How to Apply
Ready to get started? Let us guide you through every step of applying to one of the English language pathway programs at Toronto Metropolitan University.
Note: The registration process for our short-term Immersive Language Program is different. Please contact us to learn more.
November 21: Join our English Language Institute (ELI) online information session. Register today. (external link, opens in new window)
Choose your program
Before you apply, select an undergraduate program (subject of major interest) that you would like to enter after successfully completing an English pathway program at the English Language Institute. Next, determine which English pathway program is best for you. Your English proficiency level determines which pathways are available to you.
Next: Review requirements
Review admission requirements
Our English language pathway programs are designed for students who meet the academic requirements but have not met the minimum English proficiency requirements to study at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). Admission requirements depend on various factors, such as the country where you completed your secondary schooling and the program you wish to enrol in.
Please take time to review the requirements by country and the prerequisite subjects required for the undergraduate program(s) you are interested in applying to.
Next: Submit your application
How to add an ELI program to your application
English Boost (8 weeks) only
- Select the undergraduate program you would like to join after successfully completing your pathway program. You'll be automatically considered for English Boost (8 weeks) with IELTS 6.0, Duolingo 105-115, or an equivalent test score.
ESL Foundation and Pre-English Boost + English Boost (16 weeks)
- Select the program titled 'English Language Pathway Programs' and add it to your application.
Submit your application
There are several ways to submit your application. Please follow the video resources below. When selecting your program, please refer to the note above as it will vary depending on the English Language Pathway Program you are applying to.
TMU International Application
Use this form if you are:
- applying to Toronto Metropolitan University only
Note: International students studying at an Ontario secondary school must use the OUAC Application when planning to start a TMU undergraduate program in the September intake.
Application Fee: $150 CAD
OUAC (Ontario Universities’ Applications Centre) Application
Use this form if you are:
- applying to multiple universities in Ontario
Note: You must create an OUAC Account (external link) if you don't already have one.
Application Fee: Consult the OUAC website (external link) for details.
TMU Application for Current and Previous TMU Students
Use this form if you are:
- a current or previous TMU student
OR
- applying to be a Special Student
Consult Applications and related forms - TMU Application for further details.
Application Fee: $90 CAD
Upload required documents
Once you have received an email acknowledgement of your application, you should begin the process of submitting your transcripts and other supporting documents.
Note: If your documents are in a language other than English, you must provide the documents in the original language as well as certified/notarized literal English translations.
Secondary and post-secondary transcripts are required for the assessment of your application. Plan to collect these at the time of application. A copy of an official transcript issued by your school or your student record obtained from a self-serve system is sufficient.
You can upload unofficial transcripts in the ChooseTMU Applicant Portal. TMU will request official transcripts if you're admitted.
- Transcripts are considered official when sent to us directly by the issuing institution or via the OUAC.
- Official transcripts generally bear an original seal/stamp and/or official signature from an appropriate signatory. They also show the names of the courses you’ve completed and are enrolled in, the marks you’ve received, credit values, grading scheme, as well as the graduation credential (if awarded).
If you’ve attended a school outside of Canada, visit the official transcript submission page for more information about required transcripts and how to submit them.
If your documents are in a language other than English, you must provide them in the original language, as well as certified/notarized literal English translations.
Are you a current/previous TMU applicant or undergraduate student? Be sure to indicate this on your application. You don't need to submit transcripts again if they’re already on file and complete (and you haven’t enrolled in courses since). TMU grades will be obtained internally.
Note: your ChooseTMU Applicant Portal may not reflect documents submitted in a previous year.
Programs that don't require secondary school transcripts
These programs require post-secondary studies for admission. Secondary school transcripts aren’t required:
- Business Management Direct Entry
- Business Technology Management Degree Completion
- Child and Youth Care Direct Entry
- Disability Studies Degree Completion
- Early Childhood Studies Direct Entry
- Health Administration Degree Completion
- Nursing Post-Diploma Degree Completion
- Occupational Health and Safety (2-year diploma to degree pathway)
- Occupational Health and Safety (2-year option for university graduates)
- Public Health (2-year option for university graduates)
- Retail Management Direct Entry
- Social Work Advanced Standing (full-time, entry to second year; part-time, entry to third year)
- Urban and Regional Planning (Degree Completion and Post-Baccalaureate)
If you’re not a current Ontario secondary school student, we encourage you to tell us about yourself and submit a supplementary form. You can access it in your ChooseTMU Applicant Portal.
Special consideration: Submit a special consideration form if you want to tell us about a barrier or hardship you have faced that may have negatively affected your grades. This form is confidential.
Proof of name change: If your transcripts and/or other supporting documents show a name that differs from your application, submit proof of name change such as marriage certificate, notarized statement, or another applicable legal document.
Convention refugees/protected persons: Please submit your government-issued papers to avoid being charged higher tuition fees.
International students: If you plan to enrol at TMU on a study permit, we encourage you to begin preparations at the time of application, where possible. You can apply for your study permit at a Canadian embassy or consulate in your home country or region (visit www.cic.gc.ca (external link, opens in new window) for details). For further study permit information, visit International Student Support.
Some TMU programs specify non-academic requirements for admission. These can include auditions, interviews, portfolios, essays, etc. Check out video recordings of program-specific information sessions on non-academic requirements and visit the program pages below for further details on non-academic requirements, submission dates, and procedures.
Please review the English placement equivalencies table below for the acceptable tests and scores to enter a pathway program at the English Language Institute.
ESL Foundation Program (two terms) | Pre-English Boost + English Boost | English Boost, ESL Foundation Program (one term) |
|
CAEL |
N/A |
N/A |
50 |
Cambridge Assessment English |
154 - 161 on B1 Preliminary |
162-168 on B2 First |
169-179 on B2 First |
Duolingo |
80-90 |
95-100 |
105-115 |
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) TMU accepts IELTS tests completed on paper, on computer or online. |
5.0 |
5.5 |
6.0 |
Pearson Test of English (PTE) |
45-50 |
51-55 |
56-59 |
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) |
64-68 iBT |
69-78 iBT |
79-82 iBT |
Ready to submit your documents? Watch our video or visit our How to Upload Your Documents web page for everything you need to know about document uploads.
Check your application status
Log in to your ChooseTMU Applicant Portal to view letters/documents issued to you by Undergraduate Admissions and to track your application.
Please add noreply@torontomu.ca to your email contact list and check your spam folder to ensure you do not miss critical communications from us.
Connect with us
We are ready to help! Please connect with us if you have any questions about the application process.
Apply for a Scholarship
Once you have applied, we encourage you to explore the scholarships and awards available to incoming international students.
International English Language Institute Merit Scholarship
The International English Language Institute Merit Scholarship is for international undergraduate students. The students must be starting an English language pathway program at Toronto Metropolitan University's English Language Institute (ELI) in the Fall 2025 term. It's for students who do well academically, volunteer, join clubs, and show leadership qualities.
Three (3) recipients | $500 each (total value, non-renewable)
Apply by April 15, 2025 through AwardSpring. (external link)
Key points to remember:
- Application deadline: April 15, 2025
- Must be an international student starting an English language pathway program in August 2025
- Must have a final admission average of at least 85%, an A, or an equivalent
- Must write a statement for submission (minimum 250 words, maximum 500 words) responding to the following prompt: "What do the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals mean to you and how could you contribute to achieving them?"
- If a gap year was taken it must be no longer than one academic year
Accept your Offer
Received an Offer of Admission? Reserve your spot in 3 steps, outlined on our Approved Students page.
Updates to study permit requirements for certain international students
The Government of Canada recently introduced new requirements for study permit applications. Please visit International Student Support - Study Permit (opens in new window) for details.
Fill out our interest form
Complete this form to receive emails about everything you need to unlock your potential at the English Language Institute.
Notice of Collection
Toronto Metropolitan University collects and manages personal information under the authority of the (PDF file) University Act and in accordance with the Notice of Collection for recruitment and other related purposes.