University Prerequisites By Program In Ontario: Complete Guide
Explore the Grade 12 courses commonly required for Ontario university programs and plan your OSSD courses around your future goals.
Planning for university starts before you submit an application. Ontario universities set their own admission requirements, and many programs require specific Grade 12 courses in addition to the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
This guide to university prerequisites by program in Ontario explains how admission prerequisites work, which Grade 12 courses are commonly relevant to different program areas, and how to plan your OSSD courses around your future university goals.
What Are University Prerequisites?
University prerequisites are specific high school courses or other admission requirements that a student must complete to be considered for a particular university program.
Requirements can differ by university and program. In addition to academic prerequisites, some programs may have supplementary applications, portfolios, interviews, auditions or other admission requirements.
OUAC advises applicants to research university admission requirements and program-specific deadlines before applying and to review the individual program details carefully.
Are University Prerequisites the Same at Every Ontario University?
No. Two universities offering similar programs may require different prerequisite courses, minimum grades or supplementary requirements.
Students should therefore check the requirements for the specific university and program they are considering rather than relying only on the general requirements for a field of study. OUAC specifically directs applicants to the application and university websites for current program information.
OSSD Graduation Requirements vs. University Prerequisites
OSSD graduation requirements and university admission prerequisites serve different purposes.
| OSSD Graduation Requirements | University Admission Prerequisites |
|---|---|
| Determine whether a student qualifies to earn the Ontario Secondary School Diploma | Determine whether a student meets the academic requirements for a particular university program |
| Apply to all OSSD students according to the applicable diploma framework | Vary by university and program |
| Include compulsory and optional credits plus other diploma requirements | May include particular Grade 12 U/M courses |
| Focus on diploma completion | Focus on preparation and eligibility for a particular university program |
| Meeting them does not guarantee eligibility for every university program | Must be checked separately for each intended university program |
Important: A student can be on track to earn the OSSD and still be missing a prerequisite required for a particular university program.
For this reason, students planning to attend university should consider both OSSD graduation requirements and their intended university prerequisites when selecting Grade 11 and Grade 12 courses.
University Prerequisites by Program in Ontario: Common Program Areas
The courses below are intended as planning examples, not universal admission requirements.
Exact prerequisites, minimum grades, admission averages and supplementary requirements vary by university and program. OUAC advises applicants to review program details and university information for current prerequisites and additional admission requirements.
Engineering
Engineering programs commonly require strong preparation in mathematics and science.
Courses that are frequently relevant include:
- ENG4U – Grade 12 English
- MHF4U – Advanced Functions
- MCV4U – Calculus and Vectors
- SCH4U – Chemistry
- SPH4U – Physics
Exact course and minimum-grade requirements vary by institution and engineering discipline.
Computer Science
Computer science programs commonly require Grade 12 English and advanced mathematics.
Courses that may be relevant include:
- ENG4U – Grade 12 English
- MHF4U – Advanced Functions
- MCV4U – Calculus and Vectors, depending on the program
Students should verify the mathematics requirements for each program because computer science admission requirements can differ substantially among universities.
Business and Commerce
Business and commerce programs often require Grade 12 English together with one or more senior mathematics courses.
Courses that may be relevant include:
- ENG4U – Grade 12 English
- MHF4U – Advanced Functions
- MDM4U – Mathematics of Data Management
- MCV4U – Calculus and Vectors
Which mathematics courses are accepted or required depends on the individual program.
Life Sciences and Biological Sciences
Life science and biological science programs commonly require a combination of English, mathematics and science courses.
Courses that may be relevant include:
- ENG4U – Grade 12 English
- SBI4U – Biology
- SCH4U – Chemistry
- MHF4U – Advanced Functions
- MCV4U – Calculus and Vectors, depending on the program
Requirements can differ among life science, biological science, biomedical science and related programs.
Health Sciences
Health science programs can vary significantly from one university to another.
Depending on the program, relevant courses may include:
- ENG4U – Grade 12 English
- SBI4U – Biology
- SCH4U – Chemistry
- MHF4U – Advanced Functions
- MCV4U – Calculus and Vectors
Students should not assume that all health science programs use the same prerequisite combination.
Nursing
Nursing programs may require a combination of Grade 12 English, biology, mathematics and one or more science courses such as chemistry or physics.
Courses that may be relevant include:
- ENG4U – Grade 12 English
- SBI4U – Biology
- SCH4U – Chemistry
- a specified Grade 12 mathematics course
- SCH4U – Chemistry and/or SPH4U – Physics, depending on the program
The exact mathematics requirement and minimum grades vary by institution and program.
Psychology
Psychology admission requirements can vary significantly depending on the university, faculty and degree structure.
- A Bachelor of Arts (BA) psychology pathway may primarily require English together with other eligible Grade 12 U/M courses.
- A Bachelor of Science (BSc) psychology pathway may require additional mathematics and/or science prerequisites.
Students should therefore check whether the psychology program they are considering is offered through Arts, Science or another faculty.
Social Sciences and Humanities
Many social science and humanities programs require Grade 12 English together with additional eligible Grade 12 U/M courses.
Depending on the subject and university, some programs may specify additional prerequisites.
Students considering fields such as economics should pay particular attention to mathematics requirements because these can differ from those of other social science programs.
Arts
Many Arts programs require Grade 12 English, with additional eligible Grade 12 U/M courses contributing to the student’s admission profile.
However, individual programs may specify additional subjects or other admission requirements.
Fine Arts, Design and Architecture
Fine arts, design and architecture programs may combine academic requirements with additional admission components.
Depending on the program, students may need:
- Grade 12 English;
- specified Grade 12 U/M courses;
- a portfolio;
- a supplementary application;
- an interview; or
- an audition.
OUAC advises students to check program-specific deadlines for requirements such as portfolios, interviews and auditions.
Quick Reference: Common Grade 12 Courses by Program Area
| Program Area | Courses Commonly Relevant for Planning |
|---|---|
| Engineering | ENG4U, MHF4U, MCV4U, SCH4U, SPH4U |
| Computer Science | ENG4U, MHF4U; MCV4U may be required |
| Business / Commerce | ENG4U and one or more Grade 12 mathematics courses |
| Life Sciences | ENG4U, SBI4U, SCH4U, MHF4U; MCV4U may be required |
| Health Sciences | ENG4U, SBI4U, SCH4U and senior mathematics depending on program |
| Nursing | ENG4U, SBI4U, SCH4U and a specified mathematics course |
| Psychology – BA | ENG4U plus other eligible Grade 12 U/M courses; program requirements vary |
| Psychology – BSc | ENG4U plus mathematics/science courses depending on program |
| Social Sciences / Humanities | ENG4U plus eligible Grade 12 U/M courses; some programs have additional prerequisites |
| Fine Arts / Design | Academic requirements plus a portfolio or other supplementary requirement where applicable |
Important: This table is a planning guide, not a substitute for the official admission requirements of a specific university program. Students should always verify current prerequisites directly with the university and through OUAC/OUInfo before finalizing their course selections. OUAC itself recommends checking university websites and program information for current requirements.
Do University Programs Require Minimum Grades in Prerequisite Courses?
Some do.
Completing a prerequisite course does not necessarily mean that a student automatically satisfies all admission requirements for the program.
A university may consider factors such as:
- the student’s overall admission average;
- grades in required prerequisite courses;
- additional program requirements; and
- other admission criteria established by the university.
Students should therefore check both which courses are required and whether the university specifies a minimum grade or admission average.
What Does “Top Six Grade 12 U/M Courses” Mean?
Ontario university admission information often refers to a set of Grade 12 university-preparation (U) or university/college-preparation (M) courses used when assessing an applicant’s academic record.
For programs with specific prerequisites, those required courses may need to be included in the admission-average calculation, even if they are not the student’s six numerically highest marks. The exact calculation method is determined by the university and program.
Students should therefore avoid assuming that their six numerically highest grades will always be the only courses considered.
Do Grade 11 Courses Matter for University Admission?
They can.
Grade 11 courses are important because they often provide the prerequisite foundation needed to take particular Grade 12 courses.
For example, students may need the appropriate Grade 11 mathematics or science course before enrolling in the corresponding Grade 12 course required for a university program.
Universities may also consider available earlier academic information when making some admission decisions. Students should check the admission practices of the universities they are considering.
Can Optional OSSD Credits Also Be University Prerequisites?
Yes.
An OSSD course can count as an optional credit toward diploma completion while also serving as an important prerequisite for university admission.
For example, courses such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Advanced Functions or Calculus and Vectors may be part of a student’s optional OSSD credits while also being required for particular university programs.
This is why students should understand OSSD compulsory and optional credits and plan their course selections strategically, rather than choosing courses only to reach the required number of OSSD credits.
What Are Supplementary Admission Requirements?
University admission requirements are not always limited to high school courses.
Depending on the program, applicants may also need to complete:
- supplementary applications;
- portfolios;
- interviews;
- auditions;
- personal statements; or
- other program-specific requirements.
OUAC advises applicants to review each program’s details carefully because they may contain prerequisites, important deadlines and additional admission requirements.
How to Plan Grade 11 and Grade 12 Courses for University
Students can reduce the risk of discovering a missing prerequisite late in Grade 12 by planning ahead.
1. Choose Your University Program
Start by researching several programs that match your academic interests and postsecondary goals.
2. Check the Prerequisites for Each Program
Record the required Grade 12 courses for each university program you are considering.
OUAC recommends researching admission requirements and program-specific deadlines before applying. When you are ready to apply, review our guide to applying to Ontario universities through OUAC for the complete application process.
3. Compare the Requirements
Look for courses that appear across several programs.
If you are still deciding between related fields, choosing courses that preserve multiple pathways may provide greater flexibility.
4. Check Grade 11 Prerequisites
Make sure you have the Grade 11 courses needed to enrol in the required Grade 12 courses.
This is one reason university planning should begin before Grade 12 whenever possible.
5. Build Your OSSD Course Plan
Plan your compulsory and optional OSSD credits so you can meet both diploma requirements and your intended university prerequisites.
Important: OSSD graduation requirements and university admission requirements are different.
What If I Am Missing a University Prerequisite?
Missing a prerequisite does not necessarily mean a student’s university goal is no longer possible.
Depending on the course, the student’s academic history and the timing of the application, the student may be able to complete the required OSSD course before the applicable university deadline.
Possible next steps include:
- identifying the exact missing prerequisite;
- checking whether another course is required before taking it;
- completing an individual OSSD course;
- confirming when the university needs the final grade; and
- checking directly with the university about its admission requirements and deadlines.
Students should not assume that completing a course late will automatically satisfy a university’s timeline. OUAC advises applicants to note university-specific application and supporting-document deadlines.
Are University Prerequisites Different for International Students?
They can be.
Universities may assess applicants differently depending on their educational background, curriculum and previous studies.
OUAC notes that its OUInfo resource is primarily intended for Group A applicants. Group B applicants may find it useful but should also consult individual university publications and websites for requirements specific to their educational background.
International students should therefore verify the admission requirements that apply specifically to their previous curriculum and intended university program.
How OIS Can Help With University Prerequisite Planning
Ontario International School can help students plan an OSSD pathway that considers both diploma requirements and future postsecondary goals.
Academic planning may include:
- reviewing completed and remaining OSSD credits;
- identifying compulsory and optional credits still required;
- planning Grade 11 and Grade 12 courses;
- identifying courses relevant to intended university programs;
- reviewing prerequisite sequences; and
- considering individual OSSD courses when additional credits are needed.
Final university admission requirements are established by the universities. Students should always verify current program requirements directly with the university and through official OUAC resources before applying.
Plan Your OSSD Pathway for University
Your Grade 11 and Grade 12 course choices can affect both OSSD completion and your future university options.
An academic assessment can help you review your completed credits, remaining OSSD requirements and course pathway based on your postsecondary goals.
Request a Free OSSD AssessmentSpeak with an Academic AdvisorFrequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
There is no single list of courses required for every Ontario university program. Requirements vary by university and program. Students should identify the programs they are considering and check each program’s current prerequisites.
No. Universities and individual programs can establish different course prerequisites, minimum grades, supplementary requirements and deadlines.
Grade 12 university-preparation English is commonly required for Ontario university programs, but students should verify the exact requirements for each program they are considering.
Not for every program. Calculus and Vectors is commonly relevant to fields such as engineering, mathematics and some computer science, science and business programs. Requirements vary by university and program.
Yes. A course can count as an optional credit toward the OSSD while also serving as a prerequisite for a university program.
Yes. Grade 11 courses can be important because they may be prerequisites for the Grade 12 courses required by a university program.
Depending on the course and timing, you may be able to complete the required OSSD course before the applicable university deadline. Confirm the requirement and deadline directly with the university before changing your course plan.
They may be. Universities can have different requirements depending on an applicant’s educational background and curriculum. International and other Group B applicants should check the university’s requirements for their specific academic background. OUAC specifically advises Group B applicants to consult university publications and websites for program details applicable to them.
Check the individual university’s official website and current OUAC/OUInfo information. OUAC instructs applicants to use university websites and program information for up-to-date admission requirements.
References
To ensure the information in this guide is accurate and up to date, we recommend consulting the following official resources.
- Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) — Undergraduate Application Guide
Official guidance for students applying to undergraduate programs at Ontario universities. - Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) — How to Apply
Official guidance covering university research, admission requirements, program-specific deadlines and the undergraduate application process. - Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) — My Choices
Official guidance covering program selection, prerequisites, important deadlines and additional admission requirements. - Ontario Universities’ Info (OUInfo)
Program and university information for prospective Ontario university applicants. OUAC links applicants directly to OUInfo as part of the university research process - Government of Ontario — Ontario Universities
Official information about Ontario universities, including university-specific admission standards and requirements. - Government of Ontario — Ontario Qualifications Framework
Official provincial framework outlining typical admission requirements for Ontario undergraduate degree programs.