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 Fall (September) 2020 Term courses be online?

Yes – Fall Term 2020 courses scheduled to start on September 9, 2020 will be delivered for the most part online and remotely.

Selected experiential activities that are not easily adaptable to a remote delivery format such as labs, studios, and clinical placements might be offered in-person. You will be informed in advance of the start of the course if there are any required in-person components, and what flexibility you will have to fulfill those requirements over the 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 COVID-19 response page for updates.
Will any classes be offered in person?

To the extent possible and in accordance with expert guidance from our public health authorities, we may be able to offer selected in-person smaller classes and tutorials, experiential activities such as studio and labs, and re-establish access to our research facilities. Updates will be sent through e-mail and made available on our website, and you are welcome to review the start date and deadlines for the fall term.
How will I know if there is an in-person component to a Fall 2020 course?

Fall term courses will be offered, for the most part, through online/remote delivery.  When you are looking at a course on the York Courses website, assume that it is being offered online and that you do not need to commute to campus unless you see a notation otherwise in the Notes section.
What if I am not able to maintain my average for my offer of admission to Fall (September) 2020?

We will not require Ontario High School students to maintain a minimum final average to keep their offer of admission. We recognize that this year is additionally challenging and don’t want to add to the burden and stress.

The offer of admission will be maintained based on the marks received at the time of the offer. All other conditions will still apply such as meeting English proficiency requirements, completing pre-requisites, and receiving your Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent.
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. We continue reviewing applications into early July, but the majority of decisions are released in early May.
Can I accept my offer of admission after the deadline stated on my Decision Letter?
We encourage you to accept your offer by the deadline in your Decision Letter to guarantee a spot in your program of interest.  No registration deposit is required at the time of accepting your offer. If you change your mind in the future, it is possible to then decline/change your offer through your MyFile account or OUAC. Note: You may continue to accept your offer after the posted deadline without the need for a formal extension, as long as the program has not reached capacity.  Exceptions to this and/or programs that reach capacity quickly include but are not limited to; BBA/iBBA Business Administration, BDes Design, BSW Social Work, BScN Nursing, BEd Education, BEng Engineering and BA/BSc Computer Science.

Deferral Request

I am unable to begin my studies in Summer (May)/Fall (September). Can I defer my offer of admission?

Fall – for most programs, yes, students are able to defer their admission for up to one year. Note that you must first accept your offer of admission before you are able to submit the deferral request. Please review and submit the Deferral of Admission for Undergraduate Students form by August 1, 2020.

Please review the program availability for the Fall, Winter, and Summer semesters at the following page: https://futurestudents.yorku.ca/programs/sessions

Note: The BBA/iBBA, BDes, BSW, and BScN programs do not have the option to defer. If you have been admitted to one of these programs, please continue to prepare for the Fall (September) semester. If you are unable to begin your studies in the Fall (September) semester, please contact the office of admissions to discuss switching to an alternate major.
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

Is York receiving documents by mail or courier?

Yes, we are currently receiving documents by mail. Documents received in the mail can take up to 15 business days to appear on your MyFile.
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.
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 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 know that many of you are concerned because your high school is closed, exams have been cancelled, or your high school has changed its grading scheme. Please don’t worry! A change in your school’s grading process will not negatively impact your offer of admission. We will accept the adjusted assessment methods as determined by your educational jurisdiction in order to meet our admission conditions.

If you will not receive final grades/exam results due to school closures or exam cancellations, we will accept the documentation we already have on-file as final.

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? 

York University is considering applications without English Proficiency test results. It is possible to receive a conditional offer of admission based on required academic documents and transcripts.  We will make conditional offers whenever possible to qualified students. The details of the conditional offer will be in your Decision Letter. If a conditional offer is granted, you will have until August 1, 2020 to submit your final official documents – at that time a sufficient IELTS or TOEFL score would be required, or you can choose to enroll in a program with the York University English Language Institute (YUELI).  Please direct any questions relating to YUELI to yueli@yorku.ca. 

For the Fall/Winter 2020-2021 Session only, students who cannot access the currently accepted language test may submit the Duolingo English Language Placement test. A Duolingo score of 115 or higher is required.

College/University Transfer Students

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

Within Canada – York has already evaluated many transfer applicants for conditional offers of admission based on their previous results and interim grades, and we are working with our Canadian post-secondary partners to ensure we receive your final transcripts in April/May.  The disruption to your classes will not impact your application to York.   

Outside of Canada – please rest assured that you will not be disadvantaged by any disruptions you’re experiencing due to COVID-19.  Conditional offers of admission will be made based on your previous studies and most recent interim grades, while we wait for your final grades to become available.   

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.   
I’m supposed to start at York in the Fall (September) term. What if my visa/study permit application gets delayed/rejected?

For questions and advising relating to Study Permits/Visa applications, please review York International’s FAQ page, and contact them directly.
I am planning on beginning my studies at the York University English Language Institute (YUELI) in September. Should I still come to Canada?

For questions relating to YUELI programs, please contact the YUELI team directly at yueli@yorku.ca.  
How will the Canadian border closure affect me as an international student?

The answer to this question can be found in on York International’s FAQ page. 
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. 
I can’t write an IELTS or TOEFL test because my testing centre is closed. What options do I have?

York University is considering applications without English Proficiency test results. It is possible to receive a conditional offer of admission based on required academic documents and transcripts.  We will make conditional offers whenever possible to qualified students. The details of the conditional offer will be in your Decision Letter. If a conditional offer is granted, you will have until August 1, 2020 to submit your final official documents – at that time a sufficient IELTS or TOEFL score would be required, or you can choose to enroll in a program with the York University English Language Institute (YUELI).  Please direct any questions relating to YUELI to yueli@yorku.ca. 

For the Fall/Winter 2020-2021 Session only, students who cannot access the currently accepted language test may submit the Duolingo English Language Placement test. A Duolingo score of 115 or higher is required.
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.   
I’m an international student starting at York in Fall 2020. What happens if I can’t get a study permit before the Winter term starts?

International students starting in Fall 2020 are eligible for a refund if their study permit is denied. For complete details, please visit the York International website.

Ways to Connect with Us

Prospective/New Students