To get into the University of Windsor, domestic Ontario applicants must complete the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with at least six Grade 12 4U/M courses, including Grade 12 English (ENG4U) and mandatory program prerequisites. Admission consideration requires an overall average of at least 70%, though competitive programs such as Nursing, Engineering, and Computer Science typically require averages ranging from 75% to 90%+. All applications are submitted through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC).
This guide outlines everything prospective students need to know to assemble a successful application, including admission averages, program-specific prerequisites, non-academic supplementary profiles, international credential evaluations, and alternative secondary pathways.
About University of Windsor
The University of Windsor is a comprehensive public research university situated along the Detroit River in Windsor, Ontario. Home to approximately 190 undergraduate programs across eight major academic faculties, the university is recognized internationally for its research hubs in automotive engineering, cross-border legal studies, environmental science, and health sciences.
The campus operates across two core sites: the main campus along Sunset Avenue and University Avenue, and a downtown campus that integrates professional faculties, creative arts facilities, and executive education. Flagship undergraduate programs include the Bachelor of Applied Science in Engineering, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, the Bachelor of Commerce at the Odette School of Business, the Bachelor of Computer Science, and the Bachelor of Human Kinetics. Windsor’s close-knit academic community pairs rigorous experiential learning and co-operative education with access to leading North American industry networks.
For students exploring secondary education options in the local region, our review of the [Top Public and Private Schools in Windsor]([INSERT WHEN PUBLISHED]) outlines primary and secondary pathways in the area.
University of Windsor Admission Requirements at a Glance
Meeting standard admission requirements requires satisfying both general university thresholds and faculty-specific prerequisite coursework. The table below summarizes core admission criteria across applicant streams.
| Requirement Area | Institutional Specification | Minimum Standard / Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Secondary Diploma | Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or regional equivalent | 30 secondary school credits |
| Evaluative Course Count | Six (6) senior Grade 12 courses | 4U or 4M designations |
| Core Mandatory Subject | Senior Secondary English | ENG4U (or equivalent) |
| Minimum General Average | Overall admission average across top six 4U/M credits | Minimum 70.0% (higher for competitive programs) |
| Application Portal | Centralized provincial application service | OUAC Undergraduate Application |
| English Language Testing | Required for non-native English speakers without qualifying secondary study | IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, CAEL, or ELIP |
| Supplementary Elements | Mandatory for specialized professional and creative arts programs | Audition, interview, or supplementary profile |
| Distance / Online Credits | Accepted from Ministry-inspected institutions | Recognized equally for admission and average calculation |
How to Apply to the University of Windsor (Step by Step)
Applying to an undergraduate program at the University of Windsor follows a clear, multi-step process administered via the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC).
- Select your academic program. Explore Windsor’s 190 undergraduate degree options, verify all program-specific prerequisite courses such as Advanced Functions, Calculus & Vectors, Chemistry, Biology, and Physics, and determine whether your chosen program requires a supplementary application.
- Create or access your OUAC account. Complete the standard OUAC Undergraduate Application online. Ontario secondary school students, out-of-province applicants, international applicants, and transfer students all submit their applications through this central portal.
- Submit your program choices and pay the application fees. Select the University of Windsor, enter the appropriate program codes, and complete payment through OUAC.
- Activate your UWinsite Student portal account. After your application is processed, the University of Windsor will email your student identification number and login credentials for accessing UWinsite Student.
- Upload the required academic documents. Submit transcripts, interim grades, and English-language proficiency test scores through the portal or via OUAC, as required for your applicant category.
- Complete all supplementary requirements. Applicants to Music, Commercial Aviation Leadership, Year 3 Social Work, or Nursing as an out-of-province or transfer applicant must complete any required portfolio, audition booking, interview, or online profile before the applicable program deadlines.
- Monitor admission decisions and accept your offer. Track your application status through UWinsite Student. If you receive an offer of admission, accept it through OUAC by the response deadline stated in your offer letter.
Admission Pathways
(a) Ontario Domestic Students (OSSD Route)
Ontario secondary school students qualify for Group A admission based on completing the OSSD with at least six Grade 12 4U/M courses, including ENG4U. The university calculates admission averages using your final or mid-term prerequisite subjects plus your highest remaining 4U/M courses. Grades are transmitted automatically to the university by your secondary guidance department via OUAC.
(b) International Students
International candidates are evaluated based on their home country’s secondary educational curriculum. The University of Windsor recognizes:
- International Baccalaureate (IB): Complete IB Diploma with prerequisite subjects presented at the Higher Level (HL) or Standard Level (SL).
- British Patterned System (GCE): General Certificate of Education with a minimum of two or three Advanced Level (A-Level) passes and supporting GCSE/IGCSE subjects.
- American High School Curriculum: High school diploma with strong Grade 12 academic coursework, honours courses, or Advanced Placement (AP) examinations.
- National Curricula: Senior secondary matriculation certificates (such as CBSE/CISCE for Indian applicants) verified through official transcripts.
International applicants whose primary language is not English must satisfy the university’s English language proficiency requirement by presenting valid test scores (such as IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, or CAEL) or by completing the university’s English Language Improvement Program (ELIP). Following acceptance, international applicants must obtain an Ontario Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) to submit their Canadian study permit application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
(c) Mature Students
Applicants who are at least 20 years of age by the start of classes and do not meet regular academic secondary admission requirements can apply under the mature student category. Mature candidate assessments consider employment background, life experience, and secondary academic achievements. Mature applicants must still satisfy individual senior 4U prerequisite subjects for selective faculties such as Engineering, Science, Business, and Nursing before beginning their degree.
(d) Transfer Students
Students applying from accredited Canadian or international colleges and universities are evaluated on their post-secondary academic transcripts. Official transcripts must be sent directly through the OUAC service or from the issuing institution. Windsor conducts transfer credit assessments following the extension of an admission offer to determine which previously completed credits apply toward your degree requirements. Specialized pathway agreements also exist for graduates of Registered Practical Nursing (RPN) diplomas seeking entry into the Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
(e) Out-of-Province Canadian Students
Canadian high school applicants outside Ontario are evaluated under Group B based on the completion of Grade 12 in their home province:
- British Columbia: Secondary graduation diploma with at least four academic Grade 12 subjects, including Grade 12 English.
- Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick, PEI, Newfoundland & Labrador: High school completion with five senior academic Grade 12 subjects equivalent to Ontario 4U requirements.
- Nova Scotia: Completion of Grade 12 matriculation or successful completion of a first year of university study following Junior Matriculation.
- Quebec: Completion of Grade 12 or the first year of a two-year CEGEP academic diploma with a minimum of 12 academic semester courses.
Program-Specific Requirements & Prerequisites
Certain degree programs at the University of Windsor mandate specific Grade 12 math and science courses or non-academic supplementary evaluations. The table below highlights prerequisites and competitive grade ranges for high-interest programs.
| Program | Degree | Required Prerequisite Courses (OSSD) | Approx. Competitive Average Range | Supplementary Requirements? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering | B.A.Sc. | ENG4U, MHF4U, MCV4U, SCH4U, SPH4U | 74%–85%+ | None (Standard Review) |
| Computer Science | B.C.S. | ENG4U, MHF4U (MCV4U strongly recommended) | 75%–86%+ | None (Standard Review) |
| Business Administration (Odette) | B.Comm. / B.B.A. | ENG4U, MHF4U (MCV4U or MDM4U recommended) | 73%–82%+ | None (Standard Review) |
| Nursing | B.Sc.N. | ENG4U, SBI4U, SCH4U, one 4U mathematics course | 80%–90%+ | Mandatory profile for transfer/out-of-province applicants |
| Human Kinetics (Kinesiology) | B.H.K. | ENG4U, SBI4U (MHF4U recommended) | 75%–83%+ | None (Standard Review) |
| Biological Sciences | B.Sc. | ENG4U, MHF4U, SCH4U, SBI4U | 72%–80%+ | None (Standard Review) |
| Commercial Aviation Leadership | B.A. / B.Comm. | ENG4U, MHF4U (MCV4U or SPH4U recommended) | 70%–80%+ | Supplementary form & interview |
| Music | B.Mus. / Conc. B.Ed. | ENG4U | 70%–78%+ | Audition and interview |
| Social Work (Year 3 Entry) | B.S.W. | Post-secondary foundation coursework | Competitive | Online supplementary form |
Admission Averages & Competitiveness
The University of Windsor calculates an applicant’s composite admission average using their top six Grade 12 4U/M courses, which must include all designated program prerequisites and ENG4U.
While the general institutional baseline is set at 70%, admission competitiveness varies substantially by program demand:
- High-Demand Professional Programs: Faculties such as Nursing and specialized Engineering streams regularly see competitive thresholds rise above 80% to 85%+ due to clinical and laboratory enrollment limits.
- Standard-Entry Programs: Liberal arts, social sciences, and general science streams typically admit qualified candidates presenting averages in the low-to-mid 70s.
- Repeated Courses and Upgrades: When calculating admission averages, the admissions committee evaluates the highest grade achieved in a prerequisite course, making upgrading a viable strategy to boost your overall standing.
Application Timeline Structure
- Early Autumn: The OUAC application portal opens for the subsequent academic year. Applicants can begin submitting program selections and receiving their UWinsite Student portal login details.
- Early Winter (December): Supplementary application deadlines close for specialized fall programs, such as Year 3 Social Work.
- Mid-Winter (January): The equal consideration deadline passes for current Ontario secondary school applicants applying for fall enrollment.
- Late Winter (March): Program-specific supplementary profiles and documentation cutoffs take effect for competitive disciplines like Nursing (transfer and out-of-province streams).
- Late Spring (May): Recommended priority completion target for international visa applicants to ensure sufficient processing time for Provincial Attestation Letters (PAL) and IRCC study permits.
- Mid-Summer (August): Final application closure for general undergraduate admission across non-quota degree programs.
Note: Prospective students should always consult the official University of Windsor admissions portal and OUAC for exact current-cycle calendar dates.
How Canadian Virtual School Can Help You Qualify
Earning admission to competitive programs at the University of Windsor requires meeting precise prerequisite criteria and maintaining high academic averages. Canadian Virtual School (CVS) is an Ontario Ministry of Education–inspected private online high school (BSID #882250) authorized to grant Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) credits.
CVS provides several pathways to strengthen your University of Windsor application:
- Fulfill Missing Prerequisites: Complete required Grade 12 4U subjects—such as Advanced Functions (MHF4U), Calculus and Vectors (MCV4U), Chemistry (SCH4U), Biology (SBI4U), or English (ENG4U)—that may not fit your local high school schedule through the CVS Course Offerings.
- Upgrade Existing Marks: If a previously completed Grade 12 mark is holding your average below Windsor's competitive range, you can take an Upgrading Course to demonstrate mastery and raise your composite top-six calculation.
- Earn Recognized OSSD Credits Internationally: International students can earn accredited Ontario senior credits online, fulfilling prerequisites under the Canadian secondary framework.
- Flexible Year-Round Enrolment: Self-paced learning allows you to accelerate course completion before key university submission deadlines.
To begin adding credits to your OUAC file, explore the CVS Student Registration page or speak with an academic advisor via the CVS Contact Office.
Student Experiences
Success Stories
Frequently Asked Questions
What average do you need to get into the University of Windsor?
The University of Windsor requires a minimum overall average of 70% across your top six Grade 12 4U/M courses, including ENG4U. However, competitive averages vary by faculty: programs like Nursing, Engineering, and Computer Science typically require averages between 75% and 90%+.
What are the English requirements for the University of Windsor?
Applicants whose native language is not English must present scores from recognized standardized tests such as IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, or CAEL. Alternatively, students can complete the university’s English Language Improvement Program (ELIP) to satisfy English requirements.
How do international students apply to the University of Windsor?
International students apply online through the OUAC Undergraduate Application portal. Applicants submit secondary transcripts, proof of English proficiency, and, upon receiving an offer, obtain a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) to apply for a Canadian study permit.
Can I upgrade a course to get into the University of Windsor?
Yes. The University of Windsor accepts upgraded courses and will use your highest grade achieved in a prerequisite 4U/M subject when calculating your composite admission average.
Does the University of Windsor accept online high school credits?
Yes. The University of Windsor treats credits earned from Ministry of Education–inspected online private schools (such as Canadian Virtual School, BSID #882250) equally alongside traditional day-school credits for prerequisites and admission averages.
What prerequisites are required for Windsor Engineering?
Applicants to the Bachelor of Applied Science in Engineering must complete five specific Grade 12 4U courses: English (ENG4U), Advanced Functions (MHF4U), Calculus & Vectors (MCV4U), Chemistry (SCH4U), and Physics (SPH4U).
Is there a supplementary application for the University of Windsor Nursing program?
Ontario high school applicants are evaluated on their academic grades. Still, out-of-province secondary students, university/college transfer applicants, and Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) bridge applicants must submit a mandatory Nursing Applicant Profile.
Does the University of Windsor offer winter (January) admission?
Yes. The University of Windsor offers entry terms in Fall (September), Winter (January), and Intersession/Summer (May/June) for most undergraduate academic programs.
Conclusion
Getting into the University of Windsor requires a strategic approach: maintaining strong academic marks across your top six Grade 12 4U/M courses, completing all program-specific math and science prerequisites, and meeting application deadlines. Whether you are an Ontario secondary student, an international applicant, or an adult learner returning to school, planning your course pathway ensures you present a competitive academic profile.
If you need to fulfill a missing prerequisite or upgrade a course to improve your admission average, explore Canadian Virtual School’s Online Courses to reach your academic goals on a flexible schedule.
Plan Your University Prerequisites