University of Toronto

Public research university in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Coat of arms of the University of Toronto

Wordmark of the University of Toronto

The University of Toronto (U of T) is a public research university in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, located on the grounds that surround Queen's Park. It was founded by royal charter in 1827 as King's College, the first institution of higher learning in the colony of Upper Canada. Originally controlled by the Church of England, the university assumed its present name in 1850 upon becoming a secular institution. As a collegiate university, it comprises eleven colleges, each with substantial autonomy on financial and institutional affairs.

History

Royal charter of King's College, 1827

The University of Toronto was established on March 15, 1827, by royal charter as King's College, the first institution of higher learning in Upper Canada. The university was initially controlled by the Church of England, and its first classes were held in 1843. In 1850, the university became a secular institution and was renamed the University of Toronto.

The university has a rich history of academic excellence and has been a leader in research and innovation. It has produced many notable alumni, including four Canadian prime ministers, fourteen Justices of the Supreme Court of Canada, and numerous Nobel laureates.

Campus

University College in the 1800s

The University of Toronto's main campus is located in downtown Toronto, with two satellite campuses in Scarborough and Mississauga. The downtown campus is known for its mix of historic and modern architecture, with notable buildings such as University College, Convocation Hall, and the Robarts Library.

The campus is home to many historic buildings, including the Old Vic, the main building of Victoria University. The university's architecture is a blend of Romanesque and Gothic Revival styles, with modern additions that reflect its growth and development over the years.

Academics

The University of Toronto is a leading institution in research and education, offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. It is organized into faculties and schools, including the Faculty of Arts and Science, the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering, the Faculty of Medicine, and the Rotman School of Management.

The university is renowned for its research output and is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world. It is a member of the Association of American Universities and the U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities.

Student Life

The University of Toronto has a vibrant student life, with over 1,000 student organizations and clubs. The university's athletic teams, known as the Varsity Blues, compete in the Ontario University Athletics conference.

The university also hosts a variety of cultural and social events throughout the year, including the annual University of Toronto Film Festival and the Hart House Theatre productions.

Notable Alumni

The University of Toronto has produced many distinguished alumni, including:

• Lester B. Pearson, 14th Prime Minister of Canada and Nobel Peace Prize laureate
• Margaret Atwood, acclaimed author and poet
• Frederick Banting, co-discoverer of insulin and Nobel laureate

Related Pages

• List of universities in Canada
• Higher education in Ontario
• Toronto

Airplane in front of University College

WW Tower at the University of Toronto

Convocation Hall

The Old Vic