What is the University of Toronto Acceptance Rate?

What is the University of Toronto Acceptance Rate?

The University of Toronto (U of T) is often regarded as Canada’s leading university, known worldwide for its academic excellence and research impact. It consistently ranks among the top universities globally. For example, U of T is 25th in the world in the 2025 QS World University Rankings, and 21st globally in the Times Higher Education 2024 rankings. It is also ranked #1 in Canada in several international league tables. As a member of the U15 group of Canadian research-intensive universities and the Association of American Universities, U of T enjoys a prestigious reputation for innovation and multidisciplinary scholarship.

Gaining admission to such a renowned institution is highly competitive, and U of T’s popularity has grown worldwide. The university receives applications from tens of thousands of ambitious students around the globe each year. Acceptance rates at the University of Toronto vary by programme and degree level, reflecting the differing demand and capacity across its faculties. Understanding these acceptance rates provides valuable insight into the selectivity of U of T’s admissions. It can help prospective students gauge their chances of a successful application.

Whether you’re aiming to apply to U of T or a parent supporting your child through the process, read on to discover University of Toronto acceptance rates, its top courses and global rankings, and tips on how to strengthen your application.

The Recent History of University of Toronto Acceptance Rates

In recent years, U of T’s acceptance rate has reflected its surging applicant numbers and stringent standards for admission. As one of the top universities globally, Toronto has seen a steady increase in applications, driven by its reputation for cutting-edge research, diverse academic programmes, and attractive location in Canada’s largest city. This growing demand has made admissions increasingly competitive. The data from University of Toronto admissions in the past few cycles illustrate the trend for undergraduate (first-entry) programmes:

Year	Applications	Offers	Acceptance Rate (approx.)
2019/20	~70,000	~35,000	50%
2020/21	~72,000	~36,000	50%
2021/22	~78,000	~36,000	46%
2022/23	~85,000	~36,500	43%
2023/24	~80,000	~36,000	45%

*Note: Here, and throughout this guide, acceptance rate is the percentage of applicants offered a place at U of T (i.e. admission offers divided by applications). The number who ultimately enrol is lower. Many students with offers choose to attend other universities or do not meet final conditions, so actual yield is only a fraction of those admitted.*

Recent Trends

As shown above, the overall undergraduate acceptance rate at U of T has hovered in the mid-40% range in recent years. In the 2022/2023 cycle the acceptance rate was about 43%, a slight dip from roughly 46% in 2021/2022. The latest available data suggest the acceptance rate for 2023/2024 held steady around 45%. (By comparison, U of T’s overall selectivity of ~45% is slightly lower than that of McGill University, which is around 50%.) This means that generally fewer than half of applicants to Toronto receive an offer.

It’s important to note that these figures are aggregates – acceptance rates vary significantly by faculty and programme. U of T’s three campuses (St. George, Mississauga, and Scarborough) and myriad programmes have different levels of competition. In broad terms, admission standards have become more competitive over the past decade, especially as international applications have surged. For instance, applications from countries like China and India have increased sharply in recent years. The university has also implemented enrolment management strategies, capping certain cohorts. International undergraduates, for example, are roughly 30% of the intake. This means that as applications rise, acceptance rates tend to tighten, especially for non-Canadian applicants (more on that below).

University of Toronto Acceptance Rates by Programme and Faculty

Of course, not all programmes at U of T are equally difficult to get into. The overall acceptance rate of ~43% is an average – in reality, some faculties and courses are much more selective, while others have a higher admit rate. The University of Toronto offers over 700 undergraduate programmes across its faculties of Arts & Science, Applied Science & Engineering, Music, Kinesiology, and the Mississauga (UTM) and Scarborough (UTSC) campuses, among others. Admission competition varies widely across these options:

Highly Competitive Courses

Prestigious and limited-capacity programmes have far lower acceptance rates than the average. For example, U of T’s Rotman Commerce (B.Com.) undergraduate business programme admits only around 10–15% of its applicants. The Computer Science programme in the Faculty of Arts & Science is also extremely selective, with an effective acceptance rate of roughly 10–12% in recent years. The Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering – which oversees all of U of T’s engineering majors – is another very sought-after route. Its various engineering programmes have combined acceptance rates on the order of 15–20%. In fact, only about 5–10% of applicants get into its specialist programmes, with successful students often presenting averages above 95% in their final year of school. These low admit rates make disciplines like engineering, computer science, and business among the toughest undergraduate offers to secure at U of T.

Professional Faculties

Although this guide focuses on undergraduate admissions, it’s worth noting that U of T’s professional and postgraduate programmes are highly competitive as well. For instance, the Temerty Faculty of Medicine (MD programme) and the Faculty of Law (JD programme) admit only a small fraction of applicants. The MD programme’s acceptance rate is around 8% and the JD (law) around 13%, reflecting intense competition at the postgraduate level. Similarly, the Rotman School of Management’s MBA programme admits roughly 30% of applicants. In general, postgraduate courses (masters and doctorates) at U of T have an average acceptance rate of about 29%, lower than the undergraduate average, due to limited places and high entry standards.

Less Competitive Courses

On the other end of the spectrum, some programmes and campuses have higher acceptance rates. U of T’s Arts & Science faculty (which is the largest, especially at the downtown St. George campus) offers a wide range of majors – some of these have more modest demand relative to capacity. Niche or less oversubscribed majors in the humanities, social sciences or physical sciences may see a majority of applicants accepted. Likewise, the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) and Scarborough (UTSC) campuses, which offer comprehensive arts, science, and business programmes, often have slightly more accessible admissions criteria.

Generally speaking, it can be easier to gain admission to UTM or UTSC in certain programmes than to the St. George campus, which is the most sought-after. For example, a strong student who might just miss the cut-off for a St. George programme could well be admitted to a similar programme at Mississauga or Scarborough. While exact figures fluctuate, it’s not uncommon for some programmes at the smaller campuses or in less popular disciplines to admit 50–60%+ of their applicants, significantly higher than the university’s overall average.

All University of Toronto degrees, however, are equally respected regardless of campus. Students sometimes strategically apply to the campus or programme where their chances of admission are higher.

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University of Toronto Global Rankings and Reputation

Beyond the numbers, one reason the University of Toronto attracts so many applicants is its global reputation for excellence. U of T is consistently ranked among the world’s best universities across various rankings tables. For example, in the QS World University Rankings 2025 it is placed 25th globally, and in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2024 it stands at 21st in the world. In U.S. News & World Report’s latest Best Global Universities, Toronto is ranked #18 worldwide and #1 in Canada.

Not only is the university highly ranked overall, it also excels in many academic fields. According to QS and THE subject rankings, U of T is in the global top 10 for subjects such as Education and Psychology, and in the top 20 for Medicine, Nursing, Computer Science, Engineering, and Arts & Humanities. In fact, U of T is often the highest-ranked Canadian university in most disciplines. This strong international standing is a testament to the quality of its faculty, research output, and alumni impact. Notable U of T alumni range from writers like Margaret Atwood to Nobel laureates like Frederick Banting, reflecting the university’s history of cultivating influential leaders and innovators.

For prospective students, Toronto’s global ranking and reputation mean that a degree from U of T is held in high esteem worldwide. This is a double-edged sword. While it ensures a valuable education and strong career prospects, it also means admissions are competitive as many top students apply each year, both from within Canada and around the globe.

Tips for Getting Into the University of Toronto

Securing a place at U of T requires strong preparation and a well-thought-out application. Here are some key tips to improve your chances of admission:

Plan Ahead and Research Your Programme Early

Start your university research well in advance. The University of Toronto offers a vast array of programmes, so take time to identify which campus and course best fit your goals. Investigate the entry requirements and competitiveness of those specific programmes. For competitive fields (like Engineering or Rotman Commerce), you may need to select alternate programmes as backups. Being strategic in your choices can increase your chances. Also, note the application timelines: U of T’s application deadlines are typically in January for a September intake, so plan your final year of school accordingly to meet all requirements on time.

Excel Academically (Strong Grades are Crucial)

Admission to U of T is academically rigorous. Your grades will be the single most important factor, especially since many programmes do not require essays or references. As a guideline, successful applicants often have the equivalent of high A-level results or a high school average above 85–90%. In competitive programmes, the admitted averages are even higher. Engineering and commerce students, for example, often present A*AA at A-level or a 90s% average in their Canadian high school courses. Aim to take challenging subjects and score as highly as possible. If you are taking standardised exams like APs or the IB Diploma, a strong performance (e.g. IB 38+ points) will make your application more competitive. Remember that University of Toronto’s admissions are largely grade-driven. Unlike some UK universities, there is usually no interview for undergrad and limited opportunity to impress beyond your marks. Make those grades count.

Build a Well-Rounded Profile

While grades are paramount, U of T (especially for certain programmes) does consider your overall profile. Extracurricular involvement, leadership, and talents can make a difference, particularly if you are applying to programmes that ask for supplementary applications (e.g. Rotman Commerce requires a video interview component, and Engineering asks for a personal profile). Engage deeply in a few activities that interest you – for example, academic clubs, student leadership, community service, competitions or sports. A strong portfolio of extracurriculars can demonstrate qualities like leadership, teamwork and initiative, which U of T values. If you earn any distinctions or awards (say, in mathematics competitions, science fairs, Duke of Edinburgh Award, etc.), be sure to highlight them in your application. A well-rounded student who shows passion and initiative outside the classroom will have an edge, especially when applying from overseas.

Prepare Excellent Application Materials

Even if a programme doesn’t require a personal statement in the UK sense, you should approach all parts of the application with care. Write clearly and accurately in any essays or short answer responses required for specific faculties. For example, if you apply to the Engineering faculty, you’ll complete an Online Student Profile (OSP) with questions about your experiences. Treat this like a mini personal statement, highlighting your relevant skills and motivation for engineering. Similarly, for Rotman Commerce, practice for the Kira Talent video interview and essay questions, ensuring you can articulate why you want to study business at U of T.

Always tailor your responses to U of T’s context, mentioning specific reasons you’re drawn to the programme. If references are required, choose referees who know you well academically or personally and can speak to your strengths. Double-check that all documents (transcripts, predicted grades, test scores if used) are submitted correctly by the deadlines. A polished, error-free application shows your professionalism and interest in the university.

Consider Admission Enrichment Opportunities

To bolster your chances, take advantage of opportunities that can strengthen your preparedness for U of T. For instance, U of T and other organisations offer summer programmes in fields like engineering, science, or leadership. Participating in these can both improve your skills and signal your proactive interest. If you are in Year 12 (Lower Sixth), you might consider attending a pre-university summer school to enhance your personal statement and get a feel for university-level work. Likewise, practice any required tests or components: if you opt to submit SAT/ACT scores, make sure they are competitive (the middle range for SAT is around 1350–1500+ for admitted students). Lastly, don’t hesitate to seek guidance. Talk to current students or alumni, or work with a mentor/consultant who understands U of T admissions, to get feedback on your application. Insight from those with experience can help fine-tune your approach and boost your confidence before you hit “submit.”

Advice for International and UK Students Applying to U of T

The University of Toronto welcomes a large number of international students each year – over 21,000 international undergraduates were enrolled in 2023, making up about 30% of the student body. As a result, the university is familiar with qualifications from around the world. If you are applying from the UK (or another country outside Canada), here are some additional points to keep in mind:

Entry Requirements for UK Students

U of T will consider your GCE A-Level results (or IB, etc.) for admission. Typical offers for U of T aren’t expressed as AAA in the way UK offers are, but you should assume you need strong grades. For example, for competitive programmes a set of predicted A-Level grades like **AAA or AAA** (equivalent to ~≥ 85–90% average) would be expected. Certain subjects may be specifically required – e.g. applying to Engineering will require A-level Maths and Physics, Computer Science would expect Mathematics at a high level, etc. The university will also look at your GCSE (or equivalent) record. Generally, if you meet the equivalent of the Canadian prerequisites and have very good scores, you’ll be academically eligible; just remember that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee an offer when competition is strong.

Application Process

International applicants (including those from the UK) apply to U of T through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC), not through UCAS. You will need to create an OUAC profile and select University of Toronto programmes (you can apply to multiple programmes at U of T, across different faculties or campuses, which is a key difference from the single-choice system of UCAS). There is usually a base application fee plus additional fees per university/programme choice. Be mindful of the deadlines – for most international undergrad applicants the deadline is January 15 (with earlier deadlines for a few specific programmes). After applying, you may be asked via U of T’s applicant portal to upload documents like predicted grades, transcripts, proof of English proficiency, and to complete any supplemental application items required by the faculties you chose. Keep a close eye on email communications and the portal so you don’t miss any requirements.

Personal Statements and References

A big difference for UK students is that Toronto (and Canadian universities in general) typically do not require a UCAS-style personal statement or teacher reference for standard undergraduate admissions. Admission is heavily grades-driven. This can be refreshing (less writing!), but also means you have fewer opportunities to impress beyond your academic record. Only some programmes at U of T have additional written components or questionnaires (as mentioned, e.g. Engineering asks for a profile, Rotman Commerce has video questions, and a few others may have a short essay). Most arts, science and commerce programs do not require essays or references – so your school marks carry most of the weight. Ensure those are as strong as possible.

If you do have the option to submit an optional essay or statement, it’s wise to do so. And if no essay is required, consider sending a brief statement of interest directly to the department or connecting with professors, but keep such communications professional and concise.

English Language Proficiency

Applicants from non-English speaking educational systems need to demonstrate proficiency via IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent. U of T typically looks for a TOEFL score of 100+ or IELTS 6.5–7.0+. As a UK student, if you have less than, say, a 4 in GCSE English, you may be asked for a test. Always check U of T’s English requirements if you’re not sure – they are clearly listed on the admissions website.

Visas and Finances

Gaining an offer is the hard part, but international students must also secure a Canadian study permit (student visa) to attend U of T. The visa process can take time, so apply as soon as you receive your offer (offers typically come out in late March to May). You will need to show proof of acceptance and sufficient funds. Speaking of funds, be aware that international tuition fees at U of T are substantial – often ranging from CAD $60,000+ per year for arts/science programmes up to $70,000 or more for engineering or business, plus living expenses. There are some scholarships for international students (including the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship which is highly competitive).

If you are a UK student, note that there’s no federal student loan for study in Canada, so you’ll need a solid funding plan. It’s wise to explore scholarships or consider colleges that may offer financial aid. Dukes Education and similar organisations can advise on scholarship opportunities for study abroad.

Adapting to a Different System

Finally, prepare for some cultural and academic differences. The North American university experience will differ from a UK one. U of T is a large, non-collegiate university (especially on the St. George campus), so first-year classes can be big and campus life is less centralised than at a campus university in the UK. You’ll have lots of freedom to explore courses and must take responsibility to seek help when needed. There is no personal tutor system exactly like Oxbridge, but plenty of support if you reach out. As an international student, immerse yourself in the vibrant campus community. U of T has hundreds of clubs, societies, and support services for global students to make you feel at home. Thousands of international students thrive at U of T, so you will be in good company. Embrace the diversity and be proactive in adjusting – this will help you succeed academically and personally once you get in!

Get Extra Support from Dukes Plus

Our previous tips were based on application strategy, but to become a stronger candidate and really impress the University of Toronto admissions team, the best advice is to get personal support from experts.

At Dukes Plus, we’ve helped students get into top universities worldwide – including U of T – since 1999. Our admissions consultants and tutors can give you 360-degree support for all aspects of the application – from programme selection to test prep and application submission. Our guidance is designed to maximise your chances of admission at every stage.

Discover why 75% of our students get into their first-choice university. Learn more about our Global University application support, or book a free consultation with our friendly team today.

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