•  Program Requirements: ENG4C1, as well as any program-specific pre-requisite courses

• It is important to choose the appropriate START DATE for your programs.  Often your program will have several start dates.  If you are hoping to apply after Graduation this year, be sure to choose SEPTEMBER of this school year. 

• You will need your OEN number (you can find this on report card- this is not the same as your student number).  Be sure to only create one account.

• Fees

  • There is a non-refundable fee of $110.00 CDN to apply to college through ontariocolleges.ca.

  • The application fee includes up to 5 program choices (no more than 3 at any one college); the programs must start within the same academic year (August to July). To apply to programs starting in the next academic year, you will need to create a new application and pay a new application processing fee.

  • Your application will not be forwarded to your college choices until the application processing fee has been received. Payment of this fee doesn't guarantee that you will receive an offer to your program of choice, but you can make changes to your program choices within the same application cycle without any additional costs. Please note that there are no exemptions from the application processing fee.

• Supporting Documents may be required, depending on the program(s) you’re applying to.   You will receive email communication from the colleges after you apply.  These emails will ask you to log into a college account, where you will be notified about any program-specific documents that are required.  See below for more on this.

• It is important to follow the prompts to log in with each college, as this is how they will continue to communicate with you, not through ontariocolleges.ca.

• Some colleges will tell you that you are missing the OSSD requirement, this is ok, you haven't graduated yet. If you have any other missing requirements, see your Guidance counsellor as soon as possible. 

• International Students apply by alternative means.  If you are currently studying in Canada with a valid study permit, you are still considered an International Student.  It is important to note that some competitive programs are not open to International Students.  For application procedures and information on English Proficiency requirements, as well as how to view programs with seat availability for International Students, please click on this link.  

• TDSS Mark Transmission Includes:

  • • Your grade 11 grades are transmitted as well as the courses that you are enrolled in this year.  

    • Mid-term grades Semester 1 (new this year)

    • Final grades Semester 1

    • Mid-term grades Semester 2   (conditional offers)

    • Final grades Semester 2  (offers can be withdrawn)

    • Summer submission  (including YRDSB summer school results - check with each College to see if they accept courses taken past June.)

• Students with IEPs should reach out to Student Services once an offer is accepted Colleges will not know that you require accommodations unless you self-identify and provide them with the documentation that they need.  Speak to your SERT for further information!

  • Application and additional FAQs

Applying to a College Outside of Ontario or Canada?

• If you are applying to an out-of-province college, you are responsible for the application AND sending your academic transcript at various points in the transmission cycle.  Application deadlines are not the same. If the college you are applying to does not access academic information through OCAS, it is your responsibility to send a transcript. Transcripts for out-of-province College and scholarship applications must be ordered from the Guidance Secretary 3 days before you need to send them out.   Be aware of deadlines and communicate with your counsellor often.  Students may be required to take a placement test in math and English to determine suitability.  

• College pathways have become more and more popular, and as such, many programs are highly competitive.  Students interested in competitive programs, should prepare at the high school level by taking courses that will enable them to meet entrance requirements.

• High school university level courses do NOT give an advantage over college level courses.  For example, if a student receives a 75% in ENG4U, and another student receives 88% in ENG4C, the student with the higher mark in ENG4C will be permitted entrance.  In many of these cases, it does not benefit the student to take U level courses.  In fact, for competitive programs, it can be a disadvantage.

• If you’re browsing programs using the Find a Program tool, the program details will indicate if a program is highly competitive.

• Colleges are partnered with many universities for students who are looking to Bridge their college education into a university degree.  See the Transferring Between College & University page for more details.

• Students who take a Dual Credit in high school will have already gained an elective credit towards their program, if their Dual Credit applies to their preferred program.

• Many colleges now offer Bachelor Degrees - this is an incredible opportunity for students.  As this is relatively new for colleges, the entrance average into these degree programs is often lower than what is required at University.  Students MUST have the necessary six U/M courses to apply.   Degrees at colleges are an excellent choice for students who prefer a smaller classroom environment and  more one on one support. College tuition is often lower than university tuition and as a result, degrees can be achieved more affordably.  

• Have a friend or family member or even a member of guidance review your supplemental application.

• Do.  Not.  Miss.  Deadlines! There are no second chances. Get organized keep track of your deadlines on a calendar and submit your supplemental applications well in advance, to ensure there are no technical issues.

• For Portfolios, check the requirements early .  Ask your teacher for help reviewing your portfolio.  They will be able to make suggestions on how you can enhance your work.  Many colleges will offer portfolio review days,  take advantage, you have nothing to lose and much to gain!