Ontario has some of the top universities in Canada. In fact, of the Group of Thirteen research-intensive universities, six are in Ontario. Ontario universities can accommodate any need, passion or dream of their students, having a wide range of both undergraduate and graduate programs. Here are some of the notable ones to consider when you are applying to Ontario universities.
The University of Toronto is a public research university in Toronto, Ontario. Founded in 1827, U of T assumed its present name in 1850. U of T is a collegiate university, containing 12 colleges that differ in character and history.
Why Go Here?
U of T receives the most research money of all Canadian universities by a significant margin. It is noted for influential movements in literature and communication. U of T is the birthplace of insulin, stem cell research and introduced the first practical electron microscope. In addition, U of T was ranked as Canada’s top medical-doctoral university from 1994-2005, and places 27th in the world for academia. University of Toronto has educated two Governor Generals, four Prime Ministers of Canada, and 14 Justices of the Supreme Court and has been affiliated with nine Nobel laureates.
York U is Canada’s third largest university, with a student body population of 51,000. Located in Toronto, York has 11 faculties and 24 research centers. York U has strong affiliation with the Canadian Space Program. York’s Faculty of Science and Engineering program is Canada’s primary research facility in Martian exploration. As such, York students have designed several space research instruments currently used by NASA.
Why Go Here?
It has liberal arts, science and engineering, a world-renowned school of business, a law school, fine arts, design, health and environmental studies faculties.
U of G is located in Guelph, Ontario and was established in 1964. It has an ongoing history of achievement in agriculture and veterinary medicine, with a modern focus on life sciences.
Why Go Here?
Canadian magazine Maclean’s consistently ranks U of G as the top comprehensive university in Canada. It has achieved top rankings in reputation, innovative research, student satisfaction, and lively campus life.
Mac is located in Hamilton, Ontario and operates 6 academic faculties, comprising Engineering, Health Science, Humanities, Social Sciences, Science and a School of Business.
Why Go Here?
Ranked 88th in the world and the 4th best in the country, McMaster is also the 6th most research-intensive school in the country. One of the most interesting things happening at Mac is its research into nuclear engineering. They have had a nuclear reactor since 1959 and are responsible for half of Canada’s production of iodine-125, used in nuclear medicine and radiation therapy.
The Ontario College of Art and Design is located in Toronto, Ontario and is Canada’s oldest and largest university for art and design. Located beside the Art Gallery of Ontario, the school combines experimental, studio-based education with liberal studies.
Why Go Here?
Students earn Bachelor’s degrees and Master’s degrees in art, design media, criticism and curatorial practices, strategic foresight and innovation, and design in advertising. Since the building redesign and reconstruction was completed in 2004, OCAD has received numerous awards, including the first-ever Royal Institute of British Architects Worldwide Award, deemed the most outstanding technical project in 2005.
UW is known for creating the first Faculty of Mathematics in North America. It is also known for having more company spin-offs than any other university in Canada. The most notable company founded by a UW alumni us Research in Motion, responsible for inventing the Blackberry.
Why Go Here?
UW is known for having the largest co-operative program in the world. The co-op program is outstanding and available to all faculties. In a Canadian university report card, UW received the highest marks for career preparation, quality of education and academic reputation. UW was ranked as the “Most Innovative” and “Leaders of Tomorrow” by Maclean’s magazine.
Located in London, Ontario, Western has 12 faculties and three affiliated colleges, offering more than 200 different degree and diploma programs.
Why Go Here?
Noted for its high academic standing requirements, the admissions average in 2008-09 was 86.4%, the second highest in the country after Queen’s University. Western also contains Brescia College, the only university-level women’s college in Canada. Western has 37 varsity sports teams and contains a 10,000-seat TD Waterhouse Stadium.
Royal Military College of Canada
Established in 1876 and located in Kingston, Ontario, RMC is the military academy of Canadian Forces. It is the only federal institution in Canada with degree-granting powers.
Why Go Here?
Officer Cadets are trained in academics, military, athletics and bilingualism (English and French) and admissions requirements call for students who show promise in these four pillars. The RMC was named the second best Research University of the Year in 2009 based on financial indicators and output and impact measures.
