Applying as an International Student
“I was attracted by the beautiful campus and marvellous history.
- Ronnie Su
- Alumnus, MEng (2013), Materials Science & Engineering
Thinking of applying to U of T from outside Canada?
The process for applying to graduate school at U of T is the same for international and domestic students, but some admission requirements are different for international students. Please review the information below to better understand what is required, and follow this three-step process. Be sure to save your Applicant Number so that you can use it in future to access your application.
Please be advised that admission decisions at the University of Toronto are made on a competitive basis, and students who meet, and even exceed, our minimum requirements are not guaranteed to receive an admission offer. (See the English Profiency Testing page for additional information.)
Admissions
Graduates of recognized academic institutions outside Canada should hold an appropriate bachelor’s degree or its equivalent as assessed by the University of Toronto. Use the International Degree Equivalencies Tool to see which international credentials are required for master’s and doctoral admissions at U of T.
Immigration Regulations
A prospective student who is neither a Canadian citizen nor a permanent resident must obtain a study permit from a Canadian embassy, consulate, or high commission outside Canada. Students from many countries will also need to obtain an entry visa, for which they would apply at the same time. See the list of countries to find out if you need a entry visa to enter Canada. It is not possible to change from visitor to student status within Canada. The SGS offer of admission letter will be required to obtain a study permit and to present to the Canadian immigration authorities upon arrival in Canada. For more information, visit the Citizen and Immigration Canada website. Find out how to avoid delays in study permit processing and find additional resources.
Requirements
Learn more about Admission and Application Requirements, Application Fees and Application Deadlines for international students.
English Proficiency Requirements
As English is the primary language of instruction and communication at the University of Toronto, applicants must demonstrate an adequate level of proficiency in English, regardless of their citizenship status or country of origin. Please check the School of Graduate Studies’ minimum requirements as well as the requirements for your specific program to ensure you have taken the required test and meet the minimum English proficiency requirements.
Choose Your Program
The training and experience you’ll acquire at the master’s or doctoral level will give you tools to drive change and excel in virtually any industry, whether you go on to teach and do research at a university, take a role in government, start a private enterprise, or embark on a professional career. Our research-driven graduate programs will help guide you through a lifetime of intellectual study, opportunity, and challenge. Learn about our graduate programs.
Questions about Graduate Programs
As graduate programs and degree requirements vary widely across the University of Toronto, if you have a program-specific question, your best point of contact will be the graduate administrator for the unit offering the program you wish to apply to. Search the Graduate Units Directory.
Find a Supervisor
If you’re enrolled in a thesis-based graduate program, you will conduct your own research under the guidance of a supervisor. You are responsible for selecting your research topic and seeking out a potential supervisor. SGS has information to help you find a supervisor and establish a healthy supervisory relationship.
Offer of Admission
The Offer of Admission from the School of Graduate Studies is your official acceptance letter which outlines important information about your program (e.g., start date, graduate unit, program, and degree).