Application and Admissions Framework

Laurentian University primarily utilizes a rolling admissions process for prospective students. Under this policy, applications are evaluated as they are received and completed, rather than waiting for a single deadline. Once an application file is complete, the Admissions Committee reviews the materials and typically issues a decision within 3 to 5 weeks, depending on the volume of applications received. Exceptions to this policy are the Indigenous Social Work, Nursing, Architecture as well as our Master’s and PhDs programs.

Program Capacity and Closure

 Admission is granted on a continuous, first-come, first-served basis; however, acceptance is strictly contingent upon available space within the designated program of study. Exceptional programs such as Architecture and Indigenous Social Work use a round-based admissions process. The conditions for round admissions vary by program.

Laurentian University reserves the right to close admission for any academic program once it reaches its maximum enrollment capacity. As a result, the institution may deny admission to otherwise qualified applicants solely due to a lack of available seats.

Priority and Waitlists

Due to these capacity constraints, prospective students are strongly encouraged to apply and submit all required documents early in the cycle. If a program reaches capacity, qualified applicants may be placed on a waitlist, though future admission cannot be guaranteed.

Participating programs: Nursing, Architecture, *New* Service Social (as of Sept 2027)

For these high-demand programs, Laurentian University uses a Rolling Competitive Admissions process in which applications are evaluated continuously, but selection is based on academic merit relative to the current applicant pool. Unlike standard rolling admissions, meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee entry; instead, the university leverages the best available GPAs to fill the cohort until the program reaches its maximum enrollment capacity. Because the competitive threshold may shift as more applications are received, qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to apply early to secure a seat before the cohort is finalized and admissions are closed.

Laurentian University reserves the right to close admission for any academic program once it reaches its maximum enrollment capacity. As a result, the institution may deny admission to otherwise qualified applicants solely due to a lack of available seats.

Priority and Waitlists

Due to these capacity constraints, prospective students are strongly encouraged to apply and submit all required documents early in the cycle. If a program reaches capacity, qualified applicants may be placed on a waitlist, though future admission cannot be guaranteed. Admissions will not reach capacity before the February 1st equal consideration deadline. All applications received by this date are guaranteed a full competitive review, ensuring that no seats are finalized until the equal consideration period has concluded.

For undergraduate programs that require supplemental components (such as portfolios or additional forms), a round-based admissions process is used. This process includes a main application deadline and a separate deadline for the supplemental component. Offer releases are subject to change and cannot be earlier than the supplemental application deadline.

Admission decisions are released according to the program’s scheduled offer dates. These dates may change, but offers cannot be issued before the supplemental application deadline. For undergraduate programs that require supplemental components (such as portfolios or statements of interest), a round-based admissions process is utilized. This process includes a main application deadline and a separate deadline for the supplemental component.

Participating programs: Indigenous Social Work

When calculating your admission GPA, Laurentian University primarily follows the official transcript legend of the institution you attended. If the previous institution's transcript does not provide a specific legend for course repeats, Laurentian’s Academic Record Policy will apply. Under this policy, best grade in a replaced course will be considered toward the GPA calculation.

If your most recent or highest credential does not provide a transcript format with a calculable GPA (e.g., certain professional certifications or Pass/Fail programs), the Admissions Office will evaluate your next most recent applicable credential to determine your admission GPA.

For secondary school students applying from Canadian provinces and territories other than Quebec, the admission average is calculated based on the best grades earned in the specific pre-university courses required for entry into the program. A minimum average of 70% is required to be admissible to an undergraduate program.

• Ontario: Best 6 4U/M
• Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Nunavut, Prince Edward Island: Best 5 at the eligible level
• Yukon, British Columbia: Best 4 at the eligible level
• Nova Scotia: Best 10 at the eligible level

Minimum requirements as equivalent available here: Out-of-Province Applicants | Laurentian University

Laurentian University evaluates CEGEP applicants using the R-Score and the Weighted GPA from official CÉGEP transcripts. To ensure the fairest outcome, we utilize the scoring method that provides the greatest benefit to the student for both admission and transfer credit. If admission is at risk under one method, we will request the alternative document. Admissions reserves the right to request unofficial transcripts at any point for adjudication. Holders of a Diplôme d’études collégiales (DEC) who achieve a minimum of 65% (or equivalent) may be admitted and could receive 3 to 42 transfer credits. However, an Attestation d’études collégiales (AEC) is not eligible for transfer credit.

Minimum requirements as equivalent available here: Out-of-Province Applicants | Laurentian University

Applicants from a Canadian College of Applied Arts and Technology must complete a minimum of one year of study and maintain good academic standing with an overall average of at least 65% to be considered for admission. Please note that this 65% average is the university's minimum threshold; limited-enrolment programs will require an adjusted and higher GPA for consideration of admission. Additionally, applicants must have completed two terms of any required prerequisites to satisfy program-specific entry standards (for example, two semesters of college-level Biology are required to satisfy a Biology prerequisite).

University transfers are evaluated based on the applicant's overall academic standing as demonstrated by their complete university transcript. University transfers are typically evaluated based on the first 30 credits attempted (or the equivalent weighted value of a Bachelor’s program); however, for applicants with more extensive academic histories, the assessment is based on the most recent 30 credits.

To be eligible for admission, you must apply while being in good academic standing or on probation as defined by Laurentian University’s Academic Rules and Regulations.

• Engineering Applicants: Please note that the Faculty of Engineering cannot offer admission on a probationary basis. All admission requirements must be met fully at the time of application.

The following programs have high demand and require a minimum GPA of 5.5 (70%) for transfer consideration:

• Architectural Studies
• Forensic Science
• Indigenous Social Work
• BPHE Kinesiology
• B.E.P.S. Kinésiologie
• BSc Kinesiology
• B.S.c. Kinésiologie
• Mechanical Engineering
• Nursing
• Service Social
• Sciences Infirmières
• Sports Administration
• Sports Psychology
• Psychologie du sport
• Outdoor Adventure Leadership

Your eligibility is determined by your credit count and your academic performance (passed vs. failed credits). Use the table below to see how transfer applications are generally assessed:

Note: Students "Required to Withdraw" from their previous institution are generally not eligible for immediate transfer. A student who was refused admission can appeal the decision. More information about appeals can be found below under Appeal and Admission Decision.

Current Laurentian University students may apply to transfer into Limited Enrolment programs provided they maintain a minimum GPA of 5.5. Please note that admission is competitive and subject to program capacity; meeting the minimum GPA does not guarantee acceptance.

To be considered for the upcoming intake, please submit your internal transfer application by the following dates:

• Most Limited Enrolment Programs: February 1st
• Bachelor of Indigenous Social Work (Online): March 16th (Fall intake only)

While admission decisions are typically released within 25 business days, processing times may vary. The Admissions Office may extend this period if final grades or additional evidence of academic success are required to confirm your eligibility.

To apply as an internal transfer student, please fill out the Internal Transfer form.

Internal Transfer form

Current Laurentian University students may apply to transfer to an open-enrollment program of their choice by contacting the program coordinator. A student requesting a transfer must meet the prerequisite requirements and be in either good standing and/or on probation.

Full international admission requirements are available on our international admission requirements web page.

• See Undergraduate international admission requirements

• See Graduate international requirements

The University may accept a combination of different curricula to satisfy admission requirements. For near-completed transfer applications where Advanced or upper-year courses are missing, the University will accept equivalent Grade 12 (4U) courses from the Ontario secondary school curriculum to meet the missing advanced secondary course requirements.

Laurentian University is committed to ensuring you receive the maximum value for your previous academic accomplishments by evaluating college diplomas, degrees, and other post-secondary coursework on an individual basis. To enhance student mobility, we offer two primary routes for credit recognition: formal Articulation and Pathway Agreements for graduates of two- or three-year College of Applied Arts and Technology (CAAT) programs, or General Advanced Standing for programs without a formal agreement.

As a bilingual institution, we leverage our unique dual-language framework to the student’s advantage; therefore, students who have completed a French-language diploma are eligible to transfer into English-language programs (and vice versa) through the formal recognition of credits within our existing agreements.

While eligible transfer credits typically range from 12 to 54 credits, depending on program alignment, applicants holding an advanced diploma from a recognized CAAT or a university degree who have also completed a Postgraduate Certificate with a final GPA of 75% or higher may be eligible for additional transfer credits.

Please note that the awarding of these additional credits is contingent upon specific program requirements and internal equivalencies; therefore, application of these credits toward your degree is not guaranteed.

Laurentian University requires a minimum 30-credit residency, meaning these credits must be earned through Laurentian University coursework. This policy ensures substantial engagement with the university's academic environment, despite accepting transfer credits. Students should consult an academic advisor for compliance.

More information: College Transfer Applicants | Laurentian University

Laurentian University evaluates prior university studies on a course-by-course basis to determine specific credit recognition. This assessment uses a combination of official transcripts and, where necessary, course descriptions or syllabi to establish exact academic equivalency.

To ensure a timely evaluation, all official documents must be received at least 14 days before the start of the semester.

To be considered equivalent, credit must meet the program requirements. Otherwise, it will be applied toward elective credit where possible.

If program requirements are not specified, a minimum grade of 50% is necessary for transfer credit to be granted towards an elective.

Laurentian University requires a minimum 30-credit residency, meaning these credits must be earned through Laurentian University coursework. This policy ensures substantial engagement with the university's academic environment, despite accepting transfer credits. Students should consult an academic advisor for compliance.

Policy on the Transfer of Course Credits:

To facilitate programme completion by undergraduate students seeking to transfer course credit from on Ontario university to another, Laurentian University agrees to implement the following principles:

• Acceptance of transfer credits from Ontario universities shall be based on the recognition that, while learning experiences may differ in a variety of ways, their substance may be virtually equivalent in terms of their content and rigour. Insofar as possible, acceptance of transfer should allow for the maximum recognition of previous learning experience in university-level courses;
• Any course offered for credit by other Ontario universities shall be accepted for credit by Laurentian University when there is virtual equivalency in course content.

Types of University Transfers

Second Degree Residency

Applicants pursuing a second degree may receive up to a maximum of 60 transfer credits to satisfy the residency requirements identified in Laurentian’s Academic Rules and Regulations. These credits are not applied automatically; they are configured on a case-by-case basis by matching equivalencies between your previous coursework and your new program requirements, utilizing the same transcript and syllabi review process as standard transfer assessments.

Qualifying Year for Graduate Studies

A Qualifying Year is an option for students who have completed a Bachelor’s degree but do not yet meet the minimum entrance standards for a Master’s program. While this path provides access to upper-year undergraduate courses to strengthen your academic profile, it effectively functions as a refusal of admission to the graduate program and does not guarantee future acceptance. Selection for a Qualifying Year is conducted on a case-by-case basis by the specific department.

Degree Upgrades (Specific to Laurentian Alumni)

Laurentian graduates with a three-year degree may upgrade to a four-year degree provided at least two years have passed since their original graduation. This process requires a new application and the completion of a Major/Minor or Specialization. Once requirements are met, the four-year status is noted on the transcript and the diploma may be exchanged. This specific upgrade path is reserved for Laurentian alumni only; graduates from other institutions must apply via the Second Degree pathway. 

More information: University Transfer Applicants | Laurentian University

To ensure academic integrity and quality assurance, Laurentian University considers transfer credit assessments only from recognized and accredited post-secondary institutions.

A recognized institution is defined as one authorized to award credentials by a provincial or territorial Ministry of Higher Education, a member of an established provincial transfer system (such as ONCAT for Ontario, BCCAT for British Columbia, or ACAT for Alberta, as examples), or a member of Universities Canada.

For international applicants, institutions must be public and recognized by their respective national Ministry of Education or a government-authorized quality assurance body. Recognition can also be verified by the World Higher Education Database (WHED) Portal.

Please note that credits earned from private career colleges, non-credit continuing education, or professional bodies generally do not meet these accreditation standards and are typically ineligible for transfer unless otherwise stipulated in a formal articulation agreement.

Laurentian University formally recognizes Prior Learning Recognition. The programs of Social Work, Service Social, Indigenous Social Work, and Nursing will evaluate certain credits independently. Admission to the University is required prior to applying for a Prior Learning Recognition Assessment in these programs.

Note: This policy is currently under review and is subject to revision without prior notice.

If the application deadline has passed, you can find which programs are still open for admissions by visiting the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC). Should you apply after our deadline and we cannot adequately support your application for the desired term, we will defer your application to the next available intake.

All applicants are required to provide a full and honest disclosure of their entire academic history when applying to Laurentian University. This must include every secondary and post-secondary institution attended, regardless of the duration of study, completion of the program, academic performance, or relevance to the current application.

By submitting an application via the OUAC or the Laurentian University International form, the applicant certifies that their provided history is accurate and complete.

Failure to disclose a full record is a serious breach of policy and may result in disciplinary action, including the refusal or rescission of admission, cancellation of registration, or loss of scholarships and academic credit. These decisions are held by the Office of the Registrar and may be enforced at any point following the submission of the application.

To learn how to submit your transcripts and reports, visit the Types of Offers and Meeting Your Offer Conditions web page.

A student must meet the Laurentian University requirements by an approved curriculum. Mixing curriculum to meet admission requirements are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Please email info@laurentian.ca for more information.

To learn how to submit your language test scores or transcripts, visit the Types of Offers and Meeting Your Offer Conditions web page.

Should your application for admission be unsuccessful, you retain the right to appeal the decision if you contend that it contravenes established admission policy.

Submitting an Appeal

To commence the appeal process, please complete and submit an Appeal Request Form.

Appeals are subject to biweekly review by Laurentian University’s Committee on Academic Regulations and Awards.

Presentation at a committee meeting necessitates a recommendation from a faculty member, chair or director of the program to which you are seeking admission.

Download the Appeal Request Form

For more information, please contact admissions@laurentian.ca.

Visit your program's web page and check the Degree Options tab on the page to see the program and academic regulations that apply to your program.

View undergraduate programs

View graduate programs

Any student who does not register for a course at Laurentian University for 24 consecutive months (some exceptions may apply) will be marked as inactive in the student information system. Once a student program is inactivated, the individual is no longer considered a current student.

To resume studies at Laurentian University, the individual must submit a new application for admission. Re-admission is subject to meeting the program requirements and program capacity at the time of the new application.

Previously earned credits will be reviewed for applicability toward current degree requirements.

Legacy Program Alignment: If the applicability of earned credits aligns more closely with a previous version of the program requirements, the student may complete the degree under the previous degree requirements through consultation with the Registrar’s Office and program coordinator.

• Architectural Studies
• Forensic Science
• Indigenous Social Work
• BPHE Kinesiology
• B.E.P.S. Kinésiologie
• BSc Kinesiology
• B.S.c. Kinésiologie
• Mechanical Engineering
• Nursing
• Service Social
• Sciences Infirmières
• Sports Administration
• Sports Psychology
• Psychologie du sport
• Outdoor Adventure Leadership

All other programs are defined as open-enrolment programs.