To get into Université de Hearst, Ontario secondary school applicants must earn the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with a minimum overall average of 70% across six Grade 12 4U/M courses, including Grade 12 4U French. Submit applications through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) or directly through the universityportal. This guide covers admission requirements, program prerequisites, entry pathways, application timelines, and strategies to strengthen your application.
About Université de Hearst
Université de Hearst is an independent French-language university with three campuses in Northern Ontario: Hearst, Kapuskasing, and Timmins. The university provides specialized undergraduate and post-graduate programming designed to foster Francophone leadership and professional capacity throughout Ontario.
The university is recognized for its innovative block scheduling model (la formule bloc), where students complete one course at a time in focused three-week blocks rather than juggling multiple courses simultaneously over a traditional semester. Experiential learning (l’apprentissage par l’expérience) is integrated into every field of study, pairing theoretical instruction with workplace internships, community projects, and travel study opportunities. Flagship undergraduate programs include Business Administration and Management (Administration des affaires et gestion), Interdisciplinary Humanities and Social Sciences (Sciences humaines et sociales interdisciplinaires), and Psychology (Psychologie), as well as a specialized Graduate Diploma in Psychotherapy (DÉSP).
Université de Hearst Admission Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Primary Academic Qualification | Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or recognized provincial/international equivalent |
| Required Course Profile | Six Grade 12 university-level (4U) or university/college-level (4M) courses |
| Mandatory Course Prerequisite | Grade 12 French at the 4U level (e.g., FRA4U or FEF4U) |
| Minimum Grade Average | 70% cumulative average across the top six Grade 12 4U/M courses |
| Alternative Domestic Entry | Trial admission (admission à titre d’essai) for applicants under 70% in 4U/M courses with a 70%+ Grade 11/12 combined average |
| Language Profile | Exclusively French-medium instruction; applicants must demonstrate French academic fluency |
| Application Portals | OUAC portal or direct institutional application for domestic students; MonUHearst online portal for international applicants |
How to Apply to Université de Hearst (Step by Step)
Applying to Université de Hearst involves a structured process depending on your current educational status and residency. Following these steps helps the admissions committee evaluate your application efficiently.
- Select your applicant profile and program. Determine whether you are applying as an Ontario high school student, out-of-province applicant, transfer student, mature applicant, or international student, and choose your primary program of interest.
- Review prerequisites and academic criteria. Confirm that you hold, or are on track to complete, the required diploma, the mandatory Grade 12 4U French credit, and any program-specific prerequisite courses.
- Submit your online application. Current Ontario high school students apply through the OUAC 101 portal. Out-of-province and domestic transfer students apply through the OUAC 105 portal or the university’s direct application form. International applicants submit their applications directly through the MonUHearst portal.
- Upload supporting documentation. Submit official high school transcripts, post-secondary records if applicable, and identity verification. International applicants must also upload a curriculum vitae, birth certificate extract, passport copy, and a written letter of motivation in French.
- Pay the required application fees. International applicants pay a $200 CAD evaluation fee plus a $150 CAD admission fee through Flywire or Interac e-Transfer.
- Track your application status and respond to offers. Monitor your admissions portal for updates. If you receive an offer of admission, confirm your acceptance by the stated deadline and complete all conditions outlined in your offer letter.
Admission Pathways
Université de Hearst maintains multiple entry routes to accommodate diverse academic backgrounds, adult learners, and international applicants.
(a) Ontario Domestic Students
Ontario secondary school students qualify for direct admission by completing the OSSD with six 4U/M courses. The required subject profile must include Grade 12 4U French. Applicants with a minimum average of 70% across their top six 4U/M courses meet the standard baseline for admission. High school students apply through the OUAC system or directly to the university.
(b) International Students
International applicants are evaluated based on their national secondary exit credentials, such as the Baccalauréat, General Certificate of Education (GCE), or national high school diploma. Because instruction is conducted entirely in French, international students must demonstrate advanced French language proficiency through prior studies in French or formal assessment. Applicants must upload official transcripts, diploma certificates, a CV, and a motivation letter written in French to the MonUHearst portal. Once admitted, international students must obtain an IRCC Study Permit and Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL).
(c) Mature Students
Candidates who are at least 19 years of age before December 31 of their entering year and have been away from full-time formal education for at least one calendar year may apply as mature students (personnes adultes). Applicants do not require standard high school credentials but are evaluated on work experience, professional background, and demonstrated French writing competence.
(d) Transfer Students
Students transferring from accredited Canadian colleges or universities can receive advanced standing. College applicants who have completed at least one full academic year of college coursework qualify for degree entry. University transfer applicants and individuals pursuing a second bachelor’s degree must hold a prior university credential with a minimum cumulative average of 4.0 (on the university scale) and no more than 30 failed lifetime credits.
(e) Out-of-Province Canadian Students
Canadian students applying from secondary schools outside Ontario are evaluated based on equivalent provincial grade 12 credentials. Applicants must hold a recognized provincial high school diploma with university-preparatory coursework equivalent to six Grade 12 4U/M credits, including Grade 12 French.
Program-Specific Requirements & Prerequisites
Admission requirements vary slightly depending on the degree discipline and credential level selected.
| Program | Prerequisite Courses | Approx. Competitive Average Range | Supplementary Requirements? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management (Administration des affaires et gestion) | OSSD, Grade 12 4U French; Grade 12 Math recommended for accounting streams | 70% or higher across the top six 4U/M credits | None for direct entry; capstone portfolio required for graduation |
| Interdisciplinary Humanities and Social Sciences (Sciences humaines et sociales interdisciplinaires) | OSSD, Grade 12 4U French | 70% or higher across the top six 4U/M credits | None for direct entry; capstone portfolio required for graduation |
| Psychology (Psychologie) | OSSD, Grade 12 4U French | 70% or higher across the top six 4U/M credits | None for direct entry; capstone portfolio required for graduation |
| Graduate Diploma in Psychotherapy (DÉSP) | Recognized undergraduate degree in psychology or a related field | Competitive post-secondary GPA | Dossier review, CV, and professional background review |
Admission Averages & Competitiveness
Université de Hearst evaluates domestic high school applicants based on the average calculated from their top six Grade 12 4U or 4M courses, which must include Grade 12 4U French. A cumulative average of 70% serves as the baseline target for degree programs.
To support student access, the university offers a trial admission route (admission à titre d’essai). Applicants whose top six 4U/M average falls slightly below the 70% benchmark, but who maintain an overall combined Grade 11 and Grade 12 average of 70% or higher, may be admitted on probation. These students transition to regular standing by completing assigned foundational courses during their initial blocks.
Application Timeline Structure
Université de Hearst operates on a rolling intake schedule aligned with its block study model, offering entry points primarily in the Fall and Winter terms.
- Autumn/winter before entry: Applications open online through OUAC and the institutional portal. International applicants should apply as early as possible to allow sufficient time for document verification, fee processing, and IRCC study permit and Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) applications.
- Spring: Early offers of admission are issued to domestic applicants based on Grade 11 grades and available Grade 12 interim marks. International application windows typically close during this period.
- Summer: Final secondary school transcripts are processed. Domestic applications may remain open into mid-summer, such as mid-July, for upcoming fall enrolment. Conditional offers are finalized once final OSSD results are verified.
- Fall term: Course registration and block orientation begin.
Applicants should always confirm current registration dates directly on the official university portal.
How Canadian Virtual School Can Help You Qualify
Meeting the admission requirements for Université de Hearst requires completing targeted Grade 12 4U/M courses and maintaining a competitive average. Canadian Virtual School (CVS) is an Ontario Ministry of Education–inspected online high school (BSID #882250) that has granted official OSSD credits since 2008.
CVS offers flexible online courses that help students satisfy university prerequisites and strengthen their application profiles:
- Earn Missing Prerequisites: If your current secondary school does not offer specific required courses, such as Grade 12 4U French (FRA4U/FEF4U) or Grade 12 Mathematics, you can register through the CVS course catalogue to complete missing credits year-round.
- Upgrade Admission Averages: If your current mark in a Grade 12 4U/M course falls short of the 70% competitive threshold, you can take a retake course through the CVS course upgrade program to boost your top-six calculation.
- Flexible Self-Paced Learning: The fully online structure allows students to work at their own pace, making it easier to fast-track credits ahead of university application deadlines.
- International OSSD Pathway: International students seeking to earn an Ontario diploma or individual 4U/M credits can complete courses online to satisfy Canadian university entry criteria.
Students interested in optimizing their academic plan can explore CVS registration or speak directly with an advisor via the CVS contact page. You can also learn more about local educational options by reading our overview of the [Top Public and Private Schools in Hearst]([INSERT WHEN PUBLISHED]).
Student Experiences
Success Stories
Frequently Asked Questions
What average do you need to get into Université de Hearst?
To gain standard admission to Université de Hearst, Ontario secondary school applicants generally need a minimum cumulative average of 70% calculated across their top six Grade 12 4U/M courses, including Grade 12 4U French. Applicants whose averages fall slightly below 70% may be considered under trial admission (*admission à titre d’essai*) if their overall Grade 11 and 12 combined average is at least 70%.
What are the French language requirements for Université de Hearst?
Because instruction and administration at Université de Hearst are conducted exclusively in French, applicants must demonstrate academic French proficiency. Domestic high school graduates meet this requirement by completing Grade 12 4U French. International applicants must demonstrate French language fluency through prior education in French or written motivation submissions.
How do international students apply to Université de Hearst?
International students apply directly using the MonUHearst online portal. Applicants must upload copies of their passport, birth certificate, secondary school transcripts, diploma certificates, CV, and a written letter of motivation in French. Applicants must also pay a $200 CAD evaluation fee and a $150 CAD admission fee before obtaining an offer letter to apply for a Canadian Study Permit and Provincial Attestation Letter.
Can I upgrade a course to get into Université de Hearst?
Yes, you can retake Grade 12 4U/M courses to improve your grade point average. Completing an upgraded course through an inspected online provider like Canadian Virtual School allows you to submit higher course marks to meet the 70% minimum admission baseline.
Does Université de Hearst accept online high school credits?
Yes, Université de Hearst accepts high school credits completed through accredited, Ministry-inspected online schools such as Canadian Virtual School (BSID #882250). Online credits with official OSSD course codes are evaluated the same as traditional day-school courses.
What undergraduate programs are offered at Université de Hearst?
Université de Hearst offers undergraduate degree programs in Business Administration and Management (*Administration des affaires et gestion*), Interdisciplinary Humanities and Social Sciences (*Sciences humaines et sociales interdisciplinaires*), and Psychology (*Psychologie*), as well as a Graduate Diploma in Psychotherapy (*DÉSP*).
How does the block schedule system work at Université de Hearst?
Under the block scheduling system (*la formule bloc*), students complete one three-credit course at a time in concentrated three-week blocks. A standard semester consists of five consecutive blocks, eliminating the stress of taking multiple final exams simultaneously at the end of a semester.
Can mature students apply to Université de Hearst without a high school diploma?
Yes, applicants who are at least 19 years old before December 31 and have been out of full-time education for at least one year can apply under the mature student pathway (*personnes adultes*). Candidates are evaluated based on professional experience, a curriculum vitae, and French writing capacity rather than standard high school diploma requirements.
Conclusion
Getting into Université de Hearst requires strategic academic preparation, starting with an OSSD and a strong average across six Grade 12 4U/M courses, including Grade 12 4U French. Whether you are entering directly from high school, applying internationally, or transitioning as an adult learner, planning your course prerequisites early ensures a smooth transition into university studies.
If you need to complete missing 4U prerequisites or upgrade your Grade 12 marks, explore flexible online course options through Canadian Virtual School to build a competitive admissions profile.
Plan Your University Prerequisites