It's that time of year: application season! To apply for an undergraduate program in Ontario, you'll need to use the Ontario Universities' Application Centre, known as OUAC.
Most students will use the standard Undergraduate application, but there are a few exceptions. If you're applying for law school, rehab sciences, teacher education, or a medical program, there are distinct applications processes, but that's another story. For most high school students, you'll want the Undergraduate application.
(In this article, "undergraduate" refers to a first university degree, such as a bachelor's degree, pursued before graduate-level study. "Graduate" studies are students who have already completed an undergrad program.)
The first step is research, research, research! Check out SchoolFinder.com, for Canadian students, or StudyinCanada.com for international students, to find info on schools, programs, and potential career paths. You can compare programs directly to find the right one for you. While you're there, double check the admission requirements, including any program prerequisites. Make sure you'll have completed them by the time you graduate from high school. The OUAC application may not be your only deadline: check each university's official website for transcript and document deadlines, supplementary applications, portfolios, interviews, and auditions.
To use the standard Undergraduate application, you must be part of one of the following groups:
Group A: Current Ontario high school students (under 21 years old)
You're considered Group A if all three of the following apply to you:
- You're taking one or more courses at an Ontario high school
- You're under 21 years old on or before December 31, 2026
- You have an Ontario secondary school diploma (OSSD), or you're working toward an OSSD with six 4U/M courses
If one or more of the three factors above does not apply to you, you're considered part of Group B.
Group B: Canadian students from other provinces, and international students, etc.
- Current Ontario high school students over the age of 21
- Canadian high school students from outside Ontario
- International students, whether in Canada or abroad
- Canadians over 21 who have graduated high school but not attended college or university
Law, medicine, rehab, and teacher education programs
There are special applications and instructions for students applying to the following program areas:
The standard Undergraduate application is not used for Ontario medical-school applications, Common Law programs, designated rehabilitation-sciences programs, or three-semester consecutive Bachelor of Education programs. These use separate OUAC application services and have their own requirements, fees, and deadlines.
Once you've done your research, check out the OUAC program directory to find your program's code, as in the screenshot below. Note down the ones that interest you. Click through to find program details, and pay close attention to prerequisites and eligibility. Here's an example:
Some programs may be marked [Closed], meaning you won't be able to apply for them in the current cycle.
Not every program a school offers is accessible to international students, so be thorough.
When you're ready to apply, you'll need an OUAC account if you don't have one. Be sure to use a personal email address, not one assigned by your high school, so you don't accidentally lose access in the future.
Set up your account and start your application. If you're having trouble, OUAC staff are available to help you. You can call, text, email, or use a chatbot to get the assistance you need. OUAC also provides video tutorials and a general application guide that might help, or you can reach out to the OUAC team for direct support.
You are permitted only one OUAC Undergraduate application per school year! Don't create and pay for a second application if you want to add or change a program choice. Instead, return to your existing application and make the update there. OUAC maintains only the original application and does not refund fees paid for duplicate applications.
If you are a Group A applicant, have your Ontario Education Number ready. You can find your OEN on your report card or ask your guidance counsellor for it.
You'll need to pay the base application fee of $159 CAD, which includes your first three program choices; additional ones are another $51 each. You may apply to as many Ontario universities as you wish, but you are generally limited to a maximum of three program choices at any one university. (Some universities may impose additional restrictions.)
OUAC fees are non-refundable, and your application will not be sent to universities until full payment is submitted.
Additional charges may apply for certain programs, online transcript requests, or university-specific document evaluations. Review the current OUAC fee schedule carefully before submitting your application.
Review all of your details before you submit, and check your program codes carefully. Remember, you found the code(s) you need from the OUAC website in a previous step!
Beyond that, applying should be a breeze. Just follow the prompts, and if you're a Group A applicant, apply by January 15, 2027, especially for competitive programs. OUAC will still process applications received after that date, but individual university and program deadlines apply. You can expect to hear back from your choices by the end of May if you apply by January 15.
(June 1, 2027, is the earliest date a Group A applicant may be required to respond to an offer and make a financial commitment, such as a registration or residence deposit.)
When you submit, you'll get an OUAC Reference Number: write it down somewhere safe. You'll need it to get in touch with OUAC or the schools you're applying to.
And that's it! You've applied. Congratulations! You're not done just yet, though.
Following up with your applications
After submitting, log back into your OUAC application to verify that your information and program choices are correct. Each university will acknowledge receipt of your application and tell you which supporting documents, supplementary forms, or other materials it requires. Depending on the time of year, that acknowledgement may take up to two weeks.
Keep an eye on your email, junk or spam folder, and the OUAC Message Centre. Email is the main way universities will reach out when they've received your application, and to discuss any next steps. While you play the waiting game, consider visiting some of your choices, in person or online. Campus tours are a good way to get a sense of what university life will be like.
Group B applicants do not have one universal OUAC application deadline. Deadlines vary by university and sometimes by program. Check each university's official website for its application deadline and any separate deadlines for transcripts, portfolios, supplementary applications, interviews, or auditions. Apply early enough to give OUAC time to process your choices before the university's deadline. Give OUAC plenty of time to get your application to schools.
We wish you all the best with your degree. Check out SchoolFinder and StudyinCanada throughout your studies for helpful articles, tips, and advice on making the most of your program and career.
Enjoy your studies! Be sure to check out sites like ScholarshipsCanada.com to help you find scholarship and bursary opportunities, info on student loans, and more.
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