COLLEGE

Why College?

Ontario colleges offer a variety of programming that suits may different pathways. Programs can range from one year (certificate) to two years (diploma) to 4 years (bachelor degree). Colleges also tend to offer training for skills in demand in the current labour market; they work closely with industry partners so that college grads finish school with skills needed for employment.

For more reasons to consider Ontario colleges for post-secondary, visit: https://www.ontariocolleges.ca/en/colleges/why-college

college Admission requirements

The requirements for college admission depends on the the specific program requirement and the type of credential connected to the program.

General Admission Guidelines for College Programs

Certificate programs (1 year) require an OSSD and Gr. 12 English (C or U). Some programs may ask for Gr. 11 (M or U) or Gr. 12 (C or U) Math. There are a couple of college certificate programs for students who earn an OSSD with Gr. 12 English at workplace level.

Diploma (2 years) and Advanced Diploma (3 years) require an OSSD and Gr. 12 English (C or U). Some often also require three additional Gr. 11 or 12 courses at the C, M, or U level. Some programs may ask for Gr. 11 (M or U) or Gr. 12 (C or U) Math.

Bachelor degree programs (4 years) require an OSSD and six Gr. 12 (M or U) courses, including GR. 12 U English. The general requirements for bachelor programs offered in colleges are the same as those offered in universities.

RESearch college Programs

The Ontario Colleges (OCAS) website contains details of all programs offered in publicly-funded colleges in Ontario. It offers a comprehensive search engine that allows for customized programs searches: https://www.ontariocolleges.ca/en/programs

All colleges offer open houses, tours, and info sessions for prospective students. The OCAS site offers the links to all of the college recruitment events available in the province: https://www.ontariocolleges.ca/en/colleges/college-recruitment

applying to Ontario Colleges

Application for Ontario Colleges is completed on the Ontario Colleges website.

There is a helpful guide on how to complete an application on OCAS, please visit: https://www.ontariocolleges.ca/en/apply

Video tutorial: https://youtu.be/hoZGrPOcnwY?si=ELoFFfv2JA86U4SX

Key things to remember:

You will need your OEN to apply. This is the number on your provincial report card. It is NOT your TDSB student number.

Your legal name provided on the application must match the legal name on school records, otherwise your transcript will not upload onto OCAS.

The application fee of $150 allows you to apply to up to 5 programs (up to 3 in the same college).

February 1st is the application deadline for Equal Consideration. For programs that colleges deem "highly competitive", you must apply by this date. For non-competitive programs, colleges will continue to accept applications after this date until the spaces are filled. Basically, applying by February 1st allows you to be considered in the first round of admissions.

cOLLEGE INFORMATION pROGRAM (CIP TOUR)

The Ontario College Fair will not take place in 2025. Students are invited to attend one of the College Information Program opportunities offered at colleges and polytechnics throughout Ontario. Complete schedule linked.

Key Dates- Info from OCAS

Friday, October 10, 2025: Online Application Opens

In early October, access to the online college application becomes available for programs beginning in the following academic year (August to July). You may create an account and begin your application.

November 1, 2025: Earliest Offer Date

This is the earliest date that colleges may begin to send offers of admission to programs for the upcoming academic year. Offers will continue to be issued until programs are filled or wait-lists are established.

February 1, 2026: Equal Consideration Date

Apply on or before this date in order to receive equal consideration for admission to programs starting the following fall. After this date, colleges consider applicants on a first-come, first-served basis until programs are full.

Note that applications to Highly Competitive Programs must be received by this date in order to be considered.

Applicants are encouraged to complete their applications well before the Equal Consideration Date, as website volumes on the online application are at their highest at this time.

Many programs continue to accept applicants after February 1. Use our Find a Program tool at any time to find programs that are still open.

May 1, 2026: Deadline to Confirm Offers of Admission

Applicants must confirm their acceptance of an offer of admission by this date. Log in to your ontariocolleges.ca account to confirm your offer.

Colleges may extend offers of admission after this date. Each college will set the deadline to confirm offers made after May 1, and this deadline will be communicated to you with your offer. Applicants should always review their offers of admission for exact deadline dates.

June 2026: Tuition Deposit Due at the Colleges

The colleges require payment of a tuition deposit in June to secure your spot in your program. Each college sets its own tuition deposit amount and payment deadline. This information will be communicated to you by the college.

Other Resources

Ontario Job Futures

https://www.ontario.ca/page/labour-market

Offers trends and outlooks for occupations in Ontario.

Ontario Learn & Stay Grant

For students interested in studying Nursing, Paramedic, or Medical laboratory technology/science -- this program offers full tuition funding for students who study and stay to work in priority areas. The Ontario government will pay the cost of tuition and books for students who study in an eligible program. In exchange, students commit to working in the region for student for at least 180 days (6 months) for every full year of study funded by the grant. For example, if the program is 2 years long, the student would work for 1 year after graduating from the program in the region where they studied.

Please visit the the site to find out which programs are eligible for this grant: https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-learn-and-stay-grant

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