Colleges in Toronto are sought after by students from all over the world. This industrial and financial hub of Canada also ranks 15th in the list of best student cities, according to the 2023 list, published by QS rankings. So, we look at the city, why it is so great, and the best colleges in Toronto, Canada for international students.
Here’s what we’ll look at today
Toronto has a lot of universities and colleges, which makes it a good location for international students. It is also known for its multiculturalism, diversity, and inclusive environment and is also the best city in Canada to study abroad. Moreover, Toronto colleges has many universities that offer programs in English and French, as well as other languages such as Spanish, Italian, German, or Japanese.
The great thing about Toronto is that it is a vibrant, multicultural city with a diverse population. The city is home to over 140 ethnic communities, which means that there are plenty of restaurants and cultural events for international students to explore. Some of the universities in Toronto are world-renowned. This includes the University of Toronto, the University of Waterloo, and the University of York. The city also has a large number of private colleges and universities.
Toronto has a lot to offer, from its rich cultural heritage to its vibrant nightlife. A city with a low crime rate, Toronto is also one of the safest cities in North America, ranking as the 9th safest city in the world in 2017. This makes it an attractive option for international students who want to study abroad but are worried about safety and security concerns. Toronto also has a very convenient public transport network including the metro, buses, and trains with monthly passes.
That’s not all. Toronto is the financial capital of Canada, with many employment opportunities in the banking, insurance, and finance industries. In addition to these industries, Toronto also has a booming tech industry that offers careers in software development, graphic design, web development, digital marketing, and more.
Finally, Canada is a very welcoming commonwealth country. This can be useful for those planning to stay in the country in the long term. There is a low barrier to entry for obtaining a basic work visa and furthermore, the maximum hours have recently been increased.
Studying in Canada is fairly affordable and low cost, which makes it an attractive option for international students. Not only is college tuition less expensive compared to universities in the USA or the UK, but the daily living expenses are also more affordable.
Further, universities in Toronto for international students also offer a variety of scholarship programmes to help students study in Canada at a low price. Some of the scholarships are merit-based and others are need-based. Finally, students there have many options to work alongside studying, to financially support themselves.
The approximate cost of studying in a bachelor’s programme in colleges in Toronto, Canada, across different fields of study, ranges from CAD 15,000 (INR 9,01,810) to CAD 30,000 (INR 18,03,620) per year. The tuition fees for programmes in medicine and law are more expensive than it is for programmes in education, visual or performing art, and humanities.
Apart from this, most Canadian universities charge an application fee prior to the admission process and this can cost somewhere between CAD 50 and 250. The approximate cost of a master’s programme in is approximately CAD 20,000 (INR 12,02,614) per year. MBA programmes and other specialized courses in management tend to be more expensive, coming up to an average of CAD 30,00-40,000 per year.
In the case of accommodation, students have two options. Many universities provide accommodation on campus, which is also covered by some scholarships. Otherwise, students also choose to stay off campus, in rented apartments or houses that they can share. On average, staying in Canada costs between CAD 5,000 (INR 3,00,841) and CAD 10,000 (INR 6,01,741) per year.
Another significant expense for students is transport and food. Transport costs approximately CAD 1200 (INR 72,147) per year and basic food costs come to around CAD 4500 (INR 2,88,885) per year. Apart from all these, students may spend around CAD 100 (INR 6000) per month on miscellaneous activities like entertainment and additional purchases.
Toronto colleges provide many different scholarship options for students, to help them study at a low cost. These scholarship programmes are offered by some educational institutions, government agencies, as well as external non-governmental agencies and organizations aiding international students to study in the country.
Further, students can also explore and apply for different commonwealth scholarships since Canada is a commonwealth country. Some of the available scholarship options are merit-based but there are quite a few that are need-based as well. Some institutions also offer full scholarships on the basis of need.
Many universities in Toronto for international students offer scholarship programs during the application process. For example, the University of Toronto offers the merit-based Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship. The Toronto School of Management also offers partial scholarships and tuition fee waivers.
The Province of Ontario also provides Ontario Graduate Scholarships for international students applying to masters or degree programs at the University of Toronto. Similarly, many other and colleges in Toronto, Canada offer institution-specific scholarships or fee waivers on the basis of merit or need and applicants can find out about these as they apply. Some of the government scholarship applicants can explore are as follows.
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (VCGS) is open to international students wishing to pursue a Ph.D. in a Canadian University and is worth $50,000 each year for three years. The Study in Canada Scholarships, by the government of Canada through Global Affairs is open to students from universities abroad who want to study in the country as part of an exchange program or for research. Around 50 scholarships are awarded every year, with the number increasing every year. On that note, Canada also has some great government colleges that would be worth looking into.
The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarships are also available for doctoral applicants studying in the fields of humanities and social science. Students from commonwealth countries can also be eligible for the Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship plan.
Let us delve into the Toronto colleges list.
| Ranking | University | Eligibility Criteria | Average tuition fee in USD |
| 01 | ILAC College | IELTS 6.0, TOEFL 90 | 10,000 – 12,000 |
| 02 | Tamwood International College | IELTS 4.5, TOEFL 46 | 8,000 – 15,000 |
| 03 | George Brown College | IELTS 6.0, TOEFL 80, GPA 2.8 | 15,000 – 30,000 |
| 04 | Toronto School of Management | IELTS 5.5, TOEFL 100 | 8,000 – 15,000 |
| 05 | Seneca College | IELTS 6.0, TOEFL 80, GPA 2.5 | 10,000 |
| 06 | Algonquin College | IELTS 6.0, TOEFL 80 | 15,000 – 20,000 |
| 07 | IBT College | IELTS 6.0, TOEFL 90 | 5,000 – 7,000 |
| 08 | University of Toronto | IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 100, GPA 3.6 | 40,000 – 60,000 |
| 09 | Humber College | IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 84< | 15,000 – 20,000 |
| 10 | Centennial College | IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 80, GPA 2.0 | 10,000 – 15,000 |
ILAC International College is a renowned private college in Canada offering specific career-oriented programs for those interested in Sales, Marketing, Business, and Customer Service. ILAC has a university campus in Toronto as well as Vancouver. The Toronto campus is located in the centre of the city and is close to famous landmarks and attractions of the city.
Also, it may interest you to know that ILAC has a partnership with Fanshawe College where international students to can access Fanshawe’s brand of education in downtown Toronto. There are programmes in the fields of Addiction and Mental Health, Developmental Services Work, Gerontology, Hospitality & Tourism Operation Management (Co-op) and Palliative Care etc
Here are some reasons why ILAC is one of the best universities in Toronto for international students.At ILAC International College, students have the chance to learn and understand the theory of their chosen discipline, while also practicing what they learn in class, as part of their study. Classes are hands-on and students learn to practically apply what they study. The faculty and instructors at ILAC are leading professionals and experts from the industry and bring to classes their deep knowledge and experience.
Students are also provided opportunities to connect with professionals and build their networks while studying. Specialists and faculty at ILAC help connect students with employers and find good work placement towards the end of their degree.
The average fees across different diploma and co-op programmes at ILAC range between $9000 to $12,000 per year. Apart from this, the college charges a non-refundable administration fee of $ 200 and an accommodation placement fee of $210.
To apply to ILAC International College, students must take an English language eligibility test. The IELTS requirement to get into ILAC is a minimum of 6.0 with at least 5.5 in each band. The TOEFL requirement is 90-100.
ILAC International College offers diploma, co-op, and certificate courses in Business, Sales and Marketing, Communication and Service, and Business Administration.
To apply, students first need to fill out their application form. The admission fee is $100. If a student has not written IELTS or TOEFL, they must take an online Cambridge English test during the application process. Eligible students then take part in an interview, which is the final stage of the admission process.
Tamwood International College is a well-known private college in Canada for courses in business, hospitality, and tourism. It provides a range of educational, vocational, work, and travel programmes, with the mission of helping students gain new skills. The university has been recognized for its quality education and exposure to external agents. Tamwood has been recognized as the best ESL school in North America and the Best Vocational College has therefore found a spot on our Toronto colleges list.
The programmes at Tamwood International College combine work and study, allowing students to gain work experience, build networks and connections, and learn new skills to augment their resumes and career paths. Classes are taught by expert instructors from the field and professional guest speakers. After completing a program, students can also apply to a programme with an academic pathway partner, after which, they can obtain a Post-Grad work permit.
On average, the tuition fees at the business school of Tamwood can cost between $8,000 (INR ) and $15,000 (INR ) per annum. Apart from this, students will also incur a technology fee of $100 and material fees of around $600. The fee structure differs for other camps and shorter programs.
Students applying to Tamwood require a minimum IELTS score of 4.5 or TOEFL iBT 46. For language eligibility, completing the EAP 192 of the Tamwood Language Centre is also accepted. To get into the partner pathway programs, students require a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Tamwood International College offers courses in International Business and Management, Digital Marketing, Hospitality and Tourism, Technology and Recreation, and Leisure. Interested applicants must take the required English language tests and fill out the admission form.
George Brown College is a leading public college in Toronto. It has three different campuses in Casa Loma, St. James, and Waterfront, each housing different programs and schools. George Brown College has expanded and grown significantly since its inception and accommodates around 30,000 students from across the world. Around 30% of the students are international. The university is known for its high-quality education and is highly ranked for its research activities.
George Brown College offers a multitude of programs from various disciplines, allowing students to find the course of their choice and also be in a multidisciplinary environment. The faculty at George Brown are experts in their fields and help provide a rich learning experience for students.
Most of the programs also have a work component that enables students to put their knowledge to practical use and build connections for future employment. George Brown also has an international student aid department to help support one with the admission process and academic or other support while studying.
The college has many student facilities, including sports amenities, on-campus accommodation, conference centres and recreational spaces like cafes. Further, the college campuses are well located, in proximity to markets, stores and restaurants.
The approximate tuition fee for international students is $15,190 to $27,930 for two semesters. Based on the program chosen, students also pay a materials fee between $1 and $6,000. Some additional college charges students incur are for career service, convocation, academic technology support, and student association.
The minimum GPA required is 2.8. Interested students need to meet the English language requirement before applying. The IELTS score requirement is 6.0 for diploma or certificate programs, and 6.5 for postgraduate and degree programs.
The TOEFL score requirement is 80 for diploma and certificate programs and 88 for postgraduate programs. Apart from these exams, students may also prove their language proficiency through the George Brown English for Academic Program (EAP) or other tests like CAEL and PTE.
Courses offered at George Brown college range from early childhood education, construction and engineering, community services, and health sciences, to business, hospitality, culinary arts, and computer technology. George Brown also offers courses in liberal studies, and art and design.
To apply, students must meet the required language eligibility and then fill out an application form. The application is then reviewed by the admissions officer, a process that can take around a month and a half. The fee for the application is $110.
Toronto School of Management is a private college known for its career-focused courses in business, tourism, hospitality, accounting and cybersecurity. It is located in downtown Toronto, in close proximity to facilities like shops, restaurants, and hospitals.
The Toronto School of Management prived excellent training in the courses they offer. They do not have many large facilities but accommodate leading and expert instructors. The course content is oriented to meet the requirements of a constantly changing job market and help students build useful networks and connections for their careers.
The college has collaborated with over 100 different employment institutions to help students with placements post the completion of their programme. The Toronto School of Management also provides partial scholarships and tuition waivers to international students.
The fees at the Toronto School of Management varies based on the type of course but on average, range between $8000 to $15,000 per year. This fee includes tuition fee, books fee, registration fee, and the additional international student fee. The total amount needs to be paid in Canadian dollars.
Students applying to the Toronto School of Management must be at least 18 years of age, pass the Wonderlic Test, and meet the English Language requirements. Students will need a minimum score of 5.5 on IELTS or 100 on TOEFL. They also require a minimum GPA of 2.
The Toronto School of Management offers diploma courses, co-op courses, and certificate courses in business management, accounting, hospitality and tourism, big data, information technology, and paralegal studies. To apply, students must fill out the application form. Prior to application, students can contact a student advisor and discuss the details of a program as well.
Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology is a public college offering many undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The College began as the Toronto Mechanics Institute and has significantly grown since then. It is well known for its programs in arts and technology, ranging from courses in fashion design and animation to photography and web development.
Seneca College has several campuses spread across Greater Toronto, each specializing in certain programs. The college has a diverse student body, with a significant portion of international students from different countries across the world.
Seneca college is known for being student-centered. The faculty members are experts in their fields and work to help students make the most of their learning experience at college. Further, there are plenty of learning opportunities even outside of the classroom.
In order to help international students, Seneca has a team of people offering support, right from aid during the admission process and visa procurement, to aiding in financial management and health services. There is also an Indian Students Association that works to organize cultural events on campus.
There are more than 290 full-time and part-time programmes, and 500 career options. The college offers a range of credentials that allow you the flexibility to chart out your education to suit your career path
The average fee comes up to around $10,00 per year. This includes tuition, health and wellness, college student activities, and other campus life-related costs.
To get admission into Seneca College, students require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 with at least 5.5 in each band or a minimum TOEFL score of 80 with at least 20 in each skill. The college also accepts Duolingo and PTE scores as proof of language competence. The minimum GPA required is 2.5.
Seneca College offers courses for undergraduate and graduate students in many different fields. Programs are available in creative arts, design and animation, aviation, business, engineering technology, fashion, law, health and wellness, education, community service, media, and liberal arts. They also have a shorter summer program in specialized fields like journalism.
To apply, students need to fill out the international student web application form after creating an account. Applicants need to provide personal information, their language proficiency scores, program and campus choice, academic history, and other required documents. There is an application fee of $90.
Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology was established in 1967 and is amongst the largest Canadian universities. It has three different campuses and is internationally known for its emphasis on practical learning and its modern facilities.
The faculty at Algonquin are experienced experts and students are also exposed to external workshops and industry visits to support classroom learning.
On average, studying at Algonquin can cost between $15,000 and $20,000 per annum. This included the tuition fee and other ancillary fees.
Applicants need to have a minimum score of 6.0 on IELTS or 80-88 on TOEFL. Other than this, each program has academic requirements one must meet.
Courses are available across many disciplines, such as animation, design, commerce, law, and child and youth care. The admission process involves an online application form, requiring academic records, personal records, and English language requirements. The application fee is $110.
IBT College is a private college offering diploma and certificate courses in Business, Travel and Tourism, Healthcare, and Information Technology. It also offers courses in Flight Attending and was one of the first universities to do so.
Here is why IBT has featured on our Toronto colleges list. IBT is renowned and leading for training students in the field of Travel and Tourism. It provides well-designed courses for anyone interested in working in tourism, tourism management and related fields. IBT also has a Career Services office which helps review students’ resumes and aid them to find a job.
On average, studying in IBT costs between $5000-$7000 for tuition and an additional $500 for books and supplies.
To be eligible, applicants must obtain a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 or a TOEFL score of 90. Students also need to perform well on the IBT admission test.
IBT offers courses in travel, tourism, business management, flight attendant, and network engineering. Interested applicants must write the IBT Admission Test along with filling out the application form and sending all required documents.
The University of Toronto is a highly-ranked public university located in Ontario. It was founded in 1827 and has grown to be one of the most renowned educational institutions in Canada, especially for research. The University has three campuses, in Mississauga, St. George, and Scarborough.
The University of Toronto is highly ranked across the world for its quality education programs. It offers excellent graduate programs in a wide variety of disciplines from humanities and sciences to music and architecture.
Students also benefit from being in a multidisciplinary environment. It also offers the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship, a fully funded international scholarship to students with excellent academic records. This scholarship fully covers tuition, books, and residence.
The University of Toronto has spacious and beautiful campuses, providing students with an excellent learning and working environment, making it one of the best universities in Toronto for international students. Further, all the campuses are located in vibrant parts of the city, enabling students to explore themselves and the city.
Studying at the University of Toronto is relatively expensive. The average fee for undergraduate programmes is $40,000 – $60,000.
The minimum GPA requirement for undergraduate applicants is 3.6 and 3.3 for graduate students. When it comes to language requirements, students must have a minimum IELTS score of 6.5, with at least 6.0 in all bands or a TOEFL score of 100 + 22 for writing. The University of Toronto also accepts scores on Duolingo, CAEL, and other tests.
The University of Toronto offers courses in a variety of different disciplines, including actuarial science, African studies, anthropology, linguistics, management, mathematics and environmental studies.
Interested applicants need to fill out the general application form with personal information and academic records, subject-specific prerequisites as well as write a specialized statement of purpose to be considered for admission. The application fee costs $90.
Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning is a public college in Toronto, Ontario. It started as a college of applied arts and technology and has since expanded to provide many higher education programs in business, creative arts, applied arts, human studies, health sciences, and technology. There are two campuses, the North Campus and the Lakeshore campus.
Humber College provides excellent study programmes. It ranked 6 on Canada’s top 50 Research Colleges as well. Beyond this, the Humber College campuses provide a dynamic and communal learning environment for students. Campus facilities include extensive sports facilities, a library, on-site accommodation, academic support centres, counseling and healthcare centres, and many dining options. Campus life also includes more than 50 student clubs, a community radio station, and a vibrant culture.
The average fee to study at Humber is $15,00- $20,000. The fee will depend on the course of choice, as well as the duration since some courses span longer than others.
The English language eligibility is a minimum IELTS score of 6.5, with no band below 6.0 for degree students, or a minimum TOEFL online score of 84. The requirements are slightly higher for a Bachelor of Science. Scores on the Duolingo Language test, Cambridge English Test, and the Humber English for Academic Purposes Program are also accepted.
Humber College offers programs in a multitude of disciplines, like accounting, advertising, business management, culinary management, and social sciences. Students must fill out the application form and provide details of academic history and language proficiency to be considered for admission. If applications are submitted after the equal consideration deadline, they are considered on a first-come-first-serve basis. The application fee is $75.
Centennial College of Applied Arts and Technology is a publicly funded diploma and degree college in Toronto, Ontario. It is also Ontario’s first community college. It has five campuses and offers more than 250 different courses and programs.
Centennial College, apart from being an excellent academic institution, is also highly recognized for its cultural diversity. It has a huge number of international and exchange students every year. Centennial College also has great connections and networks in the job market, aiding students with internships and placements.
The average yearly fee of a program at this college is between $10,000 and $15,000 based on the course chosen.
The minimum IELTS requirement is 6.5, with no less than 6 in each of the bands, or a minimum TOEFL score of 80 with no less than 20 in each section. Students also need to have a minimum GPA of 2.0 while applying.
Centennial College offers programs in law, tourism, hospitality management, environmental studies, aviation, and arts and design to name a few of their long list of programs.
To apply, students must fill out the online application form and email scanned copies of all the required documents to the designated International Admissions Team. Applicants can contact the Regional Admissions Team Member to track the status.
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