Academic Bridging Program at U of T

Congratulations to Academic Bridging alum Grace N. Kuol who celebrated her graduation from the University of Toronto this week! 🎓

Grace joined U of T through the Academic Bridging Program as a Morneau McCain Scholar and crossed the convocation stage on Wednesday.

Reflecting on her journey, Grace shared:

"As a former refugee and first-generation university student, graduating from the University of Toronto is a powerful reminder that dreams are valid, regardless of where you come from. This milestone represents years of perseverance, growth, and the unwavering belief that education can change lives. I am grateful to Woodsworth College, the Academic Bridging Program, and the many people who believed in me along the way for helping me turn that dream into reality."

Congratulations, Grace, on this remarkable achievement!🎉

Applications for the Academic Bridging Program for Fall 2026 remain open until June 22, 2026.

Learn more and apply at wdw.utoronto.ca/academic-bridging/apply

We’re so proud of MaryJo O’Connor, who graduates from U of T tomorrow! 🎓

MaryJo began her journey in the Millie Rotman Shime Academic Bridging Program after stepping away from a career as a professional ballet dancer. Bridging gave her the space to reset, rebuild, and move into university with confidence - eventually leading her to a degree in ethics, society and law.

While completing her degree, MaryJo stayed connected to the Bridging community as a mentor, supporting other students as they found their footing. In her final year, she also worked with Women at the Centre, contributing to research on reproductive justice and the role of Indigenous knowledge in shaping healthcare policy.

MaryJo’s story is proof that your path doesn’t need to be traditional - it just needs to be yours.

Read MaryJo's full story here: wdw.utoronto.ca/news/woodsworth-graduate-trades-ballet-career-law-studies

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Take the first step!

Applications for Fall 2026 close June 22.
🔗 uoft.me/AcademicBridging
📧 [email protected]

"The Academic Bridging Program allowed me to attend the University of Toronto as a mature student at a time when I felt prepared to earn my degree. My studies at the University taught me valuable lessons and broadened my horizons intellectually, philosophically, and socially.

Looking back, my decision to participate in the Academic Bridging Program fundamentally altered the trajectory of my life. It provided the positive change I needed at the time."

- Jennifer Simpson, Academic Bridging Program graduate (2010); Honours Bachelor of Arts from U of T (2020).

Photo by Miz Monday.

Want to learn more about Academic Bridging? We are hosting one final virtual info session this spring!

📅 Final info session: June 11
🔗 Register at uoft.me/ABPInfoSession
📧 [email protected]

Applications for the Academic Bridging Program (Fall 2026) are now open!

Deadline to apply: June 22, 2026
Learn more about the program: uoft.me/AcademicBridging

"It wouldn’t be an understatement to say the Academic Bridging Program changed my life. I took the English literature entry course which was challenging, the teacher was fantastic, (very supportive), but also prepared us for university-level academic expectations.

The class was a lot of fun and the perfect prep for university studies. Hard work, discipline, and consistency most definitely pays off and the Academic Bridging Program was my first step in the right direction."

- Eryn Hiscock, Academic Bridging Program graduate (1993); Honours Bachelor of Arts from U of T (2008).

Thinking about university? Join a free, virtual info session to learn more about the Academic Bridging pathway:

📅 Upcoming info sessions: June 4 & 11
🔗 Register at uoft.me/ABPInfoSession
📧 [email protected]

Applications for the Academic Bridging Program (Fall 2026) are now open!

Deadline to apply: June 22, 2026
Learn more about the program: uoft.me/AcademicBridging

“Before coming to U of T, I had been working in retail for a few years. I realized I wanted to go back to school but felt a bit lost. That is when my mom informed me of the Academic Bridging Program.

I would encourage everyone who is interested in higher education and eligible for the Bridging program to apply! The onboarding experience into the university feels seamless and natural. The class material is engaging whether you are a newcomer to Canada or have been here your whole life. There is also such a friendly, welcoming atmosphere that is created.

The program prepared me for success by getting me to understand the standards of many common university-level assignments I would face in the upcoming years.

I am currently in year two of my PhD program. I study post-1945 Anglo-American experimental novels and have secondary interests in Canadian Indigenous literature, q***r theory, and lyrical analysis of popular music.”

- Mik Tampold, Academic Bridging Program graduate (2019); Honours Bachelor of Arts from U of T (2023); currently pursuing a PhD @ McMaster University.

Feeling inspired? Our free, virtual info sessions are a welcoming first step if you’re considering Academic Bridging.

📅 Upcoming info sessions: May 20, 25 & 27
🔗 Register for an info session: uoft.me/ABPInfoSession
📧 [email protected]

Applications for the Academic Bridging Program (Fall 2026) are now open!

Deadline to apply: June 22, 2026
Learn more about the program: uoft.me/AcademicBridging

Thinking about university?

Join a free, virtual info session to learn about the Millie Rotman Shime Academic Bridging Program - a program for adults (19+) who have been away from school for at least two years.

📅 Upcoming sessions: May 4, 8, 11, 13, 20, 25 & 27

- Register for an info session: wdw.utoronto.ca/academic-bridging/info-sessions
- Read our student stories: linktr.ee/uoftacademicbridging
- Questions? [email protected]

At the session, you’ll learn about benefits of the program, including:
- Academic preparation for degree studies
- Financial aid available
- Small classes and individual support
- Pathway to Arts & Science degree studies at U of T

We hope to see you there!

🎉

"Before coming to U of T, I had recently immigrated from Peru and was trying to figure out how to continue my education in Canada. It was a big transition really, new country, new system, and a lot of uncertainty about what the future would look like.

One thing that really surprised me was how much my confidence grew during the Bridging program. I remember doubting whether I really belonged at a university like U of T. But over time, through the work we did in class and the support from instructors and classmates, I started to realize that I was capable of succeeding here.

Before Bridging, I could have never imagined myself doing the things I’m doing today. For example, this summer I’ll be going to Germany for a research exchange program to work on an economics project. The program didn’t just give me the opportunity to enter U of T but also changed my mindset and the way I see my own abilities and capacity."

- Camila Calderon-Cruz, Academic Bridging Program graduate (2023); currently pursuing an Honours Bachelor of Arts.

Read more about Camila here: wdw.utoronto.ca/news/finding-her-path-camila-calderon-cruzs-academic-bridging-journey

Camila's story shows what’s possible. Our free, virtual info sessions are a welcoming first step if you’re considering Academic Bridging.

📅 Upcoming info sessions: May 4, 8, 11, 13, 20, 25 & 27
🔗 Register for an info session: uoft.me/ABPInfoSession
📧 [email protected]

Applications for the Academic Bridging Program (Fall 2026) are now open!
Deadline to apply: June 22, 2026
Learn more about the program: uoft.me/AcademicBridging

🎓 Applications are now open!
Apply to the Millie Rotman Shime Academic Bridging Program for Fall 2026.

📅 Application deadline: June 22, 2026
❓Attend a virtual info session April 22 or April 24: uoft.me/ABPInfoSession
🔗 Learn more about the program: uoft.me/AcademicBridging

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

• Away from high school and/or college studies for at least two years
• At least 19 years of age
• Have not attempted university-level studies
• Canadian citizen, permanent resident, Convention Refugee, or Protected Person

PROGRAM BENEFITS:

• Pathway to degree studies in the Faculty of Arts & Science
• Financial aid to help cover educational expenses 💰
• Academic preparation for university-level learning
• One-on-one support from academic advisors and learning strategists
• Small classes with individualized feedback
• Full access to campus services and supports
• Be part the U of T student community 💙

✉️ Questions?
[email protected]

"I found the Academic Bridging Program as a recently separated, mature student, and a single mom. I always knew I wanted to pursue secondary school and become a social worker, however there were many challenges that I endured throughout high school, and I didn’t finish with the grades I needed to be accepted in any university, and thought it would never be a possibility.

I ended up pursuing college for esthetics and worked in different administrative positions before becoming pregnant with my first child.

After leaving a six-year-long abusive relationship, I wanted to give university another try. The Bridging program became my second chance, and the beginning of a meaningful journey that changed my life. The program prepared me for what to expect of other university classes in the future. I was provided with a tremendous amount of support through workshops, which were informative and pertinent to my success in the program.

I am now a practicing social worker. I am grateful to have been able to attend the Academic Bridging Program as it gave me a second chance to pursue a dream that I did not think would ever be possible."

- Michelle Carranza, Academic Bridging Program graduate (2012); Honours Bachelor of Arts from U of T (2019); MSW from U of T (2025).

Learn more about Michelle here: https://wdw.utoronto.ca/news/second-chance-social-worker-michelle-carranzas-bridging-story

Inspired by Michelle’s story?

Our free, virtual info sessions are a great place to start if you’re thinking about returning to school:

📅 April 22 & 24
Register for an info session: uoft.me/ABPInfoSession
Questions? [email protected]