Study in Toronto, Canada

About Toronto

Toronto is the capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. Statistics Canada estimates the population of the Toronto census metropolitan area at 7,108,874 on 1 July 2025. It is the country's main centre for finance, business, media and technology, and one of its most diverse cities: students hear many languages on the street, while teaching is mostly in English.

International students choose Toronto for the range on offer. Within one transit network there are large research universities, career-focused colleges, a French-language university, dozens of English schools and private secondary schools that prepare students for Canadian universities.

Studying in Toronto

Our directory lists 18 schools in Toronto: four universities and colleges, seven language schools and five private schools, plus two public institutions that are not yet classified by type. Examples:

• York University was founded in 1959. It has more than 53,500 students in over 200 undergraduate and graduate programmes, on its Keele, Markham and bilingual Glendon campuses, and 70% of its programmes have a co-op option.
• Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) has been in downtown Toronto for more than 75 years, and every full-time undergraduate programme includes experiential learning.
• The University of Toronto is also listed in our directory.
• Centennial College, established in 1966, was Ontario's first public college. Its campuses are mainly in the eastern part of the Greater Toronto Area.
• The Université de l'Ontario français teaches in French from its campus on Lower Jarvis Street and is taking applications for a new bachelor's degree in social work.

For English, the language schools include the Royal Canadian Institute of International Studies (RCIIS), a three-minute walk from Davisville subway station, which says it has hosted more than 40,500 students from over 50 countries. Families looking at secondary education can compare private schools such as The York School, an International Baccalaureate World School in midtown Toronto. Language courses, information technology, communications, engineering and economics are among the subjects most often listed by the Toronto schools in our directory.

Cost of living for students

Toronto is one of the most expensive cities in Canada, and rent is the largest cost. No official figure for typical student rents is published, so compare residence prices on your school's website and start looking for housing early.

Transport is easier to budget. On the TTC (Toronto Transit Commission), a single adult fare paid with a PRESTO card costs $3.30, and post-secondary students pay the adult price per trip. Since most monthly passes were discontinued on 31 August 2026, the TTC uses monthly fare capping: after 47 eligible fares in a calendar month, the remaining trips that month are free. The Post-Secondary Student Monthly Pass is still sold, at $128.15.

Most foreign nationals need a study permit for a designated learning institution (DLI); the application fee is CAN$150, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Students whose permit allows it can work off campus up to 24 hours per week during regular terms.

Getting around and daily life

The TTC runs the subway, streetcars and buses. With a PRESTO card or a bank card you pay only once when you connect between the TTC and GO Transit or the neighbouring suburban networks, which helps students who live outside the city or study at a suburban campus. The UP Express train links Toronto Pearson Airport with Union Station downtown in 28 minutes, with stops at Weston, Mount Dennis and Bloor.

Toronto has four distinct seasons, with cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. Plan for winter clothing if you arrive for the January intake.

Frequently asked questions

Which universities are in Toronto?

Our directory lists the University of Toronto, York University and Toronto Metropolitan University, as well as the French-language Université de l'Ontario français and public colleges such as Centennial College.

Is Toronto a good place to learn English?

Yes. The city has many English schools for international students, including seven in our directory, and English is the everyday language of study and work.

How much does public transport cost for students in Toronto?

A TTC trip with PRESTO costs $3.30. With monthly fare capping, trips are free after 47 eligible fares in a month, and post-secondary students can still buy a monthly pass for $128.15.

Can I study in French in Toronto?

Yes. The Université de l'Ontario français teaches in French, and York University's Glendon campus is bilingual.

Can international students work while studying in Toronto?

Students with a study permit that allows off-campus work can work up to 24 hours per week during regular terms, according to IRCC.