How to Apply - Admission Process

Step 1: Review Admission Criteria

To meet our commitments and upskilling objectives, we can only consider applicants who:  

  • Currently live in Ontario, and will live in Ontario while completing the certificate 
  • Are legally eligible to work in Canada, including Canadian citizens, permanent residents, convention refugees, CUAET holders, and refugee claimants 
  • Have more than 3 years of work experience in any sector (Canadian work experience is NOT a requirement and newcomers are encouraged to apply)
  • Hold a post-secondary degree or diploma in any field 
  • Are native English speakers and/or have met the Level 8 Canadian Language Benchmark or achieved an IELTS score of 6.5 overall 
  • Plan to transition to a data science or machine learning role within 6 months of completing the certificate  

Step 2. Submit the online application

Fill out the online application on the DSI Application Portal and upload required documents.  

  • Register an account and select “Start Application” for “Data Science & Machine Learning Certificates”.  Applicants can specify which certificate they wish to complete in the application.  
  • The application is divided into tabs; each tab includes a set of instructions and fields to fill out:
    • Personal Information tab: Fill out questions related to your personal information
    • Work and Education Experience tab: Fill out questions related to your work and education experience
    • Application Information tab: Fill out questions related to the certificate and your career goals
      • Answer questions about your job search
      • Upload a prospective job posting that you would want to apply to after certificate completion
        • Answer how the certificate will help you gain the skills to get this job
        • Answer how your previous experiences help you get this job
    • Demographic Information tab: Answer questions about your demographic information
  • Applicants will be expected to upload copies of their CV or resume and proof of their degree or diploma. Applicants may submit a copy of the degree or diploma, a certificate of completion, or a copy of transcripts.  

*Applications are assessed on a rolling basis.

Our team assesses all applications based on whether they meet our admission criteria and how effectively an applicant demonstrates their readiness to make a career transition. Our team must be confident that our participants are willing and ready to commit to transitioning to a new role within six months of completing the certificate. When completing the application, provide thoughtful and detailed answers to the questions posed to proceed to the next stage.

Applications are now open for our seventh Cohort! 

Apply Now

Step 3. Engage in a virtual interview

  • Our team will select applicants to proceed to the interview stage based on their application submission. Applicants will spend approximately 20 minutes with a member of the DSI team to help us establish their interest in data science, understand their career motivations, and ensure that applicants are ready for the commitment and engagement required to be successful.  
  • Applicants who request information about financial aid must submit their application before completing their interview. 

Step 4. Registration

  • Applicants who successfully complete the interview stage will be sent invitations to register for the certificate and pay the certificate fee. 
  • Applicants must also complete a Participant Agreement as part of the registration process. This agreement outlines our expectations and your commitment to engage in our programming.  

Cancellation and Refunds

Registration Cancellation:  If you find it necessary to cancel your registration for the program, please contact us via email at courses.dsi@utoronto.ca at least 5 business days before the start date of the Certificate.  

Refunds:

The following refund policy applies to the Certificates:  

  • Refunds are not possible if your request is submitted less than five (5) business working days before the Certificate start date.   
  • Refunds are subject to a seventy-five (75) Canadian Dollars administrative charge per certificate.  
  • We issue refunds in the original method of payment and to the original payee only.   

  

Rescheduling and Instructor Substitution: We reserve the right to reschedule technical skills or job readiness sessions and/or substitute instructors without liability.   

Non-Attendance: Non-attendance of a Certificate or any part thereof is not eligible for a refund.  

Compassionate Circumstances: We may consider one-time exceptions to our refund policy (minus administration fees), in rare circumstances such as a case of family and/or medical emergencies. The Data Sciences Institute reserves the right to make this decision. Please send such requests to courses.dsi@utoronto.ca, with a short description of your circumstances.