To satisfy Wilfrid Laurier University admission requirements, domestic applicants must complete the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with at least six Grade 12 4U or 4M courses, including Grade 12 English (ENG4U) with a minimum final mark of 60%. Competitive admission averages range from the mid-70s for broad liberal arts programs to the high-80s and low-90s for the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics, Health Sciences, and double-degree programs. Candidates submit applications centrally through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) portal.
This guide details degree-specific prerequisite requirements, grading evaluation mechanics, international credential equivalencies, mature learner frameworks, and structured application timelines.
About Wilfrid Laurier University
Wilfrid Laurier University is a public research university in Ontario known for combining academic research with multi-campus undergraduate education. Established in 1911, Laurier operates main campuses in Waterloo, Brantford, and Milton, alongside specialized delivery locations in Kitchener and Toronto, as well as online degree options.
The university comprises distinct academic faculties, including the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics, the Faculty of Science, the Faculty of Arts, the Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, the Faculty of Liberal Arts, the Faculty of Music, and the Lyle S. Hallman Faculty of Social Work. Laurier is recognized for its business co-operative education program, specialized double-degree initiatives offered in partnership with the University of Waterloo, and community-engaged health and social science degrees. Across all disciplines, Laurier emphasizes multi-disciplinary course options, co-op work terms, and experiential learning pathways designed to prepare graduates for post-secondary career entry or advanced academic study.
Wilfrid Laurier University Admission Requirements at a Glance
Admission criteria at Wilfrid Laurier University vary by academic pathway, applicant background, and chosen faculty. Standard entry relies on recognized secondary diploma completion, prerequisite subject mastery, and verified English language proficiency.
| Pathway / Applicant Type | Minimum Academic Basis | Key Prerequisites & Language Thresholds |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario High School Applicants | OSSD with six Grade 12 4U or 4M courses. | ENG4U (minimum 60%); program-specific mathematics/science prerequisites (minimum 60%–70%). |
| Out-of-Province Canadian Applicants | Grade 12 secondary school graduation diploma equivalent to the Ontario 4U/M curriculum. | Provincial Grade 12 English equivalent (minimum 60%) plus core program subject prerequisites. |
| International Applicants | Recognized senior secondary credential (IB Diploma, GCE A Levels, AP, U.S. Diploma, National High School Diploma). | Credential prerequisites; IELTS 6.5 (minimum 6.0 per band), TOEFL 83, Duolingo 120, PTE 59, or CAEL 70. |
| Transfer Students | Prior enrolment at an accredited post-secondary college or university. | Post-secondary GPA review; completion of high school prerequisite subject equivalents. |
| Mature Learners | Minimum two-year break from full-time education; no prior university study. | Evaluation under the Mature Learner Admission Policy; probationary part-time entry. |
How to Apply to Wilfrid Laurier University (Step by Step)
Applying to Wilfrid Laurier University involves navigating provincial application infrastructure and managing institutional document submission portals.
- Select target programs and verify subject prerequisites. Identify degree programs across the Waterloo, Brantford, or Milton campuses, and ensure all required Grade 12 4U/M subject prerequisites are included in your academic schedule.
- Submit your primary application through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) portal. Current Ontario secondary school students apply using the OUAC 101 pathway, while out-of-province, international, mature, and transfer applicants use the OUAC 105 / Undergraduate Application portal.
- Log in to the LORIS applicant portal. After OUAC processes your application, Laurier will email your student credentials for LORIS (Laurier Online Registration and Information System), where you can track document checklists and admission decision statuses.
- Submit official academic transcripts and test scores. Arrange for secondary school transcripts, post-secondary records, and official English-language test reports to be sent directly to Laurier’s admissions office.
- Complete any required supplementary auditions or forms. Music and Music Therapy applicants must schedule mandatory auditions and background assessments. Applicants with extenuating circumstances may submit personal statements to the admissions office.
- Accept your admission offer and fulfill all conditions. Accept the offer through the OUAC portal by the stated response deadline and maintain the required final academic averages to satisfy the conditions of admission.
“`
Admission Pathways
Wilfrid Laurier University evaluates applicants across distinct educational structures to ensure fair assessment for domestic, international, and non-traditional scholars.
Ontario Domestic Students (OSSD Pathway)
Ontario high school candidates qualify for undergraduate consideration by earning the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with a minimum of six Grade 12 4U or 4M courses. Grade 12 English (ENG4U) is mandatory for all programs, with a required minimum mark of 60%. For programs within the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics, the Faculty of Science, and Economics streams, required prerequisite courses are factored directly into the calculated admission average regardless of whether they rank among the top overall marks.
International Students
International applicants must present secondary credentials recognized by Laurier as equivalent to the Ontario secondary diploma. Evaluated systems include the International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced Placement (AP) courses, GCE A-Levels, US High School Diplomas, and recognized national senior secondary credentials.
- Advanced Standing Credit: IB diploma graduates earning a minimum score of 5 on Higher Level (HL) courses, along with B grades on Theory of Knowledge and Extended Essay, may receive up to 6 transfer credits. AP students presenting exam scores of 4 or higher are also eligible for up to 6 transfer credits.
- English Proficiency Requirements: Per Laurier’s English proficiency requirements, applicants whose primary language is not English, or who have completed less than three consecutive years of full-time instruction in an English-medium institution without ESL courses, must submit official test scores. Laurier accepts IELTS Academic/Online (minimum 6.5 overall, 6.0 per band), TOEFL iBT (minimum 83 overall, 20 per component; or 4.5 overall / 4.0 band for tests post-Jan 2026), Duolingo English Test (minimum 120), PTE Academic (minimum 59), and CAEL (minimum 70 overall, 60 per band). Test scores must be sent directly to institution code 0893.
- Study Permits and PALs: International candidates residing abroad must obtain a Study Permit and, where required, a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) following receipt of an official offer of admission.
Out-of-Province Canadian Students
Canadian students completing secondary school outside Ontario are assessed using provincial course equivalencies to Ontario’s 4U/M curriculum. Applicants must graduate with a senior secondary diploma, present Grade 12 English at a minimum grade of 60%, and satisfy program-specific mathematics or science prerequisite subjects.
Mature Students
Laurier offers entry options under its Mature Learner Admission Policy. To qualify, applicants must have never previously attended a university, must have experienced a two-year or greater absence from full-time formal education, and must meet defined academic thresholds. Admitted mature learners enter on academic probation within part-time studies (maximum 3 courses or 1.5 credits in their initial term) within a general BA or BSc degree without a declared major. Transition to full-time enrollment occurs after completing 4 courses (2.0 credits) with satisfactory standing. Direct entry into full-time studies remains possible for mature applicants presenting four 4U/M courses that include required program prerequisites.
Transfer Students and Special Admission Frameworks
Postsecondary transfer candidates from accredited colleges or universities are evaluated on cumulative postsecondary GPA and high school prerequisite completion. Applicants previously required to withdraw from another university must observe a mandatory 12-month waiting period and complete formal academic upgrading—specifically two academic college courses (minimum 80% / A- grade each) or two university courses (minimum 70% / B- grade each) taken outside Laurier—to be considered for probationary entry.
Laurier also operates specialized access policies, including the World Education Services (WES) Gateway Program for displaced individuals from conflict regions who lack verified documentation. Additionally, under the Indigenous Admissions Policy, self-identified Indigenous candidates completing identity verification can qualify for admission consideration when their academic average falls within 5% of the standard program cut-off (down to a floor average of 70%).
Program-Specific Requirements & Prerequisites
Prerequisite requirements and competitive admission averages vary significantly across Laurier’s faculties and campuses. The following table details prerequisite courses and competitive ranges based on official admissions guidelines.
| Program / Degree | Required Grade 12 Prerequisites | Approx. Competitive Average Range | Supplementary Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration (BBA) | ENG4U (minimum 70%), Advanced Functions (MHF4U, minimum 70%), Calculus & Vectors (MCV4U, minimum 70%). | High 80s to low 90s | None (ABS optional for discretionary review) |
| BBA + Computer Science (UW Double Degree) | ENG4U, MHF4U, MCV4U (high individual mathematics thresholds required). | Low 90s+ | Highly competitive academic selection |
| Business Technology Management (BBTM – Milton) | ENG4U (minimum 60%), Grade 12 mathematics (MHF4U, MCV4U, or MDM4U, minimum 60%). | High 70s to low 80s | None |
| Computer Science (BSc – Waterloo/Milton) | ENG4U, MHF4U (minimum 70%), plus one of MCV4U, SPH4U, or SCH4U. | Mid-80s to high 80s | None |
| Health Sciences (BSc) | ENG4U (minimum 60%), MHF4U or MCV4U (minimum 60%), SBI4U (minimum 60%), SCH4U (minimum 60%). | High 80s to low 90s | Science prerequisite focus |
| Applied Health Sciences (BASc – Brantford) | ENG4U (minimum 60%), Grade 12 mathematics (4U level, minimum 60%), Grade 12 science (4U level, minimum 60%). | Mid-70s to high 70s | None |
| User Experience Design (BDes – Brantford) | ENG4U (minimum 60%). | Mid-70s to high 70s | Optional background statement |
| Psychology (BA – Waterloo/Milton) | ENG4U (minimum 60%), plus one Grade 12 4U mathematics or science course. | High 70s to low 80s | None |
| Social Work (BSW – Brantford) | ENG4U (minimum 70%), plus five additional 4U/M courses. | Low 80s to mid-80s | Personal statement may be requested |
| Music (BMus / BMT) | ENG4U (minimum 60%), music background verification. | Mid-70s to low 80s | Mandatory audition and theory assessment |
Admission Averages & Competitiveness
Understanding how Wilfrid Laurier University calculates admission averages is essential for secondary course planning.
Average Calculation Rules
For General Bachelor of Arts degrees, Laurier calculates admission averages using the top six Grade 12 4U or 4M courses, incorporating mandatory ENG4U. However, for programs within the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics, the Faculty of Science, and Economics streams, required prerequisite courses are automatically calculated directly into the baseline average.
- Strict Non-Rounding Policy: According to Wilfrid Laurier University’s admissions website, Laurier does not round up calculated averages for admission or scholarship consideration. An average calculated at 88.9% remains 88.9% and is not adjusted to 89.0%.
Repeated Course Policies
Laurier applies specific evaluation rules when an applicant retakes a Grade 12 course:
- Lazaridis School & Faculty of Science: For required prerequisite courses, admissions evaluators use a weighted average combining the initial attempt and the most recent attempt. For repeated non-prerequisite courses, the highest grade achieved is used.
- All Other Faculties: For arts, liberal arts, and human/social science majors, Laurier consistently uses the highest final grade achieved in any repeated course.
Non-Day School and Online High School Credits
Laurier accepts credits earned through accredited non-day school programs, night school, summer school, and online secondary institutions. Courses delivered by Ministry-inspected institutions are evaluated identically to standard day-school courses.
Application Timeline Structure
The application cycle at Wilfrid Laurier University follows an annual structural progression:
- Early autumn: Application portals open through OUAC for the upcoming academic year.
- Late autumn to early winter: Primary OUAC application deadlines occur for secondary school applicants.
- Mid-winter: Early conditional offers of admission may be issued based on available Grade 11 3U/M marks and initial Grade 12 4U/M mid-term grades.
- Spring: Main admission decision rounds take place as second-semester Grade 12 mid-term marks are transmitted by secondary schools.
- Early summer: Secondary school applicants must accept admission offers through the OUAC system by the applicable deadline.
- Mid-summer: Final official secondary school transcripts are submitted to confirm diploma completion, prerequisite marks, and required conditional average thresholds.
Applicants should verify current deadline dates directly on the OUAC portal or Laurier’s admissions site.
How Canadian Virtual School Can Help You Qualify
Earning admission to competitive programs at Wilfrid Laurier University requires careful transcript management, meeting required prerequisite thresholds, and maintaining high overall averages. Canadian Virtual School (CVS) is an Ontario Ministry of Education-inspected private online high school (BSID #882250) offering valid OSSD credit courses for Grades 9 through 12.
Students aiming for Laurier utilize CVS to support their academic qualifications in several practical ways:
- Completing Missing Prerequisites: Applicants missing specific 4U courses—such as Calculus & Vectors (MCV4U), Advanced Functions (MHF4U), SCH4U, or SBI4U—can enroll through the CVS course catalog at any time of year to complete needed credits.
- Upgrading Course Marks: Secondary students looking to raise a prerequisite mark to meet competitive Lazaridis BBA or Health Science cut-offs can take advantage of CVS course upgrading options to improve their academic standing.
- Flexible Course Pacing: Asynchronous course delivery allows students in Waterloo or elsewhere in Ontario to complete credits alongside their regular secondary schedule, helping them finish prerequisites prior to university offer rounds.
- International Credit Alignment: Non-Ontario students can register through the online registration portal to earn recognized OSSD credits, simplifying credential evaluation for Laurier admissions.
Students seeking advice on credit planning or course selection can consult the CVS admissions team for personalized support. Students comparing secondary education pathways in the region can also read about the [top public and private schools in Waterloo]([INSERT WHEN PUBLISHED]).
Student Experiences
Success Stories
Frequently Asked Questions
What average do you need to get into Wilfrid Laurier University?
Required admission averages depend on the program. General Bachelor of Arts degrees typically require mid-to-high 70s, while competitive programs like Computer Science, Health Sciences, and Lazaridis Business Administration (BBA) require averages from the mid-80s to low-90s. Laurier does not round up calculated averages.
What are the English requirements for Wilfrid Laurier University?
Applicants whose native language is not English must submit official language test scores unless they have completed three consecutive years of full-time English-medium education without ESL. Laurier accepts IELTS Academic/Online (min. 6.5 overall, 6.0 per band), TOEFL iBT (min. 83 overall, 20 per component), Duolingo (min. 120), PTE Academic (min. 59), and CAEL (min. 70 overall, 60 per band).
How do international students apply to Wilfrid Laurier University?
International candidates apply through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre using the OUAC 105 application portal. Applicants submit secondary transcripts, proof of English proficiency, and credential details directly to Laurier’s admissions office. Admitted students must obtain a Study Permit and PAL via IRCC prior to arrival.
Does Wilfrid Laurier University accept online high school credits?
Yes, Laurier accepts high school credits completed through accredited online institutions inspected by a governing ministry of education. Credits earned through Ministry-inspected private schools, such as Canadian Virtual School (BSID #882250), are treated identically to traditional day-school courses.
Can I upgrade a course to get into Wilfrid Laurier University?
Yes, students may retake or upgrade courses to improve their admission standing. For general arts and humanities, Laurier considers the highest mark earned. For required prerequisite courses in the Lazaridis School of Business & Economics and Faculty of Science, Laurier calculates a weighted average of the initial attempt and latest attempt.
How are repeated courses calculated for Lazaridis BBA or Science programs at Laurier?
For required prerequisite courses in the Lazaridis BBA program or Faculty of Science, Laurier calculates a weighted average combining the first attempt and the latest attempt. For non-required elective courses that are repeated, the highest mark achieved is used.
Does Wilfrid Laurier University round up admission averages?
No, according to Laurier’s official admissions policy, calculated admission and scholarship averages are not rounded up. For example, a calculated average of 88.9% will not be adjusted to 89.0%.
What is Laurier’s Mature Learner Admission Policy?
Applicants who have been away from full-time education for at least two years and have no prior university experience are evaluated under the Mature Learner Admission Policy. Qualifying candidates enter on academic probation within part-time studies, transitioning to full-time status after completing four courses (2.0 credits) with satisfactory standing.
What is Wilfrid Laurier University’s Indigenous Admissions Policy?
Self-identified Indigenous applicants who complete identity verification through Laurier’s Office of Indigenous Initiatives can be considered under the Indigenous Admissions Policy. Eligible candidates may be admitted if their academic average falls within 5% of the established program cut-off, down to a minimum floor average of 70%.
Conclusion
Securing entry into Wilfrid Laurier University requires careful academic preparation, meeting prerequisite requirements, and understanding faculty-specific admission policies. Whether applying directly from an Ontario high school, transitioning from abroad, or returning as a mature learner, organizing your secondary coursework is central to a successful application. Scholars seeking to complete missing prerequisites or improve competitive admission averages can explore accredited online options through Canadian Virtual School to fulfill enrollment criteria.
Plan Your University Prerequisites