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.

How to Apply through OUAC (Ontario Universities’ Application Centre)

If you’re applying to Ontario universities, the OUAC provides a streamlined application process that ensures you can efficiently navigate the admissions procedure. Here are the steps to apply through OUAC:

1. Visit the OUAC Website:  

Start your application journey by visiting the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) website at www.ouac.on.ca.

2. Create an Account:

To begin the application process, click on the “Create an Account” button and follow the prompts to create your personal account with the OUAC. Your account will serve as a central hub for managing your applications.

3. OUAC Login:

After creating your account, you can log in using your unique username and password. This login gives you secure access to your application and all related information.

4. Select Your Application Type:

You will be prompted to choose your application type. The options include “101” for high school students and “105” for university/college transfer students. Select the appropriate application type based on your academic background.

5. Choose Your Programs:

 Next, you can choose the specific programs and universities you wish to apply to. This involves selecting your preferred institutions and their respective programs from the provided list.

6. Fill Out Your Application:

Complete your application by providing your personal information, academic history, and any other required details. Be thorough and ensure accuracy in all your submissions.

7. Pay Your Application Fee:

 Once you’ve completed your application, you’ll be prompted to pay the application fee. The fee varies depending on the number of programs you’re applying to, so review your choices carefully.

8. Submit Your Application:

After paying the application fee, review your entire application to ensure all information is accurate and complete. Once you’re satisfied, submit your application to the OUAC for processing.

9. Check Your Application Status:

Keep track of your application status by logging in to your OUAC account. You will receive email notifications regarding the receipt of your applications by the universities you’ve applied to.

Exploring OUAC Programs

The OUAC is not limited to traditional undergraduate programs. It offers various services and programs that cater to different applicant needs, including:

• Specialized Programs:

OUAC facilitates applications for specialized fields such as medical school, law school, and teacher education. These programs often have distinct admission requirements and application timelines.

• International Applicants:

If you’re an international student interested in studying in Ontario, the OUAC can help you navigate the application process. It provides valuable information on visa requirements, admission criteria, and resources to support international applicants.

• Transfer Students:

 For those considering transferring from one university or college to another, the OUAC can guide you through the transfer application process. It offers insights into credit transfers and prerequisite requirements.

• Scholarship Opportunities:

The OUAC provides information on scholarships and financial aid opportunities available to university students. Scholarships can significantly ease the financial burden of higher education, and OUAC can help you find options that align with your qualifications and goals.

• Application Deadline Reminders:

To ensure you don’t miss critical dates in the application process, the OUAC can send timely reminders. These notifications help you stay on top of application submission deadlines and response timelines.

OUAC Programs for International Students

The Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) primarily handles applications for undergraduate programs at Ontario universities. However, the application process for international students may vary depending on the university and the specific program. Here are some general steps and information regarding international applications through OUAC:

Selecting Programs: International students can typically use the OUAC 105 application, which is designed for those who are not currently attending an Ontario high school. Through this application, you can select up to three program choices.

Application Fee: There is an application fee associated with the OUAC 105 application. The fee may vary, so it’s essential to check the most recent information on the OUAC website.

Document Submission: International applicants often need to submit additional documents, such as academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency (like IELTS or TOEFL scores), letters of recommendation, and a statement of interest. These documents may vary by university and program.

English Language Proficiency: Since the primary language of instruction at most Ontario universities is English, international students are usually required to demonstrate proficiency in English. This is typically done through standardized tests like IELTS or TOEFL.

Deadlines: It’s crucial to be aware of application deadlines. These can vary by program and institution. The OUAC website or the specific university’s admission office will have the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Admission Requirements: Each university and program may have specific admission requirements. International students should review these requirements carefully to ensure they meet the criteria for their chosen programs.

Visa and Study Permits: Once accepted, international students will typically need to obtain a study permit and, if applicable, a visa to study in Canada. The university’s international student office or the Canadian government’s immigration website can provide guidance on these processes.

It’s important to note that the information provided here is a general overview, and details may vary by institution. Therefore, prospective international students should always refer to the specific university’s admission requirements and the OUAC website for the most accurate and current information.