Quick Answer: The most important OUAC deadline for 2027 university admission is January 15, 2027. This is the date by which Group A applicants (current Ontario high school students, also called OUAC 101) must submit completed applications for equal consideration at all Ontario universities.
OUAC 105 applicants, which includes international students, mature students, students from outside Ontario, and students at private schools who do not meet Group A criteria, do not have a single fixed January deadline. Each Ontario university sets its own deadline for Group B / 105 applicants. Most competitive programs close between January and March 2027.
The OUAC Guidance schedule for 2026 to 2027 confirms that application material for fall 2027 admission goes live in August 2026, and the final summer grade collection runs from August 2 to August 31, 2027. If you are an international student applying through a private school in Ontario with an OSSD pathway, confirm with your school which OUAC group you fall under before choosing your application portal.
Key Dates Verified from OUAC Guidance (ouac.on.ca – Last Updated April 24, 2026)
- August 2026: OUAC launches Ontario Universities’ Info with fall 2027 application material
- November 5, 2026: Deadline for Ontario high schools to submit student data files to OUAC
- November 19, 2026: Deadline for high schools to report midterm/final 4U/M grades to OUAC
- January 15, 2027: Application deadline for Group A (OUAC 101) students
- January 21, 2027: Target date for universities to receive all application data from OUAC
- May 28, 2027: Latest date applicants who applied by Jan 15 can expect a university response
- June 1, 2027: Earliest date universities may require students to accept offers / pay deposits
- July 8, 2027: OUAC final grades deadline from Ontario high schools
- August 2 to 31, 2027: OUAC collects summer school grades from Ontario schools
What Is OUAC 105 and Who Needs It for 2027 University Admission?
OUAC stands for Ontario Universities’ Application Centre. It is the single portal all students must use to apply for first-year undergraduate programs at Ontario universities. Every application, whether from a student in Toronto or Tokyo, goes through ouac.on.ca.
OUAC divides applicants into two groups:
● Group A (historically called OUAC 101): Current full-time Ontario day school students earning their OSSD, under 21, with no prior post-secondary study and no gap of more than 7 consecutive months out of school
● Group B (historically called OUAC 105): Everyone else international students, mature learners, students from other Canadian provinces, students at private schools who completed courses outside Ontario’s day school system, and anyone returning to education after a gap
The distinction matters because the application portals are different, the transcript submission process is different, and critically, the deadlines work differently. If you are an international student applying to Study in Canada through the OSSD pathway, you are almost certainly a Group B / OUAC 105 applicant.
Students at USCA Academy who are completing a full-time OSSD in Mississauga may qualify as Group A or Group B depending on their specific circumstances. The safest approach is to confirm this with your guidance counsellor before October 2026. Our OUAC application guidance page gives you a starting point, and our counsellors can confirm your group status based on your individual enrollment history.
The Complete 2026 to 2027 OUAC Deadline Calendar (Verified)
All dates below are taken directly from the OUAC Guidance 2026-2027 Schedule of Dates, last updated April 24, 2026. These are the official dates set by the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre.
August 2026: The Starting Gun
August 2026 (specific date TBC by OUAC)
OUAC launches Ontario Universities’ Info (OUInfo.ca) and posts updated application material for fall 2027 admission. This is when you can start researching programs, checking prerequisites, and building your program shortlist. Do not wait until October to start. The students who apply strongest have usually done 3 to 4 months of program research before the application portal opens.
November 2026: High Schools Submit to OUAC
November 5, 2026
Deadline for Ontario high schools and school boards to submit electronic student data files to OUAC. This is a school-side deadline, not a student-side deadline. But if your school misses it, your application data takes longer to process. For USCA Academy students, our administration handles this submission on your behalf.
November 19, 2026
Deadline for Ontario high schools to report all midterm or final grades available for 4U/M courses to OUAC. Schools may also report in-progress grades for full-year courses at this stage. For students taking courses in Semester 1, your midterm marks in subjects like Grade 12 English (ENG4U), Grade 12 Advanced Functions (MHF4U), or Grade 12 Physics (SPH4U) will be shared with universities at this point.
November 26, 2026
Target date for Ontario universities to receive all midterm and final grades from OUAC. By late November, university admissions officers begin reviewing early applications that came in with strong midterm profiles. This is why improving your Grade 11 and early Grade 12 marks before November matters.
January 2027: The Critical Window
January 15, 2027 – THE Most Important Date for Group A (OUAC 101) Students
This is the equal consideration deadline for Group A applicants. Every Ontario university guarantees review of applications submitted by this date. Competitive programs in engineering, health sciences, and business often fill their cohorts based on applications received by January 15. After this date, OUAC continues processing Group A applications but individual university deadlines apply, and many programs are already closed.
For Group B / OUAC 105 applicants: January 15 is NOT your fixed deadline. But many Ontario universities set their Group B deadlines in January or February for competitive programs. Western University recommends applying by January 15 for guaranteed consideration even for non-Ontario applicants. Check each university’s individual admissions page for their Group B cutoff.
January 21, 2027
Target date for Ontario universities to receive all application data and grades from OUAC for applications submitted by January 15. By this date, admissions officers at every Ontario university have your complete application file if you submitted on time.
February 2027: Final Grade Reporting
February 11, 2027
Deadline for Ontario high schools to report all final grades available for 4U/M courses, plus current full-year course grades. For semester-based schools, this captures Semester 1 final marks. Students finishing courses like Grade 12 Physics (SPH4U) or Grade 12 Advanced Functions (MHF4U) in Semester 1 have their final marks submitted here.
February 18, 2027
Target date for universities to receive all February-submitted grades from OUAC. By mid-February, most Ontario universities are making or have already made early round offers to the strongest Group A applicants. Strong Semester 1 final marks submitted here can tip borderline applications.
April and May 2027: Midterm Updates and University Responses
April 22, 2027
Deadline for Ontario high schools to report all midterm or final grades available for full-year 4U/M courses and any remaining Semester 2 midterms. Universities use these marks to confirm or revise offers already made, or to extend conditional offers to applicants who showed improvement.
May 3, 2027
Target date for universities to receive all April grade submissions from OUAC. By early May, the full picture of every applicant’s academic year is visible to admissions teams.
May 28, 2027
The latest date that all applicants who submitted by January 15 can expect to receive a decision from every Ontario university they applied to. A decision means an offer of admission, a refusal, or a deferral pending additional information. If you have not heard back from a university by May 28 and you applied by January 15, contact the university admissions office directly.
June 2027: Acceptance Deadline
June 1, 2027 – The Day You Respond to Your Offer
This is the earliest date Ontario universities may require you to accept an offer and pay a financial commitment such as a registration deposit or residence deposit. Ontario universities cannot compel you to accept before June 1. You may accept scholarships, financial aid offers, and residence offers before this date, but no financial pressure is permitted before June 1, 2027. After June 1, accepted students confirm their place and the seat is locked.
If you are holding multiple offers and still deciding, you have until June 1. Read USCA’s overview of how OUAC offers work and how to accept or decline for a step-by-step walkthrough of the acceptance process.
July and August 2027: Final Grades and Summer School
July 8, 2027
Deadline for OUAC to receive all final grades for 4U/M courses from Ontario high schools. This is when Semester 2 final marks reach OUAC. Universities may check these to confirm or revoke conditional offers. Conditional offers typically require maintaining a minimum average, which is usually in the 70 to 85 percent range depending on the program.
July 15, 2027
Target date for OUAC to send all remaining final grades to Ontario universities. OUAC contacts schools that have not yet submitted grades. Students at schools with slow reporting processes sometimes face delays here.
August 2 to August 31, 2027
OUAC collects summer school grades from Ontario high schools and school boards. Students who took credit courses in summer school to upgrade a mark or complete a missing 4U/M course have their grades submitted here. USCA Academy students who used our summer school credit program to earn or upgrade 4U/M credits will have those grades collected in this window.
OUAC 105 vs OUAC 101: Which One Applies to You?
This is the most common point of confusion for international families. Here is a direct breakdown:
| Situation | OUAC Group | Key Note |
| International student completing OSSD at USCA Academy full-time | Likely Group A (101) | If enrolled full-time in Ontario day school OSSD program, under 21, no prior post-secondary, you may qualify as Group A. Confirm with counsellor. |
| International student who studied abroad and is applying from outside Canada | Group B (105) | You must use the 105 portal. Upload transcripts directly. Jan 15 is a recommended (not mandatory) date. |
| Mature student (21 or older) applying to Ontario university | Group B (105) | Age alone puts you in Group B regardless of current school enrollment. |
| Student who attended college or university previously | Group B (105) | Prior post-secondary study moves you to Group B. |
| Canadian student from another province applying to Ontario university | Group B (105) | Not attending an Ontario day school = Group B. |
| Student at Ontario private school completing full OSSD credits | May be Group A (101) | Depends on whether school transmits grades electronically. Confirm with your school’s administration. |
What OUAC 105 Applicants Must Do Before January 2027
Unlike Group A students, Group B / OUAC 105 applicants do not have their grades automatically sent to OUAC by a school board. Here is what you need to do:
- Create your OUAC account at ouac.on.ca. You do not need a PIN from a school. Create your own account directly.
- Select the programs you want to apply to. Research program-specific prerequisites before selecting. Some programs require specific 4U/M courses.
- Request official transcripts from every school you attended. For USCA Academy graduates, request this from our administration at least 3 weeks before your target submission date.
- If English is not your first language, confirm whether you need an IELTS or TOEFL score. USCA Academy students who complete a full OSSD including ENG4U may qualify for an exemption at some universities.
- Submit your application with payment. The base OUAC 105 application fee is $156 for up to three program choices. Each additional choice costs $50.
- Check each university’s supplementary application requirements. Programs in health sciences, engineering, and business often require separate essays, interviews, or portfolios submitted through the university’s own portal.
For international students who need English proficiency documentation, USCA Academy offers IELTS preparation programs in Mississauga that help students meet the score requirements for Ontario university admission.
University-Specific Deadlines That OUAC 105 Applicants Must Check
Because Group B deadlines vary by university and program, you must check each school’s admissions page directly. Here are the confirmed patterns for 2026 admission (2027 deadlines typically follow the same pattern):
● University of Toronto: Admission decisions begin in January and continue to late May. Programs in Engineering, Nursing, and Medical Radiation Sciences have earlier deadlines.
● Western University: Recommends Group B applications by January 15, 2027, for guaranteed consideration. Some programs remain open later if spaces are available.
● McMaster University: Health Sciences supplementary applications have deadlines as early as November. Check McMaster’s specific portal for Group B timelines.
● University of Waterloo: Engineering and Math programs are competitive and set early program-specific deadlines. Apply as early as October 2026 if targeting Waterloo.
● Ryerson / Toronto Metropolitan University: Most programs accept Group B applications through January and February 2027.
USCA Academy’s counsellors help Grade 12 students map out each university’s specific requirements. You can learn more about our guidance support through our OUAC application guidance.
Mistakes OUAC 105 Applicants Make Every Year
Waiting Until January to Start
Gathering transcripts, writing supplementary essays, and arranging English test scores takes 4 to 8 weeks minimum. Students who begin the OUAC 105 process in January for a January deadline almost always miss something. Start building your application in September 2026.
Assuming the January 15 Deadline Applies to Them
January 15 is the Group A equal consideration date. It is not a universal hard deadline for OUAC 105 applicants. But this assumption leads some 105 applicants to relax past January only to find their target programs filled. Apply as close to the Group A date as possible.
Not Checking Whether Their Courses Are 4U/M Level
Ontario universities want 4U/M courses (university or university-college preparation level) for competitive programs. If you completed courses at the Applied or College level, your transcript may not meet the academic prerequisites. If you have a gap, credit courses in Mississauga allow you to upgrade to the required level before the February 2027 grade deadline.
Not Verifying OSSD Completion Status Before Applying
OUAC 105 applicants who completed an OSSD must confirm their diploma was awarded and that transcripts reflect all 30 credits, 40 community hours, and OSSLT passage. If any OSSD requirement is outstanding, resolve it before October 2026. Read more about OSSD diploma requirements at USCA Academy’s blog.
How USCA Academy Supports OUAC Applicants
USCA Academy is a Ministry of Education registered private school in Mississauga offering OSSD programs for Grades 1 to 12. Our students include over 40 nationalities, and we have a 99 percent university acceptance rate among our graduates. Our class sizes of 5 to 15 students mean that when your child needs guidance counsellor time to prepare a university application, they get it.
We provide direct OUAC guidance as part of our Grade 12 program. This includes confirming your Group A or Group B status, reviewing your course selection for 4U/M completeness, submitting grades to OUAC on schedule, and supporting supplementary application preparation. Visit our OUAC application page or contact our admissions team to book a guidance consultation.
If you are still completing courses and need to finish a credit before the February 2027 grade deadline, our online high school courses in Ontario allow flexible completion on your schedule. Students can finish a 4U/M course in as little as 6 to 8 weeks with focused effort.
Frequently Asked Questions About OUAC 105 Deadlines 2027
1. Is January 15, 2027, the deadline for OUAC 105 applicants?
January 15, 2027, is the deadline for Group A (OUAC 101) applicants only. Group B / OUAC 105 applicants do not have a single system-wide deadline. Each Ontario university sets its own Group B cutoff. Most competitive programs recommend applying by January 2027, but you should check each university’s admissions page for the exact date.
2. What happens if I miss the January 15 deadline as an OUAC 105 applicant?
You can still apply after January 15. OUAC continues processing applications year-round. However, you lose the equal consideration guarantee. Competitive programs in engineering, health sciences, nursing, and computer science often fill their seats based on early applications, so late applicants may find fewer or no spots available.
3. Can I switch from OUAC 105 to OUAC 101?
In most cases, no. Your group is determined by your enrollment status, age, and prior education history. OUAC does not typically reclassify applicants mid-cycle. If you are unsure of your group, contact OUAC directly or ask your guidance counsellor before submitting your application.
4. Do OUAC 105 international applicants need IELTS for Ontario universities?
Most Ontario universities require English proficiency documentation from international applicants unless they completed at least 3 to 4 years of instruction in English. Students who complete a full OSSD at an English-language school like USCA Academy may qualify for a language test waiver at some universities. Confirm with each university directly. USCA Academy offers IELTS preparation in Mississauga for students who do need to write the test.
5. What is the OUAC 105 application fee for 2027?
The OUAC 105 base fee is $156 Canadian dollars and covers up to three program choices. Each additional program choice beyond three costs $50. Some universities also charge international processing or credential evaluation fees separately. Check OUAC’s official fee schedule before submitting, as fees are non-refundable.
6. When does the OUAC application portal open for fall 2027 admission?
According to the OUAC Guidance 2026-2027 Schedule, the portal and application material for fall 2027 admission goes live in August 2026. If you plan to apply to Ontario universities for September 2027 entry, you can start researching programs at OUInfo.ca from August 2026 and begin your formal application once the portal opens.
7. What if I need to complete a course after January 2027 to strengthen my application?
If you are a Group B applicant and have not yet submitted final grades for a key 4U/M course, completing the course before the February 11 grade deadline means your final marks can still reach universities in the same cycle. USCA Academy’s credit courses in Mississauga allow students to complete or upgrade courses on a flexible timeline.
