To get into the University of Toronto, you need a completed secondary school diploma (the OSSD for Ontario students) with six Grade 12 U/M-level courses including Grade 12 English (ENG4U), plus any program-specific prerequisites. Admission is competitive — averages range from the low-80s to the mid-90s depending on the program — and all undergraduate applications go through OUAC. This guide walks through requirements, prerequisites, English tests, admission pathways, and the step-by-step application process.
About University of Toronto
The University of Toronto (U of T) is a public research university founded in 1827 and one of the most prestigious in the world. It placed 1st in Canada and 21st globally in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, and 2nd in Canada (behind McGill) and 29th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026. U of T has three campuses: St. George in downtown Toronto, University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM), and University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC). According to U of T’s Quick Facts, the University offers over 700 undergraduate programs across faculties including Arts & Science, Applied Science & Engineering, Music, Kinesiology & Physical Education, and the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design. Flagship and most-searched programs include Rotman Commerce, Computer Science, Engineering (including Engineering Science), Life Sciences, and Architectural Studies. All three campuses grant University of Toronto degrees that are equally recognized.
What Are the University of Toronto Admission Requirements?
The core requirement is a recognized secondary school diploma with senior-level (Grade 12) academic courses including English, plus a competitive average in your top qualifying courses. According to the University of Toronto’s admissions office, Ontario applicants need the OSSD with six 4U/M courses including ENG4U. Additional prerequisites depend on your intended program.
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Diploma basis (Ontario) | OSSD with six Grade 12 U/M courses, including ENG4U/EAE4U |
| Mandatory course | Grade 12 English (ENG4U/EAE4U) required for all programs |
| Program prerequisites | Vary by program — e.g., Advanced Functions (MHF4U), Calculus & Vectors (MCV4U), Chemistry (SCH4U), Physics (SPH4U), Biology (SBI4U) |
| Competitive average | Ranges from the low-80s to the mid-90s depending on the program |
| Supplementary application | Required for some programs (Rotman Commerce, Engineering, Architecture, Music, Computer Science St. George) |
| International credentials | IB Diploma, A-Levels, US high school diploma, French Baccalaureate, CAPE, and other national curricula accepted |
| English proficiency | Required if English is not your first language; IELTS Academic 6.5 (no band below 6.0), plus TOEFL, Duolingo, CAEL, PTE accepted |
How to Apply to University of Toronto (Step by Step)
Applying to U of T is a two-step process: you first apply through OUAC, then complete your file in the Join U of T applicant portal. Per the University of Toronto, all degree-seeking undergraduate applicants apply through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre — there is no separate direct freshman application.
- Research available programs and campuses, then choose your preferred program(s) and campus(es). You may apply to up to three University of Toronto admission categories, but no more than one category within UTM, UTSC, or the St. George faculties.
- Choose the correct OUAC application. Current Ontario high school students should use OUAC 101. Everyone else, including out-of-province Canadian students, international students, mature applicants, and transfer applicants, should use OUAC 105.
- Create your OUAC account, select the University of Toronto, and enter your chosen program codes.
- Pay the required application fees, including the OUAC base fee and the University of Toronto institutional fee. Some programs may also charge an additional supplemental application fee.
- Log in to Join U of T. After the University of Toronto receives your OUAC application, you will receive login details that allow you to upload documents and view your personalized application checklist.
- Complete any required supplemental application, such as those for Rotman Commerce, Engineering, Architecture, or Music, by the applicable deadline.
- Submit all required documents, including transcripts, English-language test results if applicable, and any program-specific materials, before the published document deadline.
- Track your application through Join U of T and respond to any offer of admission you receive.
What Are the Admission Pathways to University of Toronto?
U of T admits students through several pathways. The right one depends on where you studied and your current status. Below is guidance for each realistic route.
(a) Ontario Domestic Students (OSSD Route)
Ontario high school students apply through OUAC 101. You need the OSSD with six 4U/M courses including ENG4U, plus your program’s prerequisites. U of T makes conditional offers based on available Grade 11 and 12 marks, provided you’re enrolled in all required Grade 12 courses; if a Grade 12 prerequisite mark isn’t yet available, the corresponding Grade 11 mark is used. Your admission average is calculated on your top qualifying Grade 12 U/M courses.
(b) International Students
International students apply through OUAC 105. U of T accepts a wide range of credentials — the IB Diploma, British-patterned A-Levels, the US high school diploma, the French Baccalaureate, CAPE, and many national curricula. All applicants must present a senior-level English course. If English is not your first language, you must provide proof of English proficiency (see below) unless you qualify for an exemption (for example, four or more years of full-time study in English in a qualifying country). Admitted international students who plan to study in Canada in person must then obtain a study permit — which, for most new undergraduates, requires a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) as part of the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) process. A PAL is normally issued after you accept an offer and pay a deposit.
(c) Mature Students
According to U of T, admission requirements for mature students are based on academic background, not age, with a focus on your highest and most recent level of study. Mature applicants apply through the OUAC undergraduate application (or the part-time application for part-time study). If you don’t meet the published requirements and haven’t attempted university-level study, you may qualify through a pathway program such as the Academic Bridging Program or the Transitional Year Programme.
(d) Transfer Students
Applicants who have attended a college or university apply as transfer students; U of T assesses transfer credit after admission, and policies vary by faculty and campus. Note that some programs — such as Rotman Commerce — generally do not consider applicants transferring from other post-secondary institutions. utoronto
(e) Out-of-Province Canadian Students
Canadian students studying outside Ontario apply through OUAC 105. U of T publishes province-by-province course equivalencies (for example, matching Ontario’s MCV4U and ENG4U to the corresponding courses in Alberta, British Columbia, and other provinces), so you present your provincial diploma with the equivalent senior-level prerequisites.
Program-Specific Requirements & Prerequisites
Prerequisites and competitive averages differ significantly by program. All programs require Grade 12 English (ENG4U). The table below summarizes key St. George programs; always confirm current requirements on U of T’s official program pages.
| Program | Prerequisite Courses (Grade 12 / Equivalents) | Approx. Competitive Average Range | Supplementary? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rotman Commerce | ENG4U, Calculus & Vectors (MCV4U) | High-80s to low-90s | Yes — essays + video interview (Kira Talent) |
| Applied Science & Engineering | ENG4U, MHF4U, MCV4U, SCH4U, SPH4U | Low-to-mid 90s | Yes — Student Profile + video |
| Computer Science (St. George) | ENG4U, MCV4U | Low-90s | Yes — supplemental application |
| Life Sciences | ENG4U, MHF4U, plus one of SBI4U/SCH4U/SPH4U | Mid-to-high 80s | No |
| Architectural Studies (Daniels) | ENG4U | Mid-80s | Yes — creative “One Idea” |
| Kinesiology & Physical Education | ENG4U, one science, one math | Low-to-mid 80s | Varies |
How Are University of Toronto Admission Averages Calculated?
U of T calculates your admission average using your top qualifying senior-level courses — for Ontario students, your best six 4U/M courses including the required English and any program prerequisites. Prerequisite courses are always included in the average. The University reserves the right to consider repeated courses and to give preference to students whose marks are the result of a single attempt at each course. Meeting the minimum does not guarantee admission — competitive programs admit well above the published minimums, and averages shift year to year with the strength of the applicant pool. Treat any average range as a benchmark, not a fixed cut-off, and confirm current figures on U of T’s website.
University of Toronto Application Timeline Structure
U of T’s undergraduate cycle for September (fall) entry follows a predictable annual structure, though exact dates change every year. Applications open in the fall. Programs with supplemental applications (such as Rotman Commerce and Engineering) publish an earlier recommended “early consideration” deadline, followed by a general application deadline in mid-winter, and then document submission deadlines. According to U of T, admission decisions are released on a rolling basis starting in January and continuing through late May. Always confirm current dates on the University of Toronto’s Dates & Deadlines page and through OUAC before you apply.
How Canadian Virtual School Can Help You Qualify
Canadian Virtual School (CVS) is an online high school inspected by the Ontario Ministry of Education (BSID #882250) that has granted OSSD credits since 2008. Because U of T evaluates Ontario credits the same way regardless of whether they were earned online or in person, CVS can be a legitimate option for students who need to strengthen their application in specific ways:
- Earn a missing prerequisite such as ENG4U, Advanced Functions (MHF4U), or Calculus & Vectors (MCV4U) required for your target program.
- Upgrade or retake a course to improve a mark that counts toward your U of T admission average (universities typically use your highest grade).
- Earn recognized Ontario credits as an international student, building an OSSD-based transcript that Canadian universities readily recognize.
- Fast-track a prerequisite before an application deadline, since CVS offers rolling enrollment and accelerated course options.
CVS is one option among several, and completing courses through CVS does not guarantee admission to U of T — admission always depends on meeting the University’s competitive requirements. Students can explore the full CVS online course catalogue, course-upgrade options, and registration on the school’s website, review options for online high school in Ontario, or contact a CVS guidance counsellor about course planning. Students comparing schools may also find the companion guide to the Top Public and Private Schools in Toronto helpful.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What average do you need to get into the University of Toronto?
There is no single cut-off. Competitive admission averages at U of T range from the low-80s for some Arts & Science and Kinesiology programs to the mid-90s for Engineering and Computer Science. Averages are calculated on your top qualifying Grade 12 U/M courses. Meeting the minimum does not guarantee admission, since averages rise with the strength of each year’s applicant pool.
What are the University of Toronto English requirements?
If English is not your first language, you must provide proof of English proficiency unless you qualify for an exemption (for example, four or more years of full-time study in English in a qualifying country). For undergraduate admission U of T accepts IELTS Academic (minimum 6.5 overall, no band below 6.0), TOEFL iBT (minimum overall 89 with 22 in each of Speaking and Writing for tests before January 21, 2026), the Duolingo English Test (minimum overall 120 with 120 in Production for tests on/after July 1, 2024), CAEL (70, no part below 60), and PTE Academic (65, no part below 60). All applicants must also present a senior-level English course such as ENG4U.
How do international students apply to the University of Toronto?
International students apply through OUAC 105, then complete their file in the Join U of T portal. You present your national or international credential (IB, A-Levels, US diploma, etc.), meet the English requirement if applicable, and submit any supplemental application. If admitted and planning to study in Canada in person, you’ll need a study permit, which for most new undergraduates requires a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) through IRCC.
Can I upgrade a course to get into the University of Toronto?
Yes. Many applicants retake or upgrade a Grade 12 course to improve a mark that counts toward their admission average, and universities typically use the highest grade achieved. U of T does not deduct marks simply because a course was taken online, but it encourages strong performance on the first attempt and may consider repeated courses. You can upgrade prerequisite courses through a Ministry-inspected online school such as CVS.
Does University of Toronto accept online high school credits?
Yes. U of T accepts OSSD credits from Ontario Ministry–inspected schools whether earned online or in person, and these are submitted through OUAC like any other Ontario credit. An online school must have a Ministry-issued BSID number to grant OSSD credits — for example, Canadian Virtual School (BSID #882250). The University encourages best effort on first attempts and may take repeated courses into account.
Do I need a supplemental application for the University of Toronto?
Most Arts & Science programs are assessed on grades alone. However, several competitive programs require a supplemental application: Rotman Commerce (written essays and a video interview via Kira Talent), Engineering (an Online Student Profile with a video component), Computer Science at St. George, Architecture (a creative “One Idea”), and Music (an audition).
Which University of Toronto campus is easiest to get into?
All three campuses grant U of T degrees, but admission competitiveness varies by program and campus. In general, some programs at UTM and UTSC can have more accessible averages than the equivalent St. George program. Applying to more than one campus can be a reasonable strategy, subject to the rule of one category per campus/faculty group.
Can I complete a University of Toronto degree fully online?
No. U of T states that its undergraduate degrees cannot be completed entirely through online study, and courses are offered throughout the day, so it may not be possible to complete a degree only through evening or weekend classes. Online high school credits, however, are fully accepted for admission.
Conclusion
Getting into the University of Toronto comes down to three things: the right diploma and prerequisites, a competitive average in your top senior-level courses, and a complete, on-time application through OUAC. Whether you’re an Ontario student, an international applicant, a mature learner, or transferring in, the path is clear once you know your program’s specific requirements. If you’re missing a prerequisite or want to strengthen a mark, a Ministry-inspected online school like Canadian Virtual School can help you get application-ready. Explore your course options and speak with a guidance counsellor to plan your next step.
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