Resources for Families

Welcome, Parents and Families!

Choosing a university is one of the most important decisions that any young adult will face as they look to the future. On this page, you’ll find answers to some of our most commonly asked questions and host of resources to help you support your child through their academic journey. Whether the student in your life is trying to choose from a dozen callings across multiple universities or has already applied to one of our programs, our goal is to equip you to guide them, and to cheer them on, as they make their decisions.

One University, Three Campuses

Students can earn their University of Toronto degree at any of our three campuses, which span the Greater Toronto Area in southern Ontario, Canada. All of our campuses offer a wealth of choice across multiple disciplines. To the west, the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) combines advanced research with an intimate academic experience. The University of Toronto St. George (UTSG) features diverse college communities within Toronto’s vibrant downtown core. And, to the east, the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) is a global leader in community-engaged research, hands-on learning, and work-integrated, co-operative (“co-op”) education.

For Students Who Are Exploring Their Options

The University of Toronto continues to soar in global university rankings and is consistently ranked first in Canada. Learn more about our rankings.

The application form a student fills out for admission to undergraduate programs at the University of Toronto depends on their current situation — whether they’re a current Ontario high school student, an applicant from another Canadian province or territory, an international applicant, or in another circumstance. In all cases, students apply through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) which processes applications to each of Ontario’s universities.

U of T doesn’t do one-size-fits-all. Our variety and depth of academic options means your child can pursue programs suited to any set of interests, all while learning from professors who are leaders in their fields.

U of T students have opportunity, flexibility, and choice that cannot be found at any other North American university. Undergraduate students choose from more than 700+ academic programs to build a degree that is personalized to their interests.

Life at U of T is eclectic. Our students enjoy unparalleled academic options, alongside a multitude of social, cultural, recreational, and wellness initiatives.

Each campus has a team dedicated to providing personal support, opportunities, and resources to students so that they can reach their full potential. Learn about Student Life and Student Affairs at UTM,  UTSC, and our St. George campus.

Students can immerse themselves in university life by living on campus. Learn about the distinct residential communities and styles of residential living on each campus.

The university application process starts in the fall of the calendar year before a student plans to begin their Bachelor’s degree. We encourage students to submit their application, and the appropriate application fee, well in advance of official deadlines. View all important dates and deadlines.

U of T’s National Scholarship program recognizes original and creative thinkers, community leaders, and high academic achievers. It is U of T’s most prestigious award for Canadian high school students entering university. Learn more about eligibility, nomination procedures, and how to apply.

The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships at the University of Toronto provide an unparalleled opportunity for outstanding international students to study at one of the world’s best universities in one of the world’s most multicultural cities. This scholarship program is intended to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and creativity, and who are recognized as leaders within their school. Learn more about eligibility, nomination procedures, and how to apply.

If a program requires students to complete a supplemental application, audition, or profile, students will be invited to complete the relevant forms after submitting their OUAC application. Learn more about supplemental applications/auditions for first-entry programs that require them:

For an in-depth look at prerequisites, program options, deadlines, and application guidelines for students in and outside of Canada, have a look through our domestic or international undergraduate admissions bulletin.

Finding and maintaining suitable housing is a key part of a student’s personal and academic success. Housing Services offers information, resources and support for students to reach their housing goals.

The University has comprehensive scholarship programs that recognize outstanding achievement at all levels of study. Students can search our Award Explorer database to discover admissions awards, in-course awards, and graduating awards.

Discover all that U of T has to offer — on your own time. Browse our library of recorded information sessions or take a virtual tour of our campuses and faculties.

For Students Who Have Applied to U of T

U of T will make conditional offers of admission throughout the year on the basis of applicants’ available Grade 11 and 12 marks. This assessment is possible provided that Ontario high school applicant’s OUAC record shows enrolment in all required Grade 12 courses. If a Grade 12 mark in a prerequisite subject is not available, we will use the mark in the corresponding Grade 11 course.

Remind your child to click the Admitted link on their application and follow the prompts in order to officially accept their offer. Students with offers of admission to Engineering should check their application status through the Engineering Applicant Portal: uoft.me/myportal.

Applicants should log in to residence.utoronto.ca and confirm their interest in residence before March 31 to be covered by our first-year residence guarantee. Applicants admitted to the Faculty of Arts & Science should log back in to StarRez and rank their choices.

Students who are not Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents must apply for a study permit in order to study in Canada. Your child’s offer letter will include a letter that can be used to apply for a student visa through a Canadian embassy or consulate. Learn more at www.studentlife.utoronto.ca/cie/immigration.

For guidelines on study permits for minors, please visit the Government of Canada website.

Most academic divisions allow students to design their own weekly schedules. Course selection occurs online and begins in July or August — students will receive specific instructions on how and when to select their courses in the spring. In advance of this, Registrars will hold orientation sessions to clarify processes and misconceptions. Note that first-year Engineering students and students in the International Foundation Program do not choose courses and will be provided, instead, with a readymade class schedule.

UHIP is a mandatory health insurance plan for international students, and helps cover the cost of healthcare services delivered and billed in Canada. Enrolment in UHIP is automatic, with coverage charged directly to each student’s ACORN account balance. Learn more at www.studentlife.utoronto.ca/cie/uhip.

The first fees instalment is normally due at the end of August or start of September. Each student will receive details during the summer, tailored to their program and, if applicable, courseload. Students may be required to pay a tuition deposit — this will be indicated on their offer page, along with the deposit deadline.

Students who will be living in residence typically move in over the Labour Day weekend (the first week of September). Incoming students should monitor their email regularly for logistical guidance and other updates from their Dean of Residence. We encourage students who wish to learn more about orientation week, sometimes known as Frosh Week, to visit hello.utoronto.ca.

U of T’s academic year begins in September and consists of a fall semester (September – December) and a winter semester (January – April), punctuated by some statutory holidays, one study break per semester, and a two-week campus closure during the winter holiday season. Classes and final exams for fall-winter and winter courses conclude by late April. Registered students who plan to take summer courses should be aware that the summer term consists of two “semesters” (May-June, July-August), each of which is paced twice as fast as a normal four-month semester.

Additional Resources

Our campuses and faculties provide additional resources for parents and guardians. Learn more about orientation, student transition, academic success, and more.