Applying to University

Step By Step Application Instructions for OUAC

Step 1: Research Your University Selections

Step 2: Gather Information Needed to Apply 

  • Narrow down your university program selections by talking to your parents, teachers and guidance counsellors about your interests and options.

Step 3: Apply

  • Create your account in OUAC. You will require your OEN. Be sure to record your password in a safe place. 

  • Once your account is created, log in and apply through the UNDERGRAD section of the site. Record the OUAC Reference Number you receive and keep it in a safe place. 

  • Complete all sections of the application. 

  • Review your program selections before clicking “I Verify and Agree”. 

  • Submit your application, with payment, well before the deadline and any university program-specific deadlines. 

Step 4: After Applying

  • Log in to your online application to verify the details. Review and make any necessary changes. Note: During the busy periods around deadline dates (January/February), it can take up to 2 weeks to process your application. Normally, it takes 1-3 business days.

  • Ensure 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.

  • After you receive your report card, log in to verify your grades information. Notify your guidance office of any necessary corrections.

  • Visit a university. University open houses and campus visits are great ways to experience first-hand what campus life is like and help you decide which university is the best fit for you.

  • Expect to receive either an offer of admission or a refusal from the universities you applied to by the end of May.


Note: Residence deposits do not replace an official response to an offer of admission.

Contact the university’s admissions office if:

  • the response deadline for an offer of admission has expired but you would like to accept the offer. The university will determine if you can still be considered and, if so, will issue a new offer.

  • you previously cancelled or declined an offer of admission but now wish to accept the offer. The university will determine if you can still be considered and, if so, will issue a new offer.


Applying to Out-of-province Universities

The OUAC assists the following out-of-province universities with collecting academic data for Ontario high school students who have applied through the OUAC:

  • Acadia University

  • Bishop’s University

  • The University of British Columbia

  • University of Calgary

  • Concordia University

  • Dalhousie University

  • McGill University

  • Saint Mary’s University

  • Simon Fraser University

  • The University of Victoria

Students who apply to these out-of-province universities can authorize the universities to request their academic information from the OUAC. To authorize them, the applicant must include their OUAC Reference Number on the university’s application form. 

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