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WHAT DO I NEED TO APPLY?
Must have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Equivalent. Mature Student Status (19 years or older) may also apply.
To apply to a college program (diploma or an advanced diploma), in high school, students can be enrolled in either:
• College (C) • Mixed (M) • Open (O) or • University (U) courses
• students can take a combination of the course levels listed above
• There is NO set number of Grade 12 U/M level courses from high school. Each program will outline the required courses for admission
• Grade 12 English (ENG4U or ENG4C) (or Grade 12 French) is required
• Degree programs through a college require 6 U/M Grade 12 courses including ENG4U
RESEARCH: FIND A PROGRAM
Students can begin to apply in October of their graduating year.
Pay close attention to firm application deadlines for “highly competitive” programs. All other programs will remain “open” until the program is full. Continuous intake – look for “open” programs (represented by a green dot on OCAS's Find a Program tool) when exploring your options – green means they’re still accepting applications.
From OCAS, explore college programs by using the Program Research box, and enter what you’d like to study, e.g., design. Then refine your search by credential, location, language, demand for the program, and more.
Refer to the college website for any additional admission requirements (including required courses, auditions, portfolio requirements, and interviews) and eligibility requirements
Research whether the program is highly competitive (such as dental hygiene or paramedic) and apply well before the equal consideration date.
CREDENTIALS Certificates (may provide preparation for diplomas or advanced diplomas) (range from 3 to 12 months) Pre-programs (1-2 years) Diplomas (2 years) Advanced diplomas (3 years) Degrees (Bachelor of…) (3-4 years)
Go to Programs at the top of the page and search programs by key word. Let's use Nursing at Centennial College as an example.
Important pieces of information include:
the student can sort by college and campus.
the student can sort by credential meaning they can sort by certificate, degree, diploma.
students should be looking for "open" programs and look at the start date of the program. Most students will be looking for September 2025.
This list shows diploma programs and bridging options from a diploma to a degree program.
If the student clicks on one that interests them, they will see the length of the program, the credential, and if the program is highly competitive. See the example below:
Using Practical Nursing as our example, you will click on "WEBSITE":
This will take you directly to the college program website.
Important pieces of information include:
a program overview
Potential education pathways
Admission Requirements
Tuition and fees
every college website looks DIFFERENT
Regardless of the site, look for and click on Admission Requirements to see what grade 11 and 12 courses are required for your program.
There may be additional items required beyond your coursework and marks including an audition, portfolio, or external certifications.
HOW TO APPLY
Watch the Video and follow along to apply to an Ontario College
Students need their Ontario Education Number (OEN) to apply.
Students can apply to a maximum of five college programs.
Cost is $150 CDN (non refundable) for up to five programs (maximum of 3 programs at one college).
Colleges have access to all Grade 11 and 12 marks, regardless of when or where the credit was earned.
It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that marks have been recorded correctly in their OCAS account.
APPLICATION TIMELINE 2024-25
Early October: Online Application Opens
November 1: Earliest Offer Date • Colleges may begin sending offers of admission.
February 1: Equal Consideration Date• Applications received and paid for on or before this date are considered equally by the colleges. It is critical to apply to highly competitive programs by this date. • Applications are still processed after this date, as first-come, first-served basis by the colleges.
May 1: Confirmation Deadline • Most offers of admission must be confirmed by this date. • The colleges will determine the due date to confirm offers made after May 1. To find the expiry date of your offer of admission, check the Offers page on Your Dashboard or the offer package that you received from the college.
Mid-June: Tuition Deposit Due • payment of a tuition deposit in mid-June is required to secure your spot in the program. Each college sets its own tuition deposit amount and payment deadline and will inform you of the details.
CONNECT WITH ONTARIO COLLEGES
Students can connect with Ontario Colleges in a variety of ways:
Visit the Ontario College Fair on October 16 from 5-9 PM or October 17 from 9 AM to 2 PM.
Attend an Ontario College Open House, Program Session, Tour, and more
SEE THE LINK BELOW to view dates for each college!
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