Non-Degree Studies, Audits, and Visitors

Non-Degree Studies

Students wishing to take graduate courses but not enrol in a graduate program should apply as part-time non-degree special students. Courses taken as a non-degree student will appear on official U of T transcripts, and you will receive a grade for the course. Single courses as a special student cost about $3,000, but up to two courses may be credited toward a future degree program.

Applicants must meet the minimum admission requirements for graduate studies at UofT (a mid-B average or equivalent in a undergraduate degree from a recognized institution), including meeting the English language requirement. Admission is competitive and subject to availability of space in courses.

Deadlines for applying as a non-degree special student:

By October 1, for January start

By June 1, for September start

Contact admissions.civmin@utoronto.ca to receive instructions on how to apply.

Auditing a Graduate Course

Individuals interested in “sitting in” on a course, learning the material but not completing assignments or receiving a grade in the course can apply to audit a course. The course instructor is not obligated to grade your work, but they may be open to providing informal feedback.

On request, a Certificate of Attendance can be provided to an auditor who is confirmed to have attended at least 75 per cent of the meetings of the class. Auditors who wish to receive a Certificate of Attendance must accordingly notify the instructor in writing at or before the first meeting of the class.

The cost to audit a course is around $1,200.

In order to apply, submit the following documents to admissions.civmin@utoronto.ca:

  • Graduate Course Audit Form
  • A current resume/CV
  • Copy of your most recent transcript
  • Brief statement as to why you would like to take the course

Ontario Visiting Graduate Students (OVGS)

The OVGS Program allows a graduate student registered at a University in Ontario (Home University) to take graduate courses at another Ontario University (Host University) without completing further admission formalities. The student pays fees to the Home University and is classified as a visiting student at the Host University, where he/she pays no fees. To apply as a visiting student please contact your home department.

Note: The Course Instructor for the Civil Engineering course you wish to attend cannot approve your application. You cannot attend the class until the application has been approved by the Department of Civil & Mineral Engineering Office of Student Services.