Your Complete Guide to OUAC and Ontario University Admissions

Is your child ready to take the next step and apply to university in Ontario? Understanding how the OUAC works is essential. The Ontario Universities' Application Centre is a centralised platform that simplifies the application process for undergraduate programs at Ontario universities. Using it, your child can explore program options, submit applications, and track their admissions status all in one place.

This guide contains information on how to use OUAC effectively to help your child achieve their university goals.

Meeting the admission criteria

To qualify for admission to Ontario universities through OUAC, your child must meet the following criteria:

·        They must be currently enrolled and pursuing their high school education in Ontario.

·        There should be no significant gaps in their education.

·        Your child must have completed or be expected to complete the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with specified grades in at least six 4U/M courses.

·        They should not have attended any post-secondary institution after high school.

·        Your child must be under 21 years old at the time of application.

·        They must clearly express their intention to enrol in an undergraduate program.

Do you need to secure your child’s marks from school?

Typically, the school will not send your child’s academic grades directly to OUAC. Instead, your child must self-report their marks when they complete their application using the portal.

A step-by-step guide for smoother admissions

·     Step 1: Look up various Ontario universities and their undergraduate programs through official university websites. Note the OUAC codes and review the application deadlines, eligibility criteria, and admission requirements.

·     Step 2: Make an account on the Ontario Universities’ Admissions Centre website.

·     Step 3: Complete the application while ensuring all information is complete and truthful.

·     Step 4: Review the application and confirm that everything is correct.

·     Step 5: Submit the application and pay the processing fee before the specific program deadline. The system will generate a unique reference number. Take note of this.

·     Step 6: Verify the application to ensure completeness and accuracy, and make changes or updates when necessary.

Remind your child to check their email frequently to see if there’s any correspondence from the universities they applied to or from the application centre.

Your child’s school can help

USCA Academy can help your child navigate the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre. Their experienced teachers and staff can provide personalised advice and insights on program selection, application completion, and deadlines. USCA Academy can also ensure that your child is well-prepared to meet the requirements of top universities in Ontario by helping them complete their high school studies with a strong academic foundation.

About the Author:

USCA Academy, located in Mississauga, provides a diverse range of academic programs catering to elementary, middle school, high school, and university-level preparation. In addition to serving local students, the school warmly welcomes international students who are interested in pursuing the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) from Grades 9 to 12 or enrolling in the University Preparation Program for Grade 12.