Apply to Degree Programs Applying

All applicants must apply to the University of Toronto through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) by the posted deadline. You can select one (1) Faculty of Music program within your OUAC application.

Most applicants will complete the Undergraduate Application.

International Applicants: If you currently reside outside of Canada, are not currently studying (and have not previously studied) in Canada AND are not applying to any other Ontario University, please apply through the University of Toronto International Application.

Internal Applicants: If you are currently, or have previously been registered at the University of Toronto, please complete the Internal Application. 

Exception: Music students who have previously been registered at the University of Toronto Faculty of Music, who are applying for readmission, do not need to apply through the OUAC. You should contact the Registrar's office directly to inquire about the process for you.

Enable your JOIN ID on the U of T Portal

Once the application has been received by University Admissions and Outreach, an acknowledgement email will be sent containing your U of T applicant ID number. You will also be required to enable your JOINid and log in to the JOIN U of T applicant portal. Instructions will be emailed to you approximately one week after we receive your OUAC application.  

On the JOIN U of T portal, you can track the status of your application, submit your transcripts and other required documents, and get access to the residence application. 

You will be required to complete the supplementary application known as the Music Questionnaire by the posted application deadline.

Within the Music Questionnaire, you can apply for up to three (3) program choices and/or instruments within the Faculty of Music.

You will also need to provide the following information within the application:

• Biographical information & academic background
• Major instrument(s) and other music background information
• Audition repertoire selections
• Jazz pre-screening video recording links (if you are applying to any of our jazz programs as one of your program choices)
• Contact information for three (3) referees willing to provide a reference for you
• Indicate how/when you will complete the theory prerequisite
• Short essay (written response to three provided questions; 250-1000 words)
• Additional information (optional)

Note: You do not need to receive an acknowledgement of your OUAC application before submitting your Music Questionnaire.  You may complete the applications in any order or simultaneously.  We encourage all applicants to submit their Music Questionnaire as early as possible! 

Submit the Music Questionnaire and pay the associated fees by the posted deadline.

The 2025 Music Questionnaire link will be posted here by mid-November.

Academic transcripts

Grades for current Ontario high school students will be submitted electronically by your high school through the OUAC.

All other applicants must submit transcripts for all high school and post-secondary studies attended. Documents must be submitted electronically via Parchment/Naviance/OUAC whenever possible. Where an electronic transfer of documents is not possible, you will be required to submit your transcript directly on the Join U of T portal. Notarized translations of any documents issued in a language other than English or French are also required.

Depending on your academic background, you may also be required to submit the online ‘self-reported grades’ form. If the self-reported grades form is listed in your JOIN U of T portal, it is important that you complete this form to be considered for admission. 

Note: Please do not send any academic transcripts to the Faculty of Music. 

Learn more about submitting required documents.

English language tests

You may also be ask to demonstrate proof of English language proficiency. Notarized translations of any documents issued in a language other than English or French are also required.

Instructions on submitting required documents is available through University Admissions & Outreach.

Proof of theory prerequisite

If you have completed RCM Level 8 Theory with at least a 60%, you may submit an official transcript to the Faculty of Music to meet the theory prerequisite. Note: transcripts should be sent directly from the institution to undergrad.music@utoronto.ca   Any results for equivalent exams taken, should also be sent to undergrad.music@utoronto.ca.

If you have completed a full year of post-secondary theory courses, ensure that your official transcripts are sent through JOIN U of T portal. Official College Board Exam results are required for students who have completed AP Music Theory. ABRSM results should be sent to undergrad.music@utoronto.ca 

Entrance Theory Exams: Applicants who will write the Entrance Theory Exam to meet the theory prerequisite will do so in April. The exams are completed online/asynchronously.

References

Within the Music Questionnaire, you will be asked to provide the name and contact information for three (3) people who are willing to provide a reference on your behalf. Referees may included music teachers, high school teachers, ensemble directors, or any individual who is unrelated to you and is able to comment on your musical and/or academic abilities.  We will contact your referees directly once you have submitted your Music Questionnaire. 

Note for referees: You will receive an email from undergrad.music@utoronto.ca with a unique for code for your student(s) once they have submitted their Music Questionnaire. You will be directed to an online form for which you will be invited to either answer provided questions related to the applicant's musical/academic achievements and potential, or you can choose to attach a recommendation letter as a PDF. The deadline to submit your reference is January 31. References are confidential and will not be shared with applicants.

Composition portfolio submission

Electronic submission of a composition portfolio is required for consideration to the Direct-Entry Composition program.

1. Review guidelines for what should be included included in your composition portfolio.
2. Create an online folder (e.g. Dropbox, Google Drive) where you can upload all of your scores, and any other relevant documentation. PDF format is preferred for scores.
3. Recordings are not required unless you are submitting electroacoustic works without a score. However, you may submit recordings of your pieces to complement your written scores if you wish. 
   • If you are including any recordings of your compositions, upload your recordings to a streaming service (e.g. YouTube, Vimeo, SoundCloud). Create a playlist for your recordings and provide one stable direct link to this playlist in your online folder containing the written copies of your compositions.
   • Your recordings of your compositions should be formatted for streaming, not downloading (the above platforms should do this for you automatically).  MP3 files will not be considered.
4. Please ensure that all folders are accessible for viewing for at least 6 months. Double check that your URL links open (both to the folder and any videos) and do not contain any error messages prior to submitting them. 
5. Once all materials are available in your online folder, please log back into the Music Questionnaire and provide one stable link to your online folder where indicated. 

Composition Portfolios are due 1 February.

Applicants to all programs must participate in an audition and interview. Jazz applicants are required to submit a pre-screening video with the Music Questionnaire.

Full details on audition requirements and what to expect can be view on the Audition & Interview page.

Please refer to the Next Steps page for important details regarding scholarships, residence and more.

Key Dates:

UTAPS Need Navigator is due  in early February.

Awards Profile is due in early February.

Residence applications are due March 31, so apply early even if you haven't yet received your admission results!