The University of Toronto (U of T) consistently ranks among the top universities globally, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence and research innovation. Its strong performance in 2025 can be seen in prominent rankings such as Times Higher Education, ranked #21.
In the 2025 QS World University Rankings, the University of Toronto maintains its position as one of the top institutions globally, ranked #25 worldwide. With consistently high scores in research, employability, and global partnerships, U of T remains a leading choice for students worldwide.
University of Toronto World Rankings 2024-25
The University of Toronto consistently ranks among the top institutions globally, reflecting its commitment to quality education and impactful research.
Here’s how the university is performing in the global rankings in past years:
Ranking Organization
Rankings 2023
Rankings 2024
Rankings 2025
QS World University Rankings
34
21
25
Times Higher Education (THE)
18
21
21
U.S. News & World Report
18
17
—
The changing trends in the rankings of the University of Toronto can be represented through the following graph:
The University of Toronto's global rankings have shown fluctuations across major ranking organizations in recent years.
The QS World University Rankings significantly rose from #34 in 2023 to #21 in 2024, reflecting its strong academic reputation and research influence.
However, it slightly dropped to #25 in 2025, likely due to increasing competition among top global universities.
The Times Higher Education (THE) rankings have remained stable, fluctuating slightly between #18 in 2023 and #21 in 2024 and 2025, indicating consistency in research impact and teaching quality.
U.S. News & World Report ranked #18 in 2023 and #17 in 2024, reinforcing its position as one of the world’s leading universities, though it was not ranked in 2025.
Despite minor variations, the University of Toronto maintains its status as a top-tier institution, consistently recognized for academic excellence, innovation, and global influence.
Subject-wise Rankings of the University of Toronto
University rankings provide insight into the quality and reputation of specific academic programs. Subject-wise rankings, such as those for data science and medicine, help students make informed decisions based on their field of interest.
University of Toronto’s programs, like data science (#9) and sports (#5), are considered competitive, according to the QS rankings. Some programs, like computer science (#37), have room for improvement.
The following rankings below will provide you with a clear picture of the University of Toronto's position in major disciplines:
QS Rankings
QS world rankings are widely recognized for evaluating universities based on academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty/student ratio, research impact, and international diversity. The QS rankings reflect U of T’s strengths in sports and data science, with data science ranked in the top 10 globally.
Here is a breakdown of key subjects according to the latest QS Rankings:
Subject
Rankings 2025
Sports
5
Education & Training
8
Art & Humanities
10
Data Science
9
Medicine
14
THE Rankings
Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings assess universities based on teaching quality, research, citations, industry income, and international outlook. The ranking under THE reflects U of T’s achievements in education (#99).
The table below presents rankings across some key subjects in the latest THE Rankings:
Subject
Rankings 2025
Engineering
23
Economics & Business
24
Art & Humanities
16
Education
9
Clinical & Health
9
U.S. News Rankings
U.S. News Rankings focus on global research performance, faculty reputation, and academic excellence. This ranking shows U of T’s programs rankings, such as clinical medicine (#3) and art & humanities (#5), both ranked in the top 10.
The following table highlights the rankings in key subjects according to the latest U.S. News Rankings.
Subject
Rankings 2025
Space Science
12
Economics & Business
31
Art & Humanities
5
Computer Science
37
Clinical Medicine
3
U of T’s impressive rankings across various disciplines highlight its commitment to academic excellence, groundbreaking research, and industry relevance.
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Beyond these recognitions, let’s look at the rankings in some broad categories of the University of Toronto!
Miscellaneous Ranking 2025
U of T’s influence extends beyond traditional academic rankings, earning top positions in sustainability, diversity, and much more.
The table below presents the latest standings in some critical areas.
Ranking Description
Ranking
QS Sustainability Ranking 2025
1
Best Global University in Canada
1
Performance Ranking of Scientific Papers for World Universities 2024
4
Global University Employability Ranking 2025
14
In the QS Sustainability Ranking 2025, U of T holds the #1 position, demonstrating its leadership in environmental responsibility, sustainable research, and institutional policies that drive global change.
Beyond sustainability, U of T continues to reinforce its academic and research standing. It is ranked #4 globally in the Performance Ranking of Scientific Papers for World Universities 2024, a testament to its prolific research output, high-impact publications, and groundbreaking contributions across multiple disciplines.
The university’s strong reputation also translates into real-world opportunities for graduates. In the Global University Employability Ranking 2025, U of T secures the #14 spot, reflecting its ability to produce highly skilled graduates sought by top employers worldwide.
Additionally, as the Best Global University in Canada, U of T maintains its position as the nation's top academic institution, reinforcing its dominance in higher education and its continued appeal to students and faculty from across the world.
These rankings collectively highlight the University of Toronto’s far-reaching influence, demonstrating that its impact extends beyond traditional academics into sustainability, research excellence, and career readiness.
The University of Toronto also plays a crucial role in fostering innovation, collaboration, and student success. Let’s explore them!
University of Toronto: Excellence and Achievements
The University of Toronto is renowned for its comprehensive educational experience, encompassing academic excellence, vibrant community engagement, and cultural innovation across its three campuses: St. George, Scarborough, and Mississauga.
Have a look below at distinguished recognitions across academics, culture, and community engagement.
Academic Excellence and National Recognition
U of T's commitment to academic excellence is evident through its diverse programs and research initiatives. As a distinguished institution, it continues to set benchmarks in business education, earning accolades for its rigorous curriculum, faculty expertise, and global outlook.
Here’s a look at its academic achievements:
Category
Recognition
Faculty of Arts and Science
Offers over 340 undergraduate and 130 graduate programs, representing a significant portion of the university's academic offerings.
Department of Mathematics
Ranked first in Canada and 19th globally, highlighting its research excellence and academic reputation.
Community and Lifestyle Recognitions
Beyond academics, U of T fosters a vibrant community life that enhances the student experience. This inclusive environment encourages students to engage in diverse interests and develop a sense of belonging.
Here are the contributions of the university to community development:
Category
Recognition
Hart House
Established in 1919, it provides a comprehensive range of services and activities, fostering a strong sense of community among students.
Cultural and Creative Excellence
U of T's campuses are vibrant centers of cultural and creative activity. Art galleries and theatres serve as a cultural hub for the university and the broader community. It seamlessly blends cultures and exposure, equipping students with the skills to navigate complex global business landscapes.
Here are the cultural achievements at the University of Toronto:
Category
Recognition
Blackwood Art Gallery
Established in 1969, it exhibits diverse artworks and serves as a cultural hub for the university and the broader community.
Hart House Theatre
Considered a pioneer in Canadian theatre, introducing the Little Theatre Movement from Europe and cultivating numerous performing arts talents.
The University of Toronto provides a holistic educational experience that prepares students to contribute meaningfully in a complex and ever-changing world.
University of Toronto: Ranking V/S Acceptance Rate
University of Toronto's acceptance rate stands at 43%, which indicates that securing admission here is a competitive affair.
Below is a summary of select programs, their QS World University Rankings for 2025, and their respective acceptance rates:
Program
QS World University Ranking 2025
Acceptance Rate
Computer Science
10
5-10% (lower than the university average)
Medicine
14
6.4%
Law
17
13.5%
Now, let’s understand how ranking organizations evaluate universities and provide deeper insight into universities!
Ranking Bodies Methodologies
Each ranking body employs a distinct methodology, emphasizing various aspects of academic excellence, research output, and global engagement.
Let’s dive into the methodologies of three prominent ranking organizations: QS World University Rankings, Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings, and U.S. News & World Report Rankings.
QS World University Rankings
The QS World Ranking focuses on academic and employer reputation, based on surveys from thousands of academic professionals and employers globally. It also highlights how the university is perceived by both the global academic community and prospective employers.
Here are the criteria used in QS World University Rankings.
Focus Area
Indicators
Weightage
Research and Discovery
Academic Reputation
30%
Citations per Faculty
20%
Employability and Outcomes
Employer Reputation
15%
Employment Outcomes
5%
Global Engagement
International Faculty Ratio
5%
International Research Network
5%
International Student Ratio
5%
International Student Diversity
0%
Learning Experience
Faculty Student Ratio
10%
Sustainability
Sustainability
5%
Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings
The Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings prioritize research impact and teaching quality. It also measures international diversity and industry income, evaluating how universities engage with industries and global academic networks.
Here are the criteria used by THE rankings.
Focus Area
Indicators
Weightage
Teaching
Teaching Reputation
15%
Staff-to-student ratio
4.5%
Doctorate-to-bachelor’s ratio
2%
Doctorates-awarded-to-academic-staff ratio
5.5%
Institutional income
2.5%
Research Environment
Research reputation
18%
Research income
5.5%
Research productivity
5.5%
Research Quality
Citation impact
15%
Research strength
5%
Research excellence
5%
Research influence
5%
International Outlook
Proportion of international students
2.5%
Proportion of international staff
2.5%
International collaboration
2.5%
Industry
Industry income
2%
Patents
2%
U.S. News and World Report Rankings
The U.S. News & World Report rankings include a unique indicator for social mobility, assessing how effectively universities assist low-income students in graduating and securing employment. This metric reflects the institution's role in providing opportunities for economic advancement to underrepresented groups.
Here are the criteria used in U.S. News and World Report Rankings
Focus Indicators
Weightage
Graduation Rates
16%
First-year retention rates
5%
Graduation rate performance
10%
Pell graduation rates
5.5%
Pell graduation performance
5.5%
College grads earning more than a high school grad
5%
Borrower debt
5%
Peer assessment
20%
Financial resources
8%
Faculty salaries
8%
Full-time faculty
3%
Student-faculty ratio
4%
Standardized tests
5%
The above rankings reflect how well a university is positioned to offer quality education and outcomes to students, using indicators like employability and industry applications.
Wrapping up: University of Toronto 2025 Ranking Analysis
The University of Toronto continues to uphold its reputation as a globally recognized institution, consistently ranking among the top universities worldwide. While the rankings went a bit up and down, as its QS ranking slightly dropped from #21 in 2024 to #25 in 2025, the university still reinforces a strong global position.
When evaluating the University of Toronto, it's important to factor in individual program rankings and acceptance rates, as certain disciplines have more competitive entry requirements.
Given its current trajectory, the University of Toronto remains a top-tier destination for students worldwide. However, maintaining excellence in research, faculty, and global partnerships will be key in the coming ranking cycles to sustain or improve its position.
What is the University of Toronto's current global ranking in 2025?
The University of Toronto is ranked #25 globally in the 2025 QS World University Rankings and #21 in Times Higher Education, showcasing its consistent position among the top global institutions.
How does the University of Toronto rank in Canada?
U of T is ranked #1 in Canada in the QS Sustainability Ranking 2025, further emphasizing its leadership in environmental responsibility and global influence across various fields.
How does the University of Toronto perform in subject-specific rankings?
U of T excels in fields like data science (#9), clinical medicine (#3), and art & humanities (#5), offering students world-class programs in these disciplines according to the latest rankings from QS, THE, and U.S. News.
What are some of the University of Toronto’s standout program rankings?
Some of U of T's top program rankings include clinical medicine (#3) in U.S. News and sports (#5) in QS, which reflect the university's strength in research and academic excellence in these areas.
Has the University of Toronto’s global ranking fluctuated recently?
Yes, U of T’s ranking in the QS World University Rankings shifted slightly from #21 in 2024 to #25 in 2025. However, it remains highly competitive and consistently ranks among the top 25 globally.
How is the University of Toronto ranked for employability and research?
U of T holds the #14 position in the 2025 Global University Employability Rankings and ranks #4 globally in the Performance Ranking of Scientific Papers, highlighting its strong research output and industry readiness.
Does the University of Toronto rank highly in sustainability?
Yes, U of T holds the top spot in the QS Sustainability Ranking 2025, underlining its commitment to environmental sustainability and its role as a leader in global academic and research contributions.
What is the University of Toronto's rank for education and engineering programs?
In the latest rankings, U of T’s education program is ranked #9 globally in THE, and its engineering program is ranked #23, showcasing its academic rigor and innovation across diverse disciplines.
How does the University of Toronto rank in global research?
U of T is ranked #4 globally in the Performance Ranking of Scientific Papers for World Universities 2024, reflecting its significant contributions to high-impact research across various fields.
What is the University of Toronto’s position in global university rankings for clinical medicine?
U of T’s clinical medicine program is ranked #3 globally in the 2025 U.S. News Rankings, highlighting its leadership in healthcare education and research.
How competitive is the University of Toronto’s acceptance rate?
With an overall acceptance rate of 43%, gaining admission to U of T is highly competitive, especially for programs like computer science and medicine, which have even lower acceptance rates.
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