Don’t miss important OUAC deadlines for Fall 2026 admission! Learn about the January 15 equal consideration deadline, May 28 offer deadlines, June 1 response deadlines, and program-specific dates for Ontario universities.
Deadlines can make or break your university application in Ontario. Every year, thousands of students lose out on admission opportunities simply because they didn’t pay attention to OUAC deadlines.
If you’re applying for Fall 2026 entry, this article will walk you through:
- The key OUAC dates every Ontario high school student must know.
- The difference between equal consideration deadlines and program/university deadlines.
- Tips to stay on top of the process so you never miss your chance.
(Need help with the basics? Start with our OUAC 101 vs OUAC 105 Guide to make sure you’re even using the right application form.)
Key OUAC Deadlines for 2026
January 15, 2026 - Equal Consideration Deadline
This is the most important date for students applying through OUAC 101 (Ontario high school students completing their OSSD this year).
- Applications submitted by this date are given equal consideration for admission.
- If you apply after Jan 15, universities may still consider you, but only if there are spots left.
Pro Tip: Even if your grades aren’t final, submit by Jan 15. Your high school will continue sending updates to OUAC automatically.
May 28, 2026 - Latest Date for Universities to Send an Offer
By this date, every Ontario university must send you one of the following:
- An offer of admission,
- A refusal, or
- A deferral (pending additional information, e.g., final marks).
This ensures that all applicants who applied by January 15 know where they stand.
June 1, 2026 - Deadline for Students to Accept an Offer
June 1 is the earliest date Ontario universities can require you to accept an offer and pay a deposit. This gives students time to consider multiple offers before making a decision.
If you don’t respond by the university’s posted deadline (usually June 1), your offer may expire.
University-Specific Deadlines
While OUAC sets common deadlines, each university and program may have additional or earlier deadlines you must meet.
Some examples:
- University of Toronto: Many programs have supplemental application deadlines (e.g., Engineering, Rotman Commerce, Computer Science).
- University of Waterloo: Engineering, Math, and Architecture require additional documents and have earlier portfolio/interview deadlines.
- Queen’s University: Commerce and Health Sciences often require a Supplementary Application Form (SAF) submitted before February.
- OCAD University: Portfolio deadlines are usually in February for equal consideration.
Important: Universities won’t review your application if required documents, portfolios, or supplements are late, even if you met the Jan 15 OUAC deadline.
Why These Deadlines Matter
- Miss Jan 15 → You may lose equal consideration for competitive programs.
- Miss supplemental deadlines → Your application may be incomplete and automatically denied.
- Miss June 1 → You risk losing your admission offer.
How to Stay on Track
- Mark these dates in your calendar (set reminders for 1 week + 1 day before each).
- Check each university’s admissions page for program-specific deadlines.
OUAC Deadlines 2026 at a Glance
| Date | What Happens | Who It Applies To |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 15, 2026 | Equal consideration deadline | OUAC 101 applicants |
| May 28, 2026 | Universities must respond with offer/refusal/deferralS | All applicants |
| June 1, 2026 | Students must respond to offers (earliest deadline) | All applicants |
| Varies | University-specific (supplements, portfolios, transcripts) | Depends on a program |
Conclusion
OUAC deadlines are more than just dates, they are milestones that shape your admission journey. By keeping track of Jan 15, May 28, and June 1, plus each university’s supplemental requirements, you’ll stay ahead of the competition.
(Next read: OUAC Fees 2026 + Hidden Costs You Should Know to budget your application properly.)
Still confused about deadlines or worried you’ll miss one?
At Study Junction, we offer:
- 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.
👉 Follow us on Instagram @studyjunction2024 for daily OUAC and admissions tips!
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