University Counseling

Applying to Canadian Universities

Information about application forms to Canadian universities, including those in Ontario, is available through the Guidance/Career Counseling Centre. You will find that most universities prefer that students apply on-line. Applying to university is a costly endeavor - it certainly makes the process more efficient if the student has access to a credit card - VISA or MasterCard. My experience with the university internet sites has been positive.

Students have found that using the on-line applications and paying the application fee via the internet has not only been easy but it provides some immediate sense of relief - there is some anxiety about putting the application in the mail and then wondering if it ever gets there. Keep in mind that although the applications are on-line, most universities will still accept payment in the form of check by mail as well - the application will not be processed without the payment.

In all provinces, except Ontario, students apply for admission directly to the university of choice. Application deadlines, standards and procedures vary at each university and often in different programs at each university. You will find all of the information you need for applying on the university websites and in the Counseling Centre. It is vital that the student ascertain correct deadlines for universities and programs of choice at an early date in the Grade 12 year. Generally speaking, it is best to apply to the Ontario universities before Christmas and to the others in January.

The Ontario system is unique. All students applying for undergraduate admission to any Ontario university must apply to the Ontario University Admission Centre (OUAC) which is located in Guelph. Students CANNOT apply to the individual Ontario University directly. Each applicant is allowed to apply to THREE (3) Universities in Ontario for a single fee of $110. Additional choices can be made for an additional fee of $35 each. Keep in mind that there are some universities that also have Supplemental Fees - these vary from $40 - $60.

The OUAC processes the application and then notifies the universities of choice of the applicant's name, address and program interests. It is only after this process is complete that the university contacts the applicant requesting transcripts and supplementary information. Offers of admission are sent by the university but acceptances of these offers by the student are sent to the OUAC which then notifies the university on the applicant's behalf.

Ontario Universities Application Center www.ouac.on.ca