Admission Information
Access & Equity Admissions Policy
Nipissing University welcomes applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds. We recognize that there are institutional processes and cultural differences that present barriers to some applicants obtaining access to university. Nipissing University is committed to diversity, equity and accessibility and has reserved spaces in our undergraduate programs for students from groups including but not limited to persons with disabilities, economically disadvantaged individuals, Franco-Ontarians, Indigenous persons, visible minorities, LGBTQ+ and those from northern/remote/rural areas. To be considered you must:
- apply to year one of an undergraduate program (application to be submitted through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre, OUAC)
- have completed the minimum prerequisite courses for admission
- submit a letter to the Admissions Office outlining your circumstances and how you plan to be successful at Nipissing University.
Students admitted under this policy are required to meet the university and program standards for progression and graduation.
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Applicant Responsibility
It is the responsibility of each applicant to submit directly to the Office of the Registrar:
- official transcripts from all institutions (domestic or international) previously or presently attended, secondary schools, colleges and universities (Domestic and international applicants who have attended postsecondary institutions outside of North America must have their transcripts assessed (Credential Evaluation Report, including a Course-By-Course Analysis) by World Education Services – www.wes.org/ca.);
- proof of name change, if academic documents show a name other than that under which application is made (i.e. marriage registration, notarized statements of legal name change or other legal documents); and,
- evidence of English language proficiency, if English is not the applicant’s first language.
Ontario secondary school applicants should ensure that they understand how information is processed through their school to the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) and the responsibility the applicant has in providing required information or documents directly to the OUAC and the University.
Applicants, who withhold, misrepresent or fail to provide all information related to previous academic records may have their admission offer revoked or be required to withdraw from the University.
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Proof of Proficiency in English
All applicants to Nipissing University undergraduate degree and post-baccalaureate programs (excluding BEd) from countries where the dominant language of instruction is other than English will be required to achieve the required proficiency level on one of the following tests of English language proficiency for admission consideration.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): Applicants to all programs except Nursing require a minimum score of 83 (iBT) with a minimum score of 20 in reading, listening and writing, and a minimum score of 22 in speaking. Applicants to Nursing require a minimum score of 93 with a minimum score of 20 in reading and listening and a minimum score of 22 in writing and speaking The Nipissing University TOEFL institution code is #3614.
- International English Language Test Service (IELTS): Applicants to all programs except Nursing require a minimum overall band score of 6.5 with a minimum 6 in reading, listening, speaking and writing. Applicants to Nursing require a minimum overall band score of 7 with a minimum 6.5 in reading, listening, speaking and writing.
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: Applicants to all programs except Nursing require a minimum overall score of 58 with a minimum score of 56 in speaking, writing, reading and listening. Applicants to Nursing require a minimum overall score of 63 with a minimum score of 60 in each section.
- Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL/CAEL Online): Applicants to all programs except Nursing require a minimum overall score of 60 with no band less than 60. Applicants to Nursing require a minimum overall score of 70 with no band less than 60.
- Cambridge English Qualifications: A C1 minimum overall score of 176 with a minimum score of 169.
Permanent Resident applicants whose first language is not English may be required to provide proof of proficiency in English. Permanent Resident applicants whose first language is not English but who have lived at least three years in Canada, or a country where English is the dominant language may be exempt.
English Language Policy Exemptions
To be exempted from providing proof of English language proficiency you must satisfy one of the following criteria:
Applicants can demonstrate proficiency in one of the following ways:
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Achieve a minimum grade of B in GCSE, IGCSE or GCE Ordinary Level English Literature or English Language, a minimum grade of C in GCE A Level or AS Level or AICE or CAPE English or English Language, or a minimum score of M3 in Cambridge Pre-U English.
English for Academic Purposes (EAP)
Applicants who enroll in an EAP program with one of Nipissing’s pathway partners will receive a conditional offer of admission. By successfully completing the level indicated in the partner agreement, applicants can begin their studies at Nipissing without further testing.
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How to Apply to Undergraduate Programs
All students must be admitted to the University prior to registering for courses.
Admission criteria are determined by the Nipissing University Senate. Please note that meeting minimum admission requirements does not guarantee an offer of admission. Applicants for admission who have questions regarding program choices, admission procedures, or current admission status should contact the Office of the Registrar.
Applicants currently attending an Ontario Secondary School as a full-time student
Fall/Winter Session – Full-time University Study
Information about applying online is available through high school guidance offices. Final and midterm/interim grades are sent to Nipissing University through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) by the school. Applicants completing secondary school courses through distance education while enrolled in an Ontario secondary school are responsible for ensuring that Nipissing University receives official course registration and grades (both midterm/interim and final) for these courses.
Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents not currently attending an Ontario Secondary School
Fall/Winter – Full-time University Study
OUAC 105 applications are completed online through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC), at www.ouac.on.ca.
Fall Session – Part-time University Study
Applications can be found at www.nipissingu.ca/registrarforms.
Winter/Spring/Summer Session – Full-time or Part-time University Study
Applications can be found at www.nipissingu.ca/registrarforms.
International Applicants
Fall/Winter Session – Full-time University Study
OUAC 105 applications are completed online through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC), at www.ouac.on.ca.
All international college and university transcripts must be assessed (Credential Evaluation Report, including a Course-By-Course Analysis) by World Education Services – www.wes.org/ca.
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