University-of-Toronto-VS-University-of-British-Columbia

Difference Between University of Toronto VS University of British Columbia

Why Study in Canada? 

Studying in Canada means investing in oneself. The country has become a popular study destination. The country is home to top research institutes in the world and offers an opportunity to engage in research activities along with the best researchers in the world. Here are some major reasons to study in Canada: 

  • Canada is ranked #4 best student country in the world. 
  • Canada is one of the safest countries in the world and has a diverse student community. 
  • It was ranked #3 out of 85 countries in the best quality of life category. 
  • Students are allowed to work for up to 20 hours/ week while studying. 
  • Canada offers postgraduate work permit for international students for up to three years. 

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University of Toronto vs University of British Columbia 

University of Toronto (UofT) is the No.1 University of Canada. It is followed by the University of British Columbia (UBC). If you are planning to study at a top-tier university in Canada, then you can consider any of these universities. The table below highlights the major differences between the University of Toronto and the University of British Columbia

Universities University of Toronto University of British Columbia 
QS Ranking 2025 #25 #38 
Acceptance Rate 43% 52.4% 
Campuses Downtown Toronto (St. George); 
Mississauga (to the west),
and Scarborough
Vancouver;
and Okanagan
Intakes Fall and Summer January, May, and September 
UG Fee/ Year CAD$ 62,900 CAD$ 47,000 to 61,000 
Location Toronto,
Ontario
Vancouver,
British Columbia

Academic Opportunities 

UofT and UBC offer some of the best academic opportunities in the world. Due to this factor, most students find it challenging to decide which one to choose. UofT offers over 700 undergraduate and 200 postgraduate courses. UBC, on the other hand, offers over 250 undergraduate and 350 postgraduate courses. Here’s a detailed decision between their academic opportunities for domestic and international students. 

University of Toronto Courses 

The campuses of UofT; Downtown Toronto (St. George), Mississauga (to the west), and Scarborough, offer over 700 undergraduate and 200 postgraduate courses. The heart of the undergraduate curriculum is in liberal arts education. The Faculty of Arts and Science has more students than any other faculty.  

B.Com Accounting BSc Anthropology BSc Applied Mathematics 
BA Arts Management BSc Biochemistry BSc Biology 
BA Book and Media Studies BA (Hons.) Cinam Studies BSc Applied Civil Engineering 
BSc Applied Computer Engineering BSc (Hons.) Computer Science BSc (Hons.) Data Science 
BSc (Hons.) Earth and Environmental Systems BA (Hons.) Economics BSc Applied Electrical Engineering 
BA (Hons.) English Master in Accounting and Finance MEng Aerospace Engineering 
MArch MA Art History MSc Biochemistry 
MEng Chemical Engineering Master of Applied Science MA Criminology and Sociolegal Studies 
MSc Dentistry EdD Educational and Leadership Policy PhD Electrical and Computer Engineering 

University of British Columbia Courses 

The UBC has two campuses; Vancouver and Okanagan. These campuses are home to 90+ departmental disciplines.  

BArch BEng Civil Engineering BEng Applied Science 
BSc Biochemistry BA Art History Bachelor of Dental Science 
BSc Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology BSc in Food, Nutrition, and Health BCom 
BSc Data Analytics BA Economics Bachelor of Management 
MSc Mathematics and Economics BA International Relations Master of Applied Science 
MA Psychology Master of Public Health Master of Education 
MArch Master of Laws (LLM) Master of Data Science 
Master of Fine Arts (FA) in Creative Writing MSc Computer Science Master of Business Administration (MBA) 

Rankings 

University of Toronto is the No. 1 University of Canada. It followed by the University of British Columbia at #2. Here’s a table highlighting the global rankings of these two great universities. 

Organization University of Toronto University of British Columbia 
QS Ranking #25 #38 
Times Higher Education (THE) #22 #41 
Shanghai Ranking #26 #38 
US News & Word Report #17 #39 

Acceptance Rate 

Students planning to study at UofT, UBC, or any other Canadian University must know the acceptance rate before applying for admission. The University of Toronto has an acceptance rate of 43%. On the contrary, UBC has an acceptance rate of 52.4%.  

These are top and renowned universities. Only students with meritorious academic scores and passion for the field are considered for admission. 

Tuition Fees 

The University of Toronto’s tuition fee for Ontario residents is CAD$ 6,100/ year. For students outside of Ontario and international students, the tuition fee is different. At the University of British Columbia, the tuition fee for Canadian residents is CAD$5,960.10/ year.  

University of Toronto Tuition Fee 

The table below highlights the University of Toronto’s tuition fee for domestic students – Ontario residents. 

Courses Year 1 Upper Year 
Computer Science CAD$ 6,100 CAD$ 11,420 
Management CAD$ 6,100 CAD$ 15,900 
All Programs CAD$ 6,100 CAD$ 6,100 

The table below highlights the tuition fee for residents outside of Ontario. 

Courses Year 1 Upper Year 
Computer Science CAD$ 6,910 CAD$ 12,950 
Management CAD$ 6,910 CAD$ 18,030 
All Programs CAD$ 6,910 CAD$ 6,910 

The table below highlights the tuition fee for international students at the University of Toronto. 

Courses Year 1 Upper Year 
Computer Science CAD$ 61,720 CAD$ 65,110 
Management CAD$ 61,720 CAD$ 71,560 
All Programs CAD$ 61,720 CAD$ 62,950 

University of British Columbia Tuition Fee 

Here’s a table highlighting the University of British Columbia tuition fee for domestic students. 

Courses First Year Full Course Load Tuition Fee 
Applied Science 37 CAD$ 7,350.79 
Arts 30 CAD$ 5,960.10 
Computer Science 30 CAD$ 5,960.10 
Commerce 30 CAD$ 8,832.00 
All Programs 30 CAD$ 5,960.10 

Student Accommodation 

Student accommodation in Toronto and Vancouver offer a luxury lifestyle next to the universities and popular destinations in the country. There are privately-owned student accommodations in Canada, where students can take a room on rent, and live an independent life outside the university campus. Students can also choose to live inside the university halls but offer only limited rooms with certain rules and regulations.  

Student Accommodation Toronto 

Student accommodation rent in Toronto can vary between CAD$ 850 to 1750/ month. Here are some of the most trusted student accommodation in Toronto.

Student Accommodation Vancouver 

Student accommodation rent in Vancouver can cost from CAD$ 900 to 3000/ month. Here are some of the best student accommodation in Vancouver

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Conclusion 

Deciding between UofT and UBC is indeed challenging. These are Canada’s top universities offering unique academic opportunities for students to learn and thrive. Before you choose any of these universities, it is important to understand their courses, tuition fee, acceptance rate, academic and research opportunities, housing options, and student lifestyle.  

About the author

University Living

Professor University Living emphasizes the importance of financial planning for university students. She advises creating a detailed budget, monitoring spending habits, and seeking available financial aid like the Pell Grant or Bright Futures Scholarship. She also warns against accumulating unnecessary debt and promotes responsible credit card use.

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