List of University of Toronto Alumni

The University of Toronto has nurtured some of the brilliant minds who have shaped politics, business, science, and the arts. From Nobel Prize winners to world leaders, its graduates have made lasting global contributions.
The University of Toronto is the #1 in Canada. No student would miss the chance to enrol in this Canadian university if they have plans to study in Canada. Ranked 24th globally in the 2025 QS World University Rankings, U of T offers more than just prestige. There are 679,671 names in the University of Toronto alumni network. The U of T alumni network includes the names of famous leaders like prime ministers and people who have won the Nobel Prize.
For Nearly two centuries, the University of Toronto has been fostering the minds who shaped the world today. This article will be about the top names whose journey began at the University of Toronto and who sat on the student chairs of this esteemed institution. Let’s get started!
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Notable Alumni of University of Toronto
Here, we highlight some of the most notable alumni of the University of Toronto. To make it easier to navigate and more engaging, we’ve organized them into different categories.
Categories |
Notable Alumni of University of Toronto |
---|---|
Politician |
1. Arthur Meighen (9th Prime Minister of Canada) 2. William Lyon Mackenzie King (10th Prime Minister of Canada) 3. Lester B. Pearson (14th Prime Minister of Canada) 4. Paul Martin (21st Prime Minister of Canada) |
Business and Entrepreneurship |
Jim Balsillie (Co-founder and former co-CEO of Research In Motion (RIM) the company behind the BlackBerry smartphone) |
Arts and Culture |
Paul Allen Wood Shaffer (Canadian Singer) |
Science and Technology |
1. Frederick Grant Banting (Won the 1923 Nobel Prize for the discovery of Insulin) 2. Geoffrey Hinton (Known as the “Godfather of AI,” also won the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics) 3. Roberta Lynn Bondar (Canada's First female Astronaut) |
These are some of the University of Toronto’s most notable alumni who have excelled in politics, business, arts, and science. Now, let’s know more about them and their remarkable journeys.
Arthur Meighen (9th Prime Minister of Canada)
Arthur Meighen served as the 9th Prime Minister of Canada, holding office twice, from 1920 to 1921 and briefly in 1926. He was a skilled orator and lawyer who played a key role in policymaking, including wartime conscription. Despite his short terms as Prime Minister, his influence on Canadian politics remained significant. Arthur Meighen earned B.A. degree in mathematics.
William Lyon Mackenzie King (10th Prime Minister of Canada)
After Arthur Meighen, William Lyon Mackenzie King became the 10th Prime Minister of Canada. He is one of the longest-serving leaders. He was the prime minister for three non-consecutive terms from 1921 to 1926, 1926 to 1930, and 1935 to 1948. His leadership and vision significantly influenced the nation's economic and political landscape. He obtained a BA, LLB and MA degree from the University of Toronto.
Lester B. Pearson (14th Prime Minister of Canada)
Lester B. Pearson served as the 14th Prime Minister of Canada and was a key figure in global diplomacy. Lester won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1957 for his role in resolving the Suez Crisis. He is credited with establishing Canada’s universal healthcare system. His leadership left a lasting impact on both Canadian and international affairs. He earned a BA degree from the University of Toronto.
Paul Martin (21st Prime Minister of Canada)
Paul Martin held office as the 21st Prime Minister of Canada from 2003 to 2006. Known for his focus on fiscal responsibility and social programs. He played a key role in introducing the landmark Canada Health Transfer. Martin’s leadership continues to be recognized for his commitment to public service and diplomacy. He obtained a BA and LLB degree from the University of Toronto.
Jim Balsillie (Co-founder and Former Co-CEO of Research In Motion)
Jim Balsillie is the Co-founder and former co-CEO of Research In Motion (RIM), the company behind the BlackBerry smartphone. Under the leadership of Jim, BlackBerry revolutionized mobile communication and became a global brand. He is also known for his contributions to technology and business particularly in the fields of innovation and education. He received a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Trinity College at the University of Toronto.
Frederick Grant Banting (Discovery of Insulin)
Frederick Grant Banting is renowned for his groundbreaking discovery of insulin in 1921, a major medical breakthrough that revolutionized the treatment of diabetes. Banting’s work earned him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1923. His discovery has since saved millions of lives worldwide, making him one of the most distinguished names among the University of Toronto's alumni.
Geoffrey Hinton (Godfather of AI)
Who is the Godfather of AI (Artificial Intelligence)? He is none other than Geoffrey Hinton. His research on neural networks and deep learning has played a crucial role in shaping the future of AI. In 2024, Geoffrey Hinton was honoured with the Nobel Prize in Physics for his foundational discoveries and innovations that advanced machine learning with artificial neural networks.
Roberta Lynn Bondar (Canada's First Female Astronaut)
Roberta Lynn Bondar, Canada’s first female astronaut, is also a distinguished neurologist. In 1992, she flew aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery, conducting scientific experiments. Beyond her mission, She has contributed to medicine, neuroscience, and environmental advocacy. Her work inspires future generations in science and exploration.
That’s all about the topic. We have tried to cover the most influential U of T alumni. If we missed any important names, let us know in the comments below! In case you want to get admission in University of Toronto, don't forget to check the page. Else, you can contact our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors team.
Q: What is the CGPA requirement for Prince Edward Island?
Q: What is the University of Canada West acceptance rate?
As per some unofficial sources, the University of West Canada acceptance rate is 80%, which means out of every 100 applications, around 80 are selected, which makes it fairly easy to get selected into the university.
The university gives preference to students having higher grades or have exceptional academic or research experience. Hence, having higher grades increases your chance of getting selected at University of West Canada.
Here is the list of eligibility requirements to get into Canadian Universities.
Q: How much time is required for an offer letter by St. Clair College, Canada?
International students can apply for St. Clair College admission through the college official portal and submit the required application material before the equal consideration deadline. As application received after the deadline are considered on a first-come, first-serve basis. The admission decision on acceptance to the college can take anywhere between 2-6 weeks. However, there is no special mention about admission decision timeline, it is recommended to reach out to the college for further clarity.
Q: Which one is better for studying in Canada - Humber College or York University?
The answer to this question is very subjective and it depends on students as to in which university or college they want to take admission. Some of the highlights of Humber College and York University are given below:
- Humber College is a lot cheaper than York University
- As far as degrees are concerned, York University is better degree-granting institution. However, some other students may value technical or practical education from Humber College more
- Other factors that should also be considered while deciding the place of studying include location, activities on campus, housing, etc.
- The overall rating of Humber College is 3.9 and that of York University is 4.1 (As per reviews on Shiksha Study Abroad)
Q: How many intakes are there in Saskatchewan of Polytechnic?
Applicants aspiring to get admissions into the Saskatchewan Polytechnic are required to submit their applications before the set deadline of that particular year. Following are the general admission deadlines, however, applicants should check the official website for program-specific application dates.
Entry Term | Deadlines |
---|---|
January Intake | Oct 1, 2024 |
September Intake | May 1, 2024 |
Note: For international applicants with student visas, the application period closes on December 31.
Q: What IELTS score is required at Prince Edward Island University?
International students must meet the Prince Edward Island University IELTS requirements to get admission to UG and PG programs. Applicants whose first language is not English must submit the IELTS score to meet the English language requirements. Mentioned below are the minimum IELTS score required for undergraduate and graduate admissions:
English Language Exam | Arts, Science, Business, Engineering and Bachelor of Education | Nursing, Radiography, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine & Education |
---|---|---|
IELTS (Academic) | Overall score of 6.5 with no band below 6 | Overall score of 7 with 7 in writing and speaking; 6.5 in reading and listening |
English Language Exam | Regular Offer (All Programs Except Those Noted In Next Column) | Regular Offer (Nursing, Education, Doctor Of Philosophy, Doctor Of Applied Health) |
---|---|---|
IELTS (Academic) | 7 in writing and no band lower than 6.5 | 7 in writing and speaking; 6.5 in reading and listening |
Q: How much does it cost to study Nursing at Prince Edward Island University?
Prince Edward Island University Nursing cost is INR 7 L for Masters and INR 9 L for bachelor's degree. Mentioned below is the complete first-year cost to study Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing:
Fees components | Amount (for 1 year) |
---|---|
Tuition & fees | INR 8,66,289 |
Hostel & Meals | INR 6,74,630 |
Total approximate fees | INR 15,40,919 |
Q: What is the cheapest university in Canada for International students, Bow Valley or Northern Alberta Institute of Technology?
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology and Bow Valley College are popular colleges to study in Canada for International students. They both offers quality education at an affordble fee. Bow Valley is cheaper than the NAIT in terms of tuition fees. Mentioned below is the comparision between them in terms of tuition fees:
Colleges | First Year Tuition Fees Range |
---|---|
Bow Valley College | INR 3 L and INR 20 L |
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology | INR 12 L and INR 16 L |

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International students must meet the general undergraduate admission requirements to study at Prince Edward Island. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 1.7 in the major subject requirements for Prince Edward Island University admission.
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