Applying to Ontario Universities from Australia

This chapter provides Australian students with essential information for applying to undergraduate programs at Ontario universities. It covers the role of the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC), application types, and important considerations for international applicants.

Quick Facts

Application Service: Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC)
OUAC Role: Centralized application service for Ontario universities
Application Types Processed by OUAC: Undergraduate, Law, Medical, Rehabilitation Sciences, Teacher Education
Location of OUAC: Guelph, Ontario

The Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC)

The Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) is a not-for-profit, centralized application service that processes applications for admission to Ontario's universities. It is a division of the Council of Ontario Universities (COU) and facilitates the application process for various programs, including first-year undergraduate degrees and advanced standing.

While the OUAC processes applications, each university makes its own admission decisions. The OUAC aims to simplify the application process for students by providing a single platform for applying to multiple Ontario universities and managing transcript submissions.

Undergraduate Application Process

Australian students applying to undergraduate programs at Ontario universities will typically use the Undergraduate application provided by the OUAC. This application is designed for admission in a specific academic year.

Application Types

The OUAC categorizes applicants into two groups:

Group A Applicant:
Currently taking 1 or more courses at an Ontario high school.
Under 21 on or before December 31 of the application year.
Has an OSSD (Ontario Secondary School Diploma) or is working toward an OSSD with six 4U/M courses.
Group B Applicant:
Does not meet the Group A criteria.
This group includes international applicants, Canadian students outside of Ontario, postsecondary transfer students, and mature applicants.

Australian students will generally fall under the Group B applicant category. The OUAC application is "smart" and will automatically place you in the correct group based on your input. Your program selection, admission requirements, and deadlines may vary depending on your applicant group.

When Not to Use the Undergraduate Application

Do not use the Undergraduate application if:

You are applying to 4-semester consecutive Bachelor of Education programs (use the TEAS Application).
You are applying to Common Law programs (use the OLSAS application).
A university you previously attended requires you to re-apply directly through their institution.

Getting Started with Your Application

Before starting your application, it is crucial to research the application process and the specific universities and programs you are interested in. Always refer to the application itself and the university's official website for the most up-to-date program details and requirements.

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

Grade Conversion for International Applicants

The OUAC provides a Grade Conversion Table to standardize academic records from various institutions. This table is used for converting individual grades.

OUAC Grade Conversion Table (Example Scales)

The OUAC uses various scales for grade conversion. Below is a partial representation of how different numeric, percentage, and alpha grades convert to an OUAC value. This table is for converting individual grades only and applies to current grading schemes.

OUAC Value	Numeric (Scale 1)	Numeric (Scale 2)	Percentage (Scale 3)	Percentage (Scale 4)	Percentage (Scale 5)	Percentage (Scale 6)	Alpha (Scale 7)	Alpha (Scale 8)	Alpha (Scale 9)
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

Note: The grade point average is only one of several factors considered for admission to professional programs like law, medical, or rehabilitation sciences.

Important Deadlines

The OUAC publishes Key Dates for the undergraduate application cycle. These dates are critical for submitting applications, making changes, and responding to offers. Always consult the official OUAC website for the most current deadlines.

Tips for Applicants

Start Early: Begin your research and application process well in advance of deadlines.
Verify Program Details: Always cross-reference information on the OUAC website with the specific university's official website for the most accurate and up-to-date program requirements and details.
Understand Applicant Groups: As an Australian student, you will likely be a Group B applicant. Be aware that this may affect specific admission requirements and deadlines.
Keep Your OUAC Reference Number Safe: This number is essential for all communication regarding your application.
Review Grade Conversion: Familiarize yourself with the OUAC's grade conversion tables to understand how your Australian academic results will be assessed.
Contact Universities Directly: If you have specific questions about program requirements, referee selection, or unique circumstances, contact the universities directly. The OUAC cannot advise on these matters.

Official Sources

Always verify current information on official websites.

Applying from Australia