Frequently Answered Questions (FAQ)

The Transitional Year Programme has one formal start which occurs in September in accordance to the University of Torontos important dates;

https://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/current/dates-deadlines/academic-dates

Yes. TYP is a full-time program that requires your full participation in classes, workshops, and support sessions during the academic year.

The program is highly competitive and typically accepts around 40-50 students per year.

Upon successful completion of all program requirements and fulfillment of academic expectations, you will have guaranteed admission to the Faculty of Arts & Science, in the degree areas of Humanities, Life Sciences, or Social Sciences.

https://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/future/academic-opportunities/explore-our-programs

Unfortunately, individuals who have already been admitted to a Canadian university are not eligible for the Transitional Year Programme (TYP). The TYP is specifically designed for students who have no previous university experience or academic credentials such as a GPA.

You can still apply if you didn’t achieve the grades required for direct university admission.

Yes. TYP was created for individuals who left school early due to personal, social, or economic challenges.

No, but it’s recommended to have completed at least two academic courses at Grade 11 or higher (e.g., Ontario 3U/M or 4U/M). If you haven’t, you may still be considered if you can show equivalent academic ability. If you are interested in pursuing the Life Sciences, it is recommended to obtain the prerequisites before or after your TYP time.

The Transitional Year Programme offers two admissions cycles. The Early Bird application period runs from September to January, providing applicants with the opportunity to receive an early admission decision by February. The General Admission cycle begins in late January and continues through March, with admission decisions released between March and April.

No. The admissions committee looks at your personal story, challenges you've faced, academic potential, and your need for a program like TYP. There is no fixed formula, each application is reviewed individually.

Yes. TYP students are eligible for OSAP and may receive additional bursaries or financial support through the program.

Many students do, but the program is intensive. We recommend limiting work hours to prioritize your studies.

Yes, you are technically still eligible to apply to TYP with an outstanding OSAP loan, but it is strongly encouraged that you attempt to rehabilitate your OSAP loan into good standing in advance of your application.   

Please see a link here from the NSLSC on how to rehabilitate a loan in bad standing: https://osap.gov.on.ca/OSAPPortal/en/A-ZListofAid/POCONT1_077488  

Please note that all TYP students must secure adequate funding in order register with TYP, and it is your responsibility to ensure your OSAP is ready to fund your year in advance of the TYP start. 

As a Transitional Year Programme (TYP) student at the University of Toronto, you may be eligible for academic accommodations if you have a documented disability or health condition (including mental health). Accommodations can include things like extended time on exams, note-taking support, or flexibility with deadlines—but all accommodations must be formally arranged through Accessibility Services at U of T. 

       https://studentlife.utoronto.ca/department/accessibility-services/ 

TYP staff cannot approve or implement accommodations directly. To receive support, you must register with Accessibility Services as soon as possible at: accessibility.utoronto.ca 

Once you're registered, Accessibility Services will work with you to develop an accommodation plan that instructors and TYP staff can follow. If you need help getting started with this process, TYP staff can guide you through the referral steps.  

https://studentlife.utoronto.ca/department/accessibility-services/  

TYP provides academic advising, mentorship, peer tutoring, mental health support, and workshops on study strategies and time management.