York University Admissions FAQ

We have your best interest at heart, and will make accommodations, where possible, for all applicants affected by COVID-19. We are working hard to ensure your application will be evaluated fairly, regardless of disruptions.

We have created this FAQ page to answer the most common questions undergraduate applicants have asked us over the past few weeks. We understand that the situation is fluid, and as things change, we will continue to evaluate our procedures for reviewing applications.

York Admissions, Start Dates

Will Winter (January) 2021 and Summer (May) 2021 courses be online or in person?

For the Winter 2021 and Summer 2021 terms, the University will continue the same fundamental approach to course delivery as it did in the Fall. This means that most undergraduate and graduate courses will be offered through online/remote delivery. Where remote learning is not well-suited to accommodate course components, such as labs, studios or small graduate classes, York will make best efforts to accommodate in-person instruction. If you are an admitted student to the Winter 2021 or Summer 2021 term, we encourage you to connect with your Faculty Academic Services for more information about your course enrollment.

Please continue to check the York University’s YU Better Together page for updates.
Will Fall (September) 2021 courses be online or in person?

York University is committed to the importance of returning to primarily campus-based, in-person learning in the Fall and we are excited about providing our students with full access to all that the university experience has to offer.York has been a leader in the COVID-19 response and our goal is to continue to ensure a safe and rewarding learning experience in line with public health guidance and safety protocols.

In Fall 2021 term, York will be offering a wide range of learning formats, from courses offered fully in-person to hybrid courses that will have some classes or selected activities offered in-person. We recognize that some students may continue to face health or travel restrictions that prevent in-person attendance and expect there will be an ongoing need to provide options for remote and online learning where possible.

Please continue to check the York University’s YU Better Together page for updates.
When can I expect a decision on my application?

The typical processing time is four to six weeks once all required documents are in the possession of the admissions team. If you have any questions about your application, visit I’ve applied page for information about required documents.

Deferral Request

Will deferring to a future semester term impact my Study Permit?

For questions and advice relating to Study Permits/Visa applications, please review York International’s FAQ page, and contact them directly.     

Document Submission

How should I submit my documents?

Please upload the documents to your MyFile account. If you encounter issues with this, please e-mail the required documents in PDF format to study@yorku.ca, making sure to include your full name and York reference number in the e-mail.
Can I send my documents by mail or courier?

While we recommend students submit their documents in electronic format for a quicker processing time, we continue to accept documents by mail and courier as well. Documents received by mail or courier can take up to 15 business days to appear on your MyFile.
I will not be able to submit my documents by the required deadline.  Will I lose my offer of admission?

As a response to the COVID-19 global pandemic, we will be flexible with our document submission deadlines to accommodate the needs of our incoming students. If you have specific questions or concerns about your situation, please contact us.

  • If you are currently in Canada, please contact study@yorku.ca.
  • International applicants are encouraged to review the “High School Closures, Changes, Exam Cancellations” section of this FAQ, and contact intlenq@yorku.ca.

High School Closures, Changes, Exam Cancellations

My final exams have been cancelled/school is closed/school is changing its grading system. How will this affect my application/admission?

We understand that you may be concerned about disruption of schooling or exam cancellations, and how that may affect your admission to York.

York is committed to work with each applicant to ensure that any changes to school terms and/or examinations due to COVID-19 will not negatively impact your admission eligibility.

Please note that English proficiency requirements will not be waived due to exam cancellations. Please review the answer to the question “I can’t write an IELTS or TOEFL test because my testing centre is closed. What options do I have?” for details.

If you have specific questions or concerns about your situation, please contact us.
How will advanced standing be assessed? (AP exams, IB HL courses, A-level courses, etc.)

Advanced standing for eligible curricula (AP exams, IB HL courses, A-level courses, etc.) will be reviewed and awarded in the same way as pervious years. Final exam results are required. For additional details, please visit: https://futurestudents.yorku.ca/transfer/advanced-secondary-cegep
I can’t write an IELTS or TOEFL test because my testing centre is closed. What options do I have? 

Students who cannot access IELTS or TOEFL tests may submit the Duolingo English Language Placement test for Summer 2021, Fall 2021, and Winter 2022 entry. A Duolingo score of 115 or higher is required. Please visit our Language Proficiency Requirement page for detailed requirements.

York University English Language Institute (YUELI) is offering full-time pathway options for students who would like to study English before starting their degree studies at York. Please contact the YUELI office directly at yueli@yorku.ca for any questions about the program options.

College/University Transfer Students

I’m a college/university transfer student.  How will my application be evaluated?

York continues to welcome transfer applicants, and Transfer Credits are awarded based on your most recent transcript.

Transfer Credit Assessment – please visit the Transfer Students page, or contact the Transfer Connect team. 

International Students

Do I need a study permit to take courses that have been moved online due to COVID-19?

The answer to this question, and other Study Permit/Visa questions can be found on York International’s FAQ page.   
What do I do if my visa/study permit application gets delayed/rejected after starting online classes at York?

For questions and advising relating to Study Permits/Visa applications, please review York International’s FAQ page, and contact them directly.
Can I travel to Canada as an International Student?

Starting October 20, 2020, students attending a Canadian institution with an approved COVID-19 readiness plan and who have a valid study permit or a final approval (not an AIP/first-stage approval) may travel to Canada. York University has an approved COVID-19 readiness plan. For more information and any updates on Study Permits/Visa requirements, please visit York International FAQ page or contact York International directly.
Will deferring to a future term impact my Study Permit?

For questions and advising relating to Study Permits/Visa applications, please review York International’s FAQ page, and contact them directly. 
How do I contact International Student Services?

Questions relating to international student admissions can be directed to intlenq@yorku.ca.

York International is our international student support office. Important information regarding COVID-19, study permits, travel to Canada, and international student orientation can be found on their website. For questions and advising relating to Study Permits/Visa questions, please review York International’s FAQ page and contact them directly.   

Ways to Connect with Us

Prospective/New Students