What web browser is the best one to use when I apply?
The application works best in the following web browsers:
Edge
Firefox latest version
Chrome latest version
Safari 13+ & IOS 13+
If you are using an unsupported browser, you may experience difficulties while filling out the application.
How do I apply?
To apply to one of Ontario's public colleges, you must use our online application. If you've never created an account or an application with us before, use our sign up page to get started.
If you've previously created an account and an application for fall semester programs, but now want to apply for programs starting in January or May of the same school year, you can simply log in to your existing application and make your desired changes. If you've already paid for your application, the changes will be sent to the colleges.
If you've created an account and an application with us in a previous school year, your account may still be active and you can still log in to it. However, if you've already paid for the application, you will need to pay again to activate your application for the current year.
How many program choices and colleges can I apply to?
You can select up to 5 program choices on your application, with a maximum of 3 choices for any single college.
It's not possible to pay extra or to submit a second application for more choices. However, you can make changes to the programs you've selected at any time by logging in to your Ontario Colleges application, going to your application on the Dashboard Home screen and selecting Resume Application. On the Review page you can make changes to your program choices by selecting Edit Programs.
Note: Removing a program choice will notify the college that you are no longer interested in that choice.
Can I make changes to my applications?
To make changes, log in to your Ontario Colleges application. You can make as many changes to your program choices as you like, with no additional charge, as long as the choices all fall within the same school year. Keep in mind, however, that any changes made after the Equal Consideration Date may affect your chances of getting into a program, as applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you want to apply to programs beginning in the next academic year, you must create a new application and pay another application fee.
Note: Removing a program choice will notify the college you are no longer interested in that choice.
What is the Ontario Education Number (OEN)?
The OEN (Ontario Education Number) is a unique identification number assigned to elementary and high school students across the province. It's used to track student movement and progress, as well as to gather data on education in Ontario.
OEN is a mandatory field on the online application, but it is possible that you haven't been issued one. In this case, simply type in 0 (zero) in the box.
If you believe you have an OEN but have forgotten it, your high school guidance counselor will have it on record.
How do I find my application number?
Your application number or numbers can be found on the Dashboard for each application you submitted. Please note that this is different from your Account number, which you can find by clicking the user menu in the upper right corner of the screen.
What is my student number?
Your student number is a tracking number provided to you by your high school or college / university. If you don't know your student number, contact your high school guidance counselor or the registrar's office at your college or university.
Can I apply twice?
You can only submit one application per application cycle (which includes programs that run in one school year, from August to July). Keep in mind, however, that you can log in to your Ontario Colleges application and make changes to your program choices at any time within that school year.
If you are applying for programs in a different school year, you can still use your existing account, but you must pay the application fee again to activate your application for the new cycle.
How do I check the status of my application?
You can log in to your Ontario Colleges application at any time to make or change program choices, check the status of your transcripts or documents, or view or accept an offer.
If you’re waiting on an offer from a college, you may want to contact the college directly for an update.
How do I cancel my application?
Once you've created an application with us, the information can't be removed from our records. Remember, however, that until you pay the application fee, your application is not considered active and no information will be sent to the colleges.
If you have paid your application fee and you wish to withdraw your application, log in to your Ontario Colleges application and delete your program choices. This effectively cancels your application.
If you have other questions or concerns about cancelling an application, contact our Customer Contact Centre.
How long does it take to process an application?
Once an application is paid for, we will process it and transmit it to the colleges within two (2) business days.
What do I do if I am having problems with the online application?
You can get help with the online application in the following ways:
Check the Online Application section of this FAQ for your question.
Review the information in this OCAS Help Centre for step-by-step illustrated instructions.
Contact the Customer Contact Centre for assistance via telephone or live chat during our office hours, or by email anytime.
How do I transfer to another college or program?
If you wish to transfer to a different college or program, you’ll need to re-apply through Ontario Colleges. Log in to your Ontario College application and make your program choices. If your choices are within the same school year, you won’t have to pay the application fee again. If they’re for a new school year, you must pay the fee again in order to activate your application.