Comparing Ontario's Major Universities: Toronto, Waterloo, McMaster, Queen's, Western, Ottawa, TMU and York

Why compare before you apply

Because you pay a fee for each additional program choice on the OUAC, applying to a university just because it is well known is an expensive way to decide. A better approach is to shortlist universities whose size, setting, co-op options and program strengths fit how you want to study and live.

This guide describes how eight of Ontario's largest universities differ. It does not rank them — each is a strong, well-established institution. Use it to narrow a long list into a focused set of choices, then confirm every detail on each university's official admissions pages.

Size, setting and campus feel

Ontario's big universities range from very large research institutions in the heart of a city to mid-sized campuses with a more contained, traditional feel. Size affects class sizes in first year, the breadth of programs and clubs, and how the campus connects to the surrounding city.

• Toronto (U of T): very large, research-intensive, three campuses (St. George downtown, Mississauga, Scarborough)
• York and Toronto Metropolitan (TMU): large universities based in and around the Greater Toronto Area
• Western: large university in London, Ontario, known for a defined main campus
• Queen's: mid-sized in Kingston with a strong campus-community identity
• McMaster: mid-to-large in Hamilton, known for research and an inquiry-based teaching style
• Waterloo: large in Waterloo, internationally known for co-op and STEM
• Ottawa (uOttawa): large, bilingual (English/French) university in the national capital

Program strengths to weigh

Every university here teaches the common disciplines, but each has areas it is especially associated with. Match these to your intended field rather than to general reputation.

For example, Waterloo is widely associated with engineering, mathematics and computer science; uOttawa with bilingual study and programs tied to the capital; McMaster with health sciences and an inquiry-based model; Western and Queen's with broad arts, science and business offerings; Toronto with research depth across nearly every field; and TMU and York with career-oriented and professionally focused programs. Confirm the exact programs, specializations and entry requirements on each university's official site, because offerings change.

Co-op and work-integrated learning

Co-op (alternating study terms with paid work terms) and other work-integrated learning can shape your degree and your early career. Availability and structure differ a lot between universities and even between programs at the same university.

Waterloo is especially well known for large-scale co-op across many programs, but several others — including Toronto, McMaster, Ottawa, TMU and York — offer co-op or internship options in specific programs. If work experience during your degree matters to you, check program-by-program whether co-op is available, optional or built in, and how it affects your study length. As an international student, also review how co-op and other work fits Canadian study-permit and work rules on IRCC's official site — this is general information, not immigration advice, so verify on canada.ca.

Admission style and how to use it

Universities differ in how they assess applicants beyond grades. Some competitive programs add supplementary applications, written assessments or interviews; others admit largely on academic results. Knowing this helps you plan effort and time.

• Some programs (e.g. certain Waterloo, McMaster and engineering/health programs) require extra forms or assessments — plan for them early
• Check each program's required English-language test and minimum score
• Note that admission requirements can differ for international applicants
• Build a shortlist mixing different sizes, settings and admission styles
• Verify every requirement, deadline and fee on the official university and OUAC pages