Policies and Guidelines

Admission to the School of Continuing Studies

All of our courses are open enrolment. Adults at least 18 years of age (17 years of age for our English Language Program) are welcome to register into courses at the School of Continuing Studies regardless of prior academic background or country of origin. You do not need to be a University of Toronto student or alumnus.

Some courses have prerequisites. Please check the course description for details.

Admission to the University of Toronto

You cannot attain acceptance into the University of Toronto by completing courses at the School of Continuing Studies. If you want to apply for admission to degree programs, contact the Office of Admissions and Awards or the School of Graduate Studies.

Transfer Credits/Exemptions for Programs at Educational Institutions

Before you enrol into any courses or programs at the School of Continuing Studies, check with your educational institution to find out if our courses are eligible for an exemption or credit towards their program. The School cannot be held responsible if you fail to do so, and your course is subsequently denied equivalency. No refunds will be granted for this reason.

International Students

The registration process for international students is the same as Canadian residents. We do not have special admission requirements for international students, nor do we charge premiums on our course tuition fees.

As of the Fall 2024 term new measures will be in place for individuals applying for a study permit for six months or longer. Please check our Visa and Permits page for more information.

If you require advice on the type of visa or study permit required to study in Canada, please consult with the nearest Canadian Consulate or visa office, or with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. We are not permitted to offer guidance or answer questions concerning visa/permit matters. We do advise that you allow enough time to apply for a visa or permit if required and to obtain any necessary documents and permissions.
 

Course Auditing

Auditing is not permitted at the School of Continuing Studies. You must have registered and paid for a course in full before you can attend any classes.

Course Locations

Course locations are not released until a registration has been processed and course fees paid in full. If you have mobility issues, please contact the School at scs.accessibility@utoronto.ca and we will work with you to provide a fully accessible classroom.

Advanced Standing/Prior Learning Assessment

Advanced standing may be granted to certificate candidates whose prior experience or formal learning demonstrates that course material has been covered.

To apply for advanced standing, complete the Prior Learning Assessment Application form. Attach all supporting documents and the application fee for each course. Prior learning assessment applications are reviewed by instructors or academic Program Advisors. Processing time is approximately six weeks.

Not all certificate programs allow prior learning assessments. Please review the applicable certificate description for eligibility.

The decision reached is final: no appeals will be considered.

Course Prerequisites

Some courses require prerequisites. Check the course descriptions for details. If you believe you have the knowledge or experience to satisfy a prerequisite, please contact the School at learn@utoronto.ca to apply for permission to waive the course prerequisite.

Non-Credit/Non-Degree Courses

All courses taken at the School of Continuing Studies have the status of non-degree, non-credit at the University of Toronto. Some courses may be granted an exemption towards degree status at partnering faculties at the University of Toronto. If such arrangements are available, this information will be announced on our website.

Registration Deadline

We do not impose registration deadlines prior to course starts, unless stated in course descriptions. You may register until enrolment closes, provided space is available. Courses may fill well in advance of their starting date, so early registration is recommended.

Course Fees

Course fees are listed under individual course descriptions and do not include textbooks or additional materials, unless so indicated. Fees must be paid in full upon registration.

We do not add a premium to course fees for international students.

Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)

Some courses are subject to HST, primarily those in the Arts & Science program.

Methods of payment

We accept the following methods of payment:

• Visa, Mastercard, or American Express
• Bank Draft

We do not accept the following methods of payment:

• Cash
• Debit
• Personal  Cheque

Default Payment

When registering, any student who tenders a cheque, money order, bank draft or uses a Visa, MasterCard or American Express which is not honoured by their banking institution will be charged a financial penalty of $25 to their account.

If a defaulted payment is not settled within a prescribed time period, your registration may be cancelled, and/or your academic results will be suspended.

Course enrolments will not be accepted unless your account with the School is in good standing.

Course Cancellations/Postponements

Every effort is made to offer courses as listed on our website and in our publications. Courses, however, are subject to cancellation or postponement with little to no advance notice, for such reasons as insufficient enrolment, unforeseen program changes, instructor availability, or at the discretion of the School. We recommend that you enrol as early as possible to limit decisions to cancel or postpone due to insufficient enrolment.

If you register for a course that is subsequently cancelled or postponed, you may transfer to another section or another course, if space permits, or you may choose to receive a full refund of course fees paid. If you transfer to a course with a higher fee, you are responsible for paying the difference.

Course Alterations

Course details such as dates, days, times or instructors are subject to change without prior notice.

If a course is altered you may choose to transfer to another section or another course if space permits, or you may choose to receive a full refund of course fees paid. If you transfer to a course with a higher fee, you are responsible for paying the difference.

Certificate Program Alterations

The School of Continuing Studies is constantly developing and refreshing curriculum in recognition of emerging and evolving demands of today’s markets. If at any time the School recognizes that its current programming is limiting the effort to close skills/talent gaps in the marketplace, the School reserves the right to update, defer, limit or cancel certificate programs and/or replace or revise related courses (certificate requirements).

If you are enroled in a certificate program that has been cancelled or changed, we will make every effort to provide you an opportunity to complete your program within the prescribed time period. In circumstances where it is not possible to complete the program in its current form, the School will assist you to grandfather into a similar program offered by the School, or work with you to find course substitutions that will meet the certificate program’s learning outcomes.

Class Cancellation/Postponement

Classes maybe cancelled or postponed due to weather, instructor illness, or at the discretion of the School. When it is necessary to cancel or postpone a class, we will make every effort to notify all class members. It is important that you provide your daytime contact information (email and phone number) when registering.

The following deadlines outline the withdrawal and transfer guidelines associated with all courses, programs, and services offered within the School of Continuing Studies (SCS).  Some courses have specific deadlines, which will be noted on your confirmation of enrolment that is sent to you by email when you register. This separate deadline will supersede any deadlines listed below.  

If you are unclear of the deadline that applies for your enrolled course(s), please contact Enrolment and Learner Services by emailing learn@utoronto.ca or call 416-978-2400. 

WITHDRAWALS

100% of the course tuition fee will be refunded if SCS receives a written request from the registered learner, or pre-authorized third-party agent, before the applicable deadline. A request can be made: 
 

1. Online through My Access, your online student portal. If you choose this method, the request may only be submitted prior to the course start. You will receive an email confirmation of the transaction.
2. Via the online Withdrawal Request form (https://learn.utoronto.ca/help/forms-and-applications/request-to-withdraw-from-a-course).
3. By email to learn@utoronto.ca.

No refund will be granted after the applicable deadlines. For more information, refer to the withdrawal conditions below. 
 

WITHDRAWAL CONDITIONS 
 

1. Withdrawals are permitted should SCS receive a written request as indicated above by the registered learner, or pre-authorized third-party agent, prior to the applicable deadline. All requests must include the course number, course title, and the reason for the withdrawal. 
2. The following actions do NOT constitute an official withdrawal:
   1. Cancelling a cheque or credit card payment.
   2. Failing to attend or participate in any course-related scheduled activities.
   3. Advising the instructor that you will no longer attend or participate in any course-related activities.  
3. Course withdrawals are not permitted after the noted deadlines.
4. Course withdrawals are also subject to the return of any course materials that may have been issued, in their original condition.
5. All refunds (as per the deadlines stated below) must be returned to the original method of payment.

TRANSFERS 

Transfers will be processed if SCS receives a written request from the registered learner, or pre-authorized third-party agent, to transfer before the applicable deadline. A request can be made: 

1. Online through My Access, your online student portal. If you choose this method, the request may only be submitted prior to the course start. You will receive an email confirmation of the transaction.
2. Via the online Transfer Request form (https://learn.utoronto.ca/help/forms-and-applications/request-to-transfer-a-course).
3. By email to learn@utoronto.ca.

If you transfer to a course with a higher fee, you are responsible for paying any course differential. If you transfer to a course with a lower tuition fee, the course differential will be returned to the original method of payment. 

Transfers can only be granted once following the initial registration. For more information, refer to the transfer conditions below. 

TRANSFER CONDITIONS

1. Transfers are permitted should SCS receive a written request as indicated above by the registered learner, or pre-authorized third-party agent, prior to the applicable deadline. All requests must include the course number, course title, and the reason for the transfer. 
2. Course transfers are not permitted after the noted deadlines.
3. Course transfers are also subject to the return of any course materials that may have been issued, in their original condition.
4. Transfer requests can only be processed provided the course to be transferred into is still open for registration and space is available. Course tuition fees may vary and are subject to change. Learners are responsible for providing payment for any course tuition fee balance required to complete their transfer. Refunds are subject to the withdrawal deadlines and guidelines of the currently enrolled course, unless otherwise specified by SCS in writing prior to course registration.
5. Transfers can only be granted once following the initial registration. Should learners wish to defer their registration a second time, they must first withdraw from their course, be issued a refund, and provide payment for the applicable course tuition fee to enrol.

DEADLINES

IDENTIFIED COURSES/PROGRAMS WITH SPECIFIC WITHDRAWAL/TRANSFER DEADLINES 

Withdrawal/Transfer Deadlines for Collaborative Programs 

Withdrawal/Transfer Deadlines for Human Services and Social Work Programs

Withdrawal/Transfer Deadlines for Exam Preparation Courses

Withdrawal/Transfer Deadlines for Self-Study Courses 

Withdrawal/Transfer Deadlines for Specialized SCS Courses 

ELP WITHDRAWALS

100% of the course tuition fee will be refunded if SCS receives a written request from the registered learner, or pre-authorized third-party agent, before the applicable deadline. A request can be made: 

1. Online through My Access, your online student portal. If you choose this method, the request may only be submitted prior to the course start. You will receive an email confirmation of the transaction.
2. Via the online Withdrawal or Transfer Request form (https://learn.utoronto.ca/help/forms-and-applications/request-to-withdraw-transfer).
3. By email to academic.elp@utoronto.ca.  

No refund will be granted after the applicable deadlines below. 
 

ELP WITHDRAWAL CONDITIONS 

1. Withdrawals and transfers are permitted should SCS receive a written request as indicated above by the registered learner, or pre-authorized third-party agent, prior to the applicable deadline. All requests must include the course number, course title, and the reason for the withdrawal. 
2. The following actions do NOT constitute an official withdrawal: 
   1. Cancelling a cheque or credit card payment.
   2. Failing to attend or participate in any course-related scheduled activities.
   3. Advising the instructor that you will no longer attend or participate in any course-related activities.  
3. Course withdrawals are not permitted after the noted deadlines.
4. Course withdrawals and transfers are also subject to the return of any course materials that may have been issued, in their original condition.
5. All refunds (as per the deadlines stated below) must be returned to the original method of payment.
6. Health fees are non-refundable and non-transferrable after the scheduled course start date. Health fees will only be refunded if a valid OHIP/UHIP card can be provided before the course start date.
7. Learners denied a visa or study permit for ELP programs must email academic.elp@utoronto.ca five (5) business days prior to the first day of class to receive a refund. All requests must be accompanied by an embassy denial letter.

ELP WITHDRAWAL DEADLINES 

ELP TRANSFERS 

Transfers will be processed if SCS receives a written request from the registered learner, or pre-authorized third-party agent, to transfer before the applicable deadline. A request can be made: 

1. Online through My Access, your online student portal. If you choose this method, the request may only be submitted prior to the course start. You will receive an email confirmation of the transaction.
2. Via the online Withdrawal or Transfer Request form (https://learn.utoronto.ca/help/forms-and-applications/request-to-withdraw-transfer).
3. By email to academic.elp@utoronto.ca.  

If you transfer to a course with a higher fee, you are responsible for paying any course differential. 

Transfers can only be granted once following the initial registration. For more information, refer to the transfer conditions below. 
 

ELP TRANSFER CONDITIONS 

1. Transfers are permitted should SCS receive a written request as indicated above by the registered learner, or pre-authorized third-party agent, prior to the applicable deadline. All requests must include the course number, course title, and the reason for the transfer.
2. Course transfers are not permitted after the noted deadlines.
3. Transfer requests can only be processed provided the course to be transferred into is still open for registration and space is available. Course tuition fees may vary and are subject to change. Learners are responsible for providing payment for any course tuition fee balance required to complete their transfer. Refunds are subject to the withdrawal deadlines and guidelines of the currently enrolled course, unless otherwise specified by SCS in writing.
4. Transfers can only be granted once following the initial registration. Should learners wish to defer their registration a second time, they must first withdraw from their course, be issued a refund, and provide payment for the applicable course tuition fee to enrol.
5. Health fees are non-refundable and non-transferrable after the scheduled course start date. Health fees will only be refunded if a valid OHIP/UHIP card can be provided before the course start date.
6. Learners denied a visa or study permit for ELP programs must email academic.elp@utoronto.ca five (5) business days prior to the first day of class to receive a refund. All requests must be accompanied by an embassy denial letter.

ELP TRANSFER DEADLINES 
 

BLUEPRINT CAREER SERVICES 

100% of the BCS workshop or session fees will be refunded if SCS receives a written request from the registered learner, or pre-authorized third-party agent, before the applicable deadline. A request can be made: 

1. Online through My Access, your online student portal. If you choose this method, the request may only be submitted prior to the session start. You will receive an email confirmation of the transaction.
2. Via the online Withdrawal or Transfer Request form (https://learn.utoronto.ca/help/forms-and-applications/request-to-withdraw-transfer).
3. By email to scs.blueprint@utoronto.ca  

No refund or transfers will be granted after the applicable deadlines below. 

Withdrawal/Transfer Conditions 

• Withdrawal, transfer and refund requests are permitted provided the request is received by the registered participant, or pre-authorized third-party agent, prior to the stated deadline.
• The following actions do NOT constitute an official withdrawal request:
  • Cancelling a credit card payment.
  • Failing to attend the session/workshop.
  • Advising the facilitator that you will no longer attend.
• All refunds (as per the deadlines stated below) must be returned to the original method of payment.
• No refunds or credits will be granted after the applicable deadlines.
• If you transfer to a course or workshop with a higher fee, you are responsible for paying any course differential. If you transfer to a course with a lower tuition fee, the course differential will be returned to the original method of payment. 
• Course transfers are not permitted after the noted deadlines.
• Transfer requests can only be processed provided the course to be transferred into is still open for registration and space is available. Course tuition fees may vary and are subject to change. Learners are responsible for providing payment for any course tuition fee balance required to complete their transfer. Refunds are subject to the withdrawal deadlines and guidelines of the currently enrolled course, unless otherwise specified by SCS in writing prior to course registration.
• Transfers can only be granted once following the initial registration. Should learners wish to defer their registration a second time, they must first withdraw from their course, be issued a refund, and provide payment for the applicable course tuition fee to enrol.

The following deadlines may not apply to all offerings. For specific offerings, this deadline will be noted on your confirmation of registration email that is sent to you when you register. This separate deadline will supersede any deadlines listed below. 
 

If you are unclear of the deadline that applies to your registered session, please contact the Blueprint Career Services team by emailing scs.blueprint@utoronto.ca.  

 

COMPARATIVE EDUCATION SERVICE (CES) 

As per the CES terms and conditions, all fees associated with education credential assessment (ECA) applications are non-refundable.  Only the following instances below would be considered for a refund. 

*Refunds may be subject to an additional non-refundable $45.00 CDN fee. 

Statutory Holidays

The School observes all statutory holidays and will not schedule classes on these days. It is a general policy that Saturday or Sunday classes that fall on a long weekend are not scheduled, but there may be some exemptions. Instructors will inform the class of scheduled holidays.

Instructor Contact Information

Your instructor will tell you the best way to communicate with him/her during the duration of the course. You will likely communicate via email or a discussion board in an online course site, if appropriate. If your instructor schedules webinars, you will be able to interact during those sessions.

If you are enroled in an in-class course that does not utilize an online course platform, your instructor may provide you with their contact information at the first class to communicate outside classroom hours. This is at their discretion. If an instructor has not agreed to release contact information, and you wish to speak with them, we will contact them on your behalf.

Recording and Reproduction of Lectures/Course Material

The unauthorized use of any form of device to audiotape, photograph, video-record or otherwise reproduce lectures, course notes or teaching materials provided by instructors are covered by the Canadian Copyright Act and is prohibited. Any learner who violates this policy will be subject to disciplinary actions under the Code of Student Conduct. You may not record any portion of a lecture without the prior and explicit written permission of the course instructor. If you are a learner with a disability, contact scs.accessibility@utoronto.ca to register your request to record lectures.

Any recordings that may capture the image or voice of classmates must be agreed to in writing by all enroled learners.

If you are given permission to record any portion of a course:

• Any recordings that may capture the image or voice of classmates must be agreed to in writing by all enroled learners, or deleted from the recording under the supervision of the instructor.
• Recordings are not to be distributed without the permission of the instructor via the Internet, using social media such as Facebook, peer-to-peer file sharing such as One Drive or Dropbox, or other distribution channels.
• Recordings are not to be shared with other classmates unless they are to be used in collaborative assignments, or if the instructor permits for other reasons.

Animals in the classroom

Service animals are welcomed at the University to accompany persons with disabilities who may require assistance.

Certified and uniformed service animals (such as a vest or harness) are permitted in classrooms. They must be kept with their owner at all times. Please notify the School if your service animal will attend class, by submitting a request to scs.accessibility@utoronto.ca

Final Grade

Final grades are released to learners who have been assessed within approximately four (4) to six (6) weeks following course completion. This timeline is based on the various stages of approval to ensure the accuracy of each learner grade before grades are posted for a course.

Final grades will only be posted on your My Access page, not on Quercus. 

If you have been awarded a final grade, you will receive an email notification directing you to access your online account (My Access) to view/print your Grade Report.

Please note that final grades cannot be released over the telephone or email.

Grade Point Average (GPA)

The School of Continuing Studies does not use a GPA system.

Academic records held by the School are not integrated into the UT ACORN/ROSI system used for degree programs. Since the systems are not linked, final grades achieved for the School’s courses will not affect your GPA for degree studies at the University of Toronto.

Grade Scale

Courses in which learners are assessed and awarded a final grade may use the following grading scheme:

• Letter
• Percentage
• Pass/Fail
• Honours/Pass/Fail
• Complete/Incomplete

Your instructor will provide you with a course outline detailing the grade scheme, grade weighting, and passing grade scale.

Course Attendance

For courses that are not assessed or receive a final grade, the School can issue an official letter of attendance only upon request. To request a letter please email learn@utoronto.ca.

To qualify you must sign the attendance record at each class and have attained a minimum of 80% class attendance. If your course has a higher minimum attendance requirement, it will be noted on your course outline.

Grade Appeals

Term work

If you would like to question any marks given for term work, you must appeal directly with your instructor. Term work may include (but is not limited to):

• Quizzes
• Term tests (including mid-term examination)
• Projects
• Assignments
• Case Studies
• Blogs/websites

Term work results cannot be appealed after course completion, so it is important to discuss any questions you have about your results before your course ends.

Final Exam/Project/Assignment

Your final assessed component - which may include a final exam, final project or final assignment - cannot be discussed with your instructor once your course has ended.

If you would like to appeal your final, complete and submit the Reconsideration of Final Course Results available online and submit directly to the School as instructed on the form.

Appeals are organized into two stages, clerical check of the final grade, and re-read of the final examination/assignment/project. The clerical check must be requested and answered before an application for a re-read may be submitted.

All requests must be received within three months of the final examination/course completion period. There is a fee for this service. For more information on the associate fees and processing time please visit our Forms/Applications page: https://learn.utoronto.ca/help/forms-and-applications

Alternate Exams

If you are unable to write the final exam for any reason (e.g. medical, work conflicts, family emergencies) you may apply to write an Alternate Examination at the next exam sitting.

If you attempted the examination or received a failing grade, you cannot apply for an alternate exam.

There is a fee for this service. This fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. 

For more information on the associate fees and processing time please visit our Forms/Applications page: https://learn.utoronto.ca/help/forms-and-applications

Payment must be included with your alternate examination application or it will not be considered.

Certificate Declaration and Issuance

If you have successfully completed all requirements towards your certificate program, you can apply to receive your certificate document by completing our online Certificate Request Form found on our Forms/Applications page: https://learn.utoronto.ca/help/forms-and-applications

Your certificate will be issued only if final grades have been released for all of your course requirements. Do not submit an application if you are still awaiting your final grade(s).

You do not have to declare your certificate candidacy until you have satisfied all of your certificate requirements. However, if you would like to track your certificate progress in your online account (My Access), email the School at learn@utoronto.ca and state that you would like to register your candidacy. You will receive instructions on where and how to view your progress.

MICRO-CREDENTIAL ISSUANCE  

If you have successfully completed requirements for a micro course, you will receive a micro-credential electronically by email shortly following the release of your final grade.

The School reserves the right to make changes to the micro-credential and micro course offerings with no prior notice. Some micro-credentials may have expiration dates as course materials are subject to change over time. However, you will continue to have access to your micro-credential even after expiry. Micro-credentials will not be viewable in your online account (MyAccess) and will only be issued in a digital format. For further information, email the School at learn@utoronto.ca.

University of Toronto Policies

The School complies with a wide range of University of Toronto policies designed to enhance learning and respect for the individual, including policies prohibiting sexual harassment or discrimination based on sex, race, religion, or social origin. For a complete listing and description of these policies, visit Office of the Governing Council.

We have highlighted two policies below that apply to all students of the School of Continuing Studies:

Code of Student Conduct

All School of Continuing Studies learners are required to comply with the University Of Toronto Code Of Student Conduct. The University defines standards of student behaviour and makes provisions discipline with respect to conduct that jeopardizes the good order and proper functioning of the academic and non-academic programs and activities of the University or its divisions. Failure to comply with the terms of this policy may result in severe sanctions.

Code of Behaviour on Academic Matters (Academic Honesty)

Learners at the School of Continuing Studies are also required to comply with the University of Toronto Code of Behaviour on Academic Matters. This Code governs all academic transgressions, including plagiarism and cheating.

Many individuals may not realize that they are committing plagiarism in their coursework. If you are using the ideas of others in your written work and are unsure if you are citing sources properly or committing a form of plagiarism please see information regarding:

• Guidelines for properly citing your sources: ‘Writing at the University of Toronto’ website at http://www.writing.utoronto.ca/advice/using-sources/documentation
• Plagiarism: http://www.writing.utoronto.ca/advice/using-sources/how-not-to-plagiarize

If you require guidance concerning any policies, practices, and procedures please contact Enrolment and Learner Services by email learn@utoronto.ca.

Viewing & Maintaining Personal Information

Updating your contact information is important so that communications and materials can reach you. All correspondence, including your fee receipts, course notifications, and grade notifications will be sent to your email address on file.

To maintain accurate student records, please update your personal information in your My Access student account. You can also notify the School of any changes to your address, telephone number or email address by calling 416-978-2400 You will be asked to verify your identity. Changes to your name must be requested in writing and accompanied by official documentation.

Learner Concerns and Issues

Enrolment and Learner Services is a resource for learners seeking assistance in resolving a course-related issue or wishing to express a concern. To speak with a representative call 416-978-2400 or send an email to learn@utoronto.ca. Provide a description of your concern and be sure to include the following information:

• Name
• Address
• Daytime phone number (including area code) and email address if different from the reply-to address
• Course code and name
• Instructor name