Application steps

Applicants are required to submit an online unofficial electronic transcript from each and every post-secondary institution attended. Post-secondary study includes:
 

• degree programs
• pre-degree courses (e.g., CEGEP in the province of Quebec)
• post-degree courses (even for one single course)
• professional development (e.g., Additional Qualification courses for educators)

For in-progress study, including courses without final grades, a transcript must still be submitted. If an updated transcript is subsequently required, it will be requested.

If you are applying to a doctoral program, transcripts pertaining to both bachelor’s and master’s degrees must be submitted. 

Online transcripts are unofficial electronic records you upload to your online admissions application. It is your responsibility to ensure every record is clearly legible, accurate and complete (all pages front and back and including grading scale). An illegible or incomplete record will delay or prevent processing and review of your application.

Do not submit an official transcript because it is not required at the time of application. If you receive an offer of admission, official transcripts are required as a condition of admission.

For information about submitting your transcripts, see Step 5: Submit supporting documents. 

Did you study outside of Canada?

An English translation of all international documentation written in a language other than English or French must be submitted as part of a transcript. It’s preferable to submit both the original language document plus an English translation. If the original language document is not available, submit the English translation only.   

Do not submit an official certified English translation because it is not required at the time of application. If you receive an offer of admission, an official transcript with an official certified English translation is required as a condition of admission.   

Did you study at the University of Toronto? 

You must upload an unofficial electronic transcript of your study at the University of Toronto to your online admissions application. If you receive an offer of admission, official transcripts are typically not required as a condition of admission because the student record is accessible to us.

For information about official transcripts (and official certified English translation), see Satisfy your conditions of admission.
 

Frequently asked questions

What if I can’t get an official transcript?

I prefer to submit an official transcript to OISE instead of uploading an unofficial one – is that okay?

My current transcript shows courses in-progress. Should I submit another transcript when new grades become available?

My degree includes transfer credit/exchange study, is a transcript for that needed?

The online admissions application provides information about recommendations/letters of reference specific to the program of study to which you’re applying.
 

Two letters of reference are the standard: one academic and one professional. The academic reference should be from a university instructor with whom you have studied. The professional reference should be from someone who is familiar with your professional work and promise. 

There is an Employer Recommendation option in the online admissions application. This type of recommendation is not used by any OISE program – only identify a recommender/referee as Academic or Professional. If you are using your employer as a reference, typically they are identified as Professional.

Do not designate more than the required number of referees. Any extra or supplemental documents will not strengthen an application, are not permitted and will not be evaluated.
 

Be prepared to provide contact information for your referees. A valid institution/organization email address is necessary for a referee to upload their letter. Email addresses that are shared, anonymous, generic or not linked to an institution, organization or business are not acceptable (e.g. Gmail, Hotmail, and Yahoo!). References submitted through dossier services such as Interfolio are also not acceptable.


It's imperative to contact your prospective referees in advance to: 
 

• ensure they are willing and able to provide a timely letter of reference;
• confirm their current contact information; and 
• alert them to expect an email invitation to upload a letter of reference.
   

For information about submitting your letters of reference, see Step 5: Submit supporting documents. 

Frequently asked questions 
 

What if it’s really difficult for me to get an academic (or professional) letter of reference?

A referee I want doesn't have an institution or organization email address. What should I do?

Can I submit more than two letters of reference?
 

The online admissions application may provide information about resume or curriculum vitae (CV) specific to the program of study to which you’re applying. 

Your up-to-date resume or curriculum vitae should detail:
 

• education history (both academic and professional);
• employment history, including names of employers, job titles, position responsibilities, dates employed and whether full- or part-time;
• awards;
• business and professional achievements;
• community activities; and
• any special skills.

For information about submitting your resume or curriculum vitae, see Step 5: Submit supporting documents. 
 

The online admissions application provides information about questions specific to the program of study to which you’re applying.

A statement of intent (also known as a plan of study or letter of intent) is not required. Instead, you must answer questions created by a program to learn more about you. Enter your response to each question in the text box provided. Do not upload a separate document.

The number of questions varies across programs and your answers will be used as part of the evaluation of your application. The program’s guidelines for responding are provided within the online admissions application and may also be shared on the program’s website. A word count limit is typically specified, and if not the default maximum is 1500. Applicants are encouraged to formulate responses that are concise, succinct and as brief as possible.

In the online admissions application Review page, after you click-on Continue you will not be able to edit/change your responses to faculty questions.