University Sick Notes in Ontario: A Complete Guide
Missing an exam or deadline due to illness? Ontario universities each have their own policies for medical documentation. Here's what you need to know.
University of Toronto (U of T)
Policy: U of T uses the Verification of Student Illness or Injury (VOI) form
- Must be completed by a physician or NP
- Submit within 2 business days of missed assessment
- Covers exam deferrals, assignment extensions, and late withdrawals
- Online sick notes from CPSO physicians are accepted
Key deadlines:
- Exam deferral: Within 1 week of missed exam
- Assignment extension: Before or on due date
- Late withdrawal: Within 5 days of last day of classes
York University
Policy: York requires a completed Attending Physician's Statement (APS)
- Must indicate dates of illness and functional impact
- Submit to your course director or department
- Accepted from any CPSO-registered physician
- Online documentation is valid
McMaster University
Policy: McMaster uses the McMaster Student Absence Form (MSAF)
- Self-reporting available for absences under 5 days (no note needed for first 3)
- Medical documentation required for absences over 5 days
- Submit through Mosaic student portal
- CPSO physician notes accepted
Western University
Policy: Western requires Student Medical Certificate (SMC)
- Must be completed by a physician
- Submit to Academic Counselling within 2 days
- Required for exam deferrals and Special Exam requests
- Online physician notes accepted with proper documentation
Queen's University
Policy: Queen's uses the Student Health Certificate
- Required for exam accommodations
- Submit to Faculty office
- Must indicate functional limitations
- Accepted from any regulated health professional
University of Waterloo
Policy: Waterloo requires the Verification of Illness Form (VIF)
- Submit to your academic advisor
- Required within 2 business days of missed assessment
- Online physician documentation accepted
- Must indicate inability to complete academic work
Getting a University Sick Note Online
MedLetter provides same day sick notes accepted by all Ontario universities:
- CPSO-registered physician review
- Formatted to meet university requirements
- Delivered digitally in same day
- $49 flat fee
- Available 7 days/week (including exam periods)
Tips for Students
1. Act quickly — Most universities have strict submission deadlines
2. Keep copies — Save digital copies of all documentation
3. Check your school's specific form — Some require their own template
4. Don't wait until you're better — Get documentation while you're sick
5. Know your rights — Universities must accommodate legitimate illness
Related: [Sick Note Ontario — Complete City Guide](/sick-note-ontario) | [Ontario Sick Note Cost 2026](/blog/ontario-sick-note-cost-2026)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a sick note for a missed exam in Ontario?
Yes. Ontario universities accept sick notes from licensed physicians for exam deferrals and academic accommodations.
How quickly do I need a sick note for an exam deferral?
Most Ontario universities require documentation within 3-5 business days of the missed exam. Online services provide same-day notes.
Will my Ontario university accept an online sick note?
Yes. Major Ontario universities (U of T, York, McMaster, Western, Queen's, Waterloo) accept sick notes from any licensed physician.
What if I was sick but did not see a doctor on the exam day?
A physician can still assess your reported symptoms and provide documentation. Get your note as soon as possible after the illness.