Each person’s pathway to university, and their own personal success, is unique. At York, we recognize each student’s needs and support your transition from high school, college or employment to York. The traditional pathway is from high school to university, but there are others available too.

High School to College to University

If you are a high-school student and need to upgrade academically or want to consider an alternative to four full-time years of university study, consider attending college before applying to York. We have a number of partnerships established with Ontario Colleges.

College to University

To transfer from college to university, make sure you have completed at least two full semesters at an accredited college (completed diploma preferred). York requires a minimum overall average of 3.0 on a 4-point scale (B/70 per cent or equivalent), but some programs require a higher average.

Remember that all attempted college courses will be included in the calculation of your cumulative grade point average. You could receive transfer credit for courses you have already completed. 

Mature Students

York reviews mature student applications on an individual basis. Our application process recognizes the value of professional experience, which is why our admission requirements for a mature student application extend beyond academic achievement. We take into consideration life experiences, previous study, cultural knowledge and educational goals. We’ll also review your work, volunteer and community participation and professional accomplishments. Learn More

Self-identifying as an Indigenous person is beneficial for the following reasons:

1. You will be put in contact with the Centre for Indigenous Student Services (CISS) and learn about the various support services, workshops and programming we offer to self-identified Indigenous students.
2. You will be notified of scholarships, bursaries and funding opportunities for Indigenous students and be eligible to apply for them.
3. You will have access to events of interest to Indigenous students and have the opportunity to connect with the Indigenous Students Association at York, the Indigenous Students Association at Glendon and the Osgoode Indigenous Students Association.
4. You will be able to submit an Indigenous Applicant Additional Information in support of your application if you wish. The Indigenous Recruitment Officer will be able to check in on your application and advocate on your behalf.
5. Data on self-identification supports internal and external reporting at CISS and informs future programming and initiatives.

As a self-identified Indigenous student, you have the option to complete the Additional Information Form for Indigenous Applicants. Completing the form is voluntary. This form provides an opportunity for you to explain more about yourself for the admissions committee when reviewing your application. Should your grade point average (GPA) fall below the required minimum, it is strongly encouraged that you pursue this option. Admission requirements and GPA ranges are available for review at futurestudents.yorku.ca/requirements

Completing this form does not guarantee an offer of admission to York University or your program of choice; however, it will provide the admissions committee a more holistic view of your background and application.

The questions on the form provide a way to do the following:

• Introduce yourself and tell us about your background.
• Express your interest in studying at York University and your future career goals.
• Discuss any leadership and/or community engagement opportunities you have been involved in and will support your success at York. This may include volunteering, professional development or personal interests. You may list any extra-curricular and/or community activities or accomplishments in which you are involved (if applicable).
• Provide a summary of your skills and strengths that will equip you to do well at York.
• Share any social or personal barriers to academic success that you may have experienced. Please discuss how these have impacted your pathway to university and how you have or are currently trying to overcome them.

By completing and submitting this form you are self-identifying as an Indigenous person* and requesting that your additional information be considered as part of your admissions assessment.

Proceed to the form

Should you have any questions please contact Randy Pitawanakwat, Manager, Indigenous Student Services, at rpitawan@yorku.ca. Your statements will be kept private and confidential and will be seen only by the admissions assessment team and staff in the Centre for Indigenous Student Services to support your application.

We encourage you to visit the Centre for Indigenous Student Services (CISS) to meet some of the staff and some community members and use the services available to you as an Indigenous student. Should you wish to learn more about the supports and services we offer you can visit the Centre's website. You can also further review admission requirements for Indigenous students. You can also view our video.

We welcome your interest in York University and look forward to working with you.

"Indigenous Perspectives: Finding Your Community" is a module designed for incoming Indigenous students to York University. In this series of videos, you will hear students' honest and personal stories, which are shared to provide support for your successful transition into your first year of university study.

In addition to gaining confidence through finding and developing your personal support system, you will learn how the faculty, academic services and the Centre for Indigenous Student Services (CISS) are here to help you succeed on your path to graduating, by providing access to academic and peer support, mentoring, information for Indigenous-led workshops and events and more. 

Learn more by visiting the Customized Supports section of the YU Prep webpage.