York University Admissions Guide

York University, a vibrant and diverse institution, welcomes students from across Canada and around the globe. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the undergraduate admissions process for York University, covering application basics, general and program-specific requirements, important deadlines, and tips for crafting a strong application. York is known for its innovative programs, diverse community, and commitment to positive change, offering a wide array of academic opportunities including co-op options in 70% of its undergraduate programs.

Application Basics

Requirement	Details
Application System	OUAC 101 (for current Ontario high school students) or OUAC 105 (for all other applicants, including out-of-province, international, and mature students)
Application Fee	$180 CAD (OUAC base fee for 3 program choices). Additional fees may apply for more choices or supplementary applications.
Transcript Requirement	Official transcripts from all secondary and post-secondary institutions attended. Submitted through OUAC for Ontario students; others will be instructed on submission methods.
Supplementary Application	Yes, for specific programs (e.g., Schulich School of Business, Lassonde School of Engineering, some programs in the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design).

Admission Requirements

General Requirements

Admission to York University generally requires a strong academic record. For most programs, applicants from Ontario secondary schools will need an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with six Grade 12 U or M courses, including English U. Competitive averages vary significantly by program and faculty. Students are encouraged to aim for averages in the high 70s to low 90s for competitive programs.

For applicants from other provinces or international systems, equivalent qualifications will be assessed. Specific prerequisite courses are crucial for many programs, particularly in STEM fields and professional faculties.

Program-Specific Requirements

Admission to specific faculties and programs at York University is highly competitive and requires particular prerequisite courses and often higher competitive averages.

Program/Faculty	Required Courses	Competitive Average
Schulich School of Business	BBA: English U, Advanced Functions U, Calculus and Vectors U. Two additional 4U/M courses. iBBA: English U, Advanced Functions U, Calculus and Vectors U. Two additional 4U/M courses.	High 80s to low 90s+ (highly competitive)
Lassonde School of Engineering	Engineering Programs: English U, Advanced Functions U, Calculus and Vectors U, Physics U, Chemistry U. One additional 4U/M course.	Mid-80s to low 90s+ (highly competitive)
Faculty of Science	Actuarial Science (BA/BSc): English U, Advanced Functions U, Calculus and Vectors U. Physics U or Chemistry U recommended.	Mid-80s+
Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies	Anthropology (BA, iBA): English U. Other prerequisites vary by specific major.	Mid-70s to low 80s+
Faculty of Health	Kinesiology & Health Science (BSc): English U, Biology U, Chemistry U. Advanced Functions U or Calculus and Vectors U recommended.	Mid-80s+
Faculty of Education	Concurrent BEd: English U. Specific prerequisites for the concurrent undergraduate degree (e.g., BA, BSc).	Mid-80s+ (for the undergraduate degree)

Note: These are general guidelines. Specific program requirements and competitive averages can change annually. Always verify the most current information on the official York University program pages.

Important Deadlines

Meeting application deadlines is critical for consideration. Missing a deadline can result in your application not being reviewed.

Deadline	Date	Notes
OUAC Application	January 15, 2025	Recommended deadline for equal consideration for Fall 2025 admission. Applications submitted after this date may still be considered if space permits.
Supplementary Application	February 1, 2025 (estimated)	For programs requiring supplementary applications (e.g., Schulich, Lassonde, AMPD). Verify exact date for your specific program.
Document Submission	March 1, 2025 (estimated)	Recommended deadline for submitting all required supporting documents (transcripts, etc.). Verify exact date for your specific program.
Offer of Admission Response	June 1, 2025	The deadline for Ontario high school students to accept an offer of admission.
Residence Application	Early June 2025 (estimated)	For guaranteed residence consideration (typically for first-year students). Check Housing Services for exact dates.

Note: Deadlines are subject to change. Always refer to the official York University admissions website for the most up-to-date information for your specific application cycle.

Supplementary Application

Certain highly competitive programs at York University require a supplementary application in addition to the OUAC application. These applications allow you to showcase your unique skills, experiences, and motivations beyond academic grades.

Schulich School of Business (BBA/iBBA): Typically requires an online application that includes written responses, video essays, and potentially an interview component. This assesses leadership potential, communication skills, and fit with the program's values.
Lassonde School of Engineering: May require an online profile or supplementary form where applicants can highlight their interest in engineering, extracurricular activities, projects, and problem-solving skills.
School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design (AMPD): Programs in this faculty often require portfolios (e.g., for Fine Arts, Design), auditions (e.g., for Music, Theatre), or supplementary essays demonstrating creative potential and relevant experience.

Key things to remember for supplementary applications:

Start early: These applications take time to complete thoughtfully.
Follow instructions carefully: Adhere to word limits, file formats, and submission guidelines.
Showcase your authentic self: Highlight experiences that demonstrate your passion, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities.
Proofread: Ensure your responses are clear, concise, and free of errors.

Tips for a Strong Application

Research Your Programs Thoroughly: Understand the specific admission requirements, prerequisite courses, and competitive averages for each program you're interested in. York offers a wide range of programs, and knowing the details will help you tailor your application.
Maintain Strong Grades: Academic performance is a primary factor in admissions. Focus on achieving the highest possible grades in your prerequisite courses and overall average.
Highlight Extracurriculars and Experiences: If your chosen program requires a supplementary application, use it to demonstrate your involvement in clubs, volunteer work, leadership roles, part-time jobs, or personal projects. York values "changemakers" and a diverse community.
Craft Compelling Supplementary Responses: For programs like Schulich or Lassonde, your supplementary application is your chance to stand out. Be authentic, articulate your motivations clearly, and provide specific examples that showcase your skills and passion.
Apply Early: While there's an equal consideration deadline, applying well in advance ensures your application is processed promptly and gives you ample time to submit all required documents.
Stay Informed: Regularly check your email and the York University applicant portal for updates, document requests, and important notifications. Be aware of fraudulent offers and only communicate through official channels.

Official Sources

Always verify current information on official websites.

Your Future Starts Here | Future Students | York University: https://futurestudents.yorku.ca/
Programs of Study | Future Students | York University: https://futurestudents.yorku.ca/programs/
Schulich School of Business (York): https://schulich.yorku.ca/
Lassonde School of Engineering: https://lassonde.yorku.ca/
York Program Search: https://futurestudents.yorku.ca/program-search