The Application Process
Step 1: Research universities
- Check out university publications and university websites.
- Review the:
- Search programs. (You can do this before you create an account.)
- Record your program choices and their OUAC codes.
- Make note of all admission requirements and program-specific deadlines.
- Attend any or all of the OUEvents, including the Ontario Universities’ Fair, Regional Fairs and virtual Information Sessions, to help you make an informed choice for your future.
- Visit OUInfo to find links to university events and tours, webinars, chats, videos and more. You can also request to receive information directly from Ontario universities.
- Note: OUInfo is primarily intended for Group A applicants. If you are a Group B applicant, OUInfo might be helpful, but you should check university publications and websites for program details specific to your educational background.
Step 2: Gather the information you need to apply
- Watch the Undergraduate application how-to videos.
- Review the Key Dates.
- Be aware of university-specific application deadlines (e.g., for submitting the application, transcripts and portfolios, if required, and for arranging interviews and auditions).
- If you are a Group A applicant:
- You will need your Ontario Education Number (OEN) to apply. You can find your OEN on your report card. Your high school guidance counsellor will also have it on record.
Step 3: Apply
- Create your account if you do not already have one.
- Record your username and password and keep them in a safe place. You will need them to access your application in the future.
- Complete all sections of the application. Watch How to Complete Your Undergraduate Application for detailed instructions.
- Complete all 4 steps in Review and Payment.
Helpful Tips
- What if there is an error or warning at the end of my application?
- Read our FAQ about errors and warnings.
- Submit your application, with payment, well before the deadlines that apply to you.
- Keep your OUAC username, password and Reference Number confidential and secure. Notify us immediately if you suspect any unauthorized access, use or disclosure of this information.
- Have your OUAC Reference Number handy whenever you contact the OUAC or your university choices.
During the busy periods around deadline dates, it can take up to 3 business days to process your application. Normally, it takes 1 business day.
Step 4: After you apply
- Log in to your application to verify the details. Review and make any necessary changes.
- Ensure your spam filters are set to accept email from the OUAC and the universities you applied to. Email is the primary mode of communication for the universities and the OUAC.
- The universities will acknowledge that they received your application. Depending on the time of year, this might take up to 2 weeks.
- Visit a university or take a virtual tour. University open houses, campus visits and virtual tours are great ways to experience what campus life is like and help you decide which university is the best fit for you.
General Information and Procedures
Important Things to Know
You are permitted only 1 Undergraduate application for each school year. The OUAC will not grant refunds if we receive multiple applications and payments. We will maintain only the original application.
- Use the Undergraduate application to apply for admission to undergraduate programs in 2025. For applications to subsequent years (i.e., 2026 and beyond), you must start a new application at that time. You can obtain this application from the OUAC beginning in September of the year before you expect your studies to begin. You will be required to pay a new processing fee and any applicable additional fees.
- The application service fees noted in this Application Guide are valid for 2025 admission only.
- We will send you an acknowledgement of submission email immediately after you submit your application.
Procedures
Applying for Part-time Study
You must use the Undergraduate application to apply to part‑time studies at some universities. If this information is not specified within the individual university information pages, contact the university directly to obtain more information on how to apply.
Remember that the application service fees are non‑refundable; if you use this application in error, we will not refund application fees.
Applying for a Study Permit (Visa)
Citizens of other countries who want to study in Canada must obtain a study permit before they can be admitted to the country.
You must contact an immigration official at a Canadian embassy that serves your country and provide proof of admission to a program of study in Canada before applying for the study permit.
Tuition fees for candidates applying to Ontario universities with a study permit are higher than those for Canadian citizens and permanent residents (landed immigrants).
Applying to a University You Previously Attended
Some universities require you to apply directly through their institutions (not through the OUAC) if you previously attended that university.
Rules about re‑applying vary; therefore, contact the university you previously attended to determine whether you should use the Undergraduate application.
Reporting Previous Attendance at a University or College
You must provide information about all universities or colleges you attended, since universities normally consider all educational experiences to be part of the academic background.
Universities need to know your complete academic background to process your application.
Official transcripts and other documents may be required.
Getting Financial Aid
You must request information about scholarships, bursaries and financial aid directly from each university. There is no centralized financial service in Ontario, and each university offers different levels of assistance.
Some universities offer scholarships based on academic merit to international applicants. Contact the individual universities for details.
Getting Student Health Insurance (for International Students)
International applicants and their dependants are not eligible for free medical coverage under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan.
As a result, Ontario universities have a compulsory private plan that provides equivalent coverage. More information is available from the individual universities.
Verifying Documents
All documents are routinely verified by the universities. Evidence of false documents will result in you being banned from the university. Information about false or incomplete documents is shared with Universities Canada.