University of Toronto vs McGill University

University of Toronto vs McGill University

Subject Strength & World Rankings (2025/2026)

The University of Toronto (U of T), located in Ontario, is world-famous for Computer Science, Engineering, Medicine, Business, and Social Sciences. It is Canada's number one university in the world at number 25–26 in QS World University Rankings 2026 and 20–25 band in THE World University Rankings 2025. McGill University in Montreal is powerful in Medicine, Law, Engineering, Business, and Arts & Humanities. McGill is a few places below U of T, ranked 29–30 in QS 2026 and 50–60 in THE 2025. All in all, U of T has a higher international ranking, particularly in research and innovation.

General Information

The University of Toronto was established in 1827 and has more than 97,000 students on its three campuses, the largest university in Canada with a good urban presence and global student population. It is ranked as Canada's most research-intensive university. McGill University, which was established in 1821, has approximately 40,000 students and is situated in the heart of downtown Montreal with a bilingual cultural setting and close affiliations with healthcare organizations. U of T focuses on major-scale research and international collaborations, whereas McGill strikes a balance between major research and affordability and international-hospitality setting.

Acceptance Rate & Admission

The University of Toronto accepts around 43% of students, with GPAs of 3.6–3.9 (on a scale of 4.0) and IELTS scores of 6.5–7.0. McGill University is also selective, accepting around 47% of students, with GPAs of roughly 3.7–3.9 and IELTS scores of 6.5–7.0. Both accept high-achieving international students, although the U of T is more competitive for professional programs such as engineering, computer science, and business.

Research Impact & Facilities

U of T is Canada's top research university, perennially ranked in the world's top 20 for research output, with first-class facilities in medicine, AI, data science, and engineering. It is associated with top hospitals in Toronto. McGill is a top research university, especially in medicine, neuroscience, and sustainability, with close connections to Montreal's health sector. Although McGill is widely respected, U of T beats it in size, budget, and global research partnerships.

Cost & Financial Aid

The University of Toronto international student fee is between CAD 47,000–62,000 annually, varying by program, and is among the highest in Canada. McGill, on the other hand, is relatively affordable with international fees at CAD 30,000–35,000 a year. Both institutions have merit scholarships, but McGill stands out for having a relatively lower cost of living, so it is more financially viable compared to U of T.

Graduate Studies & Alumni Outcomes

U of T alumni are internationally renowned in technology, business, research, and public policy, with mid-career salaries averaging CAD 115,000 (INR 70 lakh). McGill alumni are prominent in medicine, law, academia, and international organizations, with mid-career salaries averaging CAD 110,000 (INR 67 lakh). U of T's network of alumni is broader and more international, whereas McGill's alumni network is strong within Canada, the United States, and international organizations such as the UN and WHO.