University (Credentials)

Note: This chart offers some common pathways to the goal, but is not exhaustive. Other pathways may be possible.

University Programs

Ontario's public universities offer undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees, co-op programs and professional programs. For a full catalogue of courses and programs for universities in the Toronto and York Region area please consult the website of each of the following universities:

Admission Standards:
Each university sets its own admission standards. These vary on type of degree, program and the personal situation of the applicant (e.g. enrolling as a mature student is different than enrolling as a recent high school graduate). Please consult the admission section of the university website for further details on minimum admission requirements.

Minimum Requirements:
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and six 4U or 4M courses, including ENG4U, all faculty- or program-specific prerequisites. Check with specific faculty or program for additional requirements.

Mature Student Applicant Status:
Mature students (21 years of age or older) who do not meet the minimum requirements may be considered for admission if they have been out of school for more than two years and can demonstrate academic potential and an ability to cope with the program demands. These individuals must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or sponsored by a Canadian government agency. Mature students may be able to demonstrate readiness for university study via their life and work experience. Note: Faculty-specific requirements must still be met and meeting mature student criteria does not guarantee entry to a program (each applicant is reviewed on an individual basis).

English Language Proficiency Requirements:
Applicants from a country where English is not the first language or who are newcomers to Canada are typically required to present proof of English proficiency at a satisfactory level for university studies. Universities may administer their own test of English proficiency and/or accept a certain level attained in the following standardized English proficiency tests: TOEFL, IELTS, MELAB and CAEL. Please check with the university for English proficiency requirements.

Application Process:
To apply to first-year undergraduate programs, applicants must do so through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) and submit a digital application. The OUAC is a not-for-profit centralized application service operated by the Council of Ontario Universities (COU) to facilitate the process of applying bachelor's degree programs and to advanced standing in these programs. As stated in the above section, each school is completely autonomous in reaching its own admission decisions.

OUAC application forms available on the OUAC site as per applicant and program: The OUAC 105D application pertains to individuals who: The OUAC 105F pertains to International application who:

Every applicant must submit transcripts and/or credential assessment reports as specified by the OUAC.

For more information on the application process, required documentation, fees, and deadlines OR to apply to Ontario universities, click here.