Toronto, Canada: University of Toronto
Spotlight: This is the University of Toronto – Gain useful insights, facts, and insider-information about our partner university in Toronto
Welcome to University of Toronto!
The University of Toronto (UofT) is Canada's largest university. Only recently, we had the opportunity to experience the assets of our Canadian partner university firsthand. The UofT is attended by 90,000 students from all over the world. Its beautiful buildings and facilities as well as its excellent academic reputation make it particularly popular. In the 2014 Times Higher Education ranking of the best universities of the world the university even ranked 20th worldwide.
University and Campus
The university complex comprises three campuses in town, boasting beautiful parks and stunning buildings, among them Canada's Parliament – the House of Commons. UofT was founded in 1827 by an Anglican bishop, but became a secular institution only 20 years later. In 1921, the hormone insulin was discovered in the university's laboratories.
The language of instruction is English. Early applicants have good chances of obtaining a room in a student residence hall. The UofT’s sports centers provide ample opportunities to stay fit and healthy, whether by making use of the swimming pool, the indoor track, or the ice rink. The university is also home to over 1,300 student organizations that give students the opportunity to meet new people and be involved in voluntary work.
The City – Toronto
With 2.6 million inhabitants, Toronto is Canada's biggest city. The metropolis has become a source of inspiration for a multitude of books and computer games and also served as the setting of countless movies and TV shows. Due to its significance in the world of entertainment, Canada and the city of Toronto, in particular, are also nicknamed “Hollywood North”. Furthermore, the city hosts numerous world-renowned music and film festivals, air and car shows as well as the worldwide biggest Gay Pride festival. The colorful metropolis is also home to a number of cultural institutions such as a shoe museum and a science museum, many art galleries, market halls, a botanical garden, and a unique 90 km walking path.
Good to know
In terms of scenery, Toronto and its surroundings are hard to beat: Lake Ontario is located west of the city and can be easily reached from the university in a ten-minute ride on the subway. On Lake Ontario, you can visit the Toronto Islands, which boast gorgeous parklands, beaches, and even an amusement park. Furthermore, two rivers pass through Toronto: Humber River and Don River.
The city itself has a great public transport system, which includes for instance the Scarborough Line. All the other major cities such as Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec, but also New York City and the Niagara Falls are easy to reach by bus, train or plane.
Toronto is subject to dramatic seasonal change: while the summer months are mild and warm, winters may get icy cold. Summer is the rainiest time of the year.
Who can apply for this exchange program?
Bachelor’s and state examination students of the School of Humanities (English and American Studies, German Studies, History, Media and Communication Studies, and Philosophy) are eligible to participate in the exchange program.
Proof of language proficiency is required in the form of an IELTS or TOEFL test.
The application deadline is 15 October!
More information about the University of Toronto can be found here.