If you’re a Brazilian student planning to study abroad in 2026, the University of Toronto (U of T) is one of the top-ranked options globally. U of T ranks 21st in the 2026 QS World University Rankings and offers over 700 undergraduate cursos (programs). Brazilian applicants can apply with the Certificado de Conclusão do Ensino Médio and ENEM scores; most programs require a competitive average of 80–90% and English proficiency (IELTS 6.5+). International tuition starts at CAD 60,000 per year, but scholarships like the Lester B. Pearson can cover full costs. Toronto’s vibrant multicultural scene, strong job market, and clear path to a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) make it a strategic choice. This guide breaks down admission steps, financial aid (bolsas), and vida estudantil (student life) with the latest 2026 data.
U of T at a Glance: Key Data for 2026
| Metric | 2026 Data |
|---|---|
| QS World Ranking 2026 | 21st globally, 1st in Canada |
| Total International Students | 29,500+ (28% of student body) |
| Estimated Brazilian Enrollments | ~530 students (up 12% vs. 2024) |
| Undergraduate Cursos (Programs) | 700+ across three campuses |
| International Tuition (Arts & Science) | CAD 60,510/year |
| Engineering International Tuition | CAD 65,780/year |
| Minimum IELTS (Direct Entry) | 6.5 overall, no band below 6.0 |
| On-Campus Residence (Annual) | CAD 13,500–20,000 |
| PGWP Eligibility | Yes, for programs of 8+ months |
Sources: QS 2026 edition (published June 2025), U of T Enrolment Report 2025–26, IRCC Canada study-permit trends.
Why University of Toronto for Brazilian Students?
U of T is Canada’s highest-ranked university and a global top‑25 institution. For Brazilian students seeking estudar em Toronto, the city offers a unique combination of academic excellence, multicultural comfort, and labor-market strength. More than half of Toronto’s residents were born outside Canada; you will find Brazilian grocery stores, community meetups, and Portuguese-speaking networks that ease the transition.
Academically, U of T leads in artificial intelligence, medicine, engineering, and business—sectors that are booming in Brazil as well. The university’s three campuses (St. George, Mississauga, and Scarborough) give you flexibility in location and program style. Co-op and internship streams are integrated into many cursos, so you graduate with Canadian work experience before you even apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
From a career perspective, Toronto is Canada’s financial and tech capital, home to the headquarters of major banks, Google Canada, and a growing startup scene. According to the 2026 QS Graduate Employability Rankings, U of T ranks top‑15 globally for employability, a key reason Brazilian students are choosing Toronto over comparable US and UK destinations.
Cursos (Programs) at the University of Toronto for Brazilians
U of T offers over 700 undergraduate cursos, but Brazilian applicants tend to cluster in a few high-demand areas. The table below shows popular fields and their 2026 international capacity.
| Area | Example Cursos | Co-op/Internship | 2026 Intl. Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering | Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Industrial | 16–20 months (PEY) | ~1,200 |
| Computer Science | AI, Software Engineering, Data Science | 12–16 months | ~900 |
| Business & Commerce | Rotman Commerce, Management | 12–16 months | ~600 |
| Life Sciences | Biology, Neuroscience, Pharmacology | Research stream | ~800 |
| Social Sciences | Economics, International Relations | Optional co-op | ~700 |
| Arts & Humanities | Cinema Studies, English, Portuguese Studies | Flexible | ~400 |
Portuguese Studies are part of the Department of Spanish & Portuguese, which can be an interesting curricular anchor for Brazilians wanting a bilingual academic profile.
How to Apply from Brazil: Admission & Language Requirements (Ingresso)
Brazilian applicants apply through the U of T International Application portal. The university evaluates the Certificado de Conclusão do Ensino Médio (or an equivalent high-school diploma) alongside ENEM or vestibular results.
Minimum Academic Requirements for Brazilians
- High school diploma with strong grades, typically 80–90% in the final years.
- ENEM score: competitive programs (Engineering, CS, Rotman Commerce) usually expect scores above 700 on the 1000-point scale. Arts and Humanities may accept 600+.
- Some faculty-specific programs may ask for mathematics or science prerequisites; check the individual curso requirements on the U of T admissions site.
English-Language Proficiency Options (2026)
| Test | Minimum Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 overall, no band below 6.0 | Most common |
| TOEFL iBT | 89 overall, 22 writing | Widely accepted |
| Duolingo English Test | 120 overall | Temporary acceptance may continue in 2026 |
If your English scores are slightly below the cut‑off, U of T offers the International Foundation Program (IFP) that combines language training with first‑year credit courses.
Key Dates for 2026 Entry
- October 2025: Application opens on OUAC.
- January 15, 2026: Recommended deadline for international applicants (some cursos admit until March).
- February–May 2026: Admission offers rolling out.
- September 2026: Classes start.
Apply early to be considered for entrance scholarships.
Bolsas de Estudo (Scholarships) for Brazilian Students
Funding is the biggest concern for families, but several bolsas can significantly lower the cost.
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
- Value: tuition, books, fees, and four years of residence.
- Eligibility: exceptional academic achievement and leadership; students must be nominated by their school.
- Availability: ~37 students worldwide per year. Brazilian students have been among the recipients in recent cycles.
- Application: separate Pearson application alongside the OUAC admission.
University of Toronto International Scholar Awards
- Value: CAD 100,000 over four years (CAD 25,000/year).
- Awarded automatically to top international entrants based on academic merit; no separate application.
External Funding: Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP)
- Canadian government program that provides short‑term exchange scholarships. While not a full degree scholarship, Brazilian undergraduates at U of T can use ELAP for a research term or a summer project; awards up to CAD 8,300.
Brazilian Government and Private Scholarships
- CAPES/CNPq mainly fund graduate studies, but it is worth checking the Ciência sem Fronteiras successor programs (active in 2026 in some capacity) for possible undergraduate mobility grants.
- Private organizations such as Fundação Estudar offer merit‑based loans and scholarships for top Brazilian students admitted to world‑class universities.
Vida Estudantil (Student Life) & Cost of Living in Toronto
Vida estudantil at U of T is shaped by 44 libraries, 800+ student clubs, multicultural food options, and easy access to Toronto’s parks and waterfront. Brazilians will find familiar cultural rhythms—from capoeira clubs to Brazilian jiu‑jitsu groups and regular Portuguese‑language film screenings.
Monthly Living Expenses (2026 Estimate)
| Expense | Monthly Range (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Off‑campus shared rent | 800–1,400 |
| On‑campus residence (average) | 1,100–1,700 |
| Groceries | 300–500 |
| Public transport (TTC) | 130 (post‑secondary monthly pass) |
| Cell phone & internet | 70–120 |
| Health insurance (UHIP) | 60 (included in tuition, annual) |
| Leisure & personal | 200–400 |
| Total | 1,500–2,500 |
Compared to São Paulo, Toronto is roughly 25–35% more expensive, particularly for rent and dining out. However, international students can work up to 24 hours per week off‑campus during academic terms and full‑time during breaks, which can cover a significant portion of living costs. The minimum wage in Ontario in 2026 is CAD 17.20/hour, putting typical student earnings at CAD 1,650–2,060/month at 24 hours/week.
Career and Immigration Pathways After Graduation
One of the strongest motives to estudar em Toronto is the smooth transition to permanent residence. U of T is a designated learning institution that qualifies its graduates for the Post‑Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
- PGWP duration: equal to the length of the program, up to 3 years for a four‑year bachelor’s.
- Canadian Experience Class: after one year of skilled work in Canada, many graduates apply for permanent residence through Express Entry.
- ONTIP (Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program): offers additional pathways for international graduates with a job offer.
U of T’s Career Centre reports that 92% of 2025 graduates were employed or in further study within six months, with average starting salaries of CAD 65,000–80,000 for Engineering and CS graduates. Toronto’s tech and finance sectors actively recruit international talent, making the ROI on a U of T degree compelling for Brazilian families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can Brazilian students apply to U of T using their ENEM scores?
Yes. U of T accepts the ENEM as part of the evaluation of the Brazilian secondary school credential. You must still meet the program‑specific prerequisite subjects and grade requirements. Strong vestibular results can also be submitted as supplementary evidence, but ENEM is the primary national benchmark recognized by the admissions office. Always check the most current country‑specific requirements on the U of T Future Students website, as criteria are updated annually for the 2026 intake.
Q: Are there fully funded scholarships for Brazilians at the University of Toronto?
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is the only fully funded undergraduate award covering tuition, residence, books, and incidental fees for four years. It is extremely competitive: about 37 scholars are chosen from thousands of nominated students worldwide. Brazilian students have received it in past cycles. Additionally, the President’s Scholars of Excellence Program, while mostly for domestic students, may open limited international awards. For partial funding, the U of T International Scholar Award (CAD 100,000 over four years) is automatically offered to high‑achieving applicants. External funding such as the ELAP program and Brazilian private foundations can supplement costs.
Q: How much does it cost for a Brazilian student to live in Toronto per month?
A realistic monthly budget is CAD 1,500–2,500 depending on your accommodation style and lifestyle. On‑campus residence removes commuting costs but tends to be on the higher end; shared apartments near campus in Annex or Kensington Market can lower rent to CAD 900–1,200. Cooking from scratch and using student discounts keeps groceries around CAD 350. Health insurance is billed yearly (UHIP at CAD 756 for 2025‑26, slight increase expected in 2026). Legal part‑time work of 24 hours/week can generate over CAD 1,600 monthly, offsetting a significant share of expenses.
Q: Does U of T require the TOEFL or IELTS for Brazilian students who studied in English?
Yes, unless you have completed at least four full years of study in an English‑medium school in a country where English is the primary language. Brazilian secondary schools that offer bilingual programs or an international curriculum (e.g., IB, British curriculum) may waive the test if the entire instruction was in English and the school appears on U of T’s approved list. Contact admissions with your transcript for a definitive answer.
Q: Is Toronto safe for Brazilian students?
Toronto consistently ranks as one of the safest large cities in North America. The 2026 Safe Cities Index places Toronto in the top 10 globally. U of T campuses have their own campus safety teams, 24/7 walk‑safe programs, and well‑lit paths. Brazilian students generally report feeling secure, though standard urban precautions apply.
References
- University of Toronto – International Admission Requirements: https://future.utoronto.ca/apply/requirements/international/ (official country‑specific requirements, including Brazil; updated for 2026 intake)
- QS World University Rankings 2026 edition: https://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings/world-university-rankings/2026 (trusted global ranking; confirms U of T’s position and employability metric)
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada – Study in Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada.html (authoritative source for PGWP eligibility, work hours, and visa rules for 2026)
- Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship: https://future.utoronto.ca/finances/scholarships/lester-b-pearson-international-scholarship/ (official page with eligibility, deadlines, and nomination process for the 2026‑27 cycle)