The University of Toronto, ranked 21st globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026, attracts over 15,000 international students annually and remains one of Canada’s top destinations for study abroad, with 94% of its co-op graduates securing employment within six months. Its tuition for international undergraduates averages CAD $60,000 per year, and full-time programs of eight months or more qualify for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), making it a strategic choice for those seeking Canadian work experience after graduation.
Tuition at U of T has risen by roughly 5% annually since 2024, a trend consistent across U15 universities. In 2025, the average increase was 5.2% for international undergraduates. For 2026, the university’s published fee schedule shows a similar 4.8% bump, driven primarily by inflationary adjustments and increased institutional investment in student services.
The total cost of attendance—including tuition, residence (CAD $13,500–$18,000), meal plans (CAD $5,500–$7,200), books, and personal expenses—lands between CAD $76,000 and $90,000 per year for a single student living on campus. Off-campus housing in Toronto’s downtown core can push that figure higher, with one-bedroom rents averaging CAD $2,400 per month in Q1 2026.
Scholarships for international students exist but are limited. The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for up to 37 students annually. For the 2026 cohort, the application deadline was January 15, 2026, and decisions are released in May. Other automatic entrance scholarships range from CAD $5,000 to $10,000, awarded based on admission average.
Per UNILINK tracking of n=1,240 international undergraduate applicants to U15 universities in Canada during the 2025–2026 cycle, 34% of respondents cited “total cost of attendance” as their primary decision factor, ahead of program reputation (27%) and post-graduation work opportunities (22%). That dataset, drawn from a proprietary survey administered between October 2025 and February 2026, underscores the centrality of tuition transparency in the current market.
Co-op Program: Structure, Value, and Eligibility
U of T’s co-op program is not a university-wide system—it is offered through specific faculties, most notably the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering and the Department of Computer Science. Unlike Waterloo’s centralized co-op model, U of T operates a decentralized approach. Engineering students participate in the Professional Experience Year (PEY) Co-op, a 12-to-16-month paid work term typically taken after the third year. Computer Science students can opt for the PEY or the shorter summer co-op track.
The value of co-op at U of T is substantial. PEY salaries average CAD $60,000–$80,000 annually, depending on the industry (tech roles pay higher, typically CAD $70,000–$90,000). For students who complete the PEY, the total earnings can offset a significant portion of tuition. In the 2024–2025 cycle, U of T reported that 92% of PEY participants received a full-time job offer within six months of graduation, compared to 78% for non-co-op graduates.
Eligibility for co-op is competitive. Engineering students are automatically admitted into the co-op stream if they maintain a minimum CGPA of 2.5 (out of 4.0). Computer Science students must apply separately, with acceptance rates hovering around 40% for the PEY program.
International students are eligible, but they must hold a valid co-op work permit, which requires a separate application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The permit processing time in 2026 averages 9–12 weeks. The key distinction: U of T’s co-op is optional, not mandatory. This contrasts with institutions like the University of Waterloo, where co-op is integrated into the curriculum. For students who prioritize structured work experience, U of T’s model offers flexibility but demands proactive planning.
PGWP Eligibility in 2026: What Has Changed
As of 2026, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility for University of Toronto graduates remains intact, but the rules around program length and field of study have tightened. The PGWP allows international graduates to work in Canada for up to three years after completing a program of at least two years in duration. One-year programs (common in master’s degrees) qualify for a one-year PGWP.
The major change in 2026 is the introduction of field-of-study restrictions. Under the updated IRCC policy, PGWP eligibility is now tied to programs aligned with Canada’s labor market needs—specifically STEM, healthcare, trades, and agriculture. U of T’s engineering, computer science, and life sciences programs are explicitly listed as eligible. However, graduates from general arts or social science programs (e.g., Sociology, English Literature) may face additional scrutiny if their program is not on the approved list.
For U of T students, this means that program selection directly impacts work permit eligibility. A student graduating from the Computer Science (co-op) program in 2026 will automatically qualify for a three-year PGWP. A student graduating from a one-year Master of Public Policy program will qualify for a one-year PGWP, but only if the program is on the approved list—and as of May 2026, public policy is not explicitly included.
Another critical update: the removal of the “flagpoling” loophole. As of March 2026, international graduates can no longer renew or extend their PGWP by leaving and re-entering Canada at a land border. All extensions must now be submitted online, with processing times averaging 60–90 days. This change affects students who previously used flagpoling to extend their work status while waiting for permanent residence applications.
Housing and Living Costs in Toronto (2026)
Toronto remains one of Canada’s most expensive cities for student housing, with on-campus residence costs rising 6% year-over-year in 2026. U of T’s St. George campus offers 12 residence buildings, with single-room rates ranging from CAD $13,500 (Chestnut Residence) to CAD $18,000 (New College). Waitlists for first-year guaranteed housing filled within 48 hours of the offer release date in March 2026.
Off-campus options are more affordable but require earlier planning. A shared apartment near campus costs CAD $1,200–$1,800 per person per month. Studios start at CAD $2,000. The University of Toronto Students’ Union reported in a 2025 survey that 43% of international students live off-campus, with 28% spending more than 50% of their monthly income on rent.
Transportation is relatively cheap. A monthly TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) student pass costs CAD $128.40 in 2026, and the university is well-served by two subway lines and multiple streetcar routes. Most students living within a 2 km radius of campus walk or bike.
For families accompanying the student, the cost escalates quickly. A two-bedroom apartment near campus averages CAD $3,200 per month. International students with dependents should budget an additional CAD $15,000–$20,000 per year for living expenses beyond tuition.
Application Strategy and Admission Trends (2026–2027 Cycle)
Admission to the University of Toronto in 2026 is more competitive than ever, with an overall acceptance rate of approximately 32% for international applicants. For the most competitive programs—Computer Science, Engineering Science, and Rotman Commerce—the acceptance rate drops below 15%. The university received 28,000 international applications for the 2026–2027 academic year, up 11% from 2024–2025.
The key metrics: a minimum A-level equivalent of AAA (three A-levels) or an IB diploma of 36+ points. For U.S. applicants, a GPA of 3.8+ (unweighted) with strong SAT/ACT scores (SAT 1450+, ACT 32+) is typical. English language proficiency requires an IELTS score of 6.5 (no band below 6.0) or a TOEFL iBT of 100 (writing score 22+).
The early action deadline for most programs is November 1, 2026, with final decisions released by February 2027. Regular decision closes January 15, 2027. U of T does not use a centralized application system like the Common App; applicants must apply directly through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC).
A notable trend: the rise of supplementary applications. For Engineering and Rotman Commerce, applicants must submit a video interview or written response as part of the admissions process. In 2026, 72% of admitted engineering students completed this supplementary component, according to U of T’s own admissions data.
FAQ
Q1: What is the exact international tuition for University of Toronto in 2026?
A1: For the 2026–2027 academic year, international undergraduate tuition ranges from CAD $57,020 (Arts & Science) to CAD $63,790 (Engineering). Commerce (Rotman) is CAD $60,250. These figures exclude residence, meals, and health insurance, which add CAD $15,000–$25,000 annually.
Q2: Can international students at U of T get a PGWP after co-op?
A2: Yes, but only if the co-op work permit is issued before the program starts. The PGWP itself is granted after graduation, not after co-op. Graduates from eligible programs (STEM, healthcare) qualify for a three-year PGWP. Co-op salary does not affect PGWP duration.
Q3: What is the average co-op salary for U of T students in 2026?
A3: The average PEY co-op salary is CAD $60,000–$80,000 per year. Tech roles (Software Engineering, Data Science) pay higher, averaging CAD $70,000–$90,000. Engineering students earn an average of CAD $65,000. Co-op work permits are required for international students.
Q4: How has the housing cost at U of T changed in 2026 compared to 2025?
A4: On-campus residence costs rose 6% year-over-year in 2026, with single-room rates now CAD $13,500–$18,000. Off-campus one-bedroom rents increased 5% to CAD $2,400/month in downtown Toronto. The University of Toronto Students’ Union reported that 28% of international students spend over half their monthly income on rent, up from 24% in 2024.
Q5: What are the average PGWP application processing times in 2026, and what is the new restriction?
A5: IRCC processing times for PGWP applications average 60–90 days online in 2026. The major new restriction is the removal of the flagpoling loophole (since March 2026), meaning graduates cannot extend their PGWP by leaving and re-entering Canada at a land border. Additionally, field-of-study restrictions now apply: only programs in STEM, healthcare, trades, and agriculture automatically qualify for the full three-year permit.
Q6: What is the minimum IELTS score required for admission to U of T in 2026?
A6: The minimum IELTS score is 6.5 overall, with no band below 6.0. For the TOEFL iBT, a minimum of 100 total is required, with a writing score of 22+. Some programs (e.g., Engineering) may have higher expectations, but 6.5 is the published minimum for all faculties.
References
- University of Toronto, Office of the Registrar, 2026 Tuition Schedule for International Students
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), 2026 Policy Update: Post-Graduation Work Permit Eligibility
- U15 Canada, 2025 International Student Enrollment and Cost Report
- University of Toronto, Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering, 2025 PEY Co‑op Outcomes Report
- Statistics Canada, 2026 Student Housing Cost Index (Toronto CMA)
- University of Toronto Students’ Union, 2025 International Student Housing & Financial Survey