University of British Columbia vs University of Toronto

Comparison between University of British Columbia and University of Toronto

Subject Strength

Both U of T and UBC are all top-ranked in computer science, business, and engineering. UBC ranks #40 worldwide in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and has specific strengths in business (#29 in THE 2025) and psychology (#17 in THE 2025). U of T is ranked #29 in the world (QS 2026) and excels in health sciences—its Faculty of Medicine is ranked 4th in the world for clinical medicine and surgery (U.S. News 2023) and 5th by THE in 2022—and law (16th in the world in QS 2025).

General Information

UBC, established in 1908, is a large public research university with two campuses (Vancouver and Okanagan), and usually has more than 60,000 students, including graduate students. U of T, which was set up in 1827, has three campuses—St. George, Mississauga, and Scarborough—and typically has more than 90,000 students at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Acceptance Rate

Both UBC and U of T have competitive processes with higher admission requirements frequently being used at U of T, particularly for professional programs. UBC has an acceptance rate of 52.4%, which is greater than U of T's 43%, and is therefore less selective. UBC needs an IELTS of 6.5, strong previous academics, whereas U of T also needs an IELTS of 6.5 and a strong academic record. Application fees are CAD 149 for UBC and CAD 125 for U of T. International students might find UBC's greater acceptance rate more convenient.

Location

The Vancouver campus of UBC provides a coastline location with proximity to mountains and beaches for outdoor lovers, while the Okanagan campus is located in a wine-producing area. The St. George campus of U of T in downtown Toronto offers an urban center with professional and cultural options within reach of financial centers. Both cities are lively but position natural beauty foremost in Vancouver and metropolitan vibrancy in Toronto.

Hostel Fees

UBC's on-campus residence fees are between CAD 8,000-14,000 per year, while off-campus costs average CAD 1,000-1,800/month in Vancouver's expensive market. U of T residence fees are between CAD 10,000-16,000 per annum, with off-campus costing CAD 1,200-2,000/month in Toronto. Both are subsidized by the province, but U of T offers more bursaries (55% of students compared to 45% at UBC), subsidizing international students.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Success

UBC alumni start with a median salary of CAD 65,000, with 85% finding employment in three months, specifically in tech and consulting with Deloitte and Telus. U of T alumni start at CAD 68,000, with 90% of its MBA graduates employed in three months, dominating in finance and consulting with recruiters KPMG. U of T's larger alumni network maximizes global opportunities, with UBC's West Coast connections motivating regional placements.

Infrastructure

UBC and U of T both provide comprehensive research facilities and library resources. UBC is renowned for its cutting-edge sustainability and food systems facilities, whereas U of T facilitates top-of-the-line research centres like the Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research. U of T's facilities are wider in scope, whereas UBC integrates with sustainability and natural campus settings.