Here's what you need to know:
* No single office handles all assessments: You can't submit your foreign degree to a single office and get a blanket statement of equivalency. You must contact the specific department or program within U of T that you wish to apply to (graduate or undergraduate).
* Departmental requirements vary: Different departments have different requirements and standards for assessing foreign credentials. Some may require a detailed course-by-course evaluation from a professional credential evaluation service, while others might accept a simple transcript.
* Credential evaluation services: Many applicants use credential evaluation services (like WES, World Education Services, or ICES) to have their foreign credentials assessed for Canadian standards. These services provide reports that summarize your qualifications in a format easier for U of T departments to understand. While not always mandatory, using a reputable service is highly recommended, especially if your degree is from a country not widely known in Canada.
* Application process: The specific requirements regarding foreign credentials will be clearly outlined in the application guidelines for each program. Pay close attention to these guidelines.
* Contact the department directly: The best way to determine the specific requirements for equivalency is to contact the admissions office or relevant department of the program you're interested in at the University of Toronto. Their website should have contact information.
In short, there's no shortcut. You must navigate the admissions requirements of the individual program you are applying for. Proactive communication with the program's admissions office is crucial.