For Parents & Supporters
Choosing a university is one of the most important decisions that any young adult will face as they look to the future. Whether the student in your life is trying to choose from a dozen callings or has already applied to one of our programs, our goal is to equip you to guide them, and to cheer them on, as they make their decisions.
Canada's #1 University
Leading academics and employers from around the world have ranked the University of Toronto #1 in Canada and among the best in the world.
#1 in Canada in the Times Higher Education Global Employability University Ranking 2025
700,000+ U of T alumni live, work and contribute to society in almost 200 countries and territories
$1B+ in annual research funding
#1 In the world in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2025
For students who are exploring their options
Learn how to apply through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC), discover our 700+ programs of study, review important application deadlines, and explore student life, residence options, safety resources, and scholarship opportunities.
The application a student submits for admission to undergraduate programs depends on their current situation—whether they’re a high school student, an international applicant, or in another circumstance. In all cases, students apply through the OUAC which processes applications to each of Ontario’s universities.
There is 700+ program options across our undergraduate areas. Our variety and depth of academic options means your student can pursue programs suited to any set of interests, all while learning from professors who are leaders in their fields. Students can also mix and match their studies to create a degree that is as unique as they are. Explore all of our program options.
Applications for the following fall open in September. We do not offer a January intake—new students can only begin their studies in September. Our early consideration deadline is November 7 and our final application deadline is January 15. We encourage students to submit their application well in advance of official deadlines. View all important dates and deadlines.
Life at U of T is eclectic. Our students enjoy unparalleled academic options, alongside a multitude of social, cultural, recreational, and wellness initiatives. Each campus has a team dedicated to providing personal support, opportunities, and resources to students so that they can reach their full potential.
Living in residence is optional, but residence is guaranteed for all new full-time students entering their first year of university in an undergraduate program for the first time, provided that they have indicated their interest in residence and met all of our deadlines. Learn more about housing options at the university.
Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area are widely recognized as safe and welcoming places to live, with Toronto ranked #2 in The Economist's Safe Cities Index 2021. At the university, we are dedicated to maintaining a secure and supportive campus environment. Our comprehensive safety programs include campus police services, mental health resources, crisis support, and personal counseling, along with academic and wellness support through a range of student services, including accessibility and health programs.
We understand that post-secondary education is a significant investment in a student’s future. To support this, we offer a range of scholarships and financial aid options. Tuition fees vary by program and year of study, and you can use the Tuition Fee Lookup tool to find the specific costs for different programs. In addition to tuition, students will also need to budget for other expenses such as books, supplies, food, and housing. Our financial planning calculator provides a helpful estimate to plan for these costs, offering a clearer picture of what to expect for the academic year.
Students have access to a wide range of supports designed to help them thrive academically, personally, and socially. From academic advising and health and wellness services to career counseling, we ensure your student has everything they need for success throughout their university journey. With dedicate teams on each campus, we are here to support students' well-being and help them navigate their studies and campus life.
For students who have already applied
Find key information about managing applications, accepting offers of admission, applying for and moving into residence, study permits, paying tuition, planning for the academic year, and everything else your student needs to know to get ready to begin their studies.
Within a few days of submitting the application, we will send your student an acknowledgement email with details on enabling their JOINid. Once enabled, your student will be able to see all of their next steps and track their application status on the Join U of T applicant portal, or the Engineering Applicant Portal.
All admissions information will be sent by email to the email address used on the OUAC application. Please encourage your student to regularly check their email address, as well as log into the applicant portals.
To protect the privacy of our applicants—as well as to be in-line with federal regulations—we only discuss details about an application with the applicant.
For most applicants, admission decisions are made in rounds beginning in late January. We will make conditional offers of admission based on an applicants’ available grade 11 and 12/junior and senior grades. A student’s citizenship or status in Canada is not considered as part of the admissions process.
Life at U of T is eclectic. Our students enjoy unparalleled academic options, alongside a multitude of social, cultural, recreational, and wellness initiatives. Each campus has a team dedicated to providing personal support, opportunities, and resources to students so that they can reach their full potential.
If your student is interested in residence, it is vital that they confirm their interest in residence before March 31 to be eligible for our first-year residence guarantee. This step is only confirming their interest; there is no commitment in accepting the residence offer or deposit required.
Applicants should log in to the StarRez applicant portal and follow the instructions to confirm their interest in residence.
Students who are not Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents must apply for a study permit in order to study in Canada. Your student’s offer letter will include a letter that can be used to apply for a student visa through a Canadian embassy or consulate. Students may also require a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) for their study permit application. The PAL will be issued after a student accepts an offer and makes the admission deposit.
Most academic divisions allow students to design their own weekly schedules. Course selection occurs online and begins in July or August. Students will receive specific instructions on how and when to select their courses in the summer. Registrar Offices will hold orientation sessions over the summer to explain the course selection process.
Note that first-year Engineering students and students in the International Foundation Program do not choose courses and will be provided with a class schedule.
The University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) is a mandatory health insurance plan for international students, and helps cover the cost of healthcare services delivered and billed in Canada. Enrolment in UHIP is automatic, with coverage charged directly to each student’s account balance. Find out more about UHIP.
The first fees instalment is normally due at the end of August or start of September. Each student will receive details during the summer, tailored to their program.
Students who will be living in residence typically move in around the Labour Day weekend (the first weekend of September). Remind your students to watch their mail.utoronto.ca email for guidance and other updates from their residence.
Orientation programming is generally held during a student’s first week at U of T. The events and activities are designed to support a student’s transition to U of T and help them engage with campus life. Details about orientation will be sent throughout the summer.
U of T’s academic year begins in September and consists of a fall semester (September-December) and a winter semester (January-April), including some statutory holidays, one study break per semester, and a two-week campus closure during the winter holiday season. Classes and final exams for the fall semester generally conclude in mid-December, and courses conclude by late April. Students who plan to take summer courses should be aware that the summer term consists of two “semesters” (May-June, July-August), each of which is paced twice as fast as a normal four-month semester.