You are now in the main content area

Non-Approved Students

Common Reasons for Denial or Cancellation

Common reasons applicants are denied admission to Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) or have their application cancelled can be found on this page. For details regarding your admission decisions, review the letters posted under "My Documents" in your ChooseTMU applicant portal (opens in new window) . Review the suggestions on this web page about options that may be available to you.

  • Unfortunately, we do not have space to admit all qualified and interested applicants. All TMU programs are “limited enrolment” programs, which means we can only admit specific numbers of students
  • Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee admission. Admission is based on competitive grades in program specific subject requirements, competitive overall admission averages and, where applicable, non-academic requirements (e.g. portfolio, audition, essay)
  • Review Admission Requirements for details
  • The number and strength of applications, and the number of spaces available varies from year-to-year at TMU (and at all universities)
  • All TMU programs stipulate specific subject prerequisite requirements. The Grade 12 U/M course(s) or equivalent(s) and minimum grades required for admission consideration vary by program and are determined on the basis of competition
  • Visit Academic Programs and select your program of interest to view program specific requirements
  • When you apply, you must have or be in the process of achieving the admission requirements for the program(s) of your choice
  • At the time your application is reviewed, if you are not enrolled in or have not achieved the minimum required grade(s) (midterm/interim, predicted or final) in the program specific subject prerequisite(s), TMU is unable to give further consideration to your application
  • Six (6) Grade 12 U or M courses (or equivalent) with a minimum overall average of 70% establishes eligibility for admission consideration. Due to competition, many TMU programs require higher academic averages. If you have not achieved the required and competitive overall average (midterm/interim, predicted or final) TMU is unable to give further consideration to your application
  • Review Admission Requirements for details
  • Applicants presenting studies from other curricula should refer to their official admission decision letter for further details

Proof of English language proficiency is required:

  • If you have not completed four years of full-time study at the high school level in Canada or in a country where English is the first language or in a school where English is the primary language of instruction
  • If you have not successfully completed a two or three-year diploma program (non-ESL) at a public Ontario College
  • If you have not successfully completed one year of full-time study (non-ESL, degree-level courses) at an accredited university where English is both the first language of the country and language of instruction at the institution

View our complete English proficiency policy on our English Language Requirements page.

  • TMU does not send reminders requesting required documents. If you do not submit all of the documentation required to complete your application, TMU is unable to give further consideration to your application
  • Visit After I Have Applied to review the requirements for a complete application
  • You are encouraged to submit and complete your application as early as possible. Applications, amendments, academic transcripts, English proficiency test scores, supporting documents and/or non-academic material received after published deadlines or equal consideration dates are reviewed subject to space availability and full consideration is not guaranteed. Deadline dates stipulated in official communications from TMU (e.g. Offer of Admission) must also be adhered to
  • Visit Application Dates for details

Suggestions for Applicants Who Have Been Denied Admission

We value your interest in TMU and look forward to assisting you with decisions about your post-secondary options. The following suggestions may help you gain admission into a university program now or in the future.

1. Amend Your Application to a Different Program

Though you have not been offered admission to your program of choice at TMU, you may still be qualified for admission consideration to another program at TMU (or at another Ontario university) for this fall.

2. Upgrade to Become More Competitive

Consider upgrading one or more courses to boost your admission average, or to achieve required grade(s) in program specific subject requirement(s). The best option for you will depend on your personal academic background.

Taking secondary school courses allows you to upgrade/complete your program specific subject requirements and/or improve the overall average of your top six Grade 12 U/M courses.

Enrolling in post-secondary courses or programs at TMU's Chang School of Continuing Education (opens in new window) , or another institution, may help you present a more competitive application in the future. Note that program specific subject requirements and strong overall averages, at both the secondary and post-secondary levels, are required for admission. Diploma and degree-level courses and programs taken at accredited post-secondary institutions may be eligible for advanced standing/direct entry admission (details below) or for transfer credit consideration.

Foundation Programs

  • The ESL Foundation Program is designed for applicants who are academically qualified for admission to an undergraduate program, but who do not meet the minimum English proficiency requirements

Advanced Standing or Direct Entry Admission

  • Several TMU programs have Advanced Standing or Direct Entry admission options for applicants who complete a recognized degree/diploma with a strong grade point average. Successful applicants are granted admission into a level higher than first semester/year of their program. See Information for Transfer Students and Programs for additional information

Degree-level Courses

  • Completing degree-level courses related to your program of interest may be an option for applicants who meet the program specific subject requirements and who have completed some post-secondary studies but wish to show improvement and present a more competitive application for admission
  • Note that program specific subject requirements and strong overall averages, including secondary school, are still required for admission