Transferring To University Of Toronto: Is It Possible?

The University of Toronto does accept transfer students, but the process is competitive. The university considers each application based on a review of the student's overall academic record and activities outside the classroom. The specific requirements vary depending on the program and the student's previous educational background. For example, the Faculty of Arts and Science requires students to choose an admission category and indicate their college preferences on their application. The University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) has specific requirements for international and Canadian college and university transfers. Transfer students may also be eligible for transfer credits, which are assessed after admission.

Transfer students from other universities

The University of Toronto does accept transfer students from other universities, but the process can be competitive, with a low acceptance rate of around 17%. The admissions process considers your overall academic history, including your high school and post-secondary grades, as well as any activities outside the classroom.

If you are transferring from another university, you will need to submit an application through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC). You will also need to submit official and complete transcripts for all secondary and post-secondary studies, as well as notarized English translations of all documents issued in a language other than English or French.

For international students, you will need to provide proof of English proficiency if English is not your first language and you have studied for fewer than four full years in an English-language environment.

The specific requirements and transfer credits granted will depend on the program you are applying to. For example, the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) has different requirements for students transferring from Canadian universities, international universities, and internal U of T transfers. It is important to review the admission requirements for your specific program.

In terms of grades, competitive applicants usually have a solid 'B' average (3.0 on a 4.0 scale / 73%) in their post-secondary studies. Additionally, the University of Toronto grants a maximum of 10.0 transfer credits towards a 20.0-credit U of T degree for students with previous undergraduate studies who have not yet completed their degree.

Transfer students may also be required to submit a Special Consideration Form to be considered for certain programs, such as Rotman Commerce.

Transfer students from outside Canada

The University of Toronto does accept transfer students from outside Canada. The process for applying as an international transfer student is different from the process for applying as a transfer student from within Canada.

International transfer students must apply through the University of Toronto International Application. As part of the application, you will be asked to select an admission category and your top three college preferences. You will have to submit official and complete transcripts for all secondary and post-secondary studies, as well as notarized English translations of all documents issued in a language other than English or French. If English is not your first language and you have studied for fewer than four full years in an English language environment, you may be required to submit proof of English proficiency.

The University of Toronto grants a maximum of 10.0 transfer credits towards a 20.0-credit U of T degree to students who have completed previous undergraduate studies at another accredited university and have not yet completed their degree. Students who have completed a three- or four-year undergraduate degree are eligible for a maximum of 5.0 transfer credits and are considered to be entering a second degree.

Transfer students from within Canada

The University of Toronto does accept transfer students from within Canada, but the process and requirements vary depending on the program and the student's previous educational background. Here are the key points for transfer students from Canadian colleges and universities:

Canadian College Requirements:

• Minimum academic credits: Students must have completed a minimum number of academic credits, which is specified as five academic credits for those studying at an Ontario College of Applied Arts and Technology.
• Prerequisite courses: The University of Toronto accepts Grade 12 U courses or their equivalent, or two full college semesters of an academic subject, to meet prerequisites. For example, to meet the Calculus & Vectors (MCV4U) requirement, one semester of math with Calculus is necessary.
• Math requirements: It is important to note that statistics or college preparation math is not sufficient to meet the math requirements.
• Maximum transfer credits: The number of granted transfer credits varies based on completed full-time study years and course eligibility. Specific guidelines can be found on the University of Toronto's College and University Transfer page.

Canadian University Requirements:

• Prerequisite courses: The university accepts Grade 12 U courses, their equivalent, or half-credit university-level courses as prerequisites.
• Limited enrolment programs: Applicants to limited enrolment programs must also provide the required first-year university courses.
• Maximum transfer credits: The university grants a maximum of 10.0 transfer credits (towards a 20.0-credit U of T degree) to students with previous undergraduate studies at another accredited university who have not yet completed their degree.
• Second-degree eligibility: Students who have completed or are close to completing a three- or four-year undergraduate degree are eligible for a maximum of 5.0 transfer credits and are considered for a second degree. However, they cannot continue in a similar program area as their previous degree studies and are ineligible for specific programs like Computer Science, Mathematics, Management (BBA), and Commerce (BCom).
• Minimum grade requirement: Transfer credits are only awarded for successfully completed courses with a minimum grade of C- or 60%.

Application Process:

• Application form: Transfer students can submit their application through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC). This includes the University of Toronto Internal Transfer Application for current or former students at the university.
• Application deadline: While there is no specific deadline mentioned, the University of Toronto encourages applicants to submit their applications by November 7.
• Online Student Profile: After submitting the application, students will receive instructions to enable their JOINid and access the University of Toronto applicant portal, where they can track their application status and submit required documents.
• Required documents: Official and complete transcripts for all secondary and post-secondary studies are required, along with notarized English translations for documents issued in languages other than English or French.
• English language requirements: If English is not your first language, proof of English proficiency may be required. This includes submitting test scores or providing information on prior education in an English language environment.
• Transfer credit assessment: Applying for a transfer credit assessment is mandatory for an offer of admission to certain faculties, such as Arts & Science. The Transfer Explorer tool can help determine the eligibility of credits earned at another Canadian institution.

Transfer students from high school

The University of Toronto does accept transfer students from high school, although the requirements vary depending on whether the applicant is a Canadian high school student or an international high school student.

Canadian High School Students:

Canadian high school students who are currently enrolled in secondary school or a post-secondary program will receive a provisional admission decision based on their final results from the previous year and their mid-year results from the current year. Current high school applicants with strong mid-year results may be admitted on the condition that they complete their academic year successfully.

International High School Students:

International high school students will be considered for admission based on their post-secondary studies. The University of Toronto's admission requirements are based on academic background, regardless of age.

Transfer Credits:

Transfer credits are available for students who have taken Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, French Baccalaureate, GCE, or CAPE subjects during high school (secondary). Transfer credits are assessed after admission and once the official final results are received directly from the examining board. Students who have been granted transfer credits may choose to keep or forfeit them, but once forfeited, credits cannot be reinstated.

Application Process:

The University of Toronto's application process varies depending on the applicant's background. Applicants can find the appropriate application form on the University of Toronto website, depending on whether they are a current Ontario high school student, an applicant from another Canadian province or territory, an international applicant, or in another circumstance.

Transfer students from college

The University of Toronto does accept transfer students from college, but the requirements vary depending on the program and the student's academic background.

Transferring from a Canadian College

Students transferring from a Canadian college must meet the following requirements:

• A minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.3, or a solid 'B+' average. Some admission categories may be more competitive.
• Program prerequisites must be met at the senior high school level, or two full college-level semesters of an academic subject may be considered to satisfy a prerequisite.
• A minimum of 5 academic credits must be completed if studying at an Ontario College of Applied Arts and Technology.
• One semester of math, including Calculus, is required to be equivalent to the University of Toronto's Calculus & Vectors (MCV4U) requirement.
• Only Grade 12 U courses or equivalent, or two full college semesters of an academic subject, will be accepted to meet prerequisites.
• Transfer students from Canadian colleges are generally granted a maximum of 10.0 transfer credits towards a 20.0-credit U of Toronto degree.

Transferring from Quebec CEGEP

Students transferring from Quebec CEGEP must meet the following requirements:

• Completion of more than 14 academic CEGEP-level courses to be considered a transfer student and be eligible for transfer credits.
• A minimum R-score of 26; some admission categories may be more competitive.
• To satisfy the English requirement, two semesters of English/Anglais must be presented.
• To satisfy a program prerequisite of Calculus, Calculus 1 must be presented.

Transferring from an International College

Students transferring from an international college must meet the following requirements:

• Present college-level studies with an overall B+ average and meet the requirements at the high school level.
• Transfer credits are awarded on a course-by-course basis, and successful applicants will generally not be granted advanced standing, starting instead in the first year of their studies.
• International students may not gain advanced standing for the credits they have completed due to restrictions related to program accreditation.
• A maximum of 10.0 transfer credits may be awarded towards a 20.0-credit U of Toronto degree for students with previous undergraduate studies at another accredited university who have not yet completed their degree.

General Requirements for All Transfer Students

In addition to the requirements specific to each type of transfer, there are some general requirements and considerations for all transfer students:

• Admission consideration for transfer students will be based on a combination of academic records from post-secondary studies, cumulative grade point average (CGPA), most recent annual grade point average, results in prerequisite courses, English proficiency (if required), and academic performance in matriculation/high school (where applicable).
• Conditional admission may be granted prior to the completion of the academic year based on a strong and consistent academic record, including strong results in prerequisite courses.
• Transfer credits are assessed after admission and are not guaranteed.
• Official and complete transcripts for all secondary and post-secondary studies are required as part of the application, along with notarized English translations of all documents issued in a language other than English or French.

Frequently asked questions