Overview

U of T offers a wealth of resources, communities, and services to help international graduate students succeed and have a positive experience in graduate school.

Tri-Campus: International student centres

Centre for International Experience (CIE)

Located in the historic Cumberland House, the Centre for International Experience (CIE) is the campus hub for international students and domestic students seeking international experience. We provide a wide array of services on topics unique to international students: Canadian study and work permits, health insurance in Ontario, learning and language support, income taxes, and other information about how to build community and succeed in Canadian campus life. In addition, CIE enables global learning for all students through study, research, and internship opportunities. International experience awards are also available.

UTM — International Education Centre (IEC)

Need assistance with your study permit, permanent residency, working in Canada or almost anything else related to living in Canada? The IEC can help. See the website for a full list of services and programs.

UTSC — International Student Centre (ISC)

Make an appointment with a transition advisor for personal guidance.

Student groups

International Students’ Caucus (ISC) (UTGSU)

As a University of Toronto Graduate Students’ Union (UTGSU) Caucus, the ISC coordinates efforts on international graduate students’ success in academic and campus adaptation. Meetings and events focus on the needs of the caucus membership including funding, academics, immigration, health insurance, social activities and more. Contact the ISC: isc@utgsu.ca.

ULife

ULife is a central website for listings for campus organizations and opportunities on all three campuses of the University of Toronto. Searching by the “Culture and Identities” filter is one way to connect with students of similar backgrounds and experiences across the tri-campus. Other entries include film appreciation clubs, debating societies, sports teams, social activism, drop-in classes, and research opportunities and awards.

Health and wellness

University Health Insurance Program (UHIP)

A mandatory health insurance plan for all international and exchange students enrolled in an Ontario university, UHIP helps to cover the cost of hospital and medical services you may need while in Canada. Enrolment is automatic; the coverage charge will be listed on your student account on ACORN. Visit the UHIP website for helpful information about the plan, such as how to enrol your dependents (e.g. spouse or common-law partner and/or children.

English language support

Graduate Centre for Academic Communication (GCAC)

The Graduate Centre for Academic Communication (GCAC) provides instruction to all U of T graduate students, whether they are non-native speakers of English or native speakers of English. Each year, through free courses, workshops, one-on-one writing consultations, and writing boot camps, thousands of students across the disciplines discover how to improve their academic writing and speaking.

English Language Program at the School of Continuing Studies (SCS)

Intensive English courses, including Academic English, open to students and the general public. Fees apply.

UTSC — Conversation community

Practise English and learn about the diverse cultures of Toronto.

Academic support

There are extensive services to support academic needs and develop academic skills as a graduate student.

Centre for Learning Strategy Support (CLSS)

The Centre for Learning Strategy Support (CLSS) offers specialized support for graduate students including workshops, writing groups and individual consultations with learning strategists.

Accessibility Services

Accessibility Services supports graduate students with disabilities by providing accommodations for all aspects of their study.

Centre for Community Partnerships (CCP)

The Centre for Community Partnerships (CCP) offers a Community Engaged Learning (CEL) Seminar for PhD students that brings together 18 doctoral students across the University to discuss community engaged learning in a seminar format.

Graduate Centre for Academic Communication (GCAC)

The Graduate Centre for Academic Communication (GCAC) provides instruction to all U of T graduate students, whether they are non-native speakers of English or native speakers of English. Each year, through free courses, workshops, one-on-one writing consultations, and writing boot camps, thousands of students across the disciplines discover how to improve their academic writing and speaking.

Family resources

Are you are an international student arriving with a family? Discover the variety of support services available at U of T to help your family members transition into life in Toronto.

International student families

Beginning your academic life at the University of Toronto can be both exciting and overwhelming. We understand that being an international student can be a unique and enriching experience and that balancing the responsibilities and commitments of your family is equally as important. The Centre for International Experience (CIE) is the central hub for international students providing assistance with immigration, health insurance, navigating the campus and connecting you with other students from all over the world. If you will be joining the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM), connect with the UTM International Education Centre (IEC). Students joining the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) should contact the UTSC International Student Centre (ISC).

Visiting and exchange opportunities

The School of Graduate Studies (SGS) and the Centre for International Experience (CIE) encourage current U of T graduate students to explore international study opportunities.