Student enrolment continues to be a concern for U of T. While domestic enrolment is rising, a decline in international students is putting additional pressure on the university’s budget, according to the first Planning and Budget Committee meeting of the year. 

The meeting also provided updates on the university’s construction projects, including the long-awaited renovation of the MacMillan Theatre, and highlighted efforts to make the campus “AI-Ready.”

Student enrolment

This year, approximately 100,000 students are enrolled at U of T, including 17,000 new undergraduates and 8,000 new graduate students. 

Although total enrolment is close to targets, the composition of students has changed significantly. For at least 15 years until 2024, U of T had been seeing a steady increase in international student enrolment, while domestic enrollment remained largely frozen due to government funding limits. This trend has now reversed. 

Domestic enrolment is eight per cent above the target of 49,915 students this year. While this increases domestic tuition revenue, it does not necessarily benefit the university’s budget. U of T receives an operating grant from the government for domestic students, but the university is nearly 1,000 students above the threshold for which the government provides funding. 

At the same time, international enrolment is declining. International undergraduate enrolment is 19 per cent below target, with five to six per cent fewer international students than the previous year. Declining applications from Chinese and Indian students are a major factor in this reduction.

This follows a continuing trend from last year, when the share of international student enrolment fell by 0.7 per cent compared to the 2023–2024 academic year, even though the total number of international students increased slightly. 

Interest in U of T’s programs is also shifting. Enrolment in computer science has declined for the second consecutive year, while business and commerce remain popular. UTSC’s Life Sciences program has seen increased interest, possibly due to targeted recruitment efforts.

Overall, these changes in enrolment are negatively affecting U of T’s budget, which is facing a $50–$60 million shortfall from its projected $3.62 billion in revenue. While contingencies will help the university function for now, U of T plans to recalibrate enrolment targets and revenue projections to account for declining international student demand.

AI-ready campus

In 2024, U of T introduced the AI Task Force to ensure the responsible integration of AI across the university. The task force’s report was compiled following consultations, town halls, focus groups, and an employee survey. 

At the meeting, U of T highlighted several AI literacy initiatives already in place. Educational modules available on Quercus received more than 1,800 unique visits and 520 downloads. The university has also provided community members with secure access to AI tools, such as Microsoft Copilot, and has launched pilot projects with virtual tutors. 

U of T is also introducing AI Kitchens, a secure, multi-model virtual environment equipped with AI tools and data access, designed to support the testing and implementation of advanced AI projects with technical and process support from the university.

U of T project planning

The university has several upcoming building projects. A particularly significant undertaking is the Temerty West Wing Building, which will replace the west wing of the Medical Science Building. The investment in this project quadruples any previous construction investment made by U of T. 

The university also shared updates on a planned building at 90 Queen’s Park Crescent, which will be named the Center for Cultures and Civilizations and will house the School of Cities and other spaces. 

The building was initially approved at a total cost of $165 million, but costs rose substantially to over $250 million due to COVID-19, supply chain pressures, and construction costs. Toronto’s high demand for construction — the city consistently has the most construction cranes in North America, contributing to higher prices. As a result, the university has decided to scale back the project and construct a similar building.

MacMillan Theatre

The MacMillan Theatre is a key performance venue with 815 seats and a history of hosting over 600 shows annually. The theatre has been closed since December 2023 due to maintenance and safety concerns and is currently undergoing renovation. 

Once complete, the theatre will serve a dual purpose: it can function as a classroom space during weekday mornings and as a performance venue at other times. 

Current building plans include the replacement of equipment, the fire curtain, and rigging systems used for hoisting equipment. These upgrades aim to improve operational efficiency and safety, helping to prolong the building’s lifespan.

The MacMillan Theatre is scheduled to reopen in September 2026.