It's Not Too Late to Apply for College!

Think it’s too late to apply for college? Think again! You can apply to Ontario college programs as long as space is available, until the first day of classes. If your program is full for the upcoming term, you might not need to wait for next year. Many programs offer multiple intakes throughout the year (fall, winter, spring).

Fanshawe has many open programs which you can still apply to for this upcoming term! These programs range in subjects and delivery options like online, part-time, and full-time. While you’ll need to apply to highly competitive programs before the equal consideration deadline you may find the program you’re most interested in has seats available for this upcoming term.

What’s the deadline to apply for colleges in Ontario?

There is no specific deadline to apply for college in Ontario. You can apply for a program any time before the first day of classes if space is available, but the later you apply, the less likely it is that there will be space available for you. As soon as you’ve determined which open program you want to take, apply! Or contact the Advising Centre if you need help.

Applying Late: The Quick Start Guide

This is your quick reference guide. Read the rest of this blog post for more details!

Find an open program that interests you

How to apply for college “late”

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Step 1: Determine if your program is open

If you’re applying after the equal consideration date, check out our list of all open programs for the upcoming fall term. If you have a specific program you’d like to apply for, you can check availability on the program page, under Program Details in the Offerings Chart. If the term offering you want to get into is “open”, you can apply!

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Step 2: Before you apply

Once you’ve decided what program you want to apply to, check out the program’s admission requirements. Fanshawe shares admission requirements for each program on that program’s page. Determine if you meet these requirements or what steps you’ll need to take to meet them.

What if I don’t meet the admission requirements?

If you don’t meet the admission requirements you might still have time to take the required course or meet prerequisites before the deadline to meet admissions conditions. You will need to provide proof that you will meet the admission conditions before that deadline. If you’re not sure if you meet the requirements, reach out to us! Our admissions advisors can help you understand if there are steps you can take to get admitted into your desired program or if there is another program that you can take to reach your goals.

Other things to know before applying

While you’re checking out admission requirements, you’ll also find Recommended Academic Preparation or Personal Preparation. These are credentials or skills that make it easier to succeed in your program. You might also see Post-Admission Requirements if the program has any. When you’re applying closer to the start of classes, you’ll want to be sure you can meet these post-admission requirements in time for the start of your term so you can be successful in your program.

Step 3: Begin your application process

All domestic (Canadian or permanent resident) applicants will apply via OCAS. 

Here’s our guide on how to apply to Fanshawe, which you can follow even if you’re applying late.

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Step 4: Accept your offer

When you receive your offer of admission, you will be provided with a deadline to accept your offer. These deadlines are dependent on when you receive your offer in relation to the date for the first day of term.

• For a September start date, if you receive an offer after mid-April, you will have two weeks to confirm your offer.
• For all other start dates, if you receive an offer after May 1, you will have two weeks to confirm your offer.
• If you receive an offer between one and three weeks before the start of term, you will need to confirm your offer within one week.

Domestic students will use OCAS to accept your offer of admission by your deadline and use our step-by-step video if you need help.

Step 5: Pay your deposit

Late applicants will receive a unique deposit deadline once they accept their offer and receive their invoice. This $250 non-refundable tuition deposit due date will be communicated to you in advance via snail mail and email. You can also find this info on your WebAdvisor account. The closer to the start of the term that you apply, the less time you will have between accepting your offer and paying your deposit. Be sure to pay it by that date to secure your seat in your program. 

Step 6: Register for your electives

Once you’ve accepted your offer and paid your deposit, it’s time for some fun. If you haven’t chosen your General Education Elective, you can do so now! Start with our General Education Electives page, select the button for the type of credential you’ll be earning and then find your program. Explore the electives available to you and check them out on the course outline viewer for more details. Then follow our instructions to register online. Your program will likely require you to complete a certain number of electives to graduate.

Step 7: Get Financial Aid and Awards

Apply for OSAP, even if you think you won’t be eligible. Applying for OSAP may give you access to grants and other financial support, even if you’re not eligible for OSAP itself. Applying late doesn’t prevent you from getting financial aid. The OSAP application deadline is based on the type of program you’re taking, but it usually isn’t until after your program is underway. See our OSAP deadlines and learn more about applying for OSAP. 

While you may have missed some deadlines for scholarships, bursaries and other financial awards and support, there will be more to come throughout the school year. Keep an eye on our Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards page to understand what Fanshawe has available and then visit our blog to learn more about the top 5 sources of financial assistance in Canada.

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Step 8: Pay your remaining tuition

The Balance of Fees Due Date is available on our Dates to Remember page and it is usually the tenth day of term, meaning your classes will have already started. It’s also helpful to be aware of the other dates to remember on that page for your term.

Find an open program that interests you