What programs are available at Ontario colleges?
Ontario's public colleges offer over 5,000 programs, ranging from one-year diplomas to 4-year degrees. To browse all programs offered or to search by area of study, college or credential offered, visit the Explore Programs page on the Ontario Colleges website.
Where can I find details about a college program?
On the Explore Programs page on the Ontario Colleges website, you can search programs and view specific details, such as credential, entry level, start date and more. You can also see whether a program is open, closed or waitlisted.
Where can I find out if a program is still accepting applications?
On the Explore Programs page on the Ontario Colleges website, you can see whether a program is open, closed or waitlisted by checking the Availability column.
Open - The college is still accepting applications to the program.
Closed - The program is already full for this start date.
Waitlisted - The college has established a waitlist of applicants for this program, however you can still apply.
Keep in mind that if you apply to a program after the Equal Consideration Date, your application will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis.
What is a highly competitive program?
A highly competitive program (also called an oversubscribed program or limited enrolment program) is one that consistently has more qualified applicants than there are seats available for the Fall start date. Because these programs are so competitive, applicants must apply before the Equal Consideration Date if they expect to be considered.
For more information, visit the Highly Competitive Programs page on the Ontario Colleges website.
What are program entry semesters?
Entry semesters indicate the year and semester in which you want to start a program. For example, Semester 1 is the first semester of the first year, Semester 2 is the second semester of the first year, Semester 3 is the first semester of the second year, and so on.
What does it mean if I’m put on a waitlist for a program?
When all available seats in a program are filled, qualified applicants may be placed on a waitlist.
Programs may become waitlisted or closed at any time during the application cycle. If you’re applying to a highly competitive program, or if you’re applying after the Equal Consideration Date, there is a higher chance that programs will become waitlisted.
If you’re applying to a waitlisted program, keep in mind that admission to the program is not guaranteed and the application processing fee is non-refundable.
Will I get a seat in a program if I’m on a waitlist?
If other applicants who were already accepted to the program decline their offer of admission or don’t register with the college, you may be offered a seat in the program.
The college may contact you directly with an offer, so be sure to keep your contact information up-to-date on your application. Offers for waitlisted programs are time-sensitive and it’s important that you respond as quickly as possible.
Contact the college you’ve applied to directly for details on receiving and confirming offers of admission for waitlisted programs.
Will I automatically get an offer if I apply to another start date for a waitlisted program?
Waitlisted applicants will not automatically be considered for later start dates of a program.
If you’re interested in applying to a later start date of the program, you must add it as a new program choice on your application. See the Online Application FAQs to learn more about updating your application.
How do I find out where my name is on the waitlist?
Program waitlists are maintained by the colleges and are not available to Ontario College. Contact the college you’ve applied to directly to ask if they can provide your approximate position on the waitlist. Note that not all colleges are able to provide this information.
It’s also important to keep in mind that applicant positions on the waitlist change regularly based on the number of qualified applicants.
Can I accept an offer for another program while I am on a waitlist?
Waitlist processes vary by college. Contact the college to find out if accepting an offer of admission to another program at the same college or a different college will affect your placement on the waitlist.
Where can I find information about apprenticeship programs?
You can find information on some apprenticeships on the Apprenticeships section of the Skilled Trades page on the Ontario Colleges website. You will also be able to see some of the available apprenticeship programs. To find out more about apprenticeships, visit the Employment Ontario website.
Can I apply to the collaborative nursing program?
Some collaborative nursing programs require you to apply through Ontario Colleges, while others will require you to apply through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC). You can find information about collaborative nursing programs on the Explore Programs pages. To review the admission requirements for any programs that interest you, see the program details on the college websites.
What is a post-diploma program?
Post-diploma programs (also called post-graduate programs) are programs that require a college diploma, college certificate or university degree for admission. You can find a link to all the post-diploma programs on the Program Types page on the Ontario Colleges website.
How do I find out about transfer programs?
To learn more about credit transfers and using ONTransfer.ca, visit the Transfer Credits page on the Ontario Colleges website.