Centre for International Experience

As an international student, you will need valid immigration documents to live and study in Canada.

It is your responsibility to make sure that all of your immigration and legal documents are maintained and up-to-date. CIE holds regular information sessions and workshops to help you understand your responsibilities. Please regularly check CIE's website for updated information and workshop dates.

Welcome to Toronto! This page provides a variety of information that will help you get acquainted with your new city.

Looking for more general information about living in Toronto? The Toronto Wikipedia page is a good place to start exploring. The City of Toronto also has a helpful website about Living in Toronto for newcomers to the city.

You can also check out CIE’s Pre-Arrival Guide to help you prepare for your arrival at the University of Toronto.

UPDATE: Applying for Childcare Subsidies 

Municipalities offer childcare subsidies to help Canadian citizens, landed immigrants or refugees with the cost of childcare. Please note that in Ontario, temporary residents are not eligible for government social service programs, like child care subsidies, and so should not expect to be eligible for a child care subsidy. 

In the City of Toronto an applicant for a child care subsidy must submit their most recent Canadian income tax return; and if the applicant is not a Canadian citizen, landed immigrant or refugee they must also provide proof that their application for permanent residence is in progress. Please contact the Family Care Office if you have questions.

Posted February 7, 2017.

The University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) is 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 to maintain your health while in Canada. You are automatically enrolled in UHIP, and the coverage charge will be listed on ROSI, your student account.

Everything you need to know about UHIP is available online at www.uhip.ca.

This section of the website provides additional information specifically for international students at the University of Toronto. Please note that our UHIP office does not provide or administer coverage for post-doctoral fellows or visiting scholars.

As an international student, you have access to language support programs and many other academic resources while you are here at U of T:

• English Communication Program (ECP) — Enhance your English communication skills through these non-academic series of classes offered by CIE.
• CIE Language Exchange – Meet other students, learn new languages and share your own.
• English Language Program – In-depth academic courses in English offered by the University of Toronto’s School of Continuing Studies.
• Writing Centres — Make an appointment with a writing instructor or visit the drop-in centre to improve your writing. Read more about Advice on Academic Writing.
• Academic Success Centre — Choose from a variety of lectures and workshops to help you improve the skills you need to succeed as a student.
• The Office of English Language and Writing Support — If you are a graduate student, the School of Graduate Studies offers individual consultations and a range of workshops and non-credit courses for both native and non-native speakers of English.
• Arts and Science English Language Learning Program — ELL supports all U of T undergraduates enrolled in the Faculty of Arts and Science whose first language is not English (ESL or multilingual students), as well as native speakers seeking to improve their English language skills.
• Engineering Communication Program — Helps undergraduate engineers to build professional level communication skills.

Before you arrive in Toronto, there are some things you will need to prepare for – everything from organizing your travel documents to finding somewhere to live. Check out our Pre-Arrival Guide and Next Steps Checklist for details.

Academic culture can vary greatly from one country to another, and many students need time to adjust to new rules and expectations. We can help you understand how things work at U of T.

Read through this page or talk to a CIE transition advisor about any classroom challenges you might be facing. Getting tips from someone who knows the system can be a big help. Find out more about academic support offered at U of T.