Who can apply to colleges?
You can apply to college if you are a:
You can apply as a domestic student if you are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident. Some colleges may have different criteria for permanent residents, such as educational background, proof of landing, and supporting documents, so it's best to check with the college directly.
If you are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you can apply as an international student and will need a study permit.
How is my application processed?
You must apply through OntarioColleges.ca to any college in Ontario. The platform processes admissions for Ontario's 27 colleges.
Colleges in Ontario offer thousands of programs, with practical, hands-on training in applied fields like business, technology, the arts, health sciences, skilled trades and more. Programs vary from one-year certificates to four-year degrees.
OntarioColleges.ca is a central location for prospective students to apply for admission, send supporting documents, and pay application fees. You can also view and accept or decline your offers of admission.
To start, find a program that appeals to you. You should also consider what colleges offer similar programs and where they are located. Visit the websites of the colleges you're interested in to learn about their unique requirements.
What are college admission requirements?
Admission requirements vary for each college or program. In general, you may need to provide:
- Transcripts (from high school and any other post-secondary program)
- Test results (e.g., GED/CAEC, English or French Language Proficiency, etc.)
- Proof of Immigration Status (e.g., passport, permanent resident card, study permit, etc.)
- College or program-specific documents (e.g., essays, portfolios, etc.)
Learn more about supporting documents for college applications.
In most cases, you must graduate from high school before applying to college. If you never got a high school diploma or an equivalent, you can:
- Take several tests to earn The Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) or
- Apply as a mature student if you're over 19 and do not have a high school diploma or CAEC.
Some college programs are highly competitive, which means they only consider highly qualified applicants for admission. To determine if a program is highly competitive, use this Find a Program tool.
Highly competitive programs:
- May cut applicants off at a minimum grade, and require an essay, portfolio, or other supporting documentation.
- Will only consider applicants who apply on or before February 1.
- Give priority to domestic applicants before considering international applicants.
If you're applying for a Graduate Certificate program, you'll need a college or university diploma or degree to be considered. Many programs also have specific requirements, like testing, prerequisite courses, or admission essays and portfolios. Visit the websites of the colleges you're interested in to learn about their unique requirements.
If you're already in the workforce, your program may allow you to do a Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR). PLARs allow applicants with experience to show what they've learned outside of school, at work, while volunteering, or through other life experiences. They are assessed through testing, interviews, and portfolios. PLARs can be used for academic credit.
What important dates do I need to consider?
Colleges do not have final application deadlines like universities. As long as space remains in an Ontario college program, you can apply for it. However, if you apply after a specific date, you will be accepted on a first-come-first-served basis if there is space.
Some important dates to keep in mind for programs starting in the fall are:
- Early October: Applications open for programs beginning in the fall of the following year.
- November 1: The earliest date colleges may begin to send offers of admission.
- February 1: The deadline for highly competitive programs and the Equal Consideration Date. After this date, colleges consider applicants on a first-come, first-served basis until programs are full.
- May 1: The deadline to confirm offers of admissions. Colleges may extend admissions offers after this date, and a new deadline will be set for anyone applying after May 1st.
- Mid-June: Tuition deposits are due to secure your spot in your program.