With a wide variety of programs (ten of them leading to degrees awarded conjointly with the University of Toronto), hundreds of courses, an ecumenical environment, interdisciplinary opportunities and a location in the midst of a vibrant, multicultural city, the Toronto School of Theology (TST) is a great choice for theological studies.
Reasons to Study at TST
Large Size and Diversity
TST and its member colleges make up one of the largest ecumenical centres for theological education in the English-speaking world. The seven member schools and the over 900 students enrolled within TST represent dozens of denominations and diverse theological and cultural traditions, creating unusually rich opportunities for theological conversation. On our doorstep is the University of Toronto, a world-renowned university of over 80,000 undergraduate and graduate students.
Fellowship
Although TST students are part of a sizable school within a very large university, you will find a smaller, more personal and very welcoming community within your TST "home college" providing not only fellowship, but also worship services and other opportunities for spiritual growth, academic counsel, internships and field placements.
Programs for Different Purposes
TST offers programs and courses for a wide variety of educational purposes. There are over a dozen professional and academic degree programs, and some colleges offer diploma programs as well. Over 400 courses are offered per year.
Quality Assurance
The excellence of our programs is carefully monitored and assured by external organizations. TST's member schools are members of the Association for Theological Schools, which accredits theological schools across North America. Representatives of the University of Toronto participate on TST's Board of Trustees, academic councils and faculty appointments committees. TST’s conjoint degree programs are administered within the accountability structures of the University of Toronto's Quality Assurance Process, which is consistent with the Quality Assurance Framework of the Ontario Universities Council on Quality Assurance.
Excellent Library Resources
TST students in conjoint degree programs have privileges in the University of Toronto Libraries – one of the top academic research library systems in North America.
University Context
TST's affiliation with the University of Toronto affords most students registered in conjoint programs access to a variety of services and resources, including a student bookstore, a student union, athletic centres, student housing, food services and coffee bars, a student newspaper and numerous campus organizations. (NOTE: Access to services varies by degree program, and in some cases by college; please contact your college of application for detailed information.)
Prestigious Degrees
Ten of TST's degrees carry the international recognition and prestige of being conferred conjointly by the University of Toronto, which is ranked among the world's top universities.
Cosmopolitan Environment
TST is located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada's largest city, and one of the world’s most diverse, multicultural and vibrant municipalities. For students in professional programs, the result is an enormous variety of potential placements in ministry.
Affordable Tuition and Financial Aid
The cost of tuition at TST is affordable in comparison to American theological schools, and in comparison to Canadian theological schools that do not have a university connection. TST member colleges can provide financial support for many students studying at both the basic and graduate degree levels.
