Your OUAC reference number is a unique identification number assigned to you when you apply to Ontario universities through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC). You can find it in the confirmation email sent after submitting your application, in the left navigation menu of your OUAC application dashboard, or by asking your guidance counselor. The number is usually 10 digits, starting with the current year (for example, 2026-123456), though some institutions may use an 11-digit format.
How to Find OUAC Reference Number (Step‑by‑Step)
Getting your OUAC reference number is simple. First, go to the login page of your OUAC application. Use your username and password to sign in. Click “Login” to go in. When you are inside, look at the left navigation menu. You will see your OUAC reference number there. It will be next to your full name and date of birth. This is where you find the reference number you need for your OUAC application.
If you are in high school and you need some help, talk to your guidance counsellor. The guidance counsellor can help you get your reference number. If you do not see your reference number in the OUAC application, your guidance counsellor will know what to do. They will help you with the OUAC application. So, if you feel stuck, go to them.
Step 1 – Check Your Confirmation Email
Start by checking your email inbox for a confirmation email. When you send your OUAC application, the system will email you right away. This message will have your OUAC reference number in it. You will also find other details about your application in this email. It shows that your payment was successful. The confirmation email will be sent to the email address you used to sign up. Make sure you are looking at the right email so you can get your OUAC reference number.
If you do not get the email, you can look for it by searching your inbox. Try searching for words like “OUAC reference number.” You should also look in your spam folder. Sometimes the message goes there by mistake. Make sure your email address is the correct one and matches the email address you used on your OUAC application. Your reference number and OUAC reference number can help you find this email about your OUAC application.
Remember, an email is the best way to get your OUAC reference number fast. It is good to save the email so you do not lose your reference number later. After you check your email, you can move on to the next step. This will help you use the OUAC dashboard, where you can also find your details.
Step 2 – Log Into OUAC Dashboard
The OUAC dashboard is the place where you will find your reference number. Go to the login page of your OUAC application. Then use your OUAC username and password to get into your account.
When you are on the dashboard, you will see the left navigation menu. This shows all the main sections in your OUAC application. You can find your six-digit OUAC reference number next to your application details. It should be easy for you to spot the reference number.
If you have trouble when you try to login, you can click on the “Forgot your password?” or “Recover your username” links. When you use them, you will have to enter your date of birth and email address. This helps to keep your account safe while you get your password or username back. After you login, you may want to look at other screens in your application. You can do this in the next steps.
Step 3 – Review Payment/Confirmation Screen
Another good way to find your OUAC reference number is by looking at the payment confirmation screen. When you send in an online application to OUAC, you will get this screen. It will list all the payments you have made. You will also see each reference number linked to every online application there.
If you want to see this screen, you have to log in to your account first. After that, go to the confirmation area. There, you will see your OUAC application that you sent in. The reference number should be there, along with things like when you made payments. It will also show if your payment is finished. Be sure to write down your OUAC reference number. The information on this screen gives you all the key details about your OUAC application.
If you do not see the confirmation, look in the main menu of the app. This can help you get what you are looking for. Next, you should see if you have emails or letters from the universities you have chosen. They can give you another way to get your number if you still need it.
Step 4 – Check University Communications
Sometimes, the universities in Ontario will put your OUAC reference number in the emails or letters they send you. When you apply, the schools can give you an offer of admission, send emails, or share updates about your transcripts. You will often see your reference number in these messages from the school.
It is a good idea to read all your old emails and any letters from these schools. Look for the six-digit reference number in what they gave you. Make sure you read every email and letter from them about your applications. The universities use the reference number for many things.
If you can’t find your OUAC reference number, you should get in touch with the admissions office at the university. Talk to them and ask about your reference number. This will help you get your OUAC reference number quickly. It is important so you can keep up with your school plans. If you still have a problem, there is a support form made just for OUAC reference number questions.
Step 5 – Use the “Lost Reference Number” Support Form
If nothing else helps, you can get your reference number back by filling out the “Lost Reference Number” form from OUAC. This form is simple and quick to complete. You have to give the information they ask for. This is just so they know it is you who is asking for the reference number.
They usually ask for:
- Your full name. This must match the name you wrote on your ouac application.
- Your birth date. They use your birth date to match you as an applicant.
- Other relevant application information. This may include the programs you picked.
- The address you used when you made your ouac account.
After you send the form using their portal, OUAC will start working on it. They may send an email to you or leave a message in the system if they want more details. You should check for updates all the time so you do not miss anything. This is the best way to get your number back fast.
This way will help you get your OUAC reference number back if you lose it. It can stop problems with your ouac application and keep things going the right way. As we go ahead, you need to know what an OUAC reference number looks like. This will help you find the reference number fast when you see it.
What the OUAC Reference Number Looks Like
The ouac reference number has six digits. It always starts with the current year. You get this reference number after you share your birth date and full name when you apply to ouac. This ouac reference number helps keep your record connected to your application.
| Details | Example |
| Reference Number | 723456 |
| First Digits | Show the current year (like 7 for 2023) |
| Assigned Upon | After the application is given |
The reference number is there to help you keep track when you talk with schools. You will need the OUAC reference number if you ever use OUAC again. Every time you talk with them or check your account, look for the OUAC reference number. It is important for making sure all goes well when you make your academic choices.
Why the OUAC Reference Number Matters
The OUAC reference number is not just a string of random digits. When you apply to an Ontario university, the reference number is needed to keep all your things together. You use this number for your final grades, transcripts, and any offers of admission you get. As you move through the OUAC steps in Ontario, the OUAC reference number helps sort out your details and makes sure they all match up.
High school students talk about the reference number a lot with their guidance counsellors. They use it when they need to change part of their application. They also use it to see if what they sent in is all right. If you do not have this reference number, things can take more time. This can make getting into a university harder for you.
Your reference number is important because people at Ontario universities use it to find your application fast. It helps make sure you are easy to spot and keeps your details clear in the system. When you use your OUAC reference number, the university can get to your paperwork right away. They do not have to look around for lost information. Keep your OUAC reference number in a safe place, so you do not have extra problems with your OUAC application in Ontario.
What to Do If You Still Can’t Find It
1. Contact OUAC Directly
If you’ve checked all the above places and still can’t find your number, contact OUAC support for assistance. You’ll need to provide details like your full name, date of birth, and mailing address to verify your identity before they release the number.
2. Ask Your Guidance Counselor
If you’re still in high school, reach out to your guidance counselor again. They can confirm your details and help you retrieve the OUAC reference number from their system
Conclusion
To sum up, it is good to know how to find your OUAC reference number. This can make your application go smoother. You can start by looking in the email you get from OUAC for the reference number. If you do not find the reference number in your email, you can use their tools or get help from support. It helps to have this number ready as you move ahead with your application. The reference number makes it easier to talk with universities and makes the process less hard.
If you get stuck or feel lost, need more help with your OUAC application or university planning? Contact our team for a free consultation — we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Find OUAC Reference Number
1. Can I apply to universities without my OUAC reference number?
No, you need to have the OUAC reference number when you send in your full OUAC application. If you do not give this reference number, the universities will not be able to see or work on your online application. This is because the OUAC reference number is your real application number in the OUAC system.
2. How long does it take to receive the OUAC reference number after registering?
After you sign up and send in your application, you will get a reference number from OUAC through an email to you. Most people get the OUAC reference number in one or two days. The time of year and how many people apply can make the wait time different. When you look for the OUAC email, check both your inbox and spam folder to find the email with your OUAC reference number.
3. Is the OUAC reference number the same as my application number?
No, your OUAC reference number is not the same as your application number. The reference number has 6 digits and is linked to the current year. The application number is what you use to find each program in your OUAC account. So, make sure you always use the right number when you want details about your OUAC application.
4. Who should I contact if I cannot retrieve my reference number online?
If the normal ways do not work, you can get in touch with OUAC support or talk to your guidance counsellor. If you are in high school, you can also go to the school office for more help. When you ask for help, give them your email address, birth date, and full name. This makes it easy for them to find your details and sort out the issue.
