Updated: Applying to Ontario Universities for International Students
Navigating university application with OUAC for those from abroad.
COVID-19 Update:
As of March 16, OUAC may experience a delay in receiving and reviewing your grades. OUAC is working directly with universities to offer flexibility where possible. Be sure to check out the website of any universities you're interested in for the latest updates.
Some Ontario universities have extended the application deadline for The Teacher Education Application Service (TEAS). Please see the university's website for the latest news.
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, or OUAC: specifically, the 105 stream for international students.
The first step, of course, is research, research, research! Browse sites like StudyinCanada.com to compare schools, programs, and investigate potential career paths. When you're ready, head over to OUAC to start applying.
Now that you know what schools and programs you're considering, make sure you check out the available programs on OUAC. Not every program is open to international students, so be thorough. Each available program has a two or three letter 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.
When you're ready to apply, you'll need an OUAC account if you don't have one. Set up your account and start your application. You'll need to pay the base application fee of $156, which gets you three program choices; additional ones are another $50 each. There's another $10 fee for study visa holders, and certain programs have supplemental fees as well. Review all of your details before you submit, and check your program codes carefully. 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. Log back into your application to check your details and make any last-minute changes. Keep an eye on your email, and your spam filter, as universities will communicate by email that they've received your application, and 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.
Note that there's no hard deadline for 105 applicants — each school will have its own deadline. Be scrupulous with your research, and apply early! Give OUAC plenty of time to get your application to schools.
We wish you all the best with your degree. Check out StudyinCanada throughout your degree for helpful articles, tips and advice on making the most of your program and career.
Enjoy your studies!