Toronto recognised among world’s best AI universities

Artificial intelligence, the fastest-growing area of research almost anywhere in the world today, is radically reshaping industries, education, and innovation in the future. Different universities across the world are competing for leadership in AI, as evidenced by the recent Shanghai subject ranking 2025 AI, which underscored the strength of Canada. According to reports, the University of Toronto’s AI ranking was in third place globally and consequently under the category of the world's best AI universities. As noted by commentators, this accomplishment accentuated U of T's leadership in developing artificial intelligence, a recently added field this year to the global ranking. Analysts clarified that the outcome reaffirmed U of T's position as one of the global AI research universities in 2025, reflecting its existing prowess in science and technology.

Observers declared that the ranks represented a long history of research excellence in AI at U of T, including the foundational work by Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Hinton, the 2024 Nobel laureate, often called the "godfather of AI" with his graduate students. Analysts indicated that such recognition confirmed U of T's place as among the best in the world in AI research by 2025. Just in AI, sources note that U of T was ranked fifth in the world in biomedical engineering and sixth in public health, eighth in statistics and ninth in human biological sciences. According to reports, the university was among the top-25 in 21 subjects overall, thus making it among the most widely recognised of institutions in ranking academic subjects globally - AI and beyond.

Also, UofT was named as Canada's top university in 28 subjects, the highest number by any other institution. Commentators explained, however, that these accolades reinforced U of T's position in the global ranking of Canadian universities on AI and other disciplines. President Melanie Woodin reflected that rankings consistently add to highlighting U of T researchers' exceptional work at all three campuses. She suggested that world-leading contributions are made by faculty and students in various fields and underlined the encouraging sight of U of T being recognised in international university rankings in the discipline of artificial intelligence.

Analysts explained that ShanghaiRanking Consultancy's 2025 subject rankings were closely watched as a benchmark for research performance. Nearly 2,000 universities in nearly 100 countries were assessed, judging each subject by nine indicators, including publication output, international collaboration, journal quality and citation impact, and major academic honours. Reports also added that this year launched one more new subject, robotic science and technology, in which the U of T ranked at 31st globally. In the end, U of T was in the top 50 in 31 subjects, a performance equalled by only five other universities worldwide-Harvard, Stanford, National University of Singapore, Tsinghua, and Zhejiang.

When compared to last year, U of T's position improved in 18 subjects, decreased in 24, and remained unchanged in six. Earlier during the year 2025, the university ranked 25th in the ShanghaiRanking overall ranking of universities. For now, U of T continues to stand among the best of the 30 institutions worldwide by QS, Times Higher Education, U.S. News & World Report, ShanghaiRanking, and National Taiwan University. Analysts even maintained that this consistency further supports U of T as one of the top universities in AI research in Canada 2025 and as one of the top-ranked AI universities worldwide.

To prospective students, the recognition also brought prospective admission to the University of Toronto AI or CS Program 2026, study at U of T for research in artificial intelligence, and hunt for the best AI universities for Master's or PhD 2025.

Editor’s Note:

Artificial intelligence has rapidly become a defining field of global research, reshaping economies, education and innovation. The University of Toronto’s recognition in the Shanghai subject ranking 2025 AI is not simply a matter of position; it reflects the institution’s sustained commitment to advancing knowledge in areas that are transforming the future. This achievement builds upon decades of pioneering work, including contributions from Nobel laureate Geoffrey Hinton, and is reinforced by the university’s strong performance across health sciences and other disciplines. Such breadth of excellence demonstrates that Toronto is not only a leader in artificial intelligence but also a comprehensive research institution with wide international influence. The broader significance lies in how these rankings highlight Canada’s competitiveness in the global academic landscape. By consistently excelling across multiple subjects, the University of Toronto strengthens its role as a hub for innovation and positions itself as a destination for scholars seeking world‑class opportunities in artificial intelligence and beyond.

Skoobuzz underscores that the recognition serves as a reminder that long‑term investment in research excellence yields global impact. Toronto’s standing consolidates Canada’s place in the international network of universities and ensures that its leadership in artificial intelligence continues to shape the future of science and society.

FAQs

1.Which university is considered the best for AI in the world?

Several institutions are recognised as leaders in artificial intelligence research. According to global rankings, universities such as MIT, Stanford, Carnegie Mellon, and Oxford consistently appear at the top. However, in the Shanghai subject ranking 2025 AI, the University of Toronto was placed third worldwide, confirming its position among the top AI universities globally.

2.Does the University of Toronto offer artificial intelligence?

Yes. The University of Toronto offers artificial intelligence programmes and courses across its faculties. These include a certificate in AI through the School of Continuing Studies and advanced research opportunities in the Department of Computer Science, covering areas such as machine learning, robotics, natural language processing, and computer vision. U of T is widely regarded as a world leader in AI research.

3.What is the University of Toronto ranked in AI?

In the Shanghai subject ranking 2025 AI, the University of Toronto AI ranking was reported at third place globally, making it one of the top AI research institutions worldwide in 2025. This recognition reflects U of T’s leadership in developing artificial intelligence and its long-standing excellence in science and technology.

4.Is the University of Toronto the best in Canada for AI research?

Yes. The University of Toronto is ranked as the leading Canadian university for AI research. It was named the top university in Canada in 28 subjects overall, including artificial intelligence. Analysts note that U of T’s pioneering work in AI, combined with its strong faculty and research centres, makes it the best university for AI research in Canada in 2025.

5.Who is known as the ‘godfather of AI’ at the University of Toronto?

The title of “godfather of AI” is widely associated with Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Hinton, a long-time researcher at the University of Toronto. Hinton is credited with foundational work in deep learning and neural networks, and he won the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics for his contributions. His legacy continues to shape U of T’s global reputation in artificial intelligence.