Last updated October 2026. Admission policies, fees and Canadian immigration rules change often. Check the University of Toronto’s admissions website and the Government of Canada’s immigration website for current requirements before you apply.
The University of Toronto (U of T) is one of Canada’s most prestigious universities and a popular choice for Indian students. If you’re wondering whether you can get in, this guide explains why U of T doesn’t have a single acceptance rate, what to check for your course, and the Canadian study permit rules that matter for 2026.
What Is the University of Toronto’s Acceptance Rate?
U of T doesn’t publish one overall acceptance rate, and any single figure you see online (such as “43%”) is an estimate from a third party. In practice, admissions are decided program by program. Each program has its own number of places, its own applicant pool and its own admission requirements, and competitive programs expect much more than the minimum. Rates also differ between domestic and international applicants, but U of T doesn’t publish an international rate either.
Be cautious of websites that quote a table of rates by faculty (for example “Engineering 15–25%” or “international 20–25%”) without a source. Instead, check U of T’s admission requirements for your specific program, and look at its published enrolment and admissions information for current data.
What U of T Looks At
- Grades in prerequisite subjects. Each program lists required subjects and, in many cases, a typical admission average. U of T publishes country-specific requirements for applicants from India (CBSE, ICSE/ISC, state boards or IB), so check those for your board.
- Program-specific requirements. Some programs ask for extra material, such as a supplementary application, a video interview, written responses or a portfolio. Check your program’s page.
- English-language proficiency. International applicants usually need an accepted test, such as IELTS or TOEFL. The score required depends on the program.
- Consistency and recent results. Your most recent academic record matters, so keep your grades strong through your final year.
Undergraduate applications to Ontario universities are made through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC). The deadline for most U of T undergraduate programs has been in mid-January, but check the exact date for your intake, and note that scholarship timelines are earlier.
The Canada Study Permit Rules You Need to Know in 2026
Canada has changed its international student rules several times since 2024, so use current guidance and don’t rely on older articles. As of 2026, according to published guidance:
- National cap and attestation letter. Canada limits the number of new study permits each year (about 155,000 in 2026, according to published summaries). Most undergraduate applicants need a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) before applying for a study permit. From 1 January 2026, master’s and PhD students at public institutions are exempt from the cap and from the PAL/TAL requirement. Ask U of T how the attestation letter is provided for your program.
- Proof of funds. From 1 September 2025, a single applicant must show access to at least CAD 22,895 for living costs, in addition to first-year tuition. The figure changes, so confirm the current amount.
- Working while studying. Eligible students can work up to 24 hours a week off campus during the academic term, and full time during scheduled breaks. (This replaced the earlier 20-hour limit.)
- Post-graduation work permit (PGWP). Graduates of eligible programs can apply for a PGWP, with the length depending on the length of the program. University degrees don’t have a field-of-study restriction, but language requirements apply, and rules can change.
- Permanent residence isn’t automatic. Pathways such as Express Entry are competitive, so don’t treat study in Canada as a guaranteed route to residency.
Processing times vary, and the old advice that a study permit takes “4 to 8 weeks” shouldn’t be relied on. Check the current times on the Government of Canada’s website and apply well ahead of your start date.
Costs and Scholarships
International tuition at U of T is high and varies by program, so check U of T’s current fee schedule for your program, and add living costs, health insurance and your required proof of funds. International students are generally required to have health insurance, and U of T enrols international students in its University Health Insurance Plan, which carries a fee. Check U of T’s page for details.
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship. This is U of T’s most prestigious scholarship for international undergraduates. It covers four years of tuition, books, incidental fees and residence support, and about 37 students are selected each year. To apply you need a nomination from your school, a U of T admission application, and a separate scholarship application. The deadlines fall in October and November of the year before you start. For entry in September 2026 they were 10 October (school nomination), 17 October (admission application) and 7 November 2025 (scholarship application). Because these dates are early and change yearly, check U of T’s page for the current dates as soon as possible. U of T also offers other awards, so check its financial aid pages.
Campuses and Housing
U of T has three campuses: St. George (downtown Toronto), Mississauga (UTM) and Scarborough (UTSC), and programs differ by campus. Residence is available at each campus, and guarantees for first-year students usually depend on applying and accepting your offer by stated deadlines, so check the current rules and costs on U of T’s housing pages.
How to Strengthen Your Application
- Choose your program carefully and read its admission requirements first.
- Keep your grades strong through your final year, in the required subjects.
- Give extra time to any supplementary application, interview or portfolio.
- Prepare your English-language test early.
- Plan your funding, including proof of funds and the study permit steps, before you apply.
- Apply to a balanced list of universities in more than one country.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the University of Toronto’s acceptance rate?
U of T doesn’t publish one overall rate. Admissions are decided program by program, so check the requirements for your program.
Is it harder for international students?
Competition is high, and international applicants also need a study permit, which is limited by Canada’s national cap. U of T doesn’t publish a separate international acceptance rate.
Can international students work while studying?
Eligible students can work up to 24 hours a week off campus during term and full time during scheduled breaks. Confirm the current rule on the Government of Canada’s website.
How much money do I need to show for a study permit?
At least CAD 22,895 for living costs for one person from 1 September 2025, plus first-year tuition. Check the current figure.
How do I apply for the Pearson Scholarship?
Ask your school to nominate you, apply to U of T by the stated deadline, and then submit the scholarship application. Check U of T’s page for current dates, which fall in October and November.
Conclusion
Instead of searching for one acceptance rate, look at the requirements for your program and plan carefully for the study permit and funding. If you’d like help choosing where to apply, start with career counselling at Eduvisor, explore our Study in Canada pages, or see our Study Abroad service.
