Applying to Universities in Canada with Your OSSD
Your Path to Canadian Universities Starts Here
Graduates of Royal Ontario Academy earn the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), one of the most widely recognized high school qualifications for university admission in Canada and internationally. Whether you’re applying to schools in Ontario or elsewhere across Canada, our OSSD courses prepare you for success.
Below you’ll find specific guidance for applying to Ontario universities through OUAC, as well as a national equivalency chart for students applying outside of Ontario.
Applying to Ontario Universities
What is OUAC?
OUAC stands for the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre. It is the centralized service through which students apply to all public universities in Ontario.
What does OUAC do?
OUAC collects, processes, and forwards applications to Ontario universities. However, it does not make admission decisions — each university makes its own admissions decisions based on your application and academic record.
Will Royal Ontario Academy send my marks to OUAC?
Yes — but it depends on your applicant type:
When applying, add Royal Ontario Academy to the Academic Background section of your OUAC account. Then, request a “101” report card. We’ll submit your marks directly to OUAC on your behalf.
You will need to email the university directly and provide them with:
How do I apply through OUAC?
How do I access my OUAC account?
Go to the OUAC login page to access your dashboard, track applications, and view correspondence.
Applying to Universities Outside Ontario
Course Equivalencies Across Canada
Although the OSSD is recognized nationally, course titles and prerequisites vary across provinces. The chart below helps you understand how your Royal Ontario Academy courses align with university admission standards elsewhere in Canada.
Ontario Grade 12 Course Equivalencies Across Provinces
Ontario (OSSD) | Alberta | British Columbia | Saskatchewan | Manitoba | New Brunswick | Nova Scotia | Prince Edward Island |
MHF4U –Advanced Functions | Math 30-1 | Pre-Calculus 12 | Pre-Calculus 30 | Pre-Calculus 40S | Pre-Calculus 120A and 120B | Pre-Calculus 12 | Math 621B |
MCV4U – Calculus and Vectors | Math 31 | Calculus 12 | Calculus 30 | Applied Math 40S | Calculus 120 | Calculus 12 | Math 611B |
MDM4U – Data Management | Math 30-1 | Pre-Calculus 12 | Foundations of Math 30 | Applied Math 40S | Foundations Math 120 | Math 12 | Math 621A |
SBI4U – Biology | Biology 30 | Anatomy & Physiology 12 | Biology 30 | Biology 40S | Biology 121 or 122 | Biology 12 | Biology 621A |
SCH4U – Chemistry | Chemistry 30 | Chemistry 12 | Chemistry 30 | Chemistry 40S | Chemistry 121 or 122 | Chemistry 12 | Chemistry 621A |
SPH4U – Physics | Physics 30 | Physics 12 | Physics 30 | Physics 40S | Physics 121 or 122 | Physics 12 | Physics 621A |
ENG4U – English | ELA 30-1 | English Studies 12 | English Language Arts A30 & B30 | ELA: Comprehensive Focus 40S | English 121 or 122 | English 12 | English 621A |
Always verify the admission requirements (including minimum grade requirements) of each university and program — some may have specific prerequisites beyond this table.
Need Personalized Help?
We’re happy to support you as you navigate your post secondary pathway — whether that’s in Ontario or anywhere across Canada.
Contact Us: info@royalontarioacademy.com
Call Us: Weekdays from 9 AM to 5 PM EST
Applying to Global Universities as OSSD students
The chart below provides a general overview of what universities require based on country of diploma. The OSSD is world-renowned and accepted globally without the requirement of additional external testing.
Applying to: |
UK Diploma Holder |
USA Diploma Holder |
OSSD Holder |
Canada |
A-Levels plus IGCSE For example: University of Toronto – minimum five IGCSE academic subjects + 3 A-Level subjects |
GPA plus ACT/SAT For example: University of Toronto recommends SAT combined score 1330-1500 |
Six Grade 12 4U/M courses of student choice |
UK |
A-Levels plus IGCSE + personal statement + reference letter For example: UCL – minimum five IGCSE academic subjects + 3 A-Level subjects |
GPA plus AP subjects, additional SAT/ACT may be required + personal statement + reference letter For example: UCL -5 AP subjects, or 3 AP subjects + SAT |
Six Grade 12 4U/M courses of student choice+ personal statement + reference letter |
USA |
A-Levels plus IGCSE + personal statement + reference letter For example: University of Michigan-minimum 5 IGCSE plus predicted A-Levels scores |
GPA plus ACT or SAT or AP + personal statement + reference letter For example: University of Michigan-minimum 1500 SAT score and 34 ACT score plus at 3.8 GPA |
Six Grade 12 4U/M courses of student choice + personal statement + reference letter |
Australia |
A-Levels plus IGCSE |
GPA plus ACT or SAT or AP |
Six Grade 12 4U/M courses of student choice |
We’re happy to support you as you navigate your post secondary pathway — whether that’s in Ontario or anywhere across the world.
Contact Us: info@royalontarioacademy.com
Call Us: Weekdays from 9 AM to 5 PM EST