Applying to an Ontario University as an International Student

Applying to university can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be!

Applying to university can be a confusing process, especially when it’s a different process for different universities. Here are some tips and important information to keep in mind when you apply to Ontario universities to help make the process easier.

1. 1. Submitting your application

The first thing you should know about applying to university in Ontario is that we use an application service called the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC). OUAC is unique to Ontario university applications and is used by all universities in Ontario.

If you are applying to an Ontario university and do not live in Ontario, you will use the OUAC 105 application. The OUAC 105 application is available each year in early October.

2. 2. Deadlines

When it comes to applying to university, there are many deadlines to keep track of. There are deadlines for applying, as well as deadlines for submitting required documentation.

It is important to note that different universities often have different deadlines. Even different programs at the same university can have different deadlines. Deadlines for applying to the University of Waterloo are available on our website.

3. 3. Admission requirements

Admission requirements vary depending on your educational background and on what you wish to study. These requirements should be available to you on each university’s website as well as on eINFO.

On our website, there is a built-in tool that you can use to quickly find what admission requirements will for you based on your personal background and education.

4. 4. Required documents

Required documents can vary from student to student and from school to school. Documentation such as English language test results and transcripts will be required. View Waterloo's required documents and instructions on how to send your documents to get an understanding of what may be required of you and what our processes are like.

English language proficiency requirements can vary based on your educational background. Look at Waterloo's English language requirements to see if you meet our requirements.

If you do not meet the necessary English language requirements there may be resources offered by schools. For instance, Waterloo offers resources so that you can work toward your degree and improve your English at the same time.

5. 5. Recommended forms

Some Ontario universities have forms they recommend you fill out upon applying. These are usually forms such as Waterloo’s AIF that gives students an opportunity to increase their chances of getting accepted. Make sure you fill these out! Universities receive a lot of applications and forms like these are a way to make yours stand out from the rest.

We hope you found these tips useful for applying to Ontario universities. As much as this process can be complicated at times, in the end it’s worth it. Good luck with your applications!