Get Help with Undergraduate Architecture Admissions

Visit the undergraduate admissions How to Apply page for application instructions. Please note this is a grades-plus program, which means there are also non-academic requirements, including a portfolio. You can find answers to commonly asked questions about your portfolio by reading questions 11 to 18 below. Additional information about non-academic requirements can be found on the architectural science undergraduate admissions page.

The deadline for equal consideration for fall applications is February 1 each year. However, applications, amendments and supporting documents received after this date will be reviewed subject to space availability. Therefore, we encourage you to complete your application as early as possible.

Unfortunately, TMU does not offer winter admission to the architectural science program.

An Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with six Grade 12 U/M courses is required, including competitive grades in the prerequisite subjects:

• English (ENG4U/EAE4U preferred)
• Physics (SPH4U)
• Mathematics – either Calculus and Vectors (MCV4U) or Advanced Functions (MHF4U)

The OSSD with a minimum overall average of 70% in six Grade 12 U/M courses, or equivalent, establishes eligibility for admission. We encourage you to apply if you have an average of 80% or higher and grades of at least 70% or higher in each required course.

The number of applications we receive greatly exceeds the number of spaces available in each program. Therefore, you should aim for averages/grades above the minimum to be competitive.

You may be considered for admission as a mature student applicant if you meet all of the following requirements:

• Are 21 years of age by December 31 of the year in which you will begin studies;
• Have been away from formal education for at least two years;
• Are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, or are sponsored by a Canadian government agency; and
• Have completed all subject prerequisites1 with grades of 70% or higher in each, AND present a competitive overall average. 

The subject prerequisites are: English (ENG4U/EAE4U preferred), Physics (SPH4U) and Mathematics, either Calculus and Vectors (MCV4U) or Advanced Functions (MHF4U).

To determine the admission average, all subject prerequisite course grades are averaged. The average required for admission purposes varies and is determined based on competition. You can find more details on the mature student applicants page.

Currently, TMU will calculate your overall average using your final marks in your best six Grade 12 U or M courses, which may include repeated/upgraded course marks.

You have a few options:

Night school*

Adult learning centres*

Independent Learning Centre (external link) 

Academic bridging courses at TMU’s G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education

*Check with your local board of education for locations near you.
Each of these options is equally acceptable. We encourage you to research the differences between each option (location, schedule, financial cost, method of instruction, etc.) and select the upgrading option that best suits your needs.

Generally, we do not accept college courses in place of the Grade 12 U/M subject prerequisites. Please contact Undergraduate Admissions via the ServiceHub for more information.

A college diploma will not award advanced standing into the architectural science program at TMU. However, you may be eligible for a limited number of transfer credits. Please refer to TMU’s Transfer Credit Unit for more information.

No.

A combination of creativity, design skills, architectural aptitude and technical ability

A mix of traditional/experimental work that may include drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, set design, clothing/jewelry/furniture design, ceramics or metalwork, carpentry, stills from video work or web design.

Process work included along with your finished work is welcome and won’t count as separate pieces.

Clearly labelled work with the name/title of the work or project, the medium and date of work, and any other relevant information regarding the work submitted.

Your portfolio must meet the format requirements listed in the Portfolio section on the Architectural Science Programs web page.

For more information on how to put together a portfolio, you can view the portfolio workshop (external link)  organized by the department.

We also encourage you to view our department’s student work to give you an idea of the level of work we expect once you are a student in the program.

National Portfolio Day (external link)  is a helpful resource for anyone assembling a portfolio. They have online and in-person workshops you can sign up for.

Do not submit work drawn in a drafting class or a drafting software class (using Revit, AutoCAD or any other program). We want to see your overall creativity and aptitude for designing and thinking in 3D to provide a sense of your creative abilities, originality and sensitivity to materials. We would like to see expressions of your ideas and encourage the inclusion of creative pieces in the portfolio, including work created outside school art classes. Although knowledge of drafting software is very useful, this will not help you get accepted into the program. That said, using other art-based software creatively and originally is acceptable.

Yes, 3D work is highly encouraged and should be photographed from different angles. However, many photos of one piece will count as only one piece in the portfolio.

Yes, the fee for the portfolio assessment is $50 (subject to change). This fee is in addition to the application fees and is not paid at the time of application. Please ensure you have paid the portfolio assessment fee before uploading your portfolio, so your portfolio may be evaluated in a timely manner.

Due to the volume of applications and in fairness to all applicants, portfolios are not re-evaluated. 

Due to the volume of applications, individual portfolio feedback is not feasible.

Admission offers are sent out on a rolling basis, starting in March. Keep checking your applicant portal for important messages.

Our virtual open house (external link)  is available for viewing at any time. In addition, you can find an overview of our facilities on our Studios & Facilities web page.

For all questions relating to the admissions process, including offer letters, wait lists, transfers, portfolio receipts and payments, you may contact:

TANOLI, Pallavi
Department: Registrar’s Office: Admissions (Undergraduate)
Title: Admissions/Liaison Officer
Extension: 553279
Email: ptanoli@torontomu.ca