Planning to study in Ontario for Fall 2026? Learn about Ontario university admission requirements, average cut-offs, and the most competitive programs including Engineering, Business, and Health Sciences.
Ontario is home to some of the most competitive universities in Canada, attracting tens of thousands of applicants every year. But what exactly does it take to get admitted?
If you’re applying through the OUAC for Fall 2026, understanding admission requirements and cut-offs is crucial. While each university sets its own standards, there are general averages and trends, especially for high-demand programs like Engineering, Business, and Health.
This article will break down:
- General Ontario admission averages for 2026.
- Program-specific cut-offs for competitive faculties.
- Tips to boost your chances in high-demand programs.
(First time applying? Start with our OUAC Deadlines 2026 Guide so you don’t miss key dates.)
General Admission Requirements for Ontario Universities (2026)
Ontario High School Students (OUAC 101)
- Completion of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
- Six Grade 12 U/M courses, including prerequisites for your chosen program.
- English (ENG4U) is required for almost every program.
International/OUAC 105 Applicants
- Equivalent to OSSD (e.g., IB Diploma, A Levels, AP courses, or national curriculum).
- Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo, etc.) if applicable.
- Specific prerequisite courses (Math, Sciences) depending on the program.
University of Waterloo
Waterloo uses supplementary forms and interviews for many programs:
Engineering:
Requires the Admission Information Form (AIF) and often an optional interview (highly recommended). The AIF includes questions on extracurriculars, leadership, work experience, and motivation.
Mathematics (including Computer Science):
Requires the AIF and may invite applicants to complete the Euclid Math Contest (optional but valuable).
Architecture:
Requires a portfolio and often an interview in addition to the AIF.
Typical Deadline: Mid-February 2026 for the AIF. Portfolio deadlines for Architecture usually fall earlier (January-February).
Queen’s University
Queen’s is well-known for its Supplementary Application Form (SAF), required for:
- Commerce (Smith School of Business).
- Health Sciences.
The SAF asks applicants to reflect on their personal experiences, community involvement, and career goals. Responses help Queen’s identify applicants with strong leadership and interpersonal qualities.
Typical Deadline: Early February 2026.
OCAD University (Ontario College of Art & Design)
As Canada’s top art and design school, OCAD U requires portfolios for most programs, including:
- Graphic Design
- Illustration
- Photography
- Environmental Design
Applicants must submit a digital portfolio showcasing their artistic work, often with a statement of intent.
Typical Deadline: February 2026 for equal consideration. Late portfolios may be accepted for programs still open.
Other Universities with Supplementary Requirements
York University: Schulich School of Business (BBA/iBBA): Requires an online supplementary application and video interview.
Western University: Ivey Business School (HBA Advanced Entry Opportunity): Requires an AEO application, including essays and extracurriculars.
Ryerson/TMU: Performance Programs (Theatre, Dance, Music): Require auditions, portfolios, or interviews.
Why These Deadlines Matter
- Many students assume that meeting the January 15 OUAC deadline is enough. Unfortunately, that’s only half the story.
- Missing a supplementary application deadline means your OUAC application will not even be reviewed.
- Some programs (Commerce, Engineering, Architecture) are so competitive that supplements carry as much weight as grades.
How to Stay Organized
- Track deadlines by program – Don’t assume they’re all the same.
- Start early – Writing strong essays or building a portfolio takes time.
- Use a checklist – We recommend downloading our free OUAC 2026 Application Checklist to track documents, forms, and deadlines.
- Seek feedback – Get teachers or mentors to review your essays or portfolio before submission.
Quick Reference: Supplementary Requirements by School
| University | Programs | Supplementary Requirement | Typical Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| U of T | Rotman Commerce, Engineering, some CS | SAF, OSP + video interview | Jan-Feb 2026 |
| Waterloo | Engineering, Math, CS, Architecture | AIF, interviews, portfolio | Jan-Feb 2026 |
| Queen’s | Commerce, Health Sciences | SAF | Early Feb 2026 |
| OCAD U | Most programs | Portfolio + statement | Feb 2026 |
| York (Schulich) | BBA/iBBA | Online app + video interview | Feb 2026 |
| Western (Ivey AEO) | Business | AEO app + essays | Jan-Feb 2026 |
| TMU (Ryerson) | Performance Arts | Auditions/portfolios | Varies |
Conclusion
Supplementary applications, portfolios, and tests are not just “extras”, they are often the deciding factor for admission to Ontario’s most competitive programs.
By planning ahead, starting early, and double-checking each university’s requirements, you can avoid missing out on your dream program.
(Next read: After You Submit: How to Track and Change Your OUAC Application for what happens once your application is in.)
Need expert help with your supplementary application or portfolio?
At Study Junction, we guide students through essay reviews, portfolio preparation, and interview coaching to boost their admission chances. You will get:
- Step-by-step OUAC application walkthroughs.
- Admission consultations to maximize your chances.
- Free and paid resources, including checklists and eBooks.
Book a consultation with Study Junction and let us create a personalized application timeline for you.
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