Programs Requiring Prior University Study

You must complete university study before you can apply to the following programs.

To find programs that require you to complete college study before you can apply, view Collaborative University and College Programs.

39 Prior Study Programs

Education

Brock University

Professional

Brock's Department of Teacher Education offers consecutive initial teacher education programs for those who already have a university degree. The programs are 4 semesters, taken over 2 academic years, and lead to a BEd degree and an Ontario Certificate of Qualification and Registration.

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

University of Guelph

Professional

The Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph is a leader in veterinary health care, learning and research. This 4-year professional degree is accredited by the Canadian and American Veterinary Medical Associations.  

Entrance Information and Requirements: - Completion of a minimum of 2 years of a university undergraduate degree program. Applications to DVM may be submitted during a student's third year. - Completion of 8 university-level required courses: cell biology; biochemistry; genetics; statistics; 2 biological sciences; and 2 humanities and/or social sciences. - Experience with veterinarians. - Submission of a Background Information Form. - 3 letters of reference (2 must be from veterinarians). - An interview. -CASPer Situational Judgement Test - Canadian applicants, including dual citizens, must be residents of Ontario. A "resident" is someone who has resided in Ontario for 12 months, exclusive of time spent in a postsecondary institution.

Education

Lakehead University

Professional

Lakehead University offers a 2-Year Bachelor of Education program at the Thunder Bay and Orillia Campuses: Primary-Junior and Intermediate-Senior* teaching divisions.

*Teachables offered for the intermediate-senior teaching divisions may differ between campus.

Education

Wilfrid Laurier University

Professional

Laurier's Bachelor of Education is a postgraduate degree program you apply to after you complete, or when you've nearly completed, an undergraduate degree.

If you’re entering university for the first time and considering a career in teaching, Laurier’s Education minor can help prepare you for admission into the Bachelor of Education program. Expand your understanding of schooling and education through 6 education-related courses.

To prepare for the Bachelor of Education program, think about what subjects and grades you’d like to teach. From there, work backwards and choose an undergraduate program that will help you get the courses and/or teachable subjects required to be certified by your province’s certifying teachers’ college or association. Once you’ve completed an undergraduate degree (at Laurier or at another institution), we invite you to apply to Laurier’s Bachelor of Education program, an innovative, forward-thinking program that certifies teaching for Primary/Junior (Grades K–6) or Junior/Intermediate (Grades 4–10). Our classes are engaging, interactive and have an excellent student-to-teacher ratio.

Unique within Ontario, this program embodies a professional development school model. You will spend 181 days in school placements during the 2-year program. An alternative placement is also required, where you will work in community agencies, specialized school settings or international placements according to your individual interests.

Medicine

McMaster University

Professional

MD Program:
Flagship program with an international reputation for its unique 3-year program based on small-group, problem-based study and early introduction to the clinical experience. Applicants must have completed a minimum of 3 years of undergraduate work.

Physician Assistant

McMaster University

Professional

Physician Assistant (PA) Education Program:
The PA Education Program is a 2-year course of study delivered over a 24-month period beginning in September. Year 1 consists of clinical science courses delivered in the first 12 months. Year 2 consists of clinical training delivered in the next consecutive 12-month period.

Applicants must have completed a minimum of 2 years of undergraduate work.

Education

Nipissing University

Professional

The Bachelor of Education (BEd) program is part of our Schulich School of Education and meets the requirements of the Ontario College of Teachers for teacher certification (Certificate of Qualification). It is open to applicants who present proof of graduation with an approved undergraduate degree from an accredited university.

Applicants can apply to the following divisions:
  • - Primary/Junior (Kindergarten to Grade 6)
  • - Primary/Junior (Kindergarten to Grade 6) – French as a Second Language*
  • - Junior/Intermediate (Grades 4 to 10)
  • - Intermediate/Senior (Grades 7 to 12)

*Students who graduate with the P/J FSL BEd degree will be qualified to teach French as a second language (i.e., core, extended and immersion) Grades K-12.

Nursing - Post RPN

Nipissing University

Professional

Nipissing University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program offer students a unique, flexible and collaborative education through its many partnerships, as well as 3 unique, educational pathways to obtain a professional nursing degree. As a BScN student, you will gain relevant nursing theory and professional knowledge provided by a university education, along with practical experience in diverse clinical settings.

In addition to the 4-year traditional BScN degree program, Nipissing offers the following programs for graduates of a Practical Nurse (PN) program.

Nipissing University offers currently employed Registered Practical Nurses the opportunity to complete the BScN degree through a blended delivery option. Admission consideration will be given to applicants who have successfully completed a Practical Nurse (PN) diploma (not certificate) program from a recognized college with a minimum overall average of 70%. Applicants must also be a current registered member in good standing with the College of Nurses in Ontario (CNO) as an RPN and be an employee (with a letter of support) of one Nipissing’s partner health care agencies. This is a limited-enrollment program. The minimum GPA required for admission consideration may be higher than the stated minimum. There are 2 intakes per year (January and September). This program can be completed either part-time or through a flex-time fast-track pathway. The part-time pathway 5 years or 15 semesters. The flex-time fast-track pathway can be completed in 3 ½ years or 10 semesters.

Nipissing University offers graduates of a Practical Nurse (PN) diploma program the opportunity to complete the BScN degree through a 3-year (six semesters), full-time compressed program. Admission consideration will be given to graduates of a two-year Practical Nurse (PN) diploma with a minimum overall GPA of 70% from an Ontario college. This is a limited-enrollment program. The minimum GPA required for admission consideration may be higher than the stated minimum. There is 1 intake per year (September).

Education

Ontario Tech University

Professional

Consecutive Education (Primary/Junior)
This 16-month program prepares you to be an elementary school teacher (Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6) with strengths in science, mathematics, literacy and technology.

Admission is based on an undergraduate degree from a recognized university, with a minimum required average of 70% ("B-" or 2.7 GPA) in the best 10 full-year or best 20 half-year courses completed. Preference is given to 4-year honours degrees.

Because Primary/Junior teachers deal with a wide range of subject areas, it is desirable that you have a broad academic background. In assessing the academic breadth of Primary/Junior applicants, the Faculty of Education gives preference to candidates who have 1 or more 3-credit hour (half-year) undergraduate or graduate courses in these subject groupings:
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • English/Linguistics
  • Environmental Science
  • Fine Arts
  • Foreign Languages
  • Liberal Arts
  • Mathematics
  • Physics

Education

Ontario Tech University

Professional

Consecutive Education (Intermediate/Senior)
This 16-month program prepares you to teach grades 7 to 12 with expertise in 2 of the following teachable subject areas:
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • English
  • General Science
  • Health and Physical Education
  • History
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
Admission is based on an undergraduate degree from a recognized university, with a minimum required average of 70% ("B-" or 2.7 GPA) in the best 10 full-year or best 20 half-year courses completed. Preference is given to 4-year honours degrees.

Applicants must have completed a minimum of 5 full-year courses or 10 half-year courses with a 70% average in a first teaching subject, and 3 full-year courses or 6 half-year courses with a 70% average in a second teaching subject.

Canon Law

University of Ottawa – Saint Paul University

Professional

The study of canon law mainly consists of the study of the Code of Canon Law. A number of disciplines are related to this subject: Theology of canon law, philosophy of law, fundamental concepts of Roman law, elements of civil law, history of the fundamental canonical structures of canon law, history of the sources of canon law, the relationship between the Church and civil society, and canonical administrative and judicial practice. We also offer an introduction to the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches and the study of Latin, as well as optional courses, exercises and seminars.

Offered by the Faculty of Canon Law, the ecclesiastical programs in Canon Law also allow students to receive civil degrees, such as the Graduate Diploma in Canon Law, Graduate Diploma in Canonical Practice or Graduate Diploma in Ecclesiastical Administration and the Master's in Canon Law.

Counselling and Spirituality

University of Ottawa – Saint Paul University

Professional

The Faculty of Human Sciences at Saint Paul University offers programs leading to a Graduate Diploma in Couple Counselling and Spirituality, a Graduate Diploma in Supportive Care and Spirituality in Palliation and a Master of Arts (MA) in Counselling and Spirituality, all conferred jointly by the Senates of Saint Paul University and of the University of Ottawa, with which Saint Paul is federated.

The objective of these programs is to train specialists to counsel and guide couples or individuals with regard to their values and their spirituality, as well as both their individual and couple dynamics.

Law – Civil and Common

Queen's University

Professional

Queen's Faculty of Law is renowned for its special combination of academic excellence and community engagement, placing it in the top tier of Canadian law schools.

Admission requirements: 3 years of undergraduate studies, minimum GPA and Law School Admission Test.

Medicine

Queen's University

Professional

As a Queen's Medicine graduate, you will have a foundation in medicine that will prepare you for success in qualifying examinations and post-graduate training programs, and for fulfilling careers serving your patients and your communities.

Admission requirements: 3 years of undergraduate study with minimum GPA, Medical College Admission Test, autobiographical sketch and interview.

Rehabilitation Therapy

Queen's University

Professional

Queen's University's School of Rehabilitation Therapy offers programs in Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation Science (MSc and PhD) and Aging and Health (Graduate Diploma and MSc).

Admission requirements: Successful completion of an undergraduate degree program, including prerequisite courses and minimum GPA.

Dentistry

University of Toronto

Professional

U of T offers a 4-year program leading to a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. Three years of university education (at least 15 full-year courses) required. Academic prerequisites include 1 full-year or 2 half-year courses in general biochemistry, 1 full-year or 2 half-year courses in general mammalian physiology, 2 additional full-year or 4 half-year courses in life sciences and 1 full-year or 2 half-year courses in humanities or social sciences. Students are also required to have a minimum GPA of 3.0

Candidates also must submit Canadian Dental Aptitude Test (DAT) scores.

Law – Common Law

University of Toronto

Professional

Three-year program leading to a bachelor of law JD (Juris Doctor) degree. Three years of undergraduate study are required; however, almost all admitted students have completed a 4-year undergraduate degree. There are no required academic prerequisite courses. LSAT is required.

Most successful applicants present an "A-" or higher on their best 3, full-time undergraduate years of study.

Medicine

University of Toronto

Professional

U of T offers a 4-year program leading to an MD degree. Three years of undergraduate study at a Canadian university are required. Academic prerequisites include 2 full-course equivalents in life sciences and 1 full-course equivalent in humanities, social sciences or languages. MCAT is required.

Nursing

University of Toronto

Professional

U of T offers a 2-year program leading to a BScN degree. Two years of undergraduate study with 10 university full-course equivalents are required. Academic prerequisites include:

  • 1.0 credit in Human Physiology OR 0.5 credit in Human Physiology + 0.5 credit in Human Anatomy
  • 0.5 credit in Statistics
  • 1.0 credit in Life Sciences or Physical Sciences
  • 1.0 credit in Social Sciences
  • 1.0 credit in Humanities

Most successful applicants have "B+" average or higher in final year of university study.

*Please be aware that we anticipate that completion of a 0.5 credit course in microbiology will be a prerequisite for the BScN program for the September 2025 intake and onward. Applications for September 2025 intake will open in the Fall of 2024. This anticipated change will not impact students applying for the September 2024 intake.

Pharmacy

University of Toronto

Professional

U of T offers a 4-year program leading to a PharmD (Doctor of Pharmacy) degree. Normally, 2 years of undergraduate study are required to meet academic admission requirements.

University-level subject requirements include: 1.0 FCE (full-credit equivalent) Biology; 1.5 FCEs Chemistry; 1.0 FCE Math (including minimum of 0.5 FCE Calculus); and 1.0 FCE Humanities/Social Science. A minimum total of 8 FCEs must be completed at the university level.

Other requirements include the Casper test (situational-judgement test) and an Individual Assessment (which will include asynchronous video-based questions, as well as written and multiple-choice questions) completed through an online platform.

Physician Assistant

University of Toronto

Professional

U of T offers a 2-year (24 consecutive months) program leading to a BScPA. Two years of undergraduate study with 10 university full-course equivalents are required.

Academic prerequisites include a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on the OMSAS 4.0 scale. A full-year postsecondary course in each of Human Anatomy and Human Physiology is preferred. Additional academic and non-academic requirements are available on the program website.

A minimum of 350 healthcare experience hours is required.

Optometry

University of Waterloo

Professional

Help preserve and enhance vision as an optometrist. After 3 years in a Bachelor of Science program, you can apply to Canada’s only Doctor of Optometry degree program taught in English. Learn about ocular health and disease, optics and vision while applying your knowledge in clinical settings. Recommended Waterloo programs to meet requirements include Honours Science, Biomedical Sciences, and Biology.

The professional Doctor of Optometry program is 4 years in length, not including the minimum 3 years of university studies needed prior to entry.

Completion of at least 3 full years of university-level science with specific course requirements.

Optometry Admissions Test (OAT), Admission Information Form, online assessment of personal characteristics (Casper test), and optometrist and character references required.

Minimum overall university average of 75%.

Pharmacy

University of Waterloo

Professional

Pharmacists are medication experts who identify, resolve, and prevent medication-related problems for their patients. Many pharmacists work in community pharmacies, but they also provide care in hospitals, family health teams, and long-term care facilities, often collaborating closely with other health professionals.
As the only co-op pharmacy program in Canada, you'll get paid, hands-on experience throughout your studies. Spend co-op work terms at a community pharmacy practice or choose to explore careers in industry and government.
Recommended Waterloo programs to meet requirements include Honours Science, Biomedical Sciences, and Biology. The professional Doctor of Pharmacy program is 4 years in length, not including the minimum 2 years of university studies needed prior to entry.

Successful completion of at least 2 full years of university-level science with specific course requirements.
Minimum overall university average of 75%.
Admission Information Form, reference, online assessment of personal characteristics (Casper test), interview, Fundamental Skills Assessment required.
High school students may qualify for Conditional Admission to Pharmacy.

Education

University of Windsor

Professional

The Faculty of Education and Academic Development offers the 2-year consecutive program in 1 of 3 possible divisions of teaching specialization in education, leading to the Bachelor of Education degree and teacher certification by the Ontario College of Teachers. Completion of a university degree is required.

Law – Common Law

University of Windsor

Professional

We offer the following programs:
- JD
- Canadian and American Dual JD
- JD/MSW
- JD/MBA
The program leading to the degree of Juris Doctor (J.D.) requires admission as a full-time student for 3 years or as a half-time student for 6 years. Our admissions program is different from others. At Windsor Law, we review all applications for admission through a holistic lens. Candidates have the opportunity to provide the Admission Committee with a range of information that supports their application for entry.

Law – Common Law

York University

Professional

Offered by Osgoode Hall Law School at York University, the Juris Doctor (JD) is a 3-year degree involving 6 terms (fall and winter) of full-time study. While most students attend Osgoode full-time for their 3 years of study, some students may choose to spend a term or year studying abroad, and students in the joint and combined programs will spend a portion of their time at another faculty or institution to graduate with dual degrees after 4 years. 

Education

York University – Glendon Campus

Professional

You can apply to the concurrent BEd (French) program directly out of high school with the OUAC code YGJ or during your second or third year in a BA at Glendon with the code YGV.

Education classes do not start until after 2 or 3 years of study, depending on the teaching level you wish to be certified for. French proficiency test and supplementary application required.

Education

University of Ottawa

Professional

Faculty of Education undergraduate programs in English and French lead either to a baccalaureate or a certificate, depending on the program. While each of the programs prepare you to be certified to teach in elementary and secondary schools, each program has a different approach and content.

Visit the equivalent page in French for information about Teacher Education programs offered in French.

Law – Civil Law

University of Ottawa

Professional

Civil law comprises the basic rules of human activity that are, in part, legislated in a civil code. Civil law is in force in Quebec and much of the non-English-speaking world. Upon completing the degree, you are admissible to Quebec’s École du Barreau or uOttawa’s notarial law master’s program (in French).

Law – Common Law

University of Ottawa

Professional

The Faculty of Law at the University of Ottawa offers you an unparalleled learning environment. Common Law is one of the largest law schools in Canada and receives the largest number of applications from prospective students each year.

As well as offering a wide range of courses in all areas of law, it stands out from other faculties for the richness of its courses in e-commerce, intellectual property, and other specialised courses in law and technology. The Faculty of Law is also exceptional for its specialist training options in international law, law and social justice, and environmental law. You can study common law in English, French, or both.

Medicine

University of Ottawa

Professional

Undergraduate Medical Education

The University of Ottawa is the only medical school in North America that offers the MD Program in both official languages, English and French. Students select their language of study during the application process. On average, 170 students are enrolled each new academic year, comprised of roughly 122 in the Anglophone stream and 48 in the Francophone stream.

The application process and admissions process are the same for all categories of applicants.

Admission requirements: Prior to June, preceding registration, applicants must have completed a minimum of 3 years of full-time undergraduate studies at a recognized university in a program leading to a bachelor's degree, including the following prerequisites: 2 courses in humanities/social sciences, 2 courses in biology, and 1 course in each of the following: general chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and statistics.

Pharmacy

University of Ottawa

Professional

Undergraduate Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)

This program is designed to train students for future practice as pharmacists in community, hospital, or a variety of other settings, or to pursue more advanced studies. Offered in French, the program is aimed primarily at francophone Ontarians and secondarily at francophone students from elsewhere in Canada, with the objective of meeting the needs of bilingual pharmacists in minority settings. The 4-year program consists of courses, practical labs, and 40 weeks of practical training. All courses are based on an active learning approach.