Are you curious about attending university but feel like it’s out of reach? Perhaps you are hindered by financial hurdles, were unable to complete high school, or are a single parent who doesn’t want to let the possibility of getting a degree pass you by.
While the path to higher education isn’t always straightforward, there is a way.
Founded in 1970, the Transitional Year Programme (TYP) at University of Toronto is a unique initiative which has been in operation for over 50 years, providing access to post-secondary education for adult learners who have experienced significant barriers to schooling for reasons beyond their control.
TYP was co-founded by Dr. Horace Campbell and the late Dr. Keren Brathwaite with support from community and friends. The program has its roots in the Black community in Toronto, having emerged out of two summer programs in 1969 and 1970. The program has since expanded to include learners of diverse backgrounds who have experienced barriers or challenges to post secondary education impacting their opportunity for direct university admission.
Year after year, the eight-month program helps break down barriers to higher education by equipping its cohorts with tools, resources and support to pursue an undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto. Applications are open yearly between October to March following a fall start.
“I always dreamt of going to university as a child but as I grew up the dream slowly escaped me during various hardships. As an immigrant mum raising five children on my own, it was not always easy. I could never find the perfect moment to start school. My acceptance into this program meant that I could envision a future for myself and my kids,” former student and Valedictorian Naima Hussein said.
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Successful applicants will earn qualifications to gain access to the Faculty of Arts & Sciences, program sections of Humanities, Life Sciences & Social Sciences with various degrees such as Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Indigenous Studies, Pharmacology and many more.
Better yet, TYP’s application takes on a holistic approach focusing on every applicant’s skills, motivation and capacity with a writing assessment.
“We don’t have a GPA requirement, we have a more holistic approach because we understand that mature students who have experienced potential barriers may not have that illustrious transcript,” Outreach & Admissions Coordinator for the Transitional Year Programme Brandon Cole told Now Toronto.
Instead, applicants will be invited for an interview either over the phone or in person and will be asked to complete a writing assessment, among other tasks.
Tuition is $7,000, however, most students qualify for OSAP and those with high needs can receive financial support towards fees and other living expenses.
School fees are covered by a range of need-based bursaries and subsidies available to accepted applicants, all of whom will receive some form of financial aid.
Those who enroll could also be eligible for OSAP and band funding for those with Indigenous status. Moreover, a $7,000 award is offered to students who complete their undergraduate degree.
In addition to a range of monetary safety nets, students will have access to both academic and social support services.
“We have a wonderful group of experienced instructors who are used to supporting and teaching mature students who are seeking an alternate route to university,” Lance T. McCready, Director, Transitional Year Programme, told Now.
“Our students don’t necessarily have the highest grades and they might not be English proficient at 12th Grade, but our instructors are really good at meeting students where they are at and providing individual one-on-one support,” he continued.
In addition, students will have access to community wrap-around supports, networking and engagement opportunities, including employment and job preparation mentorship, financial workshops, university systems navigation education and alumni coordinators.
Over the years, TYP graduates have spoken out about the program and how it helped them find success.
Floria Kangootui credits TYP with allowing her to fulfil her dream of higher education and for helping her to cultivate a network of peers who overcame a multitude of barriers including addiction, homelessness and more.
Similarly, Jessica Stockdale said her time as a TYP student was “incredible” and that being a part of the program inspired her to achieve her Master’s in adult education.
“TYP didn’t just support me when I was a student of the program, but they continued to guide and cheer me on as I made my way through my degree,” she said.
Lellow Sedio said she found out about TYP through an ad. “What caught my eye was the wording ‘…access to university.’ I understood this to mean that I have the chance to continue cultivating my academic desires, a chance to continue being a scholar, a chance to participate in a world of knowledge, foster innovation and cultivate an active and creative mind,” she said.
Apply now to the Transitional Year Programme and learn more about it here.
