Sydenham High School
Post-Secondary Update #1 for Grade 12 Families
Dear Parents/Guardians,
As your student enters their graduating year, this is an important time to begin planning for post-secondary pathways, including college, university, apprenticeship, workplace, and skilled trades opportunities. We encourage families to review application requirements, key deadlines, scholarship opportunities, and upcoming information sessions together.
Please note that the information contained in this update was shared with all Grade 12 students during the Grade 12 Information Meeting held on September 16, 2026, during Period 2. This newsletter is intended to provide families with the same information and important post-secondary planning updates.
Post-Secondary Planning
Families can begin researching programs using the resources below:
- Ontario Colleges: Applications for September 2027 admission are now open
- Ontario Universities: Applications for September 2027 admission are now open.
Please note that admission requirements vary by institution and program. Families are encouraged to carefully review prerequisites and admission criteria to ensure students are selecting appropriate Grade 12 courses and meeting program requirements.
Important: It is essential to research every program carefully to ensure that your student meets all admission requirements.
Ontario College Regional Information Program
This fair-style event provides an opportunity for students and families to learn about Ontario college programs, campus life, admissions requirements, and student services offered at colleges across the province.
The Regional College Information Program will take place on Wednesday, October 28, 2026 from 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. at St. Lawrence College, Kingston.
Ontario College Applications (OCAS)
Ontario College applications are now open through the Ontario Colleges Application Service (OCAS).
Key Information
- Application fee: $150
- Students may apply to up to five programs
- No more than three programs at the same college
- Students require their Ontario Education Number (OEN) and student number
- Students should use a personal email address rather than their school email account
Important Dates
- Recommended application date: December 18, 2026
- Equal Consideration Deadline: February 1, 2027
Families are encouraged to submit applications well in advance of the February deadline.
A student's high school marks are uploaded directly to OCAS by the school. If your student is applying to a college outside of Ontario, please contact Student Services, as a transcript may need to be sent directly.
Ontario University Regional Fair
Regional Fairs allow you to gather information about Ontario universities, including programs, campus life and anything else that may help you decide which Ontario University to choose.
The Ontario University Regional Fair will take place on Tuesday, October 13th from 6 p.m. -8 p.m. at the Portsmouth Olympic Harbour, Marina (Sailroom), Kingston.
Ontario University Applications (OUAC)
Ontario Universities applications for September 2027 admission are now available through the Ontario University Application Centre (OUAC).
Key Information
- Application fee: $159 for up to three program choices
- Additional program choices cost $51 each
- Students require their Ontario Education Number (OEN)
- Most university programs require six Grade 12 U or M courses
- Students should use a personal email address rather than their school email account
Important Dates
- Recommended application date: December 18, 2026
- OUAC Application Deadline: January 15, 2027
Families are encouraged to submit applications well in advance of the January deadline.
A student's high school marks are uploaded directly to OUAC by the school. Students applying to universities outside Ontario may require a transcript to be sent directly from the school.
Out-of-Province Applications
Students applying to colleges or universities outside of Ontario must submit separate applications directly to those institutions.
The Ontario University Application Centre (OUAC) can transmit academic information to some out-of-province universities including: Acadia University, Bishop's University, Concordia University, Dalhousie University, Saint Mary's University, Simon Fraser University. University of British Columbia, University of Victoria
Students applying to institutions that do not use OUAC should contact Student Services regarding transcript requests.
Please note that application fees vary by institution and are paid separately.
Apprenticeship Pathways and OYAP
Families interested in apprenticeship and skilled trades opportunities are encouraged to learn more about: Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP), Cooperative Education, Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) and Dual Credit opportunities.
Please contact Student Services if your student is interested in exploring apprenticeship and skilled trades pathways.
Grade 12 Google Classroom
Important updates regarding post-secondary planning, scholarships, graduation requirements, and application deadlines will be posted regularly in the Grade 12 Google Classroom. Parents/guardians are welcome to join and follow updates throughout the year.
Class Code: sprmfhnc
Parent/Guardian Post-Secondary Planning Information Session
All Grade 12 families are invited to attend an information session on:
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
SHS Library
This session will take place prior to Parent/Guardian Night.
Topics will include:
- Post-secondary planning
- College and university application processes
- Scholarships and financial support
- OYAP and apprenticeship
- Graduation requirements and timelines
Scholarships and Awards
Families are encouraged to review scholarship opportunities with their graduating students.
Loran Award: The Loran Award recognizes students who demonstrate strong character, leadership, and commitment to service. Application Deadline: October 15, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. ET
Queen's Major Admission Awards: School-sponsored application details will be shared once available. Deadline: December 8, 2026
Schulich Leader Scholarship (STEM): School-sponsored application details will be shared once available. Deadline: February 17, 2027
Additional scholarship opportunities will continue to be shared throughout the school year.
Need Assistance?
Supporting a graduating student through the post-secondary planning process can feel overwhelming. Please know that assistance is available. Families and students are welcome to contact Student Services with questions regarding college, university, apprenticeship, scholarship, and graduation planning.
I look forward to supporting your family throughout this exciting and important year. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or would like to book an appointment.
Sincerely,
Katherine English
Student Services
Sydenham High School
(613) 376-3612 ext.96007
