Founded in 1827, the University of Toronto has led the charge in ground-breaking science—here, scientists discovered insulin—and counts five Canadian prime ministers, the actor Donald Sutherland, and The Handmaid’s Tale author, Margaret Atwood, among its notable alumni. Considered one of the best places to live in the world, Toronto is a wonderfully dynamic, diverse city that celebrates arts and culture, and its citizens extend a truly Canadian welcome.
University of Toronto English Language Standalone Program









About the Program
Program Advisor

At a Glance
Stay Healthy & Safe While You Study Abroad
Hiraga Seisuzuna
After passing my exams, I went to a short trip to Toronto Island organized by my teacher and went to Wonderland, which is famous for the scariest roller coaster in the world.
University of Toronto SAF Alumni

About the University
University of Toronto
Founded in 1827, the University of Toronto has led the charge in ground-breaking science—here, scientists discovered insulin—and counts five Canadian prime ministers, the actor Donald Sutherland, and The Handmaid’s Tale author, Margaret Atwood, among its notable alumni.
Considered one of the best places to live in the world, Toronto is a wonderfully dynamic, diverse city that celebrates arts, culture, and tolerance. Its citizens extend a truly Canadian welcome to the 23,000 international students who make up an important part of the cosmopolitan, multicultural community each year.
Learn more at University of Toronto's official website.
Academics

The University of Toronto's Academic Approach
Canada’s top university and one of the best universities in the world, the University of Toronto has an impressive academic reputation, abundant cultural opportunities, and an enviable location.
The Toronto language program is celebrated for its excellence, with high-caliber teachers giving you’re the tools for linguistic success. Every night, the language center hosts a free social cultural event: think cooking classes and board game nights to bowling. You can also join paid excursions around Toronto and Canada, such as attending hockey games and visiting national parks.
Courses
The English language program has an official student lounge and computer lab facility, classrooms have modern academic technology, and courses strengthen your skills in the four main components of language—reading, writing, listening and speaking.
- Improve academic listening and reading skills and strategies
- Get to know the academic culture of a Western university
- Produce complex and well-developed writing
- Interact in an academic setting with confidence
- Improve communication skills in writing and speaking
Registration occurs before you arrive on campus.
Classroom Hours
The SAF program fee tuition rate covers 22 hours of language instruction per week.
Elective Courses
You will be signed up for a combination of Academic English (12 weeks) and English for Effective Communication (4 weeks) courses. You can switch between these courses at no additional cost.
You may also request English for Business Communication, an elective course that would suit you if you want to work internationally. This elective is a four-week course exploring communication in an English-business setting. The specific content changes each month, so you can take this course up to three times and still learn new material each time. Some common topics of this course are:
- Understanding Western business communication styles
- Email etiquette and expectations
- When to use professional or personal speech
- Making business requests orally and in writing
- Listening, creating, and responding to voicemails
You will only be initially enrolled for this course upon request, but you may also independently switch to this course upon arrival.
Get To Know Our Application Process
From academics to visa requirements, our structured process helps you choose the right program and university for your goals. Complete a strong application, and prepare for success abroad.
Personalize Your Study Abroad Plan With Your SAF Counselor
Each student has unique academic goals for a study abroad experience. As you think about studying abroad, your SAF Counselor will help you plan for success and support you every step of the way.
Application Requirements
The requirements outlined in this section include the language proficiency scores you may need to demonstrate your language skills, a guide to the GPA range and other academic prerequisites required by your host university, and a list of documentation and other application materials you will need to finalize your application. You may need to supply additional information throughout the process, and you will be alerted through your emails and SAF Student Portal if this is the case for you.
There are no requirements to join this program. A language test when you arrive determines your skill level. No prior test is necessary to participate.
Learn More About Language Requirements
Program Dates
When studying abroad, you will want to consider the time of year and how long you are away. Most programs follow the host university's academic calendar.
The dates shown below are general estimates, and as you get closer to the start of the term, you will get more detailed information from SAF. If you have any questions, your Student Counsellor and Program Specialist are always here to support you and point you to the correct information.
Fall 2022
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Fall 2022 + Winter 2023
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Fall 2022 + Winter 2022 + Spring 2023
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Spring 2023 + Summer 2023
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Spring 2023 + Summer 2023 + Fall 2023
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Spring 2023 + Summer 2023 + Fall 2023 + Winter 2024
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Housing Information

Homestay
The SAF program fee covers a cozy single room in a friendly homestay with a Canadian family both while school is in and during the break, too, if you are continuing. You share breakfast and dinner with your adopted family during the week, which you can upgrade to include more meals if you want. The SAF program fee does not include early arrival housing.
About Toronto

Why Toronto
A city of ground-breaking science—insulin was discovered here—and home to five Canadian prime ministers and The Handmaid’s Tale author, Margaret Atwood, Toronto is a vibrant, dynamic place. Considered one of the best places to live in the world, it has a strong culture and arts scene as well as a fearsome reputation for hockey and football.
The Student Experience

Studying English in Toronto at the University of Toronto
Toronto is a great place for studying abroad and improving your English, take a look at some reasons why!
Orientation
Advising and Support
The process of studying abroad could quickly feel overwhelming, but we have been doing this for decades and do everything we can to support you through it.
Many SAF staff are alumni and have walked this path. They have real-life experience to draw on as they advise and support you through every step of our comprehensive services. They’re in your corner, taking care of all the details and explaining what you need to do next.
Take the first step in your study abroad journey by scheduling a consultation with your closest Student Counselor. You can discuss your for-credit academic courses and language programs and explore internships, research programs, and study tours. When you know what you want to do, we guide you through the pre-program steps, help you arrange your visa and transport, and finalize your accommodation or digital experience.
Get To Know Our Application Process
From academics to visa requirements, our structured process helps you choose the right program and university for your goals. Complete a strong application, and prepare for success abroad.
Personalize Your Study Abroad Plan With Your SAF Counselor
Each student has unique academic goals for a study abroad experience. As you think about studying abroad, your SAF Counselor will help you plan for success and support you every step of the way.
Commonly Asked Questions About Studying Abroad
Student Blogs

Studying English in Toronto at the University of Toronto
Toronto is a great place for studying abroad and improving your English, take a look at some reasons why!

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Why Travel With SAF?
Studying abroad is an unforgettable experience, one that stays with you in your career, your contacts, your future. It can define you. At any of our prestigious university partners, you can build personalized for-credit programs that can last up to a whole year.
