How to apply for University of Toronto

To apply for the University of Toronto (U of T) in Canada, you will need to follow these steps:

Check the general and program-specific requirements. U of T has different admission requirements for different programs, so it is important to check the specific requirements for the program you are interested in. You can find this information here.

Create an OUAC account. The Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) is a centralized application service for all Ontario universities. You will need to create an OUAC account to apply to U of T. Click here

Fill out the OUAC application. The OUAC application is where you will provide your personal information, academic achievements, and extracurricular activities. You will also need to list the programs you are applying to, including U of T.

Current Ontario high school students use the 101 application: https://www.ouac.on.ca/apply/secondary/en_CA/user/loginFull-time Canadian applicants who didn’t attend an Ontario high school or U of T use the 105 application: https://www.ouac.on.ca/apply/nonsecondary/en_CA/user/loginInternational students use the U of T International Application or 105 application: https://www.ouac.on.ca/apply/uoftint/en_CA/user/loginFormer U of T students use the U of T Internal Application: https://www.ouac.on.ca/apply/uoftugrad/internal/en_CA/user/loginPart-time students use the Part-Time Application: https://www.ouac.on.ca/apply/uoftugrad/parttime/en_CA/user/loginGraduate students use the application for the School of Graduate Studies: https://apply.sgs.utoronto.ca/Non-degreed students use the Non-Degree Application: https://www.ouac.on.ca/apply/uoftugrad/nondegree/en_CA/user/login

Pay the application processing fee and submit your application. The OUAC application processing fee is $150 CAD for the first program you apply to and $50 CAD for each additional program. You can pay the application fee online or by credit card over the phone.

Submit your academic documents. You will need to submit official transcripts from all high schools and post-secondary institutions you have attended. You may also need to submit other documents, such as English language proficiency test scores or letters of recommendation.

For international students, there are a few additional steps you will need to follow:

  • You will need to submit proof of your English language proficiency. U of T accepts a variety of English language tests, including the TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE Academic.
  • You may need to submit proof of your financial support. U of T requires international students to demonstrate that they have enough money to cover their tuition and living expenses for the duration of their studies.
  • You may need to apply for a study permit from the Canadian government. You can apply for a study permit online or through a Canadian visa office.

The deadlines for applying to U of T vary depending on the program you are applying to. Most programs have an early deadline in November and a final deadline in January

Application Deadlines for Undergraduate Programs

Full-Time Studies – Undergraduate Application/International/Internal

Faculty/ProgramRecommended
Early Application Date
Deadline
Applied Science and EngineeringNovember 7January 15
Architecture, Landscape, and Design (including International Foundation Program)November 7January 15
Faculty of Arts and Science, U of T St. George (including International Foundation Program)November 7January 15
Bachelor of InformationMay 1June 4
Kinesiology & Physical EducationNovember 7January 15
Music (including International Foundation Program)November 7January 15
Medical Radiation Sciencesn/aFebruary 1
Nursingn/aJanuary 15
Physician Assistantn/aJanuary 17
U of T MississaugaNovember 7January 15
U of T ScarboroughNovember 7January 15

Part-time Studies (Summer and Fall sessions)

Faculty/ProgramSummer Session*Fall Session*
Applied Science and Engineeringn/aJanuary 15
Faculty of Arts and ScienceJanuary 15January 15
U of T MississaugaJanuary 15January 15
U of T ScarboroughJanuary 15January 15
* The Summer Session begins in May; the Fall Session begins in September.

Non-Degree (Summer and Fall sessions)

Faculty/ProgramSummer Session*Fall Session*
Faculty of Arts and ScienceJanuary 15June 2
U of T MississaugaJanuary 15June 2
U of T ScarboroughJanuary 15June 2
* The Summer Session begins in May; the Fall Session begins in September.

Deadlines to Submit Supporting Documentation

Admission decisions will be released in rounds starting in the new year and through to late May. The document deadline is February 1, however we recommend that you submit your required documents by December 15. Applicants who submit required documents early are able to maximize their opportunities for admission consideration. Documents received after the published deadlines will be considered as space allows.

Need Information or Confused about Something ?

Ask a Question
Program AreaSupplementary Application Deadline
Applied Science and EngineeringOnline Student Profile(external link) due January 15 (early recommended date: December 1)
Architecture, Landscape, and DesignOne Idea Supplementary Application(external link) due February 1 (early recommended date: December 15)
Faculty of Arts and Science, U of T St. GeorgeRotman Commerce: Rotman Commerce Supplementary Application(external link) due February 1 (early recommended date: December 15)

Computer Science: Computer Science Supplementary Application(external link) due February 1 (early recommended date: December 15)
Kinesiology and Physical EducationStatement of Interest(external link) due February 1 (early recommended date: December 15)
MusicMusic Questionnaire(external link) due January 15
U of T MississaugaN/A
U of T ScarboroughSupplementary Application Form (SAF)(external link) due February 1 (early recommended date: December 15)

 


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Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.


📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.
  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.
  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.


💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).


🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.


🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information


📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.