Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) Overview

This chapter provides a comprehensive guide to the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC), outlining its role, the different application types it manages, and key information for prospective students applying to Ontario universities. Understanding the OUAC process is crucial for a smooth application experience.

Quick Facts

Purpose: Centralized application service for Ontario universities.
Location: Guelph, Ontario.
Administered by: Council of Ontario Universities (COU).
Application Types Processed: Undergraduate, Law (OLSAS), Medical, Rehabilitation Sciences, Teacher Education (TEAS).
First-Year Undergraduate Applications (1972): 135,361.

Understanding the OUAC

The Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) is a not-for-profit, centralized application service that streamlines the process of applying to Ontario universities. Established in 1971, the OUAC acts as an intermediary, processing applications for various programs, including first-year undergraduate degrees, law, medical, rehabilitation sciences, and teacher education. While the OUAC facilitates the application process, each university makes its own admission decisions.

Historical Context

Before the OUAC, students applied directly to individual universities, leading to inefficiencies and an uncoordinated application environment. The establishment of the OUAC centralized applications and transcript submissions, improving enrollment management and simplifying the process for applicants.

Application Types

The OUAC manages several distinct application services, each tailored to specific programs:

Undergraduate Application (OUAC 101/105): For first-year undergraduate programs (bachelor's degrees) and advanced standing.
OUAC 101: For applicants currently attending an Ontario high school, under 21 by December 31, 2025, and working towards an OSSD with six 4U/M courses.
OUAC 105: For all other undergraduate applicants, including those not currently attending an Ontario high school, Canadian applicants outside Ontario, international applicants, postsecondary transfer students, and mature applicants.
OLSAS (Ontario Law School Application Service): For Common Law programs.
TEAS (Teacher Education Application Service): For 4-semester consecutive Bachelor of Education programs.
Medical Application: For medical school programs.
Rehabilitation Sciences Application: For rehabilitation sciences programs.

Important Note: Do not use the Undergraduate application if you are applying to 4-semester consecutive Bachelor of Education programs (use TEAS) or Common Law programs (use OLSAS). If you were previously registered at a university, contact that institution directly to determine if you should apply through OUAC or directly to them.

Key Application Information

OUAC Reference Number

Upon submitting your application, you will receive a unique OUAC Reference Number. Keep this number accessible as it will be required for all communications with the OUAC and your chosen universities.

Grade Conversion

The OUAC provides a standardized Grade Conversion Table to assist universities in evaluating academic records from various institutions. This table converts individual grades to a common scale. It's important to note that the grade point average (GPA) is only one of several factors considered for admission, especially for professional programs like law, medical, or rehabilitation sciences.

Type	Numeric	Percentage	Alpha
Scale	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
OUAC value
4.00	9	8	90–100	93–100	94–100	94–100	A+	A	A+
3.90			85–89	84–92	87–93	85–93	A
3.80									A
3.70	8	7	80–84	75–83	80–86	80–84	A-	A-
3.30	7	6	77–79	72–74	75–79	75–79	B+	B+	B+
3.00			73–76	69–71	70–74	70–74	B	B	B
2.70	6	5	70–72	66–68	65–69	65–69	B-	B-
2.30	5	4	67–69	64–65	60–64	60–64	C+	C+	C+
2.00			63–66	62–63	55–59	55–59	C	C	C
1.70	4	3	60–62	60–61	50–54		C-	C-
1.30		2	57–59	56–59			D+	D+	D+
1.00			53–56	53–55		50–54	D	D	D
0.70			50–52	50–52			D-	D-
0.00	3	1	≤ 49	≤ 49	≤ 49	≤ 49	E/F	E/F	E/F

University and Program Information

The OUAC website provides links to all Ontario universities. It is essential to refer to the specific university's website and the OUAC application itself for the most up-to-date program details, admission requirements, and deadlines. Universities reserve the right to change programs and information at any time.

Important Deadlines

While specific deadlines vary by application type and program, the OUAC generally processes applications for admission in the upcoming academic year (e.g., 2026 for current applications).

Application Submission: Check the "Key Dates" section within the specific OUAC application guide (e.g., Undergraduate, OLSAS) for precise submission deadlines.
Document Submission: Transcripts and other supporting documents also have specific deadlines, which are typically outlined in the application instructions.
Offer of Admission Response: Universities will set deadlines for responding to offers of admission.

Tips for Applicants

Research Thoroughly: Before starting your application, research the application process, universities, and specific programs you are interested in.
Understand Applicant Groups: If applying for undergraduate programs, determine if you are a Group A or Group B applicant, as this can affect requirements and deadlines.
Review Program Requirements: Always check the specific program requirements on both the OUAC application and the university's official website.
Keep Reference Number Handy: Your OUAC Reference Number is crucial for all communications.
Contact Universities Directly: For specific program details, referee requirements, or questions not covered by the OUAC guides, contact the universities directly. The OUAC cannot advise on referee selection.
Stay Updated: Information can change. Regularly check the OUAC website and university websites for any updates.

Official Sources

Always verify current information on official websites.

Application Deadlines Calendar