University preparation in Toronto, Ontario 2024

Studying in the foreign universities in Toronto is an attractive perspective for the international students. The affordable prices, excellent quality of education, high level of security and soft migration rules of the country make Canada a desirable place for many foreign applicants to receive higher education.

In Toronto there are located the big number of the higher educational institutions. Therefore, the international students can choose the best universities in Toronto, appropriated to their interests and financial capabilities.

Streamlining University Admission in Toronto

Embarking on university preparation courses in Toronto, students, notably those from overseas, can substantially boost their English or French proficiency. These courses focus on expanding vocabulary, understanding colloquial speech, and conducting academic discussions. Importantly, they also elevate written language skills, often a challenge for international students.

Benefits of Toronto's University Preparation Courses

These courses in Toronto offer in-depth knowledge in academic subjects, tailored to the student's future field of study at Toronto's universities. Emphasis is placed on adapting students to university expectations, helping them acclimate to a new academic and cultural environment.

Sam Jones

Recruitment Director for Partnership with INTO Universities (Europe and Central Asia)

What firstly should be considered when choosing a university?

It depends on the student - everyone determines the most important criteria for himself. I would advise you to take several rankings and compare them with each other, plus take into account the cost of the course, the location of the university and its scale, the percentage of graduates' employment. See where graduates continue their studies or where they go to work.

Toronto's universities cater to a diverse range of students, offering programs for varying English or French proficiency levels. For students with a lower language proficiency (minimum IELTS 4.5), programs like the University Transfer Program Level 1 and English for Academic Purposes are ideal.

Advanced programs, such as the University Transfer Program Level 2, can equate to the first year of a bachelor's degree. The Canadian version of the Foundation course uniquely integrates language learning with the development of academic skills.

To enroll, students generally need:

• A secondary education certificate with a strong GPA (higher for master's programs).

• Language test results (specific requirements vary by program).

• A completed institution-specific application form.

Some institutions may also request an interview, typically via Skype, to gauge the applicant's professional aspirations and motivations.

Toronto is home to a multitude of esteemed higher education institutions, each offering a diverse array of programs:

• University of Toronto: A historic, comprehensive university renowned for its wide-ranging disciplines and as a leading North American research center. It features one of the world's finest university libraries and robust international student exchange programs.

• York University: Known for its arts, media, ecology, law, healthcare, business, and engineering programs. It's particularly favored by creative minds, housing Canada's oldest film school and prestigious dance programs.

• Ryerson University: An urban university with strengths in business, architecture, engineering, and sciences. It's home to the esteemed Ted Rogers School of Management and a cutting-edge law school.

• Centennial College: Offering over 260 programs in varied fields, this college emphasizes practical professional training. It's known for its inclusivity and support for international students.

• Humber College: A technical-focused institution, it's revered for its IT, engineering, technology, and business programs. The Barrett Center for Technical Innovation exemplifies its commitment to applied research and technical education.

Cost of Preparing for University in Toronto

While fees vary, investing in these preparatory courses is a strategic step towards ensuring admission to Toronto's top universities and enhancing future academic and professional prospects.

Preparing for university in Toronto involves various costs, which can vary depending on the specific programs and needs of the student. Here's a breakdown of some of the costs associated with university preparation:

• Pre-University Programs and Courses:

  • The University of Toronto offers several optional programs to help students acclimate to university life, both socially and academically. These include:

    • Academic Orientation: Free information sessions in June (in-person and online).

    • Summer Academy: Non-credit, six-week programs in Math, Physics, and Coding, costing $365 per topic.

    • Success 101 and Engineering Study Skills: Free workshops in August (in-person)​​.

  • The university also offers summer courses such as APS162 (Calculus for Engineers I) and APS164 (Introductory Chemistry from a Materials Perspective), which are included in the 2023–2024 full-time tuition fees and do not cost extra for new students​​.

  • The University of Toronto offers various pre-university programs throughout the year on all three campuses, mostly in summer but also available throughout the year. These programs are aimed at high school students to give them a glimpse of university life​​.

• Other Preparation Costs:

  • Books, Computers, and Supplies: Budget at least $1,000 per year for books, with additional costs for a computer or other equipment depending on the program and personal preferences​​.

  • Residence, Food, and Transportation: Costs vary depending on living arrangements. On-campus living can range from approximately $8,000 to $15,000 per academic year, while off-campus housing costs could start from $15,000. Commuters need to consider public transit or car-related expenses​​.

  • Other Living Expenses: Includes telephone and Internet, clothing, personal care, recreation, and entertainment. It's recommended to make a budget and track spending​​.