Frequently Asked Questions
Application
Admissions
Awards: scholarships and bursaries
Accommodations: residence and off-campus housing
Academics
International Opportunities
Laurentian @ Georgian
Application [Top]
I am completing my high school studies this year. How and when do I go about applying to university?
All candidates who wish to study in a full-time degree program must submit a completed application form to the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC). Full-time students of Ontario secondary schools can apply through COMPASS.101, OUAC’s online application centre at http://www.ouac.on.ca/.
All other candidates must complete the OUAC 105 form, which is available online at http://www.ouac.on.ca/.
I have been out of school for some time and am looking to begin university studies. Where do I begin?
A person whose previous school performance and/or recent work suggest a strong possibility of academic success may be considered for admission to Laurentian as a mature student.
To qualify, applicants must be 21 years of age and not be enrolled in a formal education program for at least one year prior to the beginning of the university studies.
Applicants must provide letters of reference and transcripts of marks for all previous studies, including secondary school.
Once you have explored your options and are ready to apply, you must submit a completed application form to the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) and also must complete the OUAC 105 form, which is available online at http://www.ouac.on.ca/ .
I am currently completing a college diploma. Can I apply to university?
Depending on the program, the grade received and the number of years completed in the program, students or graduates of a college program may be admitted to an appropriate program at Laurentian University with transfer credit.
When ready to apply, you must submit a completed application form to the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) and also must complete the OUAC 105 form, which is available online at http://www.ouac.on.ca/.
I would like to begin my studies in the spring semester. How can I go about doing this?
All spring/summer courses are offered through the Centre for Continuing Education, as are those for the fall/winter sessions. There is the option to take courses either on campus or via Envision, a distance Education Program offering the opportunity to study by correspondence, online or independent learning.
All new applicants must complete the Registration Form and preferably the Fees Invoice Form, which can be found at the Centre for Continuing Education.
Applicants with an International Baccalaureate
The International Baccalaureate is accepted for admission to Laurentian University providing the applicant possesses a minimum score of 28 and has completed the diploma with six subjects: three higher-level and three standard-level. Transfer credits may be granted for higher-level courses with grades of five or more.
Applicants with Advanced Placement
Applicants who have completed Advanced Placement courses in appropriate subjects with a grade of four or more may receive transfer credits equivalent to a maximum of two courses (12 credits). Applicants must also meet the regular university admission requirements since AP courses are not accepted in lieu of these.
Admissions [Top]
What are the minimum admission requirements to Laurentian University?
Ontario secondary school students who apply for admission to first year at Laurentian University must present an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), as well as at least six Grade 12 4U/M courses with the minimum grade requirements (70% for most programs). Some program requirements may vary. Please verify with the appropriate academic department in advance.
What if my grades in the listed prerequisite courses fail to meet the minimum average admission requirements?
Every university calculates the minimum average differently. Laurentian University calculates admission averages based on a student’s top 6 U/M courses, regardless of prerequisites for the intended program of study (except for the Midwifery program).
My first language is neither English nor French. Am I required proof of language proficiency?
Yes. Unless you have three years of full-time senior-level studies in an English-language secondary schools or post-secondary institution, you must either enroll in the English for Academic Preparation (EAP) at Laurentian University or pass one of the required English proficiency tests. For more information, please contact Laurentian International.
I have already applied. When can I expect to hear back from Laurentian University?
The latest date by which all secondary school applicants shall expect a response from Laurentian University is May 27th, 2011.
My friend from another high school has received an offer of admission but I have not heard anything yet.
First, what program have you applied to? If you’ve applied to a program requiring additional application forms and/or profiles, chances are that the departments are still reviewing them and also waiting for applicants’ grades to be submitted prior to selecting candidates.
The Office of Admissions may grant early admission to secondary school applicants whose interim grades satisfy the admission criteria.
I reside outside of Ontario. What Canadian certificates are accepted as equivalent to an Ontario Secondary School Diploma?
Alberta and Northwest Territories: Grade 12
British Columbia and Yukon: Grade 12
Manitoba: Grade 12
New Brunswick: Grade 12
Newfoundland: Grade 12
Nova Scotia: Grade 12
Prince Edward Island: Grade 12
Quebec:
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a) Year one of the Collège d’enseignement général et professionnel (CEGEP) general program or collegial program. |
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b) Grade 12 with first-class standing (75%). |
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c) Candidates who have completed the two-year CEGEP program (Diplôme d’études collégiales) or the two-year Collegial program (Diploma of Collegial Standing) will be considered for admission with advanced standing. |
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d) Students from the three-year Professional program in a CEGEP will be considered for admission on the same basis as a student from an Ontario College of Applied Arts and Technology. |
Saskatchewan: Grade 12
I live in the U.S. What do I need to apply?
Grade 12 applicants from an accredited secondary school in the United States or a U.S. overseas school will be considered for admission to first year. The Grade 12 program must include at least four different subjects, including English, with a minimum overall B average.
Awards: scholarships and bursaries [Top]
What is the difference between a scholarship and a bursary?
Scholarships are awarded based on students’ academic achievements and contributions to the community. Bursaries are awarded based on financial need.
Do I have to apply for financial awards?
With the exception of the Automatically-Awarded and Renewable Entrance Scholarship, all awards require an application be submitted by May 1. Applications are available for download on the Student Awards website.
When do I have to apply for financial awards?
You will receive an application for entrance scholarships with your offer of admission. Along with other required information, it should be submitted no later than the deadline stated on the application. Other awards can be applied to in the fall.
What are the main entrance scholarships available to high school students?
High school students with an average of 80%+ in their top 6 U/M courses will receive the Automatically-Awarded and Renewable Entrance Scholarship, valued from $1,500-$3,000 (no application required). Other awards include the Dean’s Entrance Scholarships for Excellence, the Leadership Award and Athletic Awards. For more information, please visit the Student Awards website.
I am not eligible for OSAP. How can I fund my education?
You are still eligible for our scholarships, which are based on academic achievement, rather than financial need. For a complete list a awards available to you, please visit the Student Awards website.
Accommodations: residence and off-campus housing [Top]
What is the possibility that I will get a room in residence during my first year of studies at LU?
All direct high school applicants are guaranteed a room in residence so long as they complete and return Residence Application Form before the stated deadline and have a 75% average or better.
What are the residences on campus like?
Four different styles of on-campus residences are available, including a full range of services and amenities on “Student Street”. Students have access to this first floor walkway which houses laundry facilities, computer room, Health services, games room, vending machines, public washrooms and recreational social rooms. For detailed information on life in residence, facilities and rates, please visit our Accommodations website.
Which is the best residence to live in as a first-year student?
This really depends on what you are looking for. Laurentian has seven different residences, two of which are reserved for upper-year students only. For more information on the specific residences, please visit our Accommodations website.
Where can I get a Residence Application Form?
Forms are sent out with each Offer of Admission. Please note that in order to apply to Thorneloe University Residence, Huntington Residence, and Lucien Matte Residence, applicants must fill out an additional Application Form. For more details, visit our Affiliated Residences website.
What are my options if I do not want to live on campus?
The Off-Campus Housing Office (OCHO) provides a list of accommodation opportunities for students in the form of an online database and bulletin board ads directly outside their office in room L-229. For more information, please visit the OCHO website.
Academics [Top]
What programs does Laurentian University offer?
For a complete list, please visit our Study section.
What is the difference between a three-year and a four-year degree program?
Before choosing, carefully consider what you want to do in the future. A three-year degree is a more general program of study and can be complemented by college studies or further training. On the other hand, a four-year degree program offers an additional year of study which focuses on research or an area of specialization. To meet admission requirements for most Teachers’ Colleges or Master’s Programs in Canada, candidates are required to possess an Honours degree (four-year degree) and be in strong academic standing.
I am bilingual. What programs offer courses in French?
Most of our programs offer courses choices in French. However, if you are enrolled in a program of study which is only offered in English, you can always take your elective courses in French.
International Opportunities [Top]
What opportunities are available for me to travel?
There are a few different options for students to explore. Through Laurentian International, students can go on exchanges, participate in summer language programs and much more. However, if studying in a foreign country is not your cup of tea, you can explore other options such as volunteering and/or teaching abroad. For more infor-mation, visit the International Mobility website.
I want to go on an exchange. How does it work?
Most students are eligible to receive credits towards their LU degree by studying at a foreign institution. You must be in your upper years of study (second or third year), and can usually go for one or two terms, depending on the flexibility of your program. The countries which you can apply to depend on what you are studying as well as your language ability. For more information, visit the visit the International Mobility website.
Laurentian @ Georgian [Top]
What exactly is Laurentian @ Georgian?
Laurentian University at Georgian offers both three-year and four-year BA programs at campuses in both Barrie and Orillia. Students have the opportunity to complete a portion of their degree at either the Barrie or Orillia campus and then transfer to Sudbury for their final year of study. Students graduate with a Laurentian University degree.
What programs are available at Laurentian @ Georgian?
There are two options: a three-year BA or a BA (Honours). If enrolled in a three-year program, students conduct their entire undergraduate program at the Barrie or Orillia campus and receive a LU degree upon completion. For four-year programs, students complete three years of their program at either the Barrie or Orillia campus and then transfer to Sudbury for their final year of study. A LU degree is received upon completion.
The Barrie campus offers concentrations in Economics, English, Gerontology (three-year program only), History, Political Science, Psychology and Sociology. The Orillia campus offers concentrations in Law and Justice, Psychology and Sociology.
For more information on Laurentian @ Georgrian, please visit http://upc.georgianc.on.ca/undergraduate-degrees/by-university/laurentian-university/
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