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Admissions & Student Recruitment

Mature Student

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Am I a Mature Student?

We understand that life can sometimes affect your academic plans. If you don’t meet U of T Scarborough’s traditional admission requirements under the high school or post-secondary categories, you may still be eligible to apply as a mature student!

 

Being a mature student is not based on age alone. We can consider your application if you:

  1. Are at least 21 years old by October 1 of the year you plan on attending (September start),

  2. Have not attempted any degree level academic work (or equivalent) at post-secondary institutions such as a university, college or polytechnic institute. If you've enrolled in courses but have withdrawn before a grade has been issued, this is acceptable.

  3. Have not completed more than one year of full-time studies in an Ontario College of Applied Arts and Technology (or equivalent).

  4. Have been a resident in Ontario for a minimum of 12 months as of the above date, 

  5. Are a Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident or protected Person (Convention Refugee), and

  6. Achieve high standing in one of the three qualifying entry options detailed in the table below:

Qualifying criteria

Details & next steps

Complete two Grade 12 courses (ENG4U + one other, taken at the age of 21 or older):

  • Contact the U of T Scarborough Admissions & Student Recruitment office to discuss your wish to qualify and/or discuss program prerequisite requirements.

  • Contact your Board of Education to enrol in the Grade 12 U/M courses.

  • After applying through the OUAC, complete the Special Consideration Form on your U of T JOIN portal and indicate that you are applying as a mature student at U of T Scarborough taking ENG4U and one other Grade 12 U/M course.

Transitional Year Program:

TYP is designed for those who could not finish high school because of financial problems, family difficulties or other circumstances beyond their control. It is a one-year, full-time program leading to admission into an Arts & Science degree program. Detailed information is available on the Transitional Year Program website.

Woodsworth College Academic Bridging Program:

  1. Must be at least 19 years of age by October 1 of the year you plan on starting,

  2. Be either a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident (Convention Refugees should contact the Academic Bridging Program before beginning the application process), and

  3. Have been away from formal, full-time education for some time.

For full details, visit the Academic Bridging Program website or email Woodsworth.

​​If you are applying to the University as a senior citizen, please click here to visit the Non-degree Students webpage.

 

If you meet the eligibility requirements, complete the Prospective Mature Student Form in the "I think I'm eligible" section below. 

 

Prerequisites

To prepare for certain university programs such as science programs, you may have to do additional studies to ensure you meet all of the program prerequisites. Prerequisites can be found on our programs page.

 

I think I'm eligible!

  • If you believe you are eligible, complete the Prospective Mature Student Form so we can contact you to discuss your application.

  • After applying on the OUAC, please complete the Special Consideration Form on your JOIN portal and indicate that you are applying as a mature student at U of T Scarborough and have taken/are taking ENG4U and one other Grade 12 U/M course.

Contacting Admissions

Still unsure if you qualify as a mature student or have other questions? Contact our admissions team for assistance.