How to Get a Sick Note for Exam Deferral at Ontario Universities
Missing an exam due to illness at an Ontario university? Here's how to get proper documentation for a deferral.
## How to Get a Sick Note for Exam Deferral at Ontario Universities
If you're too sick to write an exam at an Ontario university, you'll need medical documentation to request a deferral. Here's what each major institution requires.
### University Requirements
**University of Toronto**
- Submit through ACORN (Absence Declaration for short absences)
- For final exams: petition through your registrar
- Self-declaration accepted for absences up to 3 days (some faculties)
- Medical note required for final exam deferrals
**Western University**
- Submit through Student Health Services or Academic Counselling
- Medical documentation required for final exams
- Must apply within 48 hours of the missed exam
**Queen's University**
- Submit to your faculty office
- Medical note from a licensed physician required
- Apply within 3 days of the missed exam
**McMaster University**
- MSAF (McMaster Student Absence Form) for short absences (no note needed)
- Medical documentation required for final exams and extended absences
**University of Ottawa**
- Submit to your faculty
- Medical certificate required for final exams
- Bilingual documentation accepted
### What Your Note Must Include
Most Ontario universities require:
1. Confirmation of a medical condition (not the diagnosis)
2. That you were unable to attend/write on the exam date
3. The physician's name and licence number
4. Date of assessment
### How MedLetter Helps Students
MedLetter provides within 6 hours sick notes from CPSO-registered physicians — perfect for students who don't have a family doctor or can't get a walk-in appointment before the deadline.
**Get an exam deferral note — [Start here](/get-started/sick_note)**