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Policy Title:
Admissions Policy
Policy Number:
1202
Sponsor:
VP Academic
Contact:
Approved by:
Date:
Review Date:
Next Review Date:
1. Policy Statement
University of Niagara Falls Canada - UNF’s admission policies and regulations are intended to identify
students who are best able to be successful in their academic studies and contribute to the
university community. This policy outlines the general criteria and regulations for admission to UNF’s
undergraduate and graduate programs.
2. Scope
This policy applies to applicants to the University’s academic preparation courses as well as
undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
3. Policy Statement
The University accepts qualified applicants who meet the stated admission requirements, subject to
program enrollment limits. The University has clearly articulated admission requirements that
support the likelihood of success in undergraduate and graduate programs and adhere to necessary
academic standards. In addition, English is the language of instruction at the University and,
therefore, successful applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency levels essential for
academic success in a Canadian university.
3.1. Residency Classifications
Applicants to the University must identify whether they are domestic or international applicants.
3.1.1. Domestic Applicants
Domestic applicants are those who are:
• Canadian citizens;
• Permanent residents (landed immigrants) of Canada;
• Refugee claimants whose claims have been accepted and who have been granted protected
persons or convention refugee status;
• Diplomatic or consular officers or their dependents.
3.1.2. International Applicants
Applicants who do not meet the definition of a domestic applicants will be considered an
international applicant.
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3.2. Undergraduate Admissions
Applicants to any undergraduate program of study at the University must meet the following
minimum conditions for admission. Individual programs may have additional requirements for
admission.
3.2.1. Secondary School
Ontario secondary school graduates are required to have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma
(OSSD) and a minimum of six Grade 12 U or M-level courses with a minimum overall average of 70%.
Canadian secondary school graduates from other provinces are required to have a provincial
secondary school diploma and equivalent academic courses with a minimum overall average of 70%.
International secondary school graduates are required to have a senior secondary school credential
equivalent to the OSSD (i.e., appropriate for entry to university in your home country) with an
academically rigorous final year and a minimum overall average of 70% or equivalent on the local
grading scale.
3.2.2. College or University Transfer
Students who have completed at least 24 credit hours of academic post-secondary credits (one full-
time year at the tertiary level) at a recognized institution may be reviewed for admission on the basis
of their post-secondary studies and require a minimum 2.00 cumulative grade point average (CGPA)
or C average to be admitted without consideration of high school completion.
3.2.3. Mature Student Admission
The University may consider an applicant for Mature Student Admission if the applicant does not
otherwise qualify for admission but demonstrates academic abilities equivalent to those of Ontario
high school graduates, verified by successful completion of courses at the postsecondary level, or an
entrance examination. Such applicants generally must:
• Be over nineteen (19) years of age on or before the first day of classes;
• Have not achieved the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or its equivalent;
• Be approved by the Registrar.
3.2.4. Admission to a Second or Subsequent Bachelor’s Degree
Students with a bachelor’s degree from the University or another recognized institution may be
admitted to a second undergraduate degree program. The principal areas of study or academic
emphasis of the second degree must be distinct from that of the first degree. Applicants for
admission to a second degree require a minimum 2.00 CGPA (on 4.33 scale) on their last two years of
study in their first bachelor’s degree.
3.3. Graduate Admissions
Applicants to the graduate programs may qualify for admission based on one of the following:
3.3.1. Bachelor’s Degree
Completion of a recognized undergraduate degree equivalent to the four-year honours degree
standard identified in the PEQAB Degree Level Standard and the Ontario Qualifications Framework,
in an appropriate specialization, or relevant bridging studies, with CGPA of 3.0 (on 4.33 scale) or
better.
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3.3.2. Special Admission
Applicants who do not meet the minimum admission standards may be considered for Special
Admission into a graduate program by the Registrar if they demonstrate a significant depth and
breadth of relevant work experience and hold an undergraduate degree. Applications under this
category would be subject to the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition policy and procedures.
3.3.3. Admission to a Second or Subsequent Master’s Degree
Applicants who have been awarded a Master’s Degree or higher-level credential from a recognized
Canadian university (or equivalent) with a CGPA of 3.00 (on 4.33 scale) or better may be admitted to
a graduate program. The principal areas of study or academic emphasis of the second degree must
be distinct from that of the first degree.
3.4. English Language Proficiency
Applicants whose first language is not English, or who have received their education in another
language, must provide evidence of English language proficiency at a university level in one of the
following ways:
a) Required score on a recognized English proficiency test as follows:
TEST
MINIMUM SCORE for
ADMISSION
Academic IELTS
6.5 overall with minimum of 6.0
in the writing band
TOEFL iBT
88 overall with minimum of 20 in
each component
PTE Academic
61 overall with minimum score
of 60 in writing
CAEL
70 overall with minimum of 60 in
each subset
Password
6.5 overall with minimum of 6.0
in the writing band
Cambridge Test 3
176 overall
b) Successful completion of a minimum of 30 credits of academic post-secondary education at a
recognized institution where English is the language of instruction and where the school is
located in a country where English is an official language;
c) Successful completion of the University’s English preparation courses;
d) Successful completion of a recognized English preparation course from another institution where
students have demonstrated proficiency at an equivalent to the required IELTS score or better;
e) Successful completion of ON English 12 or equivalent taken in Canada as part of a high school
graduation program with a final overall grade of C or better;
f) Successful completion of a 3-credit academic English course from a Canadian post- secondary
institution that is transferable to UNF. A minimum grade of C or higher is required;
g) Graduation from a secondary school attended for four or more consecutive years of full- time
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education where English was the language of instruction and where the school is located in a
listed country approved by the Registrar Completion of International Baccalaureate English
A1/A2 or English Literature and Performance with a score of 4 or higher.
The Registrar may require proof of English language proficiency from applicants who attended
English language-based education systems if there are deficiencies in language proficiency when the
application package is reviewed.
English language proficiency test scores are valid for admissions purposes for a maximum of 2 years
from the date of the score report.
Applicants who do not meet the minimum English language proficiency requirements may be
conditionally admitted to a program, subject to the successful completion of the appropriate level of
a specified English preparation program. Applicants will not be permitted to start the program until
proof of the required minimum level of English language proficiency is achieved.
In the event an applicant cannot readily access any of the specified tests, English language
assessments may be conducted through alternative means as directed and approved by the
Registrar. The Registrar has sole authority to approve and direct alternate language proficiency
testing for applicants.
3.5. Academic English Preparation
Students who meet the academic admission requirements to the University but do not meet the
English proficiency requirements may apply to or be considered for the University’s academic English
preparation courses. Students who successfully complete the level considered equivalent to the
required IELTS score will be considered to have fulfilled the English Proficiency requirements for
admission.
3.6. Deferred Admission
Once students have been admitted, they may defer their start date for up to a maximum of one (1)
year from the date the application for admission was first approved.
• The University retains the admission documents of students who have not started studies or
do not have a confirmed start date for one year from the admission decision date of the
application, after which they are destroyed by the Office of the Registrar. If an applicant
reactivates their application after one year, the applicant must provide complete, new
documentation and meet the current published admissions standards.
3.7. Readmission
Students who have been inactive for two (2) or more terms, and not on an approved leave of
absence, must apply for readmission through the Office of the Registrar, and submit all required
documentation and fees.
• Students who were in good academic standing when they left the University and have not
taken academic courses since last attending will be made active and be eligible to register.
• Students who have undertaken additional academic coursework during a period of inactivity
must submit official transcripts of any courses taken elsewhere during that time.
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• Students who are required to withdraw from a degree program for academic reasons may
apply for readmission no sooner than one year from the date of their first academic
withdrawal. Students must provide evidence of remediation of their issues. Applications are
reviewed by the Registrar which may approve, deny, or place special conditions upon the
readmission request.
• Students required to withdraw from a degree program for academic reasons for a second or
subsequent time, may apply for readmission no sooner than 2 years from the date of the last
withdrawal. Students must provide evidence of remediation of their issues. Applications are
reviewed by the Registrar which may approve, deny, or place special conditions upon
students requesting readmission.
3.8. Visiting Students
Students enrolled and in good standing at another college or university wishing to take a course(s) at
the University to transfer back to their home institution may be admitted to the University as a
Visiting Student. Visiting Students must:
• Be in good standing at their home institution;
• Meet the English language proficiency requirements;
• Provide a Letter of Permission from their home institution.
Applicants wishing to attend as a visiting student must complete a Visiting Student application,
provide a recent official transcript and Letter of Permission sent directly from their home institution.
Admission as a Visiting student does not guarantee entrance to the courses requested or subsequent
admission to a degree program at the University.
3.9. Required Documentation
Applicants to degree programs must furnish information necessary for the University record,
including disclosing all post-secondary institutions attended, and arranging for all official transcripts,
documents and test results to be sent directly to the Office of the Registrar.
Applicants are not admissible if fraudulent or misleading documents, records, information, or data
are submitted.
A transcript is only considered official if it is received by the Office of the Registrar directly from the
issuing institution in the original sealed envelope with the institution’s name and address. The
envelope must remain unopened and free of tampering.
Notarized copies are not official educational documents and will not be accepted in place of original,
official transcripts. Official documentation must be received before the Letter of Acceptance will be
issued.
A certified English translation of the official transcript completed by a certified translator must
accompany the official transcripts if the document is in a language other than English. Some
exceptions may be possible for documents in French.
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All documents submitted to the University become the property of the University and will not be
returned. Only documents considered by the University to be irreplaceable will be returned to the
student if requested at the time of submission.
3.10. Admission Appeals
Applicants denied admission or readmission, and who can demonstrate extenuating circumstances
may appeal to the Admissions Appeals Committee. The applicant must initiate the appeal.
Appeals must be received by the Office of the Registrar no later than 30 days from the date of the
letter in which admission is denied. The appeal must contain a statement and clarifying information
to explain why the appeal should be considered.
The Office of the Registrar will provide written notification to the applicant of the Admissions
Appeals Committee decision. The decision of the Admissions Appeals Committee is final.
4. Regulations
4.1. Admission Decisions
4.1.1. The University’s Office of the Registrar is authorized to admit applicants who:
• Meet or exceed the stated minimum entrance requirements for Undergraduate Admission in
section 3.2, Graduate Admissions in section 3.3; Readmission in section 3.7; or Visiting
Students in section 3.8 of the Admission Policy;
• Meet or exceed the stated minimum entrance requirements for Undergraduate Admission in
section 3.2, Graduate Admissions in section 3.3; Readmission in section 3.7; or Visiting
Students in section 3.8 of the Admission Policy; but require an English Language Proficiency
condition.
4.1.2. Applicants who do not meet standard admissions requirements will be referred to the
Registrar for an admissions decision. The Registrar may require further information on a
student such as additional documentation or a form of evaluation deemed appropriate in
order to assess the applicant’s potential for success or to verify the applicant’s information or
qualifications.
4.1.3. The Registrar may consider a combination of the applicant’s work experience, previous post-
secondary education, in-house training, professional designations, and other supplemental
information as elements of the admissions assessment process.
4.1.4. The Registrar may specify admission with conditions where a student is required to achieve a
minimum grade or to complete additional requirements, courses, and/or limitations to course
load. The conditions shall be specified in the student’s Letter of Acceptance.
4.2. Required Documents
4.2.1. Undergraduate Admissions:
4.2.1.1. All applicants to undergraduate programs must submit:
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• A completed application form;
• An official high school transcript (if applicable);
• Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended, if any;
• Proof of English language proficiency as specified in section 3.4 of the Admissions Policy, if
applicable; and
• Certified translations of any required documents not in English.
4.2.1.2. Applicants who completed their secondary education (high school) outside Canada must
also submit:
• Documentation confirming their secondary level or high school completion was awarded, if
not already indicated on official transcripts;
• A credential evaluation from a recognized service if required by the Registrar.
4.2.1.3. Domestic applicants who are permanent residents must provide a current copy of proof of
permanent residency (landed immigrant status) with their application. Applicants who are
Convention Refugees must provide proof of their Refugee status with their application.
4.3. Graduate Admissions
4.3.1. All applicants to graduate programs must submit:
• A completed application form;
• Official transcripts from all post- secondary institutions attended;
• Official documentation confirming professional designations, where applicable;
• Proof of English language proficiency as specified in section 3.4 of the Admissions Policy, if
applicable;
• Certified translations of any documents not in English.
4.3.2. Applicants who completed undergraduate studies outside Canada must also submit:
• Documentation confirming awarding of their previous degree(s), if not already indicated on
official transcripts; and
• A credential evaluation from a recognized service if required by the Registrar.
4.3.3. Domestic applicants who are permanent residents must provide a current copy of proof of
permanent residency (landed immigrant status) with their application. Applicants who are
Convention Refugees must provide proof of their Refugee status with their application.
4.4. Visiting Student
4.4.1. The Letter of Permission must be on official college/university letterhead or the appropriate
form, indicate the course(s) the student is permitted to take at UNF and how they will transfer
back to the home institution. The Letter of Permission must also specify the term(s) or
timeframe in which the course may be taken.
4.4.2. The Registrar may request additional documentation to support the assessment of an
application for admission including official documentation provided by a recognized credential
evaluation service that requires official transcripts to make their determination such as
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• International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES);
• World Education Services (WES) evaluation.
4.4.3. Subject to additional verification and at the sole discretion of the University, other recognized
credential evaluation services that require official copies of transcripts to make their
determination may be considered. A list will be maintained by the Registrar’s Office.
4.5. In lieu of a physical copy of an official transcript, the University may accept
4.5.1. Official electronic transcripts:
• processed by the sending institution through an authorized third-party vendor or agency, or
• PDF encrypted form from a sending institution with a digital certificate/signature verified
and accepted directly by the University.
4.5.2. Copies of transcripts duly notarized by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) or Canadian
Consular officials.
4.6. No student may register for courses at the University unless they have received a Letter of
Acceptance (LOA).
5. Definitions
These definitions apply to terms as they are used in this policy.
Definition
Formal written offer for an applicant to register at the University
for a specific program and start date. May only be issued through
the Registrar’s Office
Conditions
Formal letter issued by the Registrar’s Office to applicants who
have been accepted into a specific program of study for a specific
term, and with specific conditions specified which the student must
meet after they start their studies
University panel that reviews all request for appeal from applicants
who were denied
Formal request by an applicant to attend the University. Includes
submission of required documentation
Any individual who has been recognized as a bona fide refugee
under the Geneva Convention and has been issued official
documentation to verify their status
Offer of admission that, on request of the applicant, is deferred to a
later start date
Formal rejection of an application for admission issued by the
Registrar’s Office when an applicant does not meet the minimum
level and who is not eligible under flexible admissions rules
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Definition
Unusual circumstances beyond a student`s control that make it
impossible for the student to meet the usual requirements
International Credential Evaluation Service: an Ontario-based
service which provides a detailed report to compare an
international credential to Canadian educational standards
(LOA)
Formal letter issued by the Registrar’s Office to applicants who
have been accepted into a specific program of study for a specific
term with no conditions
Official, original signed and sealed document sent directly to the
Registrar’s Office from the issuing high school or post-secondary
institution outlining the applicant’s educational experiences
Formal process by which a student returns to the University after a
period of inactivity
World Education Services: an Ontario-based service which provides
a detailed report to compare an international credential to
Canadian educational standards.
6. Related policies
Misrepresentation of Student Documentation
Student Leave of Absence
7. Responsibility
Applicants are responsible for:
• providing all required documentation and applicable fees (if any) required for an admission
evaluation;
• International applicants are responsible for obtaining their student visa and student study
permits.
Recruitment Advisors are responsible for:
• ensuring applicants understand all admission requirements and provide all required
documentation;
• ensuring that complete applications are provided to the Office of the Registrar for review;
• ensuring that any official transcripts they receive are sent to the Office of the Registrar
unopened and intact;
• advising applicants to have their official transcripts sent directly to the Office of the Registrar
and not to the representative.
The Office of the Registrar is responsible for:
• processing all applications for admissions and accepting those who clearly meet the stated
standards;
• issuing all formal offers of admission, admissions with conditions, and denials of admission;
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• maintaining official records and all official documentation for applicants and students;
• maintaining a list of countries where English is an official language;
• maintaining a list of approved credential evaluation services;
• maintaining a list of approved English Proficiency tests and required minimum scores;
• working with the head of English language courses to compile and maintain a list of
approved English language programs that meet the English Proficiency requirements.
The Registrar is responsible for:
• reviewing and deciding upon all applications that vary from the standard admission
requirements including identifying admission conditions if appropriate;
• deciding and directing alternate language testing mechanisms on a case-by-case basis.
The Admissions Appeals Committee is responsible for:
• reviewing any applications for which the applicant was denied admissions or for admissions
with conditions and appeals to have the decision reviewed. The decision of the Admissions
Appeals Committee is final.