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How to Apply

Ready to get started? Let us guide you through every step of applying to one of the English language pathway programs at Toronto Metropolitan University.

Note: The registration process for our short-term Immersive Language Program is different. Please contact us to learn more.

November 21: Join our English Language Institute (ELI) online information session. Register today. (external link, opens in new window) 

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Choose your program

Before you apply, select an undergraduate program (subject of major interest) that you would like to enter after successfully completing an English pathway program at the English Language Institute. Next, determine which English pathway program is best for you. Your English proficiency level determines which pathways are available to you.

Review admission requirements

Our English language pathway programs are designed for students who meet the academic requirements but have not met the minimum English proficiency requirements to study at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). Admission requirements depend on various factors, such as the country where you completed your secondary schooling and the program you wish to enrol in. 

Please take time to review the requirements by country and the prerequisite subjects required for the undergraduate program(s) you are interested in applying to.

How to add an ELI program to your application

English Boost (8 weeks) only

  • Select the undergraduate program you would like to join after successfully completing your pathway program. You'll be automatically considered for English Boost (8 weeks) with IELTS 6.0, Duolingo 105-115, or an equivalent test score.

ESL Foundation and Pre-English Boost + English Boost (16 weeks)

  • Select the program titled 'English Language Pathway Programs' and add it to your application.

Submit your application

There are several ways to submit your application. Please follow the video resources below. When selecting your program, please refer to the note above as it will vary depending on the English Language Pathway Program you are applying to.

TMU International Application

Use this form if you are:

  • applying to Toronto Metropolitan University only

Note: International students studying at an Ontario secondary school must use the OUAC Application when planning to start a TMU undergraduate program in the September intake.

Application Fee: $150 CAD

OUAC (Ontario Universities’ Applications Centre) Application

Use this form if you are:

  • applying to multiple universities in Ontario

Note: You must create an OUAC Account (external link)  if you don't already have one.

Application Fee: Consult the OUAC website (external link)  for details.

TMU Application for Current and Previous TMU Students

Use this form if you are:

  • a current or previous TMU student

                             OR

Consult Applications and related forms - TMU Application for further details.

Application Fee: $90 CAD

Upload required documents

Once you have received an email acknowledgement of your application, you should begin the process of submitting your transcripts and other supporting documents.

Note: If your documents are in a language other than English, you must provide the documents in the original language as well as certified/notarized literal English translations.

Secondary and post-secondary transcripts are required for the assessment of your application. Plan to collect these at the time of application. A copy of an official transcript issued by your school or your student record obtained from a self-serve system is sufficient.

You can upload unofficial transcripts in the ChooseTMU Applicant Portal. TMU will request official transcripts if you're admitted.

  • Transcripts are considered official when sent to us directly by the issuing institution or via the OUAC. 
  • Official transcripts generally bear an original seal/stamp and/or official signature from an appropriate signatory. They also show the names of the courses you’ve completed and are enrolled in, the marks you’ve received, credit values, grading scheme, as well as the graduation credential (if awarded).

If you’ve attended a school outside of Canada, visit the official transcript submission page for more information about required transcripts and how to submit them.

If your documents are in a language other than English, you must provide them in the original language, as well as certified/notarized literal English translations.

Are you a current/previous TMU applicant or undergraduate student? Be sure to indicate this on your application. You don't need to submit transcripts again if they’re already on file and complete (and you haven’t enrolled in courses since). TMU grades will be obtained internally.

Note: your ChooseTMU Applicant Portal may not reflect documents submitted in a previous year.

If you’re not a current Ontario secondary school student, we encourage you to tell us about yourself and submit a supplementary form. You can access it in your ChooseTMU Applicant Portal.

Special consideration: Submit a special consideration form if you want to tell us about a barrier or hardship you have faced that may have negatively affected your grades. This form is confidential. 

Proof of name change: If your transcripts and/or other supporting documents show a name that differs from your application, submit proof of name change such as marriage certificate, notarized statement, or another applicable legal document.

Convention refugees/protected persons: Please submit your government-issued papers to avoid being charged higher tuition fees.

International students: If you plan to enrol at TMU on a study permit, we encourage you to begin preparations at the time of application, where possible. You can apply for your study permit at a Canadian embassy or consulate in your home country or region (visit www.cic.gc.ca (external link, opens in new window)  for details). For further study permit information, visit International Student Support.

Some TMU programs specify non-academic requirements for admission. These can include auditions, interviews, portfolios, essays, etc. Check out video recordings of program-specific information sessions on non-academic requirements and visit the program pages below for further details on non-academic requirements, submission dates, and procedures.

Please review the English placement equivalencies table below for the acceptable tests and scores to enter a pathway program at the English Language Institute.

  ESL Foundation Program (two terms) Pre-English Boost + English Boost English Boost, 
ESL Foundation Program
 (one term)

CAEL

N/A

N/A

50

Cambridge Assessment English

154 - 161 on B1 Preliminary

162-168 on B2 First

169-179 on B2 First

 

Duolingo

80-90

95-100

105-115

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

TMU accepts IELTS tests completed on paper, on computer or online.

5.0

5.5

6.0

Pearson Test of English (PTE)

45-50

51-55

56-59

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

64-68 iBT

69-78 iBT

79-82 iBT

Ready to submit your documents? Watch our video or visit our How to Upload Your Documents web page for everything you need to know about document uploads. 

Check your application status

Log in to your ChooseTMU Applicant Portal to view letters/documents issued to you by Undergraduate Admissions and to track your application.

Please add noreply@torontomu.ca to your email contact list and check your spam folder to ensure you do not miss critical communications from us.

Connect with us

We are ready to help! Please connect with us if you have any questions about the application process.

Apply for a Scholarship

Once you have applied, we encourage you to explore the scholarships and awards available to incoming international students. 

International English Language Institute Merit Scholarship

The International English Language Institute Merit Scholarship is for international undergraduate students. The students must be starting an English language pathway program at Toronto Metropolitan University's English Language Institute (ELI) in the Fall 2025 term. It's for students who do well academically, volunteer, join clubs, and show leadership qualities.

Three (3) recipients | $500 each (total value, non-renewable)

Apply by April 15, 2025 through AwardSpring. (external link) 

Key points to remember:

  • Application deadline: April 15, 2025
  • Must be an international student starting an English language pathway program in August 2025
  • Must have a final admission average of at least 85%, an A, or an equivalent
  • Must write a statement for submission (minimum 250 words, maximum 500 words) responding to the following prompt: "What do the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals mean to you and how could you contribute to achieving them?"
  • If a gap year was taken it must be no longer than one academic year

Accept your Offer 

Received an Offer of Admission? Reserve your spot in 3 steps, outlined on our Approved Students page.

Updates to study permit requirements for certain international students

The Government of Canada recently introduced new requirements for study permit applications. Please visit International Student Support - Study Permit (opens in new window)  for details.

  

Fill out our interest form

Complete this form to receive emails about everything you need to unlock your potential at the English Language Institute.

Notice of Collection

Toronto Metropolitan University collects and manages personal information under the authority of the  (PDF file) University Act and in accordance with the Notice of Collection for recruitment and other related purposes.