- Samantha De Gregorio
The city of Toronto has been ranked one of the world’s top cities for students in the latest QS Best Student Cities ranking.
Receiving praise from surveyed students for the diversity of its people and the wide range of activities it has to offer, Toronto emerged as the top-ranked Canadian city in the ranking, second in North America and 11th worldwide.
The ranking considered indicators across six categories: university rankings, student mix, desirability, employer activity, affordability and student voice.
Ranked as the 12th best computer science department globally according to QS Top University Rankings, the Department of Computer Science at the University of Toronto is a driver of innovation and curiosity-driven research, with deep connections to Toronto’s research institutions and fast-growing tech sector.
For many of the Department of Computer Science’s Master of Science in Applied Computing (MScAC) students, Toronto’s inclusion in this esteemed list comes as no surprise.
MScAC student Barry Xue isn’t surprised by Toronto’s high ranking. “This city offers a rich tapestry of educational opportunities, cultural diversity and a booming tech ecosystem – making it an attractive place to be for all students,” he says.
After completing his undergraduate studies in data science at the University of California, San Diego, Xue decided to leave California to pursue his graduate studies in Toronto. Among the reasons for his move, he cites U of T’s longstanding excellence in artificial intelligence research, Toronto’s booming tech sector that seeks applied research-oriented students, and the fact that Toronto is a welcoming city for skilled foreign students.
Fellow international student Maria Alejandra Escalante echoed similar thoughts on North America’s 5th largest tech hub, which led her to join the MScAC program following her bachelor’s degree in electronics engineering and software & computer engineering at Universidad de Los Andes in Colombia.
“Toronto is filled to the brim with tech companies looking for the best talent – this city is a magnet attracting the best professionals from all over the world. Both here on campus at the University of Toronto and right on the streets of Toronto, I have found myself networking with a lot of talented people who are looking to make innovative discoveries in the tech sector and positive impacts in society.”
Beyond Toronto’s wide recognition as a large — and growing — tech hub, it is also one of the world’s most diverse cities, with over half of its population born outside of Canada.
This year’s MScAC student cohort is made up of many students who have made Toronto their home.
“Toronto is a very friendly place to live,” says Yasamin Nouri Jelyani. “For students who want to learn, gain real-world industry experience, make friends, experience different cultures and explore, it is a great place to be. I could not call a better place my home.”
This diverse and talented cohort is immersed in all the city has to offer its students.
Gautam Chettiar is one of many students in the program to organize social events for the cohort.
“As a cohort, we’ve ventured out into the city many times,” he says. “We’ve organized and celebrated Diwali and Lunar New Year celebrations together, we’ve skated at Nathan Phillips Square, and we’ve most recently visited King’s College Circle to have a picnic and play some outdoor games.”
Toronto’s recent recognition among the top 20 most student-friendly cities underscores its status as a dynamic hub for education, innovation, and cultural diversity. With its world-class universities, thriving tech sector, and welcoming atmosphere, Toronto continues to attract top-tier talent from around the globe, cementing its reputation as a premier destination for students.
