University of Toronto Schools

What the school is

A university’s laboratory school, now independent

UTS was established in 1910 as a model school for the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Education. Since 2006 it has operated as an independent non-profit corporation under an affiliation agreement, while remaining on university-owned land. The relationship includes teacher training and research, and access to university libraries and athletic facilities.

Ontario withdrew public funding in 1993, and tuition became part of the school’s funding. UTS began admitting girls in 1973. Its current admissions policy describes a gender-balanced intake and an inclusive process for non-binary and gender non-conforming applicants.

The original Darling and Pearson building on Bloor Street was restored and expanded in a project completed in 2022. The work added facilities including a library and double gymnasium. A visit can help your child understand how the academic, arts and sports spaces are used.

Academics in practice

Ontario qualifications, enrichment and AP courses

Students work towards the Ontario Secondary School Diploma. They can also earn the UTS Diploma by meeting additional academic, community-service and co-curricular requirements. UTS offers Advanced Placement courses and AP Capstone rather than the IB Diploma.

The school describes a ten-course timetable and accelerated science and mathematics in its Foundation and Middle years. This allows students to spread AP study across the senior years.

UTS publishes university destinations, including institutions in Canada and overseas. The list is useful background; ask for the graduating year, cohort size and numbers attending each institution when interpreting it.

Admissions and cost

Eligibility, application dates and fees

Eligible pupils are Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or children living in Toronto with a parent holding a valid Canadian work permit. Every pupil must live full-time in the Greater Toronto Area with a parent or legal guardian throughout their studies. A study permit alone does not meet the listed criteria.

The main intakes are approximately 96 pupils in Grade 7 and 22 in Grade 9. Grades 10 and 11 may each have up to four places; there is no entry to Grades 8 or 12. All applicants take the in-person UTS test. Shortlisted pupils complete interview stations and a collaborative group task.

For September 2027 entry, the published timeline gives a December 1, 2026 application deadline, December 5 test, January 23 interviews and February 26 decisions. Other parts of the admissions page still show the previous cycle, so use the current portal instructions and confirm any conflicting dates.

Published 2026–27 tuition is CAD 40,400, with a CAD 9,500 one-time enrolment fee: CAD 49,900 combined for a new pupil before application fees and extras. Tuition includes student activities, course fees and outdoor-education trips. Textbooks, optional international travel and specialist sports equipment may cost more. These are not confirmed 2027–28 fees.

Bursaries are based on financial need and assessed separately from admission. Families apply through Apple Financial Services and must renew annually. The school reports awards covering 5%–100% of tuition; it also describes full support that can include the enrolment fee. The published deadline for the coming application cycle is January 11, 2027.

The family experience

Compare the school day and available alternatives

Compare UTS with the public-school options available to your family, checking tuition eligibility and admission rules with the relevant board. The decision is whether UTS’s enriched programme, university connections and school environment justify the cost for your child. Avoid assuming that selective admission alone guarantees better teaching or wellbeing.

The Bloor Street location is convenient for some families using the subway. For others, travel from the outer suburbs could substantially extend the school day. Try the journey at the relevant times and ask how homework, activities and transport fit together.