To get into Sheridan College, applicants must present an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or an approved equivalent. Admission to standard degree programs requires six Grade 12 University (U) or Mixed (M) level courses, including Grade 12 English (ENG4U), while maintaining a minimum academic average of 65%. Domestic applicants apply through the ontariocolleges.ca portal, whereas international candidates utilize the institution’s proprietary portal.
Successfully navigating the admissions process demands a strategic understanding of credential evaluations, supplementary portfolio requirements, and language proficiency thresholds. This report details the specific admission criteria, prerequisite structures, and pathways for domestic, international, mature, and transfer students seeking entry into this competitive institution.
About Sheridan College
Sheridan College is a premier polytechnic institute in Ontario that emphasizes experiential learning, applied research, and direct industry integration. The institution spans three primary campuses across the Greater Toronto Area: the Trafalgar Campus in Oakville, the Davis Campus in Brampton, and the Hazel McCallion Campus in Mississauga.
Internationally recognized for its strong creative and technology programs, Sheridan’s flagship offerings attract highly competitive applicant pools. Programs such as the Honours Bachelor of Animation and the Honours Bachelor of Game Design are globally renowned and require rigorous academic foundations and exceptional artistic portfolios. The college also offers deeply integrated, high-demand programs in Practical Nursing, Computer Systems Technology (Software Engineering), and Business Administration. As a vital conduit between secondary education and the professional sector, the institution offers certificates, diplomas, and advanced degrees across more than 100 specialized fields of study.
Sheridan College Admission Requirements at a Glance
Entry requirements depend on the credential level the applicant is pursuing. Degrees require strict pre-university academic preparation, whereas diplomas and certificates accommodate a broader range of secondary school coursework.
| Requirement Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Credential (Degrees) | Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, featuring six Grade 12 U/M courses. Must explicitly include Grade 12 English (ENG4U). A minimum 65% overall average is the baseline standard. |
| Base Credential (Diplomas) | OSSD or equivalent. Must include Grade 12 English (C/U level) and frequently mandates Grade 11 or 12 Mathematics (C/U level) depending on the discipline. |
| Language Proficiency | Mandatory for all applicants whose primary language is not English. Accepted evaluations include IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, and Duolingo. Completion of Sheridan’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program is an acceptable alternative. |
| Credential Evaluation | Domestic applicants presenting international academic histories must undergo credential assessment via ICAS or WES. |
| Supplementary Criteria | Oversubscribed or specialized programs mandate additional assessments, including extensive art portfolios, pre-admission mathematics/science testing (e.g., OCMA), or stringent clinical prerequisites like immunizations and police checks. |
How to Apply to Sheridan College (Step by Step)
The application process varies significantly based on an applicant’s residency status and prior educational history. The following formalized process dictates how candidates must proceed.
- Determine program eligibility and requirements. Review the requirements for each program and confirm all prerequisite courses. Applicants who are unsure about their academic or career direction can use Sheridan’s Career Advising Workshops or online Idea Generator to connect their secondary education with suitable career pathways.
- Select and access the appropriate application portal. Domestic applicants who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents apply through ontariocolleges.ca and may select up to three Sheridan programs on one application, subject to standard administrative fees. International applicants must apply through Sheridan’s dedicated International Application Portal, which uses multifactor authentication and supports direct document uploads and offer management. Current students or recent graduates enrolled in Fall 2021 or later who are applying to a new program apply internally through the myStudentCentre dashboard.
- Submit transcripts and credential assessments. Domestic students currently attending Ontario high schools generally have their transcripts forwarded automatically through their guidance offices. Domestic applicants with international credentials must obtain comprehensive or general assessment reports from ICAS or WES and have them sent directly to the centralized application portal. International applicants must upload notarized and translated transcripts directly through Sheridan’s institutional portal.
- Complete all supplementary program requirements. After the initial application is processed, applicants to specialized programs receive access to the Sheridan Application Portal, where they can pay portfolio assessment fees, upload artistic submissions, or schedule required pre-admission testing.
- Monitor your application status and confirm your offer. Regularly check the “Admissions” tab in your applicant portal for updates. If you receive an offer of admission, accept it by the stated deadline and pay the required tuition deposit to secure your seat.
Admission Pathways
The institution facilitates several distinct admission pathways, each engineered to accommodate the varied academic backgrounds and geographic origins of prospective students.
(a) Ontario Domestic Students
The primary entry route for local candidates relies on the standard Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). The admissions committee evaluates eligibility based strictly on diploma completion and the completion of mandatory prerequisite courses. For those pursuing bachelor’s degrees, the academic average calculation is derived from the applicant’s highest six senior-level (Grade 12 U or M) credits. This calculation must invariably include ENG4U and any discipline-specific requirements, such as mathematics or the sciences. Conversely, diploma and certificate programs have broader entry requirements, generally requiring English at either the College (C) or University (U) level, and calculate averages across a wider range of senior secondary coursework.
(b) International Students
International applicants represent a crucial and rapidly expanding demographic. Assessing this cohort involves calibrating foreign secondary credentials against the rigorous standards of the Ontario educational framework. A critical logistical component for these applicants is securing a study permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), a bureaucratic process that now requires a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL). This regulatory layer significantly extends the required lead time for international applications.
Furthermore, non-native English speakers must unequivocally demonstrate language proficiency. The institution applies tiered thresholds based on the credential’s complexity. Entry into diploma programs necessitates an IELTS Academic score of 6.0 (no band below 5.5), a TOEFL iBT score of 80, or a Duolingo score of 105. Degree program admissions require stronger language skills, with an IELTS score of 6.5, a TOEFL iBT score of 88, or a Duolingo score of 115. Alternatively, international candidates can complete the institution’s proprietary English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program at Level 5.
(c) Mature Students
The admissions framework defines a “mature student” as any individual aged 19 or older who does not currently possess an OSSD or an approved equivalent. This classification provides a vital mechanism for adult learners re-entering the education system. Mature applicants seeking diplomas or certificates who lack specific course prerequisites are routinely directed to complete pre-admission testing in mathematics (such as the OCMA examination) or English to demonstrate competency.
However, a definitive structural barrier exists regarding degree programs: mature students are universally prohibited from direct entry into any Sheridan degree program. To circumvent this restriction, adult learners must either formally complete the OSSD or successfully finish a minimum of two semesters of recognized post-secondary education.
(d) Transfer Students
Candidates with prior post-secondary experience can use transfer pathways to accelerate their academic progress. The institution evaluates transfer credits and block transfer credits from recognized post-secondary institutions. Notably, certain programs are designed specifically for this demographic. The Honours Bachelor of Business Administration (Accounting) program, for example, functions exclusively as a Degree Completion pathway. Admission to this advanced tier requires applicants to hold a two-year or three-year Ontario business diploma and maintain a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher.
Similarly, registered practical nurses seeking advanced qualifications can apply to the Practical Nursing Bridging Program to transition into the Honours BScN degree. This highly competitive pathway requires an Ontario College Practical Nursing diploma with a minimum GPA of 3.3 (75%) and an active, unrestricted license with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO).
(e) Out-of-Province Canadian Students
Out-of-province domestic applicants are structurally assessed based on their home province’s direct equivalent to the OSSD. This equivalency mapping ensures that a high school diploma from British Columbia, Alberta, or Nova Scotia is accurately translated into Ontario grading standards. Out-of-province candidates apply through the standard centralized portal as domestic candidates. They must ensure their secondary transcripts clearly demonstrate the equivalent of Grade 12 U/M courses to qualify for degree admissions.
Program-Specific Requirements & Prerequisites
Certain highly technical or creative disciplines require precise academic preparation and detailed supplementary evaluations to ensure candidates have the aptitude for intensive coursework.
| Program | Prerequisite Courses | Approx. Competitive Average Range | Supplementary? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honours Bachelor of Animation | ENG4U; one Grade 11/12 Visual Arts or Comm Tech (TGJ/TGG) or post-secondary art credit; four other U/M credits. | Minimum 65% (Grades + Portfolio dictate final entry) | Yes: Mandatory art/animation portfolio assessment (requires submission fee). |
| Honours Bachelor of Game Design | ENG4U; any Grade 12 Math (U level); four other U/M credits. | Minimum 65% overall | No. |
| Practical Nursing (Diploma) | Grade 12 English (C/U); Grade 12 Math (C/U, minimum 70%); Grade 11 Biology (C/U); Grade 11/12 Chemistry. | Highly competitive; grades strictly ranked against applicant pool. | Yes: Clinical placements mandate VSS, immunizations, and COVID-19 vaccination. |
| Computer Systems Technician (Software Engineering) | Grade 12 English (C/U); Grade 11/12 Math (C/U/M). Note: MAP4C explicitly requires a minimum of 70%. | Competitive baseline. | No: Pre-admission testing (OCMA) required only if the math prerequisite is missing. |
For applicants who do not meet direct-entry parameters for technology or art programs, the institution offers foundational stepping-stone certificates. Programs such as Art Fundamentals, Media Fundamentals, or Technology Fundamentals (which includes foundational training in chemistry, engineering, and IT) allow students to systematically build required skills and raise their academic standing to the mandatory 65% threshold for subsequent degree admission.
Admission Averages & Competitiveness
The institution uses a dual-model admission system, separating programs into open enrollment and highly competitive (oversubscribed) categories. For standard degree programs, the academic baseline strictly dictates a minimum 65% average, calculated dynamically from the applicant’s top six Grade 12 U or M courses. However, this baseline only establishes preliminary eligibility; it does not guarantee admission.
The underlying trend in highly sought-after programs, particularly the Bachelor of Animation, reveals a heavy reliance on supplementary assessments over raw academic inflation. An applicant’s final standing is determined by a heavily weighted algorithm combining their secondary school average with the score generated by the portfolio evaluation. This indicates that exceptional artistic proficiency can offset moderate academic performance, provided the 65% baseline is met. Conversely, in health sciences such as nursing degrees and bridging programs, a strict, descending GPA hierarchy applies because of the hard cap on available clinical placement seats. Applicants to the BScN bridging program are ranked entirely by cumulative GPA, with 3.3 (75%) as the absolute lowest threshold for consideration.
Application Timeline Structure
Understanding the annual admissions cycle is critical for prospective candidates. The cycle operates on a standardized, predictable rhythm. Early offers of admission for the primary Fall semester intake typically commence issuing on November 1st for standard, open-enrollment programs.
Programs with supplementary requirements—such as those needing extensive portfolios, creative auditions, or verification of clinical prerequisites—follow an intentionally delayed timeline. Offers for these specialized, oversubscribed tracks generally begin issuing later in the annual cycle, most commonly starting in March. This delay gives admissions committees and faculty the administrative runway to grade artistic submissions and process pre-admission test results. For programs offering alternative Winter or Spring intakes, the admissions process operates on a continuous, rolling basis until capacity is reached. Verify all specific calendar dates independently through the official application portals.
How Canadian Virtual School Can Help Applicants Qualify
For many prospective students, the absence of a specific prerequisite course or an academic average falling slightly below a competitive threshold presents a formidable barrier to entry. Canadian Virtual School provides a formal, effective way for students to address these academic gaps. As an Ontario Ministry of Education–inspected private online high school (BSID #882250), the institution offers fully recognized, equivalent OSSD credits.
Applicants missing mandatory foundational courses, such as Grade 12 English (ENG4U) or specialized mathematics requirements like Advanced Functions (MHF4U), can browse available courses and enroll to meet outstanding degree prerequisites quickly. Furthermore, students whose current admission averages are suppressed by earlier academic performance can strategically upgrade a course by retaking it in a flexible online environment to improve their overall six-course calculation.
For mature applicants, the platform offers a critical workaround. Because direct entry into degree programs is strictly barred for individuals without an OSSD, adult learners can use the straightforward registration process to complete missing secondary credits, earn their diploma, and bypass this institutional restriction. International students can also use this infrastructure to earn recognized Ontario credits directly from their home countries, standardizing their transcripts and simplifying credential evaluations. Applicants seeking to explore their options further are encouraged to contact us for tailored academic guidance. For families researching regional options, exploring the Top Public and Private Schools in Oakville provides additional context on the local educational ecosystem.
Student Experiences
Success Stories
Frequently Asked Questions
What average do you need to get into Sheridan College?
Applicants typically require a minimum overall academic average of 65%, calculated from their top six Grade 12 U or M courses, to establish baseline eligibility for most bachelor’s degree programs. However, highly competitive and oversubscribed programs, such as Animation or Practical Nursing, often require academic averages well above this baseline. These programs also frequently factor in supplementary portfolio scores or enforce strict GPA ranking hierarchies to determine final admission.
What are the English requirements?
Applicants whose primary language is not English must provide official standardized test scores. Standard diploma programs generally require an IELTS Academic score of 6.0, a TOEFL iBT score of 80 (or 4), or a Duolingo score of 105. Advanced degree programs require a higher proficiency threshold: IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 88 (or 4.5), or Duolingo 115. The successful completion of the institutional EAP program at Level 5 is also a recognized alternative.
How do international students apply?
International candidates cannot use the standard provincial application portal (ontariocolleges.ca). Instead, they must create a dedicated account and submit their applications directly through the Sheridan International Application Portal. This proprietary system lets applicants upload notarized, translated academic transcripts, submit verified proof of language proficiency, and manage their subsequent offers of admission.
Can an applicant upgrade a course to get into Sheridan College?
Yes, academic upgrading is a standard, structurally supported, and highly encouraged practice. Applicants lacking the required mathematics, science, or English prerequisites can complete equivalent coursework through adult learning centers, foundational college bridging programs (such as Technology Fundamentals), or Ministry-inspected online institutions like Canadian Virtual School.
Does Sheridan College accept online high school credits?
Yes, the institution fully and unconditionally recognizes online high school credits, provided they are issued directly by an Ontario Ministry of Education–inspected institution that is legally capable of granting valid OSSD credits, such as Canadian Virtual School.
How are portfolios assessed?
For specialized creative degrees, such as the Bachelor of Animation, eligible candidates receive highly specific technical instructions via the applicant portal detailing how to submit their art portfolio. A mandatory fee covers this assessment. A weighted algorithm generates the final admission decision, heavily weighting the artistic merit and technical proficiency demonstrated in the portfolio alongside the applicant’s raw academic grades.
What are the requirements for a mature student?
A mature student is formally defined as an individual 19 years of age or older who does not possess an OSSD. These candidates can apply for certificates and diplomas by successfully completing pre-admission testing in fundamental mathematics or English. However, mature students are strictly prohibited from entering degree programs directly; they must first formally complete their OSSD or acquire substantial, recognized post-secondary experience.
Conclusion
Securing admission requires meticulous logistical planning and a rigorous attention to credential evaluations, language proficiency standards, and strict prerequisite fulfillment. Whether an applicant is an Ontario domestic student with a standard OSSD, an international candidate navigating IRCC study permits and English assessments, or a mature learner seeking an alternative entry route, understanding the structural parameters of these pathways is paramount to securing enrollment. Candidates with academic gaps or missing required courses must proactively use available upgrading resources, such as recognized online secondary schools, to keep their applications viable and competitive in an increasingly demanding educational landscape.
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