FAQs | TRANSITION YEAR PROGRAM

What is the Transition Year Program?

The Transition Year Program at York University (TYP@York) is a special access program for youth (19+) and adults who, due to various barriers, have not had an opportunity to finish high school and who do not have the formal educational credentials to qualify for university admission.

A full-time program, TYP@York combines academic and non-academic activities over a two-term (September to April) session. Students enrol in a combination of university courses and workshops totaling 30 credits worth of full-time study. Courses and workshops bridge the gap between a student’s prior experience and level of education and the formal educational credentials to qualify for admission to a university degree program. Students are required to attend approximately 16 hours of class time per week.

Upon completion of TYP@York, students will earn 18 academic credits toward university degree study. Students who complete TYP are also eligible to transfer into an academic degree at York University, subject to the admission requirements and prerequisites of that degree program. In this way, TYP serves as a bridge into the first year of an undergraduate degree.

Where do I begin?

If you are interested in applying to TYP, do the following:

Review this Web site, including the "How to Apply" section. Note the application deadline;
Attend an information session. Reserve a seat by contacting the TYP office at (416) 736-5782;
Apply to TYP@York. Follow the four application steps in the "How to Apply" section and use the "Application Checklist" to help you complete your application package. Submit your application by the deadline.

Is there someone I can talk to about this program?

If you have questions, please contact the TYP office at (416) 736-5782.

How do I know if I am eligible to apply?

The TYP Admissions Committee will consider each application individually in order to assess the individual needs of candidates, to judge their level of motivation, commitment and academic promise, and to assess existing academic skills.

Applicants must:

be from low income and immigrant/minority or Aboriginal communities located in the GTA and surrounding areas;
be a minimum of 19 years of age;
be out of school for two or more years;
normally have completed some grade 11 (or equivalent);
require additional educational intervention to succeed at university;
be among the first generation in their families to attend university in Canada; and
be a Canadian citizen/permanent resident/protected person.

We’d be happy to discuss your eligibility with you prior to completion of your application package. Contact us to arrange an appointment or attend a "how to apply" session.

Can I get help with filling out the application form?

Yes. We'd be happy to help you complete the application package. Contact us to arrange an appointment or attend a "how to apply" session.

How do I submit the application package?

You can mail your application package, or drop it off in person, at:

Office of Admissions (Transition Year Program)
Bennett Centre for Student Services (third floor)
99 Ian MacDonald Blvd.
York University
4700 Keele Street
Toronto, ON
M3J 1P3

If you encounter any difficulty, simply contact the TYP office at (416) 736-5782.

How much does it cost?

Students are enrolled in a combination of university courses and workshops totaling 30 credits worth of full-time study. The following is intended as a guideline to help you budget for a year at university. The estimated costs include:

Domestic Tuition fees (30 credits) + compulsory supplementary fees*: $7523
Textbooks and Supplies (varies by program): $500
Residence, if/as applicable (double room): $4,700
Meal Plan, if/as applicable (mandatory if living in some residences): $2000 to $4,000
Personal Expenses (entertainment, parking, commuting): $2,500 to $3,000
Health and Dental Care: $254.52

For the most up-to-date course and program fees, visit Student Financial Services.

What financial assistance is available for this program?

We understand that financing costs of education is a critical component of the application process. Therefore, York works with each applicant to review the various funding opportunities that may be available.

Students accepted into TYP may be eligible for one or more of the following:

The Ontario Student Assistant Program (OSAP) which may include the Ontario Student Opportunity Grant (OSOG);
York's regular bursaries, scholarships and awards through the Student Financial Profile;
The Work/Study program at York University offers paid on-campus positions for students who demonstrate financial need. To learn more about this program, visit the Student Financial Services Web site.

The Transition Year Program does offer some financial support, but students are expected to apply for OSAP financial assistance. We will host information sessions for you to learn how to apply for and receive financial support. You may also apply for OSAP directly.

If you feel you may be ineligible for OSAP financial assistance, contact the TYP office at (416) 736-5782.

What happens after I apply?

The TYP Admission Committee reviews your application and considers how well you meet all the eligibility criteria including assessing your commitment to a university education. You will receive a letter with the admission decision mid-June.

As there are a limited number of spaces, you may not be admitted to the program at this time. However, we will retain your application and encourage you to update your information in time for the next admission cycle and/or recommend other program opportunities that may be more suitable for you.

Once you are admitted to the TYP program, you will be invited to an information session to help you with next steps.

I have a job. Will classes be during the day?

TYP is a full-time two-term program. You can expect to be involved in school activities from approximately 8:30am until 4:30pm Monday through Thursday. Courses will be held at the Keele Campus.

English is not my first language. Will I succeed in the program?

As part of the advising process and the assessment of your application, you will be notified as to whether we believe you have the language capabilities to succeed in the program. You may be asked to take a TOEFL or YELT test to assess your language capability. The cost of these tests will be covered by TYP. This assessment will happen prior to you being notified as to whether you are accepted into the program.

Do you offer child care services?

York has two child care services:

The York University Cooperative Daycare Centre is a non-profit, cooperative organization that has served the York University community for 40 years.

The Lee Wiggins Childcare Centre, located on the Keele campus, offers part-time care to children 18 months to five years old.

For fees, childcare bursaries, and more information, visit the Centre Web sites.

Can I come see the campus and classrooms?

Absolutely! We look forward to providing you with a campus tour and chatting with you in person.

How do I get to York?

The TTC, GO Transit, York Region Transit, Mississauga Transit, Brampton Transit and Barrie Transit all operate routes to York University. For route details, visit York's Transportation Web site.

Driving directions and campus maps are also available online.

If you’d like to bike to York, there are more than 400 new bike racks located all around campus.

I would like to live on campus. Can I apply to residence?

Yes. Visit the Student Housing Web site for application deadlines and details.

What happens after I complete the Transition Year Program?