Frequently Asked Questions

It varies by university. Some universities use prerequisites in the calculation of averages, while others do not.

To understand the number of courses each university uses to calculate your average, visit the Offers of Admissions drop-down menu on each university's page.

Note: The grade ranges provided on OUInfo are not cut-off points, but general guidelines based on the previous year’s admission. That range will vary each year, according to the number and quality of applicants.

A program that combines academic studies and practical work experience in their field of study to earn credit toward a degree.

Co-op education programs vary widely in how and when you apply to them, how the university implements them and how you obtain a practical work placement once enrolled.

On OUInfo, the following co-op definitions are used:

• Not available: Co-op is not offered with this program.
  
• Co-op program: You must complete a co-op work placement to achieve the degree.
  
• Co-op option available with this program: When you apply to this program, you may choose whether you want to complete a co-op work placement.
  
• Co-op available with a different program code: The university offers co-op with this program, but you will need to apply using a different code. Return to the university’s list of programs and find the specific co-op program code.
  
• Co-op or internship application available at the university after registration: To complete a co-op work placement with this program, you must apply to the co-op option after you are registered in this program at the university.
  
• Co-op available by application after first year of studies: You may apply for the co-op option only after your first year of studies in this program at the university.
  
• Co-op available by major: Co-op is only available with certain subjects of major interest within this program. Visit the university’s website or contact the university directly to obtain further information about which subjects have a co-op component.
  
• Practicum or internship option available: You may choose whether to complete a practicum or internship placement when you enroll in this program.
  
• Co-op or internship option available: You may choose whether you want to complete a co-op or an internship placement when you enroll in this program.
  
• Clinical placement: This program includes hands-on work or research experience outside of the classroom in a clinical setting.
  
• Field placement: This program includes hands-on work or research experience outside of the classroom in a location related to the field of study.
  
• Entrepreneurship: This program offers the opportunity to start a business as part of your course work. 
  
• Faculty research opportunity: This program offers the opportunity to engage in research with faculty.
  
• Class-based experiential education: This program includes direct, hands-on experience that is relevant to the field of study and takes place in the classroom.
  
• Embedded community engagement/volunteerism/partnership: This program may offer learning opportunities outside of the classroom and/or in the community.

If a program has additional admission criteria, it will be stated on that program's page.

Additional admission criteria may include:

• Evaluation forms
• Reference forms 
• Autobiographical letters
• An interview
• An audition
• A portfolio

Contact the universities directly for more information about additional admission criteria.

Chances are the university offers History, but it is listed as a "subject of major interest" rather than as a degree name. Subjects of major interest are areas (or subjects) that you can specialize in as part of a degree program.

For example, the university might have a degree called "Arts" through which you can study several subjects, including History, but also Drama, Economics, English, French, Sociology, Philosophy, etc.

If a program has subjects of major interest listed, you can see them on each program's page. You must apply to the general degree program first and then select your subject of major interest.

Contact the universities directly for the most up-to-date information about program.

If a program has subjects of major interest, you will see them listed on the program landing page under a drop-down menu called "Subjects of Major Interest".

If you are interested in studying a specific subject of interest, you must apply to the general degree program and then select your subject of major interest.

The grade range is a general guideline based on a program’s admission average in the previous academic year. This range varies by university and year, according to the number and quality of applicants. It is not a cut-off point.

Most university programs are 4 years in length, unless otherwise noted.

Contact the universities directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Yes. The grade range on OUInfo is not a cut-off point, but a general guideline that is based on the previous year’s admission. The range varies each year according to the number and quality of applicants.

Also, many universities consider supplemental information in addition to your academic average in admission decisions, including: 

• Essays
• Portfolios
• Interviews
• Personal information forms

Contact the universities directly for more information about admission requirements.

There are many collaborative university and college programs available in Ontario.

For some, you must apply through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC); for others, you must apply through OCAS.

Those that you can enter as a first-year student, and that are available through the OUAC, are listed on OUInfo. To find these programs, you can search for the word “college”.

You can also view the list of Collaborative University and College Programs on the OUAC website. If a program interests you, contact the university and/or college directly for additional details.

You can also check out ONTransfer for information about other program options, such as beginning your studies at a college and then completing them at a university.

Every university has a different policy.

To view each university’s information about these types of courses and how they impact offers of admission, look for the Offers of Admission drop-down menu on each university's page.

For up-to-date information, contact the universities directly.

OUInfo provides general information about university programs and admission.

For specific information about course content and program descriptions, select "Program Website" on the program page, which will direct you to the university's website.

Each university's campus viewbook can also be found in the Universities section of this website. Select the university you are interested in and look for "Campus Viewbook" in the University Resources menu.

A grade cut-off refers to the academic average required for admission to a program.

The cut-off varies by university and year, according to the number and quality of applicants.

Note: A "grade cut-off" is different than a "grade range".

If you were granted equivalency credits for coursework completed outside of the Ontario school system, ask the out-of-province or international school to send your hard-copy transcript to the admission offices at the universities you applied to.

Read the transcript instructions for the Undergraduate application to learn how to submit your transcripts or contact the universities directly.

Most universities will use your Grade 12 U/M grades in calculating your admission average. Often this will include your best six 4U/M courses or equivalent.

In some cases, universities will consider your Grade 11 U/M grades for early offers of admission, where Grade 12 U/M grades are incomplete or not available.

For more information about Ontario university program requirements for students outside of Ontario and Canada, visit the university’s page you are interested in and click these links in the University Resources menu:

• IB Requirements
• AP Requirements
• Applicants Outside Ontario
• Applicants Outside Canada

Deferral policies vary from university to university. Some universities allow deferrals, while others do not. Some universities may offer a deferral but request that you re-apply after your gap year (and pay all the associated application fees again).

If you are interested in deferring admission, you must contact the universities directly.

Most universities will consider special circumstances when making admission decisions, but every situation is unique.

Refer to each university's Extenuating Circumstances information under the Offers of Admission drop-down menu or contact your high school guidance counsellor for assistance.

The scholarships listed on OUInfo are primarily available to Group A applicants.

Many universities offer scholarships for Group B applicants. Some of these scholarships are listed on OUInfo. 

Find out if you are a Group A or Group B applicant.

For more information, contact the universities directly.

It varies by university. Some universities use prerequisites in the calculation of averages, while others do not. Research each university to see how they calculate averages.

To understand the number of courses each university uses to calculate your average, visit the Offers of Admission drop-down menu on each university's page.

Note: The grade ranges provided on OUInfo are not cut-off points, but general guidelines based on the previous year’s admission. That range will vary each year, according to the number and quality of applicants.

The scholarships and bursaries on OUInfo are primarily for Group A applicants; however, many universities offer scholarships for Group B applicants. To find more information, contact the universities directly.

Find out if you are a Group A or a Group B applicant.

• Visit the OUAC Undergraduate website for a variety of helpful information and links.
• If you are in high school, contact your guidance counsellor.
• Contact the universities directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information about programs and admission requirements.
• Contact the OUAC for questions about the application process or OUInfo.

Enrollment number refers to the number of students who enroll in the first year of a given program in the previous academic year.

The enrollment number varies each year, according to the number and quality of applicants. It is not a cut-off point or enrollment limit, but a general guideline.

Some programs, such as medical school, law school, rehabilitation sciences or dentistry, cannot be entered directly from high school – you need prior university studies to enroll. A listing of some of these programs can be found in Professional Programs.

Contact the universities directly for more information about their professional and graduate programs.

OUInfo only provides information about Ontario universities. If you are interested in applying to a university outside of Ontario, consult the university’s website directly.

Universities Canada provides a list of all Canadian universities.

Visit OCAS or your high school guidance office.

OUAC stands for the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre. The OUAC is a not‑for‑profit, centralized application service for applicants to Ontario universities. The OUAC receives and processes applications and then transfers them to the universities the applicants select.

The OUAC does not make admission decisions; that is the responsibility of the universities.

The information on this website is primarily for Group A applicants. 

If you are a Group B applicant, you may be subject to different admission requirements than those stated on OUInfo; however, you may still use OUInfo to find program admission requirements. 

Visit the university’s page that you are interested in and look for the Offers of Admission drop-down menu. You can also find these links in the University Resources menu:

• IB Requirements
• AP Requirements
• Applicants Outside Ontario
• Applicants Outside Canada

For more information about the application process, read the Undergraduate Application Guide or contact the universities directly.