community experience within a large research university.

• Innis College: New College

• New College

• Michael’s College

• Trinity College

• University College

• Victoria College

• Woodsworth College

Students targeting UToronto must be well-rounded with accolades in academics and extra-curricular activities. The most important factors for admission are:

• Secondary school exams/grades/GPA

• Grades in AP courses (SAT scores are optional)

• Scores on English language proficiency tests (IELTS/TOEFL)

• Personal statement or essay

• Letters of reference

  
  

How to Improve your Chances of Getting into University of Toronto

An ambitious and action-oriented scholar, Lekhya Bandapalli secured admission to the University of Toronto’s Mississauga campus with a generous 65% scholarship for a Biology major. A triathlete, her passion for life sciences and human anatomy came alive through two impactful research papers on longevity and gene expression in endurance athletes. She founded the ROBOsome science club at her school, led its first science fest, and interned in advanced bio labs. Beyond academics, Lekhya launched ‘Save Paws,’ raising over ₹1.5 lakhs to support the care of 100+ street dogs. Her journey reflects a rare blend of scientific inquiry, athletic discipline, and social commitment. 

Provided below are five key strategies to boost your chances of admission to UToronto -

1. Academic Requirements

UToronto provides clear guidelines for subjects and marks required from various education systems like: CBSE, ICSE, IGCSE and IB etc. These are minimum admission requirements and achieving these grades does not ensure admission.

Minimum admission requirement for students from ICSE or CBSE high school are given below:

Admission Category	Required High School Courses	Recommended Admission Range*	Recommended Range for Required High School Courses
Computer Science	English, Calculus	Low 90s	English – high 80s Calculus – low 90s
Humanities	English	Low to mid 80s	English – low to mid 80s
Life Sciences	English, Calculus	Mid to high 80s	English – mid to high 80s Calculus – mid to high 80s
Mathematical and Physical Sciences	English, Calculus	Mid to high 80s	English – mid to high 80s Calculus – mid to high 80s
Rotman Commerce	English, Calculus	Mid to high 80s	English – high 80s Calculus – high 80s
Social Sciences	English	Mid to high 80s	English – mid to high 80s

While minimum qualifications for students of IB are given below:

Admission Category	Required Subjects	Recommended Admission Range*	Recommended Range for Required High School Subjects
Computer Science	English HL or SL Math SL or HL, Math Analysis and Approaches HL or SL, Math Applications and Interpretations HL	High 30s	English HL or SL – 6 to 7 Math HL or SL – 6 to 7
Humanities	English HL or SL	Low to mid 30s	English HL or SL – 5 to 7
Life Sciences	English HL or SL Math SL or HL, Math Analysis and Approaches HL or SL, Math Applications and Interpretations HL (Unlike India, you first need to complete four years of college and then apply to medical school)	Mid to high 30s	English HL or SL – 5 to 7 Math HL or SL – 5 to 7
Mathematical and Physical Sciences	English HL or SL Math SL or HL, Math Analysis and Approaches HL or SL, Math Applications and Interpretations HL	Mid to high 30s	English HL or SL – 5 to 7 Math HL or SL – 5 to 7
Commerce	English HL or SL Math SL or HL, Math Analysis and Approaches HL or SL, Math Applications and Interpretations HL	Mid to high 30s	English HL or SL – 6 to 7 Math HL or SL – 6 to 7
Social Sciences	English HL or SL	Mid to high 30s	English HL or SL – 5 to 7

2. Essays

Some programs at the UToronto require you to submit additional material for your profile to be considered for that program, this is called Supplementary Application which comes in various forms depending on the program and the campus you’ve applied to. It can be in the form of a supplementary application form, a virtual interview, an online student profile, a statement of interest or a video interview. Some courses that require a Supplementary Application are –

• Computer Science

• Rotman Commerce (Accounting, Finance and Economics and Management)

• Trinity College

• Victoria College

• Applied Science and Engineering

• Architecture, Landscape and Design

  
  

3. Personal Statement

Personal Statement is an important part of the UToronto application process. The personal statement is an opportunity to speak about your unique experiences, qualities and aspirations. This statement is required by most courses offered by the UToronto. Some programs like Bachelor of Information allow students to submit their personal statement using a variety of media. For Example –

• 90-second video

• Personal essay (400-500 words)

• Website / Portfolio

• Slideshow presentation

• A storyboard telling a story about what you hope your two years in the program would be like

• Or any other format that allows you best to communicate your ideas.

  
  

4. Co-curricular Activities

UToronto places more emphasis on co-curricular activities rather than extracurricular activities. Therefore, it is essential for students to participate in events that help them prove their expertise in different subjects. Participating in international or national Olympiads for Math, Science, or  English can help students here. They may also consider delving deeper in the subjects of their choice. Among the best ways of doing this is writing Research Papers under the guidance of erudite professors.

5. English Language Proficiency

English proficiency is important and required for those students who aspire to study at UToronto. Some English tests and their requirements are given below:

TEST	REQUIREMENT
Cambridge Assessment English C1 Advanced or C2: Proficiency	A minimum overall score of 180, with at least 170 in each component.
Duolingo English Test	As of 2025/2026, UofT has tightened its acceptance of the Duolingo English Test (DET). It is now only accepted from certain regions or under specific conditions. Please double-check with the University of the DET score (usually 120-130+) is being accepted for your region.
GCSE/IGCSE/GCE/AICE English courses	A minimum final grade of “B” (“6” in reformed qualifications) in GCSE/IGCSE/GCE Ordinary Level English, English Language, or English as a Second Language; OR a minimum final or predicted grade of “C” in GCE A Level/AS Level/AICE English or English Language.
International Baccalaureate (IB) English	The minimum requirement is a score of at least 4 (predicted or final) in Higher or Standard Level English A: Literature or English A: Language and Literature.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)	The minimum requirement is an overall band of 6.5, with no band below 6.0.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)	The minimum scores required for the different TOEFL tests are: Internet-based Test (including Home Edition): Minimum Requirement: total score of 100 + 22 on Writing Discretionary Range: total score 89-99 + 22 on Writing

Following the guidelines above will help you present your best self to UToronto and maximize your admission chances.

Bonus Pro Tip 1 - Financial Planning, Tuition and Campus Cost-Variability

For the 2026-2027 academic year, the University of Toronto remains one of Canada's most significant financial commitments, with international undergraduate tuition typically ranging from $61,000 to $72,000 CAD per annum. While base tuition for Arts and Science remains relatively consistent across the St. George (Downtown), Mississauga (UTM), and Scarborough (UTSC) campuses, premium programs like Rotman Commerce and Applied Science & Engineering sit at the higher end of that spectrum. Beyond tuition, the "cost of living" is where campus selection becomes a strategic financial lever. Students at the St. George campus should budget roughly $20,000–$28,000 CAD for an eight-month residence and meal plan, reflecting Downtown Toronto's premium real estate. Conversely, the UTM and UTSC campuses often offer a slightly more conservative cost-of-living profile (approx. $18,000–$24,000 CAD) due to lower off-campus rental markets and different residence structures. For the well informed student, choosing a campus is not just an academic decision; it is a four-year financial strategy.

Bonus Pro Tip 2 - The elite, Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship

The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is UofT’s most prestigious award, designed for "First Step" leaders who demonstrate exceptional academic creativity and impact. This fully-funded scholarship is transformative, covering four years of tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support. Eligibility is strictly limited to international students (non-Canadians requiring a study permit) who are currently in their final year of high school or graduated no earlier than June 2025. The application timeline is the most aggressive in the Canadian system: you must first be nominated by your high school (typically by October 10, 2025), apply to UofT through OUAC by October 17, 2025, and complete the final scholarship application by November 7, 2025. Because the scholarship is restricted to your first-choice program at the time of the decision, and only ~37 scholars are selected globally each year, this is a "High-Stakes" play that requires perfect alignment between your school’s nomination and your personal narrative of global contribution.

Choosing the University of Toronto is a commitment to Canada’s most prestigious research powerhouse. Success requires excellent grades, demonstrated research depth, and proactive collaboration with your school for scholarship nominations. While 2026 study permit caps have increased admission selectivity, UofT’s integrated co-op programs and the three-year PGWP pathway provide an unmatched career trajectory for the ambitious international student. In an era of shifting policies, this is the most secure foundation for building your global legacy.

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