Most software packages are accompanied by license agreements specifying the conditions of use – even if it’s shared or free software.

Generally, software can only be used by the licensed user of the package. There are some software agreements that allow groups to use software packages, depending on their relationship with the purchaser or the university. We recommend you read software agreements carefully before signing up. Learn more about software available to the U of T community.

Learn more about U of T's policy related to online privacy and data collection.

Software guidelines

Here are some guidelines we consider when we’re licensing software for university use:

Whether the software is compatible with established information technology guidelines, directions, architectures and standards
Whether the software is of interest to a broad enough community to make financial sense for the university

Restrictions of use

Some software licenses come with restrictions. These may include:

use type (for example, research)
type of user (for example, University of Toronto employee, researcher)
equipment (for example, machines identified by serial number)
location of use (for example, on campus, or in a specific department)
owner of equipment (such as U of T-owned)
exclusivity (for example, must be used on all U of T machines).

Volume purchases

Some larger volume purchase opportunities are available only if the institution commits to buying a prescribed minimum number of copies, or only if the institution pays a large (often yearly) fee up front. We will commit to these types of agreements only after interested groups on campus have indicated a matching financial commitment.

Cost recovery

We will attempt to recover the direct costs of licenses unless an explicit decision has been made to subsidize the license. We will aim to recover costs in the year that these are expended but, in some cases, it may have to recover costs over a longer period of time.

We will levy a nominal fee for the administration of software licenses and, in certain cases, for the costs of supporting the product.

We will continue to renew annual or term license agreements for products so long as the economic benefits of such agreements continue. No continuation of a license should be implied at the time of initial acquisition and distribution of a license.

For individual software terms & conditions, please refer to the details provided in your licensing agreement.

Software Terms & Conditions

General Terms

Software licenses are provided under agreements between the University of Toronto and the respective vendor.
Installation is permitted only on the number of devices covered by the purchased or assigned licenses.
You may create one backup copy for personal recovery purposes only.
Redistribution, copying, or sharing of software beyond these terms is strictly prohibited and may result in legal action.
Use of all software is restricted to University-related academic or administrative activities and must not be used for personal or commercial purposes.
Unless otherwise noted, technical support is not provided by the University or the vendor.

Adobe Products

Available under the license agreement between the University of Toronto and Adobe Systems Canada. Users must comply with all Adobe licensing terms and restrictions. The University does not provide technical support. For assistance, visit https://helpx.adobe.com/ca/support.html.

ChatGPT Edu (OpenAI)

Access to ChatGPT is provided under the University’s agreement with OpenAI. Use of ChatGPT is subject to the OpenAI Terms of Use (https://openai.com/policies/terms-of-use) and University of Toronto policies regarding responsible AI use, privacy, and data security. The ChatGPT Edu license request form must be completed before use, to provide consent to the terms of use.

ChemDraw

Available under the University’s agreement with PerkinElmer Informatics. Licenses are provided to eligible University of Toronto students, faculty, and staff for academic and research use only. Installation is limited to the number of devices covered by the license and may include one personal machine for University-related work.

Use for commercial or non-University purposes is prohibited. The University does not provide technical support. For assistance, visit https://support.revvitysignals.com/.

IBM Products

Available under agreement with Orion/IBM. Licenses are renewed annually and remain valid only if the University maintains the agreement and associated fees. Use is limited to authorized University purposes. No technical support is provided by the University or IBM.

Lucid Products

Available under the University’s agreement with Lucid Software Inc. Access is provided as a cloud service and requires a valid University of Toronto email address. Use is limited to academic, research, or administrative purposes. Account sharing is prohibited, and users must comply with University policies on data security and appropriate use.

Access may be revoked upon license expiry or departure from the University. The University does not provide technical support. For assistance, visit https://help.lucid.co/

MathWorks Products (MATLAB)

Available under agreement with MathWorks Inc. Licenses include initial and annual renewal payments, covering updates and support during the license term. A secondary installation on a personally owned home device is permitted for University-related work. No University technical support is provided. For help, visit https://www.mathworks.com/help.

Microsoft Products

Available under the Microsoft Select Academic Agreement. Licenses are department-held and remain University property. Use is limited to University business or academic activity. The University does not provide direct support. For general support, visit https://support.microsoft.com.

SAS Products

Available under the University’s license with SAS Institute. Licenses are renewed annually and require an active agreement. Use is limited to academic and research purposes at the University. No technical support is provided by the University or SAS Institute.

Symantec Products

Available under the University’s agreement with Symantec Corporation. Software may be installed only on the licensed number of machines. Use is restricted to University-sanctioned activities. No technical support is provided by the University or Symantec.

Wolfram Products (Mathematica)

Available under the University’s agreement with Wolfram Research Inc. Licenses include an initial payment and renewal options for continued updates and support. Use on a second home computer is permitted for University-related work. No University technical support is provided. For help, visit https://support.wolfram.com.

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Software licensing policy

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Information Commons

Licensed Software Office