Differences Between the OCAS and the OUAC

Are you preparing your applications for undergraduate admissions? Then it’s important to understand the application procedures. In Ontario, there are two centralized application services: the OUAC and the OCAS. First-time applicants often confuse the two. Fortunately, this guide has everything you need to know about the OUAC and the OCAS. Find out more below:

The Ontario Universities’ Application Center or OUAC

• The OUAC processes admission applications for the following programs at Ontario universities: undergraduate, law, medical, rehabilitation sciences, and teacher education.
• Students can apply for this service if:
  • They are under 21 years old and taking courses at a high school in Ontario.
  • They are applying for the first year of a diploma or an undergraduate degree program at an Ontario university.
  • They have not been out of high school for more than seven months.
  • They are expected to receive their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) at the end of the school year.
  • They have not attended any college, university, or career college.
• Students can apply to Ontario universities using the OUAC website. Before proceeding with the application steps, students need to create an account for OUAC login.
• After OUAC login, high school students must complete all the sections of their application, review their program selections, and submit their application before the deadline.
• Students must keep their OUAC account information, password, and reference number in a safe place.

The Ontario College Application Service or OCAS

1. OCAS Canada processes admission applications for Ontario colleges.
2. Compared to university degrees, college programs are more flexible, economical, and supportive, which is why some students might prefer applying through OCAS Canada.
3. Different colleges have different requirements for admission. Students are encouraged to visit their chosen school’s website to learn more. However, most colleges require an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or any equivalent.
4. Students can apply to Graduate Certificate programs as long as they have the following: a prior college or university certificate, diploma, or degree.
5. Students can easily apply through the OCAS Canada

Take note that both the services do not have any jurisdiction over admission decisions. They are simply centralized processing centers to make the admissions procedure more convenient.

How to Apply – Ontario Universities Application Centre

To apply using the OUAC website, you can follow these steps:

1. Visit the OUAC website: Go to the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) website at www.ouac.on.ca.
2. Create an account: Click on the “Create an Account” button and follow the prompts to create an account with the OUAC.
3. Log in: Once you have created an account, log in to your account using your username and password.
4. Select your application type: You will be prompted to select your application type. Choose the appropriate application type based on your academic background, such as 101 for high school students or 105 for university/college transfer students.
5. Choose your programs: Choose the programs you wish to apply to by selecting the university and program from the list provided.
6. Fill out your application: Complete your application by providing your personal information, academic history, and any other required information.
7. Pay your application fee: Once you have completed your application, you will be prompted to pay the application fee. The fee will vary depending on the number of programs you are applying to.
8. Submit your application: After you have paid the application fee, review your application to ensure that all information is accurate and complete. Submit your application to the OUAC for processing.
9. Check your application status: You can check the status of your application by logging in to your OUAC account. You will receive an email notification once your application has been received by the universities you have applied to.

How to Apply to an Ontario College

To apply through the Ontario College Application Service (OCAS), follow these steps:

1. Visit the OCAS website: Go to the Ontario College Application Service (OCAS) website at www.ontariocolleges.ca.
2. Create an account: Click on the “Apply” button and follow the prompts to create an account with OCAS.
3. Log in: Once you have created an account, log in to your account using your username and password.
4. Choose your program(s): Browse the list of available programs and choose the program(s) you wish to apply to.
5. Fill out your application: Complete your application by providing your personal information, academic history, and any other required information.
6. Pay your application fee: Once you have completed your application, you will be prompted to pay the application fee. The fee will vary depending on the number of programs you are applying to.
7. Submit your application: After you have paid the application fee, review your application to ensure that all information is accurate and complete. Submit your application to OCAS for processing.
8. Check your application status: You can check the status of your application by logging in to your OCAS account. You will receive an email notification once your application has been received by the colleges you have applied to.