Academic Requirements

College Eligibility

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent.
• Mature students are applicants who have not achieved the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or its equivalent and who are at least 19 years of age on or before the commencement of the program in which they intend to enroll. Mature students applying for Degree programs satisfy College Eligibility by having demonstrated academic abilities equivalent to those of Ontario high school graduates, verified by successful completion of at least one full-time term at the post-secondary level (minimum five courses taken concurrently in an academic program of study).

Program Eligibility

• Six Grade 12 university (U) or university/college (M) courses with a minimum 65% average including:
• One Grade 12 U English course, with a minimum 65%
• Please note that mature students must meet the following subject-specific Program Eligibility requirements, either directly or through equivalencies:
• One Grade 12 U English course, with a minimum 65%
• Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).

Additional Requirements:
Upon acceptance into the program the following requirements must be met. Valid First Aid and CPR Certification (St. John Ambulance, Red Cross or equivalent) must be completed prior to the commencement of classes. This certificate must be valid for the duration of the program. Students must have Standard First Aid certification. Failure to complete these requirements will prevent students from participating in the field placement and work term components of the program.

Health Requirements:
The physical and emotional health of each applicant to the program must be such that he or she can successfully cope with the program of instruction including the demands of field placement (e.g. stress and time management). Individuals who have concerns about their ability to meet these requirements should contact the coordinator of the program prior to submitting an application.

Police Records Check Documentation:
Students must provide the College with a current Police Records Check for Service with the Vulnerable Sector (PRCSVS) prior to the deadline identified by the department and students are responsible for any associated costs. If this documentation in not submitted on time, students may not be placed and registration in the program will be jeopardized. If you register in the program without a clear PRCSVS and as a result are unable to participate in placement, you will not be able to graduate and will be asked to withdraw.

Experiential Learning, Work Term and Field Placement Eligibility:
To be eligible for placement, you must submit proof of Standard First Aid certification, CPR level C, PRCSVS, and complete immunizations through ParaMed. ParaMed services are the third party provider who collects all field placement documentation for the Community Studies department.

Mature students are applicants who have not achieved the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or its equivalent and who are at least 19 years of age on or before the commencement of the program in which they intend to enroll. Mature students have demonstrated academic abilities equivalent to those of Ontario high school graduates, verified by successful completion of courses at the postsecondary level.

If you are an International Student:
International students require a work permit issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) to authorize the student in completing the essential work component in the three placement courses work term in the 4 year BELCD degree.

International students must have a work permit in order to participate in the practice teaching courses. This permit should be obtained as soon as possible. At the port of entry to Canada, students should let the customs officer know that they need the work permit and should include a letter issued by the International Admissions office to add support to the request.

Students who wait until they start the program to apply for the permit might not obtain it in time to begin their first practice teaching course.

Current processing times for the work permit are found here:

Language Requirements

IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each band; OR TOEFL Internet-based (iBT) tests taken prior to January 21, 2026 overall 88, with a minimum in each component: Reading 22; Listening 22; Speaking 22; Writing 22; OR TOEFL Internet-based (iBT) tests taken after January 21, 2026 overall 4.5, with a minimum in each component: Reading 4.5; Listening 4.5; Speaking 4.5; Writing 4.5; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 120, minimum of 120 in Literacy and no score below 105.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.