Admissions Procedures and Policies

The basis of admission to Ryerson’s undergraduate degree programs is the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), with six (6) Grade 12U/M courses including Grade 12 U English (one of ENG4U, ETS4U, EWC4U) or Anglais (one of EAE4U, EAL4U, EAC4U) (unless otherwise noted), plus program-specific prerequisite courses.

The OSSD with a minimum overall average of 70 percent* in six Grade 12 U/M courses, or equivalent, establishes eligibility for admission; subject to competition, individual Ryerson programs may establish higher academic averages. All Ryerson programs also stipulate specific subject prerequisites. Applicants must successfully complete a minimum of one full secondary school course at the required level, or equivalent, in each of the subject prerequisites listed for the programs for which they wish to be considered. Grades required for admission are determined on the basis of competition.

Applicants not educated in Ontario must submit evidence of education equivalent to the OSSD with six Grade 12 U or M courses. Minimum Canadian provincial requirements for admission are available for reference on the Canadian Secondary School Students webpage. Minimum international country requirements are published on the Internationally-Educated Students webpage . Please note: Ryerson reserves the right to be the final arbiter of what will be accepted on an equivalency basis.

An applicant’s complete academic record, including secondary school as well as all post-secondary studies (e.g. college, university, or other post-secondary institutions) will be reviewed and considered as part of the competitive selection process, unless otherwise noted. If there is a timeframe where an applicant was registered at an institution, for one course or more, regardless of its relevance to the application, the applicant must ensure that the official application includes this information and that a transcript is submitted.

If applicable, applicants may wish to provide context for their academic achievement in their Supplementary Form. The Supplementary Form is available in the Choose>Ryerson Applicant Portal. 

Programs may also specify non-academic requirements for admission (e.g. portfolio, admission essay, interview, audition, etc.). These programs are referred to as Grades-Plus programs. The specific non-academic requirements for individual Grades-Plus programs, including specific submission dates and procedures, are available by visiting the individual undergraduate programs pages . Note: for Grades-Plus programs, both academic and non-academic criteria will be used in the admission selection process.

Applicants are encouraged to achieve as much breadth of preparation as possible in the course of their studies while also meeting the stated subject prerequisite requirements of the program(s) to which they apply.

* Ryerson receives more applications than spaces available. The averages/grades required for admission selection to each program is determined on the basis of competition each year. Possession of minimum averages and/or grades does not guarantee admission.

The length of time taken by an applicant to complete the OSSD will not be a determining factor in admission decisions.

Ryerson permits the mixing of U, M and OAC courses (for those applicants who graduated or completed courses in the pre-2003 Ontario secondary school curriculum), as applicable.  The ‘out of school’ component of Grade 12 U/M co-op courses or equivalent is not accepted for admission purposes nor is it accepted in the evaluation of entrance scholarships.

For current Ontario secondary school applicants, Ryerson may use Grade 11 results in the early admission selection process.

The above general admission guidelines apply to all undergraduate programs and all applicants. Any exceptions are noted on individual program pages. In addition, it is strongly recommended that applicants refer to the Undergraduate Admissions website for up-to-date information.

Please Note: Minimum requirements are subject to change. Admission is not guaranteed.

Application Status: Choose>Ryerson Applicant Portal
General inquiries: Ask Ryerson  

Assistance regarding admission policies and procedures, and admission counselling (for all undergraduate programs except Engineering):

RO ServiceHub
Room POD 150
Telephone: (416) 979-5036

Additional information regarding scholarships, fees, residence and study permits for International Applicants .

Campus tours, open houses, industry days and professional development visits:

Visits and Tours
Room POD 144
Telephone: (416) 979-5000 ext. 7904

Information regarding admission to Engineering programs:

Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science
Undergraduate Engineering Admissions
245 Church Street, 3rd floor
Rooms 349/350
Email: askeng@ryerson.ca
Telephone: (416) 542-5870

University Mailing Address:

Ryerson University
350 Victoria Street
Toronto, Ontario
Canada
M5B 2K3

All applicants, including international students, must include English in their studies at, or above the level indicated in the individual program admission requirements. English language tests, such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB), Cambridge English, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), the Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL), the Pearson Test of English (PTE), or English as a Second Language studies cannot be used as a substitute for the English prerequisite requirement. Applicants who present Anglais courses will be given equal consideration for admission.

Applicants from a country where English is not the first language, or where English is an official language but not the first language, including applicants who have resided in Canada for four calendar years or less, are required to present proof of English proficiency at a satisfactory level. Ryerson will not accept English 12U or equivalent in lieu of an acceptable test of English language proficiency.

Applicants may submit results from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB), Cambridge English, International English Language Testing (IELTS), Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL) or the Pearson Test of English (PTE). It is the applicant’s responsibility to arrange for official results to be forwarded by their testing station to Ryerson within application deadlines.

The Ryerson code for TOEFL is 0886.

For English language proficiency test score submission instructions and other details, visit the English Language Requirements page.

(subject to change - use as a guideline only)

Ryerson reserves the right to deny admission to those applicants who do not demonstrate satisfactory English proficiency, regardless of academic qualifications.

At its sole discretion, Ryerson may request that an additional English language proficiency test of its choosing be completed, regardless of previously submitted test scores. This may occur, for example, in the circumstance where an academic English course grade appears greatly disparate to a submitted English language proficiency test score. 

The Ryerson ESL Foundation Program (opens in new window)  is an intensive English language program that provides a direct pathway to Ryerson University. The Ryerson ESL Foundation Program combines English language instruction with for-credit university course work. Students who successfully complete the program are guaranteed admission to full-time undergraduate Ryerson programs.

The Real Institute’s ESL Foundation Program (opens in new window)  is designed for students who are academically qualified to apply for admission to a Ryerson University undergraduate program (opens in new window) , but do not meet the minimum English proficiency requirements.

Depending on the applicant’s level of proficiency (IELTS 5.0, 5.5, 6.0 or equivalent) they will be considered for admission to a one-, two-  or three-semester program to develop and refine the academic reading and writing skills needed to succeed in a Ryerson undergraduate program.  Students will also learn practical communication strategies that will help them gain confidence in their academic and social interactions.

Each week consists of 22-30 hours of instructor-led classes customized to meet individual learning needs and 10 hours of independent and group project-based work.  Students will also take an undergraduate degree course – CLNG 111: Language and Identity – as part of the curriculum, which can be counted as credit towards their Ryerson University degree program of choice. If students achieve early success in the program, they may receive a modified schedule allowing them to earn up to two additional degree credits prior to starting their undergraduate studies.

Students commencing studies in the fall semester with an IELTS of 6.0 (or equivalent) will spend the Winter semester taking courses offered through Ryerson’s Chang School of Continuing Education for the opportunity to earn credits towards their degree program of choice prior to beginning their full-time undergraduate enrollment.

In addition to meeting the English proficiency requirements of the desired undergraduate program, students may also be required to meet additional requirements depending on their choice of entry into the ESL Foundation program. 

Applicants who do not possess the minimum admission requirements are eligible to be considered for admission, if they meet all the following requirements:

1. are twenty-one (21) years of age by December 31 of the year in which they will commence studies;
   
2. have been away from formal education for at least two years;
   
3. are Canadian citizens or permanent residents, or are sponsored by a Canadian governmental agency;
   
4. can present tangible evidence of ability to cope with the program at Ryerson and have completed, typically with grades of 70 percent or higher, all subject prerequisite(s) or equivalent required for individual program admission.

Notes:

• Minimum grades do not guarantee admission. Subject to competition, candidates may be required to present averages/grades above the minimum. Please contact Undergraduate Admissions for detailed information.
• An applicant's complete academic record, including secondary school as well as any post-secondary studies (e.g. college, university, or other post-secondary institutions) will be reviewed and considered as part of the competitive selection process.  If there is a timeframe where an applicant was registered at an institution, for one course or more, regardless of its relevance to the application, the applicant must ensure that the official application includes this information and that a transcript is submitted.
  
• In support of their application, it is recommended that applicants include the following in their Supplementary Form:
  • Why they have chosen the program(s).
  • Career ambitions/goals
  • Past work experience

The following admission guidelines (subject to change) will assist in equating academic qualifications with the Ryerson admission requirements.  Applicants should refer to the Internationally-Educated Students page for specific country requirements and other relevant information.

It is mandatory that the required subject prerequisites and grades for specific programs form part of the applicant’s academic background, especially in the last two years of secondary and/or post-secondary studies as required. All transcripts must show all courses completed and grades achieved.

Applicants are required to achieve a high overall standing in their studies and to include the appropriate program subject prerequisite(s) with high standing. Candidates are selected on the basis of their overall academic performance in relation to other candidates. Due to competition, candidates may be required to present averages/grades above the minimum.

Note: Ryerson reserves the right to be the final arbiter of what will be accepted on an equivalency basis.

Applicants from a country where English is not the first language, are required to provide an acceptable English language proficiency test score. Refer to English Language Requirements for further details.

Additional information regarding documents and official transcripts can be found on the Applying to Ryerson pages.

Ryerson International University Foundation Program

The International University Foundation Program (IUFP) is an eight-month program designed for international students who want to strengthen their academic and personal foundations while learning to navigate university life in Canada.

The program provides a foundation year for applicants who need additional academic support to meet the overall competitive and/or subject requirements for admission into their chosen undergraduate program of study. Students who successfully complete the IUFP gain guaranteed admission to their program of choice (excluding all Grades Plus programs and programs in the Faculty of Engineering & Architectural Sciences) with at least four undergraduate course credits in September of the following year.

All applicants must meet Ryerson’s English language proficiency requirements. For students who possess the academic requirements required for their program but lack English language proficiency, please take a look at our ESL Foundation Program.

Academic Requirements

Admission selection is determined based on academic performance and any additional supporting documentation that may be required. Selected applicants will be required to participate in an informational session prior to the start of classes. Academic admission requirements are available on undergraduate program pages. International curricula requirements are also available.

The IUFP is specially designed for applicants who demonstrate aptitude for success at the university level but whose applications would not be selected for undergraduate study at Ryerson due to competition. The IUFP provides qualified students with the opportunity to join the Ryerson community and enjoy success in their studies with continued support.

Application Procedures

Application forms, document submission and related instructions are available on the How to Apply page. Applicants must declare their intended degree program in the "Subject of Major Interest" field on the application form (select 4-year, full-time programs only).

Applicants are required to submit documents (e.g. academic transcripts) as outlined on the Document Submission page. If documents are in a language other than English, the documents must be provided in the original language, as well as certified/notarized literal English translations.

For guaranteed consideration, applications and complete documentation must be submitted no later than June 1 for the fall term. Applications received after this date will be considered subject to space.

Program Costs

Fees for 2020 - 2021: $33,620 (CAD)

Applicants educated outside of Ontario must submit evidence of standing equivalent to the OSSD with six (6) Grade 12 U/M courses and subject prerequisites. Ryerson is the sole arbiter of what is considered equivalent.

It is essential that the required subject prerequisite(s) and grade(s) for specific Ryerson programs form part of the academic background of applicants from outside of Ontario, especially in the last two years of high school studies.

Please note that subject prerequisites vary by program. For individual program subject prerequisite requirements, visit the Canadian Secondary School Applicants webpage.

Unless noted otherwise, subject prerequisite grades required for admission (normally in the 65-75 percent range) are determined on the basis of competition.

While minimum averages/grades are stated, applicants may be required to present averages/grades above the minimum. Ryerson receives more applications than spaces available. The averages/grades required for admission selection to each program is determined on the basis of competition each year. Possession of minimum averages and/or grades does not guarantee admission.

Applicants to all engineering programs, the Accounting & Finance program, and select programs in the Faculty of Science, should note that calculus is required.

Ryerson encourages submission of the application, required documents and the appropriate application fee well in advance of the Guaranteed Consideration Deadline. Applications received for the fall, winter, and spring/summer terms will be guaranteed consideration if they are 'complete' with all supporting documentation (see Submission of Documents) and if received by:

• Fall Term - February 1 for ALL programs (both Grades-Plus and Grades-Only)
• Fall Term Special Students Only - July 15
  
• Winter Term - November 1
• Spring/Summer Term - April 15

The above dates have been selected in order to allow sufficient time for auditions, interviews, and selection tests to be arranged where required, and to ensure that applications (and amendments to applications) for all programs will be received in time for consideration by the selection committees.

NOTE: Applicants are advised that the above dates are to be used as a guideline only. All complete applications and amendments received by Undergraduate Admissions by the above dates will receive equal consideration. Applications, supporting documents, and amendments received after these dates will be reviewed subject to space availability.  (Exception: Midwifery - applications are accepted only until February 1). Ryerson reserves the right to terminate the application process without notice.

If applying to Ryerson through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) (external link) , please allow at least two weeks for processing the application (or amendments to the application).

Students seeking readmission or reinstatement should refer to the applicable sections of this calendar for application dates and procedures.

Application dates are correct at the time of printing. Subsequent amendments to application dates will be posted on the Undergraduate Admissions official website.

Ryerson is a member of the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (external link)  (OUAC), 170 Research Lane, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 5E2 

Applicants in their senior year (Grade 12) in an Ontario secondary school must submit an OUAC 101 application (external link)  . For assistance, applicants should visit their secondary school guidance office in the fall for details. The application fee must accompany the completed application. All fees are subject to change.

International applicants who are not attending an Ontario Secondary School must submit an OUAC 105 application (external link) . Application procedures are provided with the application. An $90 Supplemental/Document Evaluation Fee is required in addition to the base application fee. All fees are subject to change.

Applicants must complete the Supplementary Form on the Choose>Ryerson Applicant Portal. Applications will not be reviewed until the completed Supplementary Form is received.  The Supplementary Form instructions are posted on the Applications and Related Forms page and the Choose>Ryerson Applicant Portal.

All other applicants to Ryerson, who are not current/former Ryerson students as noted below, must submit an OUAC 105 application (external link)  (some exceptions apply, see below). An $90 Supplemental/Document Evaluation Fee is required in addition to the base application fee. Fees are subject to change.

Applicants must complete the Supplementary Form on the Choose>Ryerson Applicant Portal. Applications will not be reviewed until the completed Supplementary Form is received.  The Supplementary Form instructions are posted on the Applications and Related Forms page and the Choose>Ryerson Applicant Portal.

The following applicants must use the Ryerson Application found on the Applications and Related Forms page:

• a current Ryerson student (this includes students enrolled in the G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education);
• a former Ryerson student (this includes students enrolled in the G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education) from Fall 1984 to present;
• an applicant only applying to a part-time Ryerson program;
• an applicant seeking Special Student status;
• an individual seeking re-admission to a Ryerson program;
• an individual seeking re-instatement who was Suspended/Required to Withdraw (RTW) from a Ryerson program more than two years (six consecutive terms) ago (see Required to Withdraw Students Seeking Reinstatement in the Current/Former Ryerson Students section below).  

Exception: All applicants who wish to be considered for admission to another Ontario university must apply through the OUAC.

The current fee for the Ryerson Application is $90 (subject to change). Applicants (except those seeking Special Student status) must complete the Supplementary Form on the Choose>Ryerson Applicant Portal. Applications will not be reviewed until the completed Supplementary Form is received.  The Supplementary Form instructions are posted on the Applications and Related Forms page and the Choose>Ryerson Applicant Portal.

Before completing either the OUAC 101, 105 or Ryerson Application, the application instructions should be read carefully. Applicants should ensure they are selecting the correct program code(s) for their desired program choice(s); the codes are available in each online application.  Applicants interested in part-time programs should ensure that they select the part-time option on the application form.  Part-time programs are listed separately, after the full-time programs.

Program offerings for both the winter and spring/summer terms are limited.  Program availability can be verified on the Program Accepting Applications page.

Note: All applicants to Grades-Plus programs in the Faculty of Communication and Design, and the Architectural Science program, are required to pay a Non-Academic Requirements Fee of $50 per program.  The fee is paid at the time of submission of the non-academic requirements.  Please visit the applicable program page for details.

Communications

Ryerson’s primary mode of communication is the Choose>Ryerson Applicant Portal and email.

All applicants are required to use a Choose>Ryerson Applicant Portal (choose.ryerson.ca), and will be sent personal login details to their email account after their application for admission has been received.

Application status and applicant communications are viewable in the Choose>Ryerson Applicant Portal. Applicants must regularly monitor their Choose>Ryerson Applicant Portal, and read all of the information that is posted to the 'My Application Status' and 'My Communications' sections. Applicants are strongly advised to print and save all communications posted to their 'My Communications' section.

If an applicant’s email address changes, Ryerson must be updated immediately, through appropriate channels. Applicants should ensure that they have edited/updated their 'spam' filters to prevent important and time-sensitive email communications from being filtered out as spam.

Application Changes/Updates

Applicants may review and change their completed OUAC 101 or 105 application once it has been submitted. If any revisions to the application are made, Ryerson will be notified of the changes shortly after the submission to the OUAC. Although all changes are important to the processing of each application, changes to program choice, surname, mailing, email and home addresses are of significant importance and should be made via the OUAC application as soon as the situation arises.

Applicants who have applied via the Ryerson Application must notify Undergraduate Admissions of any changes in application, address, email, telephone numbers and/or other information as soon as they arise using the Ryerson Change Form, available on the Applications and Related Forms page.

For applicants that have applied to Ryerson in a previous academic year: if the name on the application has changed in any way, proof of this name change (i.e. marriage certificate, notarized statement or other legal document) must be provided.  Applicants must submit their legal name on the application; short forms or nicknames should not be used.  Applicants using the OUAC applications will be given the option to include their preferred name(s) in a separate field.

NOTE: Changes (e.g. to application/amendments/condition extensions, etc.) may not be made verbally, either in person or by telephone. Most communication from Ryerson is date sensitive. Applicants who fail to respond within stated time frames may have their application or Offer of Admission cancelled.

It is the responsibility of all applicants to ensure that all required documents are received by Undergraduate Admissions as part of the application process. Applications are not considered complete until the following are received:

• Academic transcripts, including promotion/graduation status of the applicant’s complete educational background (secondary and all post-secondary studies). Academic transcripts must be submitted regardless if the program of study was successfully completed, or is relevant to the current application;
  
• A completed Ryerson Supplementary Form (Exception: OUAC 101 applicants are not required to submit this form);
  
• Non-academic requirements (i.e. portfolios, essays, etc.) as applicable;
  
• English language proficiency test scores as required (see English Language Requirements).

Academic transcripts must show the individual marks or grades achieved in each course or subject taken. Additional information regarding documents and academic transcripts can be found on the Submission of Documents page.

All documents are routinely verified. Evidence of falsified documents during or after the admission selection process will result in the cancellation of an Offer of Admission and any/all program/course enrolments. Information on falsified documents is shared with member and affiliated institutions of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC).

Academic transcripts and all other supporting documentation submitted to Ryerson cannot be returned to the applicant.

Notes:

• Proof of change of name (i.e. marriage certificate, notarized statement or other legal document) must be provided if academic documents show a name other than that under which an application is made.
• Applicants who have indicated on their application that they are in Canada on a 'Study Permit' or 'Temporary Resident Visa' must submit a copy of their Visa authorization form or 'immigration papers' confirming this status.
• Applicants who have indicated on their application that they are a Protected Person (convention refugee) must submit a copy of their official protected person status document (PPSD).
• If applying for advanced standing admission (a level higher than first year/semester), course descriptions and teaching outlines of all post-secondary studies are generally not required at the time of application for admission (if this information is needed, a request will be forwarded by Undergraduate Admissions). Course/teaching outlines may be required after admission has been granted when the student is applying for transfer credit. Course/teaching outlines are not kept once a transfer credit decision is made. Students are encouraged to keep a copy of all course/teaching outlines for their records.

Internationally-Educated Applicants

Applicants are required to arrange for the submission of academic transcripts of all secondary and post-secondary studies (including promotion/graduation status), as well as school profile(s) including accreditation information and grading scale(s). Applicants must have already completed or be in the process of completing the minimum academic requirements at the time of application submission. If the documents are in a language other than English, applicants must also provide notarized literal English translations.

All necessary arrangements for submission of required documents should be made early to ensure documents are received by applicable deadlines. Ryerson will NOT send reminders requesting required documents.

Ontario Secondary School Students in their Senior Year

Grades for current Ontario secondary school students will be submitted to the OUAC by their guidance/student services office. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that their guidance/student services office, the OUAC, and that Undergraduate Admissions at Ryerson are notified of any plans to upgrade/complete course(s) through night school, summer school, e-school or correspondence studies; and that grades for the course(s) are submitted.

English proficiency test scores, and other supporting documents must be submitted to Undergraduate Admissions. Non-academic requirements must be submitted to the appropriate program department, or Undergraduate Admissions as per the instructions noted in the individual program pages.

OUAC 105 and Ryerson Applicants

Academic transcripts, the Supplementary Form, English proficiency test scores, and other supporting documents must be submitted to Undergraduate Admissions. Non-academic requirements must be submitted to the appropriate program department, or Undergraduate Admissions, as per the instructions noted in the individual program pages.

Ryerson requires applicants to upload their documents, where applicable, via Choose>Ryerson Applicant Portal. In extenuating circumstances, if applicants are unable to upload documents, they should be submitted by mail/courier to Ryerson University, Undergraduate Admissions, 350 Victoria Street, Toronto, ON Canada M5B 2K3.

All academic transcripts received via the Choose>Ryerson Applicant Portal are considered unofficial. If offered admission, official academic transcripts must be provided as detailed in the Offer letter and sent using the OUAC Transcript Request Form, or by mail in a sealed envelope directly from the issuing institution. Maintaining an Offer of Admission will be dependent on the receipt and verification of official documents, and meeting/fulfilling all other conditions stated in the Offer letter.  To ensure documents are received by applicable deadlines, it is essential that applicants make all the necessary arrangements for the submission of required official academic transcripts well in advance of the deadline date stated in the Offer of Admission.

Ontario University, College and Secondary School Transcripts

Applicants who are attending or have previously attended an Ontario university or college can request academic transcripts via the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) Transcript Request Form (TRF). Some exceptions may apply. See the OUAC Application Guide for details.

Certain secondary schools in Ontario allow applicants to request official secondary school transcripts electronically (completed courses only) using an online service hosted by the Ontario College Application Service (OCAS). The OUAC has partnered with OCAS to offer this service to university applicants and it can be accessed from the 105 application in the “Transcripts” section under “Ontario High Schools” and “Find out if you’re eligible”. If the secondary school is not included in this online service, the secondary school or applicable school board, must be contacted by the applicant to arrange for the submission of the official academic transcript. Ryerson University reserves the right to require official documents at any time during the application/admission process, and to rescind any Offer of Admission if discrepancies are found between unofficial and official documents.

Important Notes

All application information and documentation provided in support of an application must be true, accurate, complete, and have been prepared entirely by the applicant. No relevant information, academic or otherwise, can be withheld. Applicants may be required to provide documentation to the University to substantiate an application and the University has the authority to verify any information provided. Any misrepresentation of information may cause an application/Offer of Admission/enrolment to be cancelled by the University at any time (see Ryerson's Academic Code of Conduct). It is each applicant's responsibility to read the information posted in the After Applying section of the Ryerson website, and understand the policies and procedures as noted.

For some of Ryerson’s programs, factors such as interviews, auditions, selection tests, essays, portfolios, etc., are considered in addition to grades in order to select candidates for admission.

Specific information on non-academic admission criteria is available on the individual program pages.

All candidates who are required to submit essays, letters of reference, portfolios, and/or other supporting material must do so directly to the applicable program department or Choose>Ryerson applicant portal, as directed. Applications will not be considered complete until these are received. Essays, portfolios, letters of reference, and any other supporting material must include the applicant's full name and Ryerson Student Number.

The normal deadline for equal consideration is February 1: However, applications will be accepted after this date, subject to space and competition. These programs (subject to change) are:

• Architectural Science
• Disability Studies (Part-time)
  
• Fashion 
• Health Information Management (Part-time)
• Health Services Management (Part-time)
  
• Image Arts - Film Studies
• Image Arts - Photography Studies
• Interior Design
• Midwifery
  
• Performance Acting
  
• Performance Dance
  
• Performance Production
  
• RTA School of Media - Media Production
• RTA School of Media - New Media
• Social Work (only Advanced Standing - Third-Year Entry)
  

All other Ryerson programs primarily use grades in the selection process. Admission requirements and procedures vary with individual programs. Please visit Undergraduate Admissions for specific information. 

Selection Information

• Admission decisions are based on the information available at the time of application review. Applicants must have met, or be in the process of meeting, the admission requirements for the program(s) of their choice at the time of application.
• An applicant's complete academic record, including secondary school as well as any post-secondary studies (e.g. college, university, or other post-secondary institutions) will be reviewed and considered as part of the competitive selection process, unless otherwise noted.
• Admission requirements vary from program to program. Applicants may be required to achieve grades above the minimum in prerequisite subjects, as well as maintain averages higher than the published minimum. In the selection process, Offers are made to the best qualified candidates for Ryerson programs.
  
• Applicants, including those given an early or conditional Offer of Admission, are required to successfully complete all admission requirements by June 30. For many programs, this excludes the possibility of summer school, night school, virtual-school and/or correspondence courses completed after June 30 in the Grade 12 year. Summer school extensions are not granted for some programs.
  
  Visit After Applying and follow the links for Summer School or Other Extension in order to make a request for a summer school extension beyond June 30. Please note that requests will not be reviewed or responded to until after May 15.
  
  Extensions are not granted verbally under any circumstances. Applicants who are granted extensions beyond June 30 must continue to follow all other stipulated requirements for confirming their position at Ryerson (including payment of tuition deposits and the submission of final documents).
  
  Courses completed after June 30 will not be used in scholarship calculations.

NOTE: If a significant date is not a business day at Ryerson, the following business day is used.

Ryerson’s primary mode of communication is the Choose>Ryerson Applicant Portal (choose.ryerson.ca) and email.  All applicants are required to use the Choose>Ryerson Applicant Portal , and will be sent personal log-in details to their email account after their application has been received.  

Application status and applicant communications are viewable in the Choose>Ryerson Applicant Portal. Applicants must regularly monitor their Choose>Ryerson Applicant Portal, and read all of the information that is posted to the 'My Application Status' and 'My Communications' sections. 

If an applicant’s email address changes, Ryerson must be updated immediately, through appropriate channels. Applicants should ensure that they edit/update their 'spam' filters, and regularly check their 'spam' folder,  to prevent important and time-sensitive e-mail communications from being filtered out.

Applicants who have been approved will be notified by an official Offer of Admission in their Choose>Ryerson portal.   

Please note the following policies and procedures regarding Offers of Admission:

1. An application will be processed only when it is deemed complete (i.e. receipt of all necessary transcripts, supporting documents and applicable fees).
2. Ryerson will normally start to release offers of admission to Ontario secondary school applicants in late January or early February.
3. Non-Ontario secondary school students, including out-of-province high school applicants, may receive an Offer of Admission as soon as Grade 12 (or equivalent) interim marks are received by Undergraduate Admissions at Ryerson and as soon as Ryerson has completed an assessment of the application.
4. Each year, Ryerson announces anticipated program-by-program first release dates. This information is available on the After Applying page. Ryerson will make every attempt to meet, but cannot guarantee, projected release dates.
5. In order to maintain their admitted status, an applicant must follow all instructions and meet all deadlines contained in supporting, post-admission documentation. This includes but is not limited to applicant confirmation of acceptance of the Offer by the stated deadline, compliance with admission conditions and tuition deposit dates, and finalization of a timetable during the university enrolment period.
6. Ryerson reserves the right to withdraw Offers of Admission made to applicants who do not meet the condition(s) outlined in their Offer of Admission, who do not confirm their Offer of Admission by the specified confirmation date, or who do not pay their deposit/fee payment as required. As well, evidence of any falsified document(s) will result in the cancellation of an Offer of Admission or enrolment in a program.

All full-time program, first-year students who confirm an Offer of Admission by mid-July will be automatically enrolled in their required fall and winter term courses, and will be required to only choose and enrol in elective courses as applicable. Enrolment in elective courses generally occurs in mid-August.

All full-time, first-year students who confirm an Offer of Admission later than mid-July will have to enrol in both required and elective courses via Ryerson’s Administrative Management Self Service (RAMSS). For assistance, students should visit RAMSS Support - Undergraduate & Graduate Students or contact the program advisor in their department for course enrolment information.

Part-time program, direct entry or advanced standing students will not be automatically enrolled in any (required or elective) courses and should contact the program advisor in their department for course enrolment information.

Students must attend course enrolment-related activities during the specified time during Orientation Week. Students who do not enrol in nor attend classes as required, cannot be guaranteed space in their program unless special written permission has been given.

Applicants who are seeking admission from institutions or locations outside of Canada should apply online through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (external link) . Candidates are strongly urged to apply well in advance of February 1. Ryerson programs commence in September of each year only. Ryerson generally does not grant admission in the winter (January) or spring/summer (May) terms.

Applicants must arrange to have one set of academic transcripts submitted to Undergraduate Admissions and NOT to the OUAC. This includes transcripts of all secondary and post-secondary studies (showing promotion/graduation status), as well as school profile(s) including accreditation information and grading scale(s). If the documents are in a language other than English, applicants must also include notarized literal English translation(s). See Submission of Documents.

Applicants from a country where English is not the first language, or where English is an official language but not the first language, are required to provide proof of English proficiency at a satisfactory level. Please refer to English Language Requirements for details.

NOTES:

• International applicants are not eligible to apply as mature students.
  
• Studies taken to meet the academic admission requirements must be completed or in the process of being completed, at the time of the application submission.
   

All approved international applicants are required to obtain a study permit from a Canadian embassy or consulate in their home country prior to arriving in Canada. (Applicants from the United States, Greenland or St. Pierre and Miquelon, may apply for a study permit at a Canadian Port of Entry.)

International applicants will also require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), unless they are from a country that is exempted from this requirement. The list of countries and territories whose citizens need a visa to enter Canada to study is available at the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (external link)  website.

It is not possible to study in a full-time degree program in Canada with a visitor visa and it is not possible or recommended to attempt to change status from a visitor to a student when in Canada.

The Ryerson Letter of Acceptance for International Students (LAIS), proof of financial status, medical clearance and passport are required when applying for a study permit.  

International students are charged a different tuition fee from Canadians, unless they qualify for an exemption based on their status. International students who qualify for international fee exemption may still be required to obtain a study permit (student authorization) from Immigration Canada.

The following categories of international students may be exempt from the differential fee:

1. Those with diplomatic status in Canada.
   
2. Convention Refugees or Protected Persons.
   
3. Dependents of Canadian citizens and of permanent residents of Canada.
   
4. Spouses/dependent children of foreign workers in Canada.

To claim exemption, students must take their documentation to the RO ServiceHub when they arrive on campus. Visit the Fees Categories page for details.   

Students interested in participating in an exchange program should visit the Ryerson International Study Abroad/Exchange page for details.

All international students must also register in the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) for the duration of their studies at Ryerson. This plan ensures that all international students are protected from unexpected expensive medical bills and was established by Ontario Universities to provide comprehensive coverage. UHIP coverage is compulsory for international students and their dependents.

It is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED that students do not purchase health coverage from a private insurance plan at home prior to arrival in Canada.

The necessary fee for this coverage will be included in the fees statement available in Ryerson’s Administrative Management Self Service (RAMSS).

Any questions concerning UHIP and the application process should be directed to International Student Services, in Room POD-50A, by phone at (416) 979-5000 ext. 6655 or by email at uhip@ryerson.ca.

Applicants who wish to attend a Ryerson program and have attended an accredited university or college will be considered for admission if they meet the admission requirements, and are in good academic standing (i.e. eligible for enrolment/readmission) in their previous/current program.

Applicants who have been required to withdraw will not be considered for admission to a comparable program at Ryerson until the term of suspension/withdrawal has been served or, until one year after the status was assigned, whichever comes first.

Applicants who have been required to withdraw from a faculty or program at their home university but who are eligible to apply to another faculty or program at their home university are also eligible to apply to a similar faculty or program at Ryerson.

Generally, an applicant’s complete academic record, including secondary school as well as all post-secondary studies (e.g. college, university, or other post-secondary institutions) will be reviewed and considered as part of the competitive selection process. Ryerson receives more applications than spaces available. The averages/grades required for admission selection to each program are determined on the basis of competition each year. Possession of minimum averages and/or grades does not guarantee admission.

Applicants are required to declare all secondary and post-secondary institutions attended on their application and submit transcripts from each institution, unless otherwise noted. Any misrepresentation of information may cause an application/Offer of Admission/enrolment to be cancelled by the University at any time (see Ryerson's Academic Code of Conduct). Visit the University or College Transfer Students page for further details.

Programs may specify non-academic requirements for admission (e.g. portfolio, admission essay, interview, audition, etc.). These programs are referred to as Grades-Plus programs. The specific non-academic requirements for individual Grades-Plus programs, including specific submission dates and procedures, are available by visiting each Program page. Note: for Grades-Plus programs, both academic and non-academic criteria will be used in the admission selection process.

Applicants with the following credentials from a public Ontario College, and who do not meet the admission requirements from secondary school, will be assessed according to the stated guidelines. Subject to competition, candidates may be required to present averages/grades above the minimum.

1. Graduates of a three-year diploma program, with a 'B' average will be considered for admission and possible transfer credit. The amount of credit that may be transferred is program-specific.
   
2. Graduates of a two-year diploma program, or two years of a three-year diploma, with a 'B' average, will be considered for admission and possible transfer credit. The amount of credit that may be transferred is program-specific.
   
3. Applicants who have successfully completed one year of a two- or three-year program of an academic nature with an 'A' average will be considered for admission.  

NOTE: All applicants must possess the required program subject prerequisite(s), or equivalent(s), and required entrance averages for these subjects. Admission is subject to competition and higher averages/grades may be required.

Ryerson endorses the Council of Ontario Universities’ general principles on the transfer of credit:

Acceptance of transfer credits among Ontario universities shall be based on the recognition that, while learning experiences may differ in a variety of ways, their substance may be virtually equivalent in terms of their content and rigour. Insofar as possible, acceptance of transfer should allow for the maximum recognition of previous learning experience in university level courses.

Subject to degree, grade and program requirements, any course offered for credit by one university shall be accepted for credit by another university when there is essential equivalency in course content.  

Applicants who have previously completed one or more years at Ryerson, or another accredited post-secondary institution, may be eligible for admission to a level higher than first year/semester (advanced standing) and/or for transfer credit (refer to the section on Transfer Credits for additional information).

Applicants applying for advanced standing/transfer credits must arrange to have one set of academic transcripts of their secondary and all post-secondary studies, including promotion/graduation status, submitted to Undergraduate Admissions, unless otherwise noted. Transcripts for applicants who are currently attending a post-secondary institution must also include a list of courses in progress.

If applying for advanced standing admission, course descriptions and teaching outlines of all post-secondary studies are generally not required at the time of application for admission (if this information is needed, a request will be issued by Undergraduate Admissions). Course/teaching outlines may be required after admission has been granted, and when applying for transfer credit (see the Transfer Credit  page for further details.)

When advanced standing is granted, all or some of an applicant’s previous post-secondary studies is used as a basis of admission.

Courses used as basis of admission are not recorded as individual transfer credits and may not be used to apply for transfer credit. The original grades obtained in the courses used for advanced standing are not recorded as graded courses on the Ryerson academic record. Original grades are not used in the calculation of a student’s grade point average.

Applicants admitted with advanced standing and/or transfer credits must complete, as a Ryerson student, studies that normally include at least one half of the program’s curriculum. No more than a total of 50 percent of the program’s requirements may consist of advanced standing credits, transfer credits, challenge credits, or credits granted on a Letter of Permission.

Students admitted into a degree completion/advanced standing program who wish to enrol in any Faculty of Arts course that has a prerequisite must first obtain permission from the appropriate teaching department. Students are required to provide the teaching department with a course outline and proof of completion of the appropriate prerequisite.  

Students who have successfully completed one or more years of engineering studies at another qualifying accredited university-level engineering program are eligible for consideration for admission with transfer credits or advanced standing into a related engineering program at Ryerson, subject to space, competition and academic performance. No transfer credits will be approved beyond second-year level.

Students with a complete degree or partially completed degree in mathematics, physics, chemistry, or other science with appropriate credits in natural sciences, mathematics or computer science may be eligible for course transfer credits or advanced standing into an engineering program, subject to space, competition and academic performance. Transfer credits will be assessed on the basis of strict course-by-course equivalency.

Admission with advanced standing into Ryerson programs is competitive and depends on space availability and the student’s previous GPA from university/college/high school.  

A request to transfer to another Ryerson program is made by completing an online Ryerson Application. An $90 application fee (subject to change) must accompany the completed Ryerson application.

In addition, applicants must submit a completed Supplementary Form to Undergraduate Admissions via the Choose>Ryerson Applicant Portal. Details on the Supplementary Form can be found on the Applications and Related Forms page and the Choose>Ryerson Applicant Portal.

Requests for transfer will be considered only if students fulfill the admission requirements for the program of their choice and only if space is available in that program. Transfer applications (including supporting documents, where required) will be given equal consideration provided they are received by the guaranteed consideration date. Requests received after these dates will be considered subject to space availability. There is no guarantee that a student will be able to transfer to another program. Students requesting a transfer will compete with all other candidates for admission, and consideration is subject to space.

Students are advised that they can have formal status in only one Ryerson degree program (including special student studies) at any given time. When a student confirms acceptance of an offer to transfer from one Ryerson program to another, and is matriculated to the new program, the student forfeits their status in the original program. Students who decide to continue in their current program must log into my.ryerson.ca and access the Admissions tab in RAMSS to decline the Offer of Admission.

Students who have a Required to Withdraw (RTW) standing, may not transfer to ANY Ryerson program until 12 months have elapsed following the RTW Standing (regardless of program). As well, no courses taken at Ryerson (or elsewhere) within this 12 month period will be granted Ryerson credit, except courses completed as part of the Student Success Program (Fresh Start).

Students cannot apply to transfer to ANY Ryerson program immediately after receiving Permanent Program Withdrawal standing. Students may only apply to a different program for the fall semester of the following calendar year (regardless of program).

This applies to students who left under one of the following conditions:

• officially withdrew or did not complete term;
• did not enrol for six consecutive terms, including spring/summer terms, and left in good academic standing.

Application for readmission for students who attended Ryerson from Fall 1984 to present is made by completing an online Ryerson Application .

A Ryerson student who last attended prior to Fall 1984 must apply online through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (external link)  .

Applications for readmission may not be processed if the student has an outstanding debt to the University in excess of $10, (subject to change) or has not returned books, supplies, or equipment which have a value in excess of this amount.

Equal consideration will be given to those who apply for readmission by February 1 for the fall term; applications received after this date are reviewed subject to space availability. Students seeking re-admission for the winter term will receive equal consideration if they apply by November 1.

All returning students should be aware of space limitations in all levels. Admission/readmission is subject to space, competition and academic consideration. Ryerson is bound by written admission/readmission offers and does not give verbal offers.

Students should ensure that they fully understand the graduation requirements of their program when applying for readmission, including timespan and curriculum requirements.  

Admission decisions are made by Undergraduate Admissions, which reserves the right to defer or refuse admission to applicants whose qualifications do not fulfill the demands of the program for which they have applied. Ryerson reserves the right to request a personal interview and to limit the number of students admitted to any program. Admission is subject to the competitive process.

Students who have been Required to Withdraw (RTW) from a Ryerson program may not continue their program studies and are not be eligible for reinstatement in their program for 12 months.

Students may be eligible to participate in the Student Success Program (SSP/Fresh Start Program) to assist in their pursuit of reinstatement. Details and criteria for consideration for this program may be found on the Required to Withdraw (RTW) page.

Students seeking reinstatement within 24 months (6 terms) of their RTW date, and who have not participated in the SSP/Fresh Start Program, must follow the reinstatement application instructions and submission deadlines posted on the Required to Withdraw (RTW) page.

Reinstatement will be considered by faculty/program committees based on criteria, assessments and/or procedures developed by the School or Department. Past academic performance, space availability and competition will normally be considerations.

Students seeking reinstatement after 24 months (6 terms) has elapsed from their RTW/Suspended date must apply for reinstatement using an online Ryerson Application .

Applications will be considered subject to past academic performance, space availability and competition, reasonable evidence of the prospect of successful study, as well as admission deadline dates and procedures determined by Undergraduate Admissions.

• Application for reinstatement should be made as early as possible. The equal consideration date for the fall term is February 1 and for the winter term is November 1. Applications received after these dates will be reviewed subject to space availability.
  
• Students must complete the online Supplementary Form, outlining academic and non-academic activities since receiving the Required to Withdraw/Suspended academic standing, and provide reasonable evidence of the prospect of successful study.
  
• Official transcripts for courses taken at other post-secondary institutions since receiving the Required to Withdraw/Suspended academic standing must be submitted as part of a complete application.

Reinstatement, if granted, will be with probationary standing, and its requirements for defined limited studies. (See section on Academic Standings)

No courses taken at Ryerson (or elsewhere), within a 12-month period between when a student is RTW and reinstatement/transfer to another program is granted, will be eligible for Ryerson credit, except courses completed through the SSP/Fresh Start Program.

Students are designated 'Special Student' if they enrol for one or more courses, but are not pursuing a degree. A special student is eligible for evaluation in the courses taken and for a final grade statement. Special students are not eligible to obtain transfer credits or study on a letter of permission at another institution. Refer to the Special Student Status page for full details.

Prospective special students should note that, for some courses, no space will be available to special students as preference is given to full-time program students. While approval as a special student permits students to attempt to enrol for individual courses, it does not guarantee and is not meant to guarantee enrolment in courses, or admission to a Ryerson program.  

The Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science (FEAS) requires submission of the Ryerson Application and supporting documentation.  Visit the FEAS Special Student page for requirements.

The Faculty of Science (FoS) requires written authorization from the program department. This authorization is valid only for the period of time and courses specified.  The authorization must be submitted to Undergraduate Admissions as part of the application process. Visit the FoS Special Student page for details.

The School of Nutrition requires completion of their approval process, prior to submission of the online Ryerson Application. Refer to the Nutrition and Food Special Student Admissions page for further details.

Grade 12 U/M students may be admitted as special students to take a course, subject to receiving authorization from the teaching department of the course they wish to take and also subject to space in the desired course. Candidates must be recommended by their secondary school and will be considered on an individual basis. If the course forms part of a program to which the student is admitted, credit is applied.

Course(s) taken as a special student, which an applicant subsequently wants to apply as transfer credit to a program, will not be recorded as a graded course nor will it be used in the calculation of the student’s grade point average (GPA).

NOTE: Access to a course(s) is subject to approval of the teaching department. Approval may not be granted until after the commencement of term, as space is an essential consideration. Individual faculty members may not grant access to courses.

Special students are subject to the same continuation requirements as students in degree, diploma or certificate programs (see Academic Standings section). Special students are normally permitted to enrol for one to two courses per semester unless they are studying on letter of permission from another university or have previously completed a degree from an accredited university.

Students are designated 'Auditor' if they enrol for one or more courses which they do not wish to be evaluated; they attend classes for their own interest. An auditor will not be given a statement of attendance. Auditor students may only enrol in lecture courses and permission is subject to space, generally after courses commence. Applicants for auditor status must complete the  (PDF file) Undergraduate Course Audit Form.

The Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science is committed to working with engineering students to overcome challenges and improve their prospects for success as a Ryerson University engineering student and as a professional engineer after graduation. The faculty has introduced the Early Intervention Program and the Writing Skills Resource Path as part of a larger, faculty-wide initiative designed to maximize students' potential for success.  

Highly innovative and proactive retention strategies play an important role in helping students build the skills for success in a demanding engineering curriculum. Through the First-Year Engineering Office, the Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science has incorporated the Early Intervention Program into the first-year engineering experience. At the semester's mid-point, students who are failing courses in their core curriculum are identified and encouraged to attend an interview with a member of our academic support team (First-Year Engineering Program Director/Academic Advisor and/or the Student Counsellor). Together, they discuss options to help reduce the chances of academic failure.  

All new engineering students are automatically enrolled in CEN 199: Writing Skills.

CEN 199 is graded on a Pass/Fail basis, and is used to track the results of the Writing Skills Test (WST).

All students admitted into engineering are required to write the mandatory Writing Skills Test (WST) during orientation week. Students who pass the WST (by achieving a grade of 'B' or higher) will receive a Pass in CEN 199 and therefore may enrol in the lower level liberal studies course of their choice (subject to availability).

Students who do not pass the WST will receive an INP (in progress) grade in CEN 199 and will be required to enrol in one of LNG 111, LNG 112, LNG 113, or LNG 121 as their first-year lower-level liberal studies course. These courses, which count toward lower level liberal studies requirements, are writing-intensive humanities and social science courses designed to give students the opportunity to strengthen their foundations in communications. These students will then have three additional opportunities to write and pass the WST:

• In May, following semester 2;
• During orientation week prior to semester 3;
• In May, following semester 4.

Please note

A Pass in CEN 199: Writing Skills is required to enrol in all third-year engineering courses. Students with a grade of INP in CEN 199 will not be allowed to enrol in any third-year engineering course.

For additional information, please refer to the specific engineering program within this calendar or contact the First-Year Engineering Office, Room ENG-377 Phone: 416-979-5000 ext. 4261 or ext 4502, E-mail: firstyeareng@ryerson.ca.  

Applicants approved into an engineering program cannot expect to receive any transfer credits in engineering discipline or engineering-related discipline courses if their applicable post-secondary education was not completed at a program accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB). Refer to the Accreditation Resources (external link)  page for a listing of CEAB accredited institutions.

Core and professional engineering course transfer credits will ONLY be granted at the time of admission. An Offer of Admission will notify the applicant of transfer credit decision(s) subject to acceptance of their Offer.

Liberal studies discipline courses taken at CEAB accredited or non-accredited schools will be considered for either lower- or upper-level liberal studies transfer credit. College courses, in general, are not eligible for transfer credit except in the case of lower-level liberal studies courses.