Academic Requirements

General academic requirements for Master's programs

• Hold a four-year honours degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution in the same area of graduate study or a closely related subject.
• Overall academic standing of at least a B average (GPA: 3.0 on a 4.3 scale or 73 to 76 per cent), with a minimum B average in the last two full-time years (four semesters) of undergraduate work or equivalent.

Program-specific requirements

In addition to the general admission requirements for graduate studies, MFDA applicants must meet the following program-specific requirements:

• While applicants may hold any four-year undergraduate degree (or its 3-year equivalent from a recognized institution in countries where it is the accepted practice), preference is given to applicants whose undergraduate degree is in the field of business, economics, finance, information technology, computer science, modelling and computer science, engineering, mathematics, statistics, physics, actuarial science, or other quantitative fields.
• While not required, GMAT/GRE/CFA Level 1 may be recommended to strengthen your application or in lieu of GPA requirement.
• A statistics course is required. Linear algebra and calculus are highly recommended.
• If applicable, a minimum score of 7 on the IELTS or 100 on the TOEFL. (Note that these English language proficiency scores are slightly higher than those required for some other graduate programs.) Visit the English language proficiency section of this calendar for additional details.
• There may be an interview for applicants prior to admission.
• For more information on MFDA specific admission requirements, please review the Graduate Academic Calendar.

Checklist of required documents for application

• two letters of recommendation
• proof of English language proficiency
• one unofficial transcript of each previous undergraduate and graduate transcript
• one- to two-page statement of academic intent
• photocopy of your degree parchment(s)
• any required program-specific documentation (see individual program pages)

Language Requirements

All applicants are required to give evidence of their oral and written proficiency in English. Applicants who meet all admission requirements, including English proficiency, at the time of application will be given first priority consideration. We encourage applicants to register for an approved English language proficiency test prior to the application deadline.

This requirement may be satisfied with one of the following criteria:

Formal full-time study in English

You have studied full-time for at least three years (or equivalent in part-time studies) in a university degree program where the language of instruction and examination was English, or you have completed a university degree program where the language of instruction and examination was English. Ontario Tech University may ask you to provide official verification of the aforementioned. Please note: The minimum three-year requirement does not include full-time enrolment in English as a Second Language (ESL) program.

English for Academic Purposes (EAP)

If you have met all of the university’s admission requirements except for the English language proficiency requirement, you may be able to enroll in an eligible English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program, through one of our EAP partners. Through our partnership with Oxford International Digital Institute (OIDI) you can enrol in their online EAP program. Their English for university preparation courses have been designed to help you improve your level of English proficiency to match the language requirements of Ontario Tech. You will cover the main building blocks of language such as grammar and vocabulary as well as develop reading, listening, speaking, writing and mediation skills in English. Register for their next intake cycle through our unique partner page.

English test

You have achieved the required proficiency on one of the tests in the English language acceptable to the university as listed below. We encourage applicants to register for an English language proficiency test prior to the application deadline. Test results dated more than 24 months prior to the date of the application for admission will not be considered.

A hard copy of the test score is not required. Applicants may upload a copy of the official test score, using the upload links we provide to you, after your application is submitted. Ontario Tech may verify the results of the English language test.

It is important to note that English language proficiency requirements may be higher for employment, including teaching assistant duties.

Please note: If you take an approved English language proficiency test, its score shall prevail as the determining evidence of your English language proficiency.

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.