What is the University of Toronto Graduation Rate?

What is University of Toronto Graduation Rate?

The University of Toronto (U of T) enjoys a strong academic reputation, but like all large universities its graduation rates reflect both its rigor and student diversity. Recent official figures show that about 82% of U of T students graduate within seven years of enrolment. (By comparison, Maclean’s magazine reported an ~81% seven-year rate for the 2012 cohort.) This means roughly four in five first-year undergraduates eventually earn a degree. U of T does not publish a single “4‑year” graduation rate, and in practice many students take longer due to co-op terms, program switches or part-time study. For example, anecdotal estimates suggest roughly 40–45% finish a typical four-year programme on time, but most add extra terms to graduate.

Undergraduate (Bachelor) degrees

U of T’s six- or seven-year completion rate is around 80–82%. That is, most full-time bachelor’s students graduate by year 6–7. (Retention is high – over 90% of first-years return for second year – but many extend beyond four years.)

Master’s degrees

Most master’s programmes (1–2 years) have very high completion rates. Nearly all U of T master’s students finish their degrees within the expected timeframe. Exact statistics are not widely published, but shorter, coursework-based master’s are typically completed within 2–3 years.

Doctoral (PhD) programmes

PhD completion takes longer and varies by field. Studies of Canada’s U15 research universities show PhD completion within 9 years ranges from about 78% in health sciences down to ~56% in the humanities. U of T’s own PhD students likely follow a similar pattern, averaging about 70–80% finishing within 6–7 years. (Many PhDs take 5–6 years of full-time study to complete; some students stop earlier or shift paths.)

Key Influences on U of T Graduation Rates

U of T’s graduation rates are influenced by its academic rigor and student support. The university is known for challenging courses and grading curves, which can slow some students’ progress. At the same time, U of T offers extensive support services (tutoring, advising, mental-health resources) that help students succeed. In recent years U of T has invested more in student well-being and advising after feedback that the high-pressure environment could contribute to delays in graduation. Student demographics also matter: incoming students at U of T have high entering averages (around 86% on high school marks), and a large portion are from underrepresented or international backgrounds. All told, the implication is that U of T’s graduation rate reflects a balance of competitive standards and strong support – prospective students should plan on a rigorous experience but can be reassured that most classmates do complete their degrees.

Degree Level	Typical Duration	Graduation Rate (approx.)
Undergraduate (BSc/BA)	4 years (often 5–7 to finish)	~82% complete within 7 years
Master’s (e.g. MA/MSc)	1–2 years	Very high (nearly all finish in 2–3 years)
Doctoral (PhD)	5–6 years (up to 8–9)	Variable (~78% in health sciences within 9 years)

Table 1. Approximate University of Toronto graduation rates by degree level. (U of T reports ~82% of undergraduate entrants graduate within seven years. Master’s programmes are shorter so completion rates are near-universal. Doctoral completion varies by field – U15 data show ~78% of health-science PhDs finish within 9 years.)

Comparison with Other Top Universities

The University of Toronto’s graduation rate is on par with Canada’s leading universities and somewhat lower than that of the most selective global universities. In Canada, many large universities see 6–7 year completion rates in the 75–85% range. For example, Maclean’s data for the 2012 cohort (measured by 2019) show U of T at about 80–81%, McGill around 85%, UBC 78%, and University of Alberta 77%. These figures are similar to U of T’s ~82% on-time completion.

By contrast, top-ranked U.S. and U.K. institutions often report much higher on-time rates. Harvard University’s six-year grad rate is about 98%. The University of Oxford (UK) has one of the world’s lowest dropout rates – roughly 0.9% of students leave before graduating (implying a ~99% completion rate). (These elite schools have highly selective admissions and vast resources, contributing to faster on-time graduation.) The table below compares U of T with some peers:

University	Approx. Graduation Rate	Notes
University of Toronto (Canada)	~82%	7-year rate (full-time entrants)
University of British Columbia (Canada)	78%	7-year rate
McGill University (Canada)	85%	7-year rate
University of Alberta (Canada)	77%	7-year rate
Harvard University (USA)	98%	6-year undergraduate rate
University of Oxford (UK)	~99%	<1% dropout rate for UK students

Table 2. Graduation rates at select institutions. Canadian universities report ~75–85% completion within 6–7 years. Harvard’s graduation rate is ~98%, and Oxford’s dropout is only 0.9%.

Overall, U of T’s completion rates are competitive with other major Canadian universities. They are modestly lower than Ivy League and Oxbridge figures, reflecting U of T’s larger scale and student body diversity. However, an ~80%+ completion rate is still high globally: for context, many large public universities have 4–6 year rates below 70%.

Implications for Prospective Students

For students considering U of T, the graduation-rate context offers some guidance:

Plan for flexibility

A large share of U of T students do take longer than the nominal programme length to graduate (co-op work terms, double majors, or course repeats extend the timeline). Rather than stress about finishing in exactly 4 years, it helps to focus on steady progress. U of T advisers note that taking a 5th year or summer courses is common and not a disadvantage. On-time 4-year graduation is less common here than at many U.S. colleges, but nearly everyone still graduates eventually.

Use support resources

Given U of T’s rigour, students should make use of tutoring, academic skills workshops, and counselling services. The university offers free peer tutoring (e.g. through campus learning centres) and faculty office hours. Early help with difficult courses or personal issues can prevent delays. Retention (first-year to second-year return) is already very high (over 90%), indicating most students adapt – leveraging those support systems helps ensure you stay on track.

Work on study skills

U of T’s competitive grading and large class sizes mean independent study and time management are key. Students who develop good note-taking, exam preparation and time-management habits are more likely to graduate on schedule.

Be aware of program requirements

If in a program with mandatory co-op or field placements, map out those requirements early. Engineering and some science degrees have 5-year curricula by design; planning ahead for internships or professional year periods will ease progression.

Stay healthy

Personal and health issues can impact graduation. U of T has boosted mental-health services in recent years in response to student feedback. Using counselling, peer-support groups or disability services when needed can help you continue your studies.

By understanding these factors and proactively seeking support, incoming students can maximise their chances of graduating successfully from U of T.

Tips for Graduating Successfully at U of T

Set a realistic course load

Don’t overload yourself in any one term. If a course is very demanding, consider spacing out difficult courses over multiple terms. Use academic advising to balance your schedule.

Seek help early

If you’re struggling academically, use free resources immediately. The Arts & Science Writing Centre, peer tutoring, and statistical consulting (for quantitative courses) are examples of supports that can catch problems before they lead to failed courses.

Form study groups

Collaborating with classmates can improve understanding and motivation. Study groups can help with tough engineering or calculus courses where concepts build quickly.

Attend professor/TA office hours

Even large lectures often have smaller tutorial or lab sections. Regularly meeting instructors helps clarify concepts and shows them you are engaged – this is often cited as a key predictor of success.

Mind your prerequisites

Always ensure prerequisites are complete before taking advanced courses. Falling behind in a sequence (e.g. Chemistry I before II) can cause delays.

Use summer terms if needed

U of T’s summer session lets you make up courses or lighten your regular-term load. Graduating “on time” may mean taking a couple of summer courses instead of an extra fall/winter.

Prioritise mental health

High stress can lead to withdrawal. Take advantage of U of T’s wellness resources (Counselling & Mental Health Service, wellness workshops, etc.) to maintain balance during exam periods.

Connect with advisors

Faculty or college advisors can give specific guidance on degree requirements and timelines, and help plan an academic roadmap. Regular check-ins can keep you on track for on-time graduation.

By following these strategies, students give themselves the best chance to earn their degree within the expected timeframe.

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.

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