Apply Online
Please note that in light of COVID-19, the OneCard application process for spring and summer 2021 has been amended. Incoming students are required to apply for their OneCard online and submit a photo for their card.
Learn if you are eligible to come to campus and pick-up your OneCard by visiting the students page of Ryerson’s COVID-19 information and updates website.
Eligibility to apply for your OneCard online
The Ryerson OneCard online application is only available for:
- new undergraduate, graduate, Chang School of Continuing Education, Ryerson University International College (RUIC), Faculty of Law and Law Practice Program (LPP) students who have never had a OneCard before; and
- those planning to attend in the spring or summer semesters
If this does not apply to you, please follow these instructions to get your OneCard.
In order to successfully submit your online application, please read and follow the instructions carefully.
Step 1: If you haven’t already, activate your Ryerson online identity
Your Ryerson online identity may have been created when you first accessed your Choose>Ryerson portal as an applicant to the university. If you require assistance with or have forgotten your online identity, please contact Computing and Communication Services Help Desk at 416-979-5000, ext. 556840 or help@ryerson.ca.
If you do not have an online identity, please complete the online identity activation form. When asked for your student/applicant ID, enter your nine-digit Ryerson student number. Keep a record of your username and password.
Note: It may take up to 48 hours for your Ryerson online identity to be active.
Step 2: Take a suitable photo
Photos must meet all requirements. If not, your photo submission will be declined.
Your photo should be in a passport style, with your head and top of your shoulders dominating the frame. Please follow these steps to ensure your photo meets the requirements. Applications will be rejected unless an adequate photo is supplied.
File format and size
- File format: JPEG format with a minimum image size of 150 pixels (width) x 190 pixels (height).
- File size: Less than 1MB (files over this size will be rejected by the server).
Video resources
Watch this quick guide to learn how to apply online for your OneCard.
Suitable photo location and setting
- A brightly-lit space with even light distribution.
- A white background with no other objects or people in the frame.
- A strong contrast between the background and your head.
- Ensure you are in front of the camera with enough room so that your face and shoulders are centered and square before it.
- Ensure your head or face are not cropped.
Acceptable photo criteria
- Do ensure your photo is in colour (no filters or digital alteration).
- Do ensure your face is fully clear and visible.
- Do position yourself in front of the camera so that your face and shoulders are centered and squared before it.
- Do ensure there is uniform and clear lighting.
- Do ensure the camera is in sharp focus on your face.
- Do feel free to smile (no “silly” or distorted faces).
- Do ensure your photo reflects your current appearance.
- Do take the photo in front of a uniform, white background with no one or anything else in the frame. There should be contrast between it and your head.
Unacceptable photo submissions
Don’t wear sunglasses.
Don’t wear any hats (religious headwear is permitted).
Don't cover your face.*
Don’t include any props.
Don’t submit a photo where your head is cropped.
Don’t submit a profile shot.
Don’t submit a photo with shadows, glares or flash reflections.
Don’t submit a photo with someone else in the shot.
Don’t submit a photo that has been digitally altered or taken with a filter.
Don’t submit a photo with poor lighting or low contrast.
Don't submit a photo of a "silly" or distorted face.
Don’t submit a photo with a busy background.
*OneCard photos require your full face to be clearly visible in your photo as this is the university's official method of identification. However, in line with our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, we want to be able to accommodate community members who wear a religious head covering (e.g., a veil or niqab). Please contact the OneCard office to connect with a female staff member who can assist you through the process. Please see below for details.
The female staff member will require two photos (one with head covering and one without). The photo of you wearing your head covering will be used for your OneCard. If you are concerned about who will have access to your unveiled photo, please email onecard@ryerson.ca and we will arrange for you to submit a photo of yourself without your face covered to a female staff member.
If you do not meet the photo requirements listed above, your application will not be processed. The decision to reject your photo submission is final and not open for discussion or debate.
Step 3: Starting May 1, submit your OneCard application online
Log into the online portal and submit your OneCard application.
Step 4: Upload an acceptable photo
Please ensure photo meets all requirements as unacceptable photo submissions will be declined.
Step 5: Complete the online application
Complete the online application by filling in all the forms.
Step 6: If you are required to come to campus, pick-up your card
Spring and summer 2021 OneCard distribution is only available to students attending in-person classes on campus or those accessing certain campus services. Learn more on the Get Your Card (Students) page on our website.