Toronto Metropolitan University
Founded 1948 | Toronto, ON
Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) has always offered degrees that lead to jobs, but the university’s innovative incubator zones now help students create them. The school boasts 10 zones, covering industries from biomedical engineering to social innovation and clean tech. The incubators have helped develop more than 3,500 start-ups, created over 4,000 jobs and raised more than $1 billion in funding. Meanwhile, the original business incubator, the DMZ, has supported both regional and international programs from Japan to South Africa and India.
TMU’s downtown location draws many commuter students, but the Student Learning Centre, the Mattamy Athletic Centre and countless cafés entice students to stay after class. Respite from the city bustle can be found at Lake Devo, a man-made pond that serves as an ice rink in winter, or on Gould Street, which has been closed to cars since 2010. The Daphne Cockwell Health Sciences Complex features a green roof, simulated hospital settings for nursing students and a new student residence. In 2020, TMU launched a three-year law program that includes a semester-long professional placement.
“We are redefining the learning experience by exploring bold ideas and transforming them into opportunities,” says president Mohamed Lachemi. “Ryerson students get real-world experience and create the impact they want to see in the world.”
Standout Programs
• Professional Music: Students learn music fundamentals, studio and live production, and the music business. Internships with industry stakeholders are available.
• Public Health: Learn how to implement strategies for improving health, safety and well-being. Benefit from co-op opportunities and independent research.
• Accounting & Finance: Students gain a strong foundation in financial planning, corporate financial analysis, risk management and more. Networking, co-op and case competitions are available too.
Tuition (includes compulsory ancillary fees)
$6,987
Minimum Entering Grades
72-90% · Science: 72-94% · Commerce: 72-87% · Engineering: 90%
Student Body
Full-time: 29,931 · Part-time: 9,317
Graduates: Full-time: 2,701 · Part-time: 327
International Students: First-year: 8.8%
Graduate: 12.6%
Male-female Ratio: 43 to 57
Housing Facts
Residence Spaces: 923 (884 reserved for first-year students)
Residence Costs: Double room with meals: $13,631 to $14,324
Single room with meals: $15,238 to $17,147
Apartment-style: $10,711 to $12,945
Cool Courses
• Reporting on Race: The Black Community in the Media: Examine how dominant narratives can shape systemic injustice.
• eSports Production: Explore topics from game development to online communities and culture to understand the industry of eSports and its role in globalization.