How to Apply to University of Toronto

Co-authored by Daniel Santos and Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA

Last Updated: February 28, 2023 References

The University of Toronto (U of T) has a reputation as one of the most prestigious colleges in Canada, so it’s a great place to continue your education. You can apply to the university online as either a domestic or international student. The University of Toronto's acceptance rate is 43%, so it’s a highly competitive school. Don't let that discourage you! To help you have the best chance of gaining acceptance, submit your application early and make sure you provide all of the required supporting documents.^{[1]
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Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Filling out Your Application

1
Check that you meet the admissions requirements for your program. Review the admissions requirements on the U of T website to see if you might be a good fit for the school. Most students need at least a 3.7 GPA to apply, but some programs may have stricter requirements.^{[2]
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Research source} When you apply, U of T will review your school records and final exams from grade 11 and grade 12. The school’s admission requirements include the following:^{[3]
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- Canadian high school students: 6 grade 12 courses and a diploma^{[4]
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- Canadian college students: B grade point average or higher and met high school standards or have 2 years of college credits^{[5]
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- International students: Requirements depend on your country, so check the U of T website here: https://future.utoronto.ca/apply/requirements/international-high-school-secondary/
Tip: You’re still expected to meet the same academic requirements even if you’re a “mature” student. However, U of T may allow you to transfer after you complete an Academic Bridging Program through the St. George campus of Woodsworth College or U of T Mississauga. If you didn’t graduate high school, apply for their Transitional Year Programme.^{[6]
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2
Create an Ontario Universities’ Application Centre user ID and password. You’ll submit your application through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) website. To create an account, enter your name, date of birth, email address, and a username and password. Then, click “Create My OUAC Account.”^{[7]
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- You can create your account here: https://www.ouac.on.ca/apply/nonsecondary/en_CA/user/create
You only need one OUAC login, so use your existing account if you have one.

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3
Complete the correct application depending on your background. The application you'll use depends on your residency status and academic level. Once you choose the right application, enter your personal information, contact information, academic background, and program choices. Then, answer the additional academic questions that apply to you. At the end of the application, provide your employment information if you have any, starting with the most recent.^{[8]
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- Current Ontario high school students use the 101 application: https://www.ouac.on.ca/apply/secondary/en_CA/user/login
- Full-time Canadian applicants who didn’t attend an Ontario high school or U of T use the 105 application: https://www.ouac.on.ca/apply/nonsecondary/en_CA/user/login
- International students use the U of T International Application or 105 application: https://www.ouac.on.ca/apply/uoftint/en_CA/user/login
- Former U of T students use the U of T Internal Application: https://www.ouac.on.ca/apply/uoftugrad/internal/en_CA/user/login
- Part-time students use the Part-Time Application: https://www.ouac.on.ca/apply/uoftugrad/parttime/en_CA/user/login
- Graduate students use the application for the School of Graduate Studies: https://apply.sgs.utoronto.ca/
- Non-degreed students use the Non-Degree Application: https://www.ouac.on.ca/apply/uoftugrad/nondegree/en_CA/user/login
Warning: Only send 1 application to U of T. If you send more than 1, any additional applications will be canceled and your fees will be lost.
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Include extracurriculars and community service to help you get in. In addition to your academic performance, U of T will also consider other credentials, so put them on your application. This might include school clubs, sports, after school activities, and volunteering. Incorporate these activities into your application to increase your chances of gaining acceptance.^{[9]
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- It's helpful to write an academic resume that includes these activities, as well as important classes you've taken. You'll be able to upload your academic resume as part of the application.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Submitting Your Application

1
Send your application prior to the deadline of January 15. The deadlines vary depending on the course you’re taking. However, most applications are due by January 15 of the year you plan to start taking fall courses. Double-check to make sure you know the correct deadline for your application.^{[10]
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- U of T recommends you submit your application by November 7 to increase your chances of gaining admission. Keep in mind that space is limited.
Warning: Don't change your program preferences on your online application after the deadline because it can prevent your application from progressing through the U of T application assessment process.
2
Pay your application fee. Applying for college can be costly, but it's worth it because you're investing in yourself. When you submit your application, remit your payment through the OUAC website. Pay both the OUAC fee and the U of T fee. As of December 2019, the fees are as follows:^{[11]
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- OUAC application fees are $156 for all students, with an additional $10 fee for international students^{[12]
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- If you want to list more than 3 program choices, OUAC charges a $50 fee for each additional program choice
- U of T fees for domestic students are $90
- U of T international student fees are $180
3
Expect U of T to acknowledge your application in about 2 weeks. Waiting to hear from U of T might feel stressful, but it takes time for them to process your application. OUAC will forward your application to U of T once you’ve paid all of your fees. Generally, U of T will acknowledge receipt of your application within 2 weeks via email or letter. The university will also provide you login instructions for their applicant website.^{[13]
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- This acknowledgment doesn’t mean you’re accepted to U of T. It just means your application is under review.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Providing Supporting Documents

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Send your prior school transcripts to admissions by February 1. U of T will use your transcripts to evaluate your past academic performance. Contact your high school or university to request your transcripts. Fill out the required paperwork and pay any fees that your school requires. Then, check with the U of T admissions office to make sure they received your transcripts.^{[14]
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- It’s best to submit your transcripts as early as you can to increase your chances of gaining acceptance.
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Turn in degree-specific materials if your program requires any. Some programs at U of T require additional documentation for admission. Check with your individual program to make sure you’ve submitted all your materials. Additionally, make sure you meet the deadline.^{[15]
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- For instance, Applied Science and Engineering students must fill out an online student profile, and Kinesiology and Physical Education students must submit a Statement of Interest.
- Each program has its own deadlines for degree-specific materials.
Tip: You're more likely to get accepted to the University of Toronto if you you've taken high school or college classes related to the program you want to study.^{[16]
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Provide supporting documentation if a hardship impacted your grades. If you experienced a hardship that affected your academic performance, the University of Toronto will consider that when evaluating your application. After you send in your application, provide documentation that you've faced a serious personal, health, or financial hardship that affected your studies. This may increase your chances of getting into the school.^{[17]
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- For instance, you might submit your health records or a note from your doctor to prove you went through a medical hardship.
4
Complete a Supplementary Application Form for the Scarborough campus. The Scarborough campus requires you to fill out a Supplementary Application Form (SAF) if you’re enrolling in their management programs, co-op management programs, double degree (BBA/BSc) applicants (including co-op), co-op international development studies, or paramedicine. Otherwise, they won’t consider you for admission or scholarships. Fill out the SAF through the U of T website using the login you received after submitting your application.^{[18]
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- This form is due by February 1st.
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Prove that you’re proficient in English if it’s not your first language. Most students who don’t speak English as a first language must take an approved English proficiency test. However, you may be exempt from the test if you’ve attended 4 years of study in an English-speaking school in either Canada or an English-speaking country. If you take a proficiency test, submit your results by the deadline for supporting documentation, which is February 1st as of December 2019.^{[19]
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- It’s best to submit your scores early.
- U of T has 13 approved tests. You can find a list here: https://future.utoronto.ca/apply/english-language-requirements/

Expert Q&A

Question

What community service looks best on college applications?

Daniel Santos
College Admissions & Career Coach
Daniel Santos is a College Admissions & Career Coach and Prepory's co-founder and CEO. Prepory is a leading college admissions consulting firm that has guided over 9,000 students from 35 countries through the US college admissions process. Prepory is a member of the National Association for College Admissions Counseling and a trusted admissions counseling partner to several competitive high schools across Florida. Prior to founding Prepory, Daniel worked at various leading law firms and the United States House of Representatives. Daniel has been featured as a college admissions and career coaching expert across several major publications, including the Wall Street Journal, FORTUNE, and The Harvard Crimson.

Daniel Santos

College Admissions & Career Coach

Expert Answer

In-depth community service looks best on college applications. Doing one community service project where you earn 10 hours isn't really impressive, but doing one community service project from 9th to 11th grade on a consistent basis where you earn 200 hours and become really integrated in that nonprofit or volunteering organization is really impressive.