Start planning for what's next
The slideshow below contains important information that all students should review before starting their post-secondary planning.
Research and apply for it
Discover all the options ahead, and decide which one you would like to do first.
What is a skilled trade?
A skilled trade is a career path that requires hands-on work and specialty knowledge. Skilled trades workers build and maintain infrastructure like our homes, schools, hospitals, roads, farms and parks. They also keep industries running and perform many services we rely on every day, like hairstyling, food preparation, and social services. Skilled trades are in high demand.
What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a form of post-secondary education, like college or university, but there are some big differences. An apprenticeship is a combination of on-the-job training and classroom learning that leads to a trade certification. Apprentices not only learn skills in the classroom, but they also receive paid on-the-job training with an employer.
Find out more
Read about about all the incredible apprenticeship opportunities available on the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development website. Watch interviews and hear from people in the trades on the Job Talks website.
Opportunities in the Skilled Trades and Technologies
Apply for it
Find out how to prepare to train as an apprentice in a skilled trade by visiting the Ministry of Labour and Training and Skills Development website.
Why college?
Colleges offer a wide range of innovative and in-demand certificate, diploma and bachelor degree programs. College classes are usually small (about 30 students), with programs that provide students with a mix of hands-on and real-world learning.
Find out more
Start by looking at what programs are available using OntarioColleges.ca. You should also look over the websites of the colleges you're thinking about, and plan a campus visit. Check out the College Dialogues On Demand website to hear a little bit about each Ontario college. The Transition Resource Guide compares different colleges and what special education accommodations they provide. Plan on attending the Ontario College Information Fair each fall in Toronto or the College Information Program here in Ottawa.
Looking to study in a different province?
See a list of all the colleges in Canada.
Think you know college? Think again!
Apply for it
Apply online through either the OntarioColleges.ca website, or download their app. If you're applying to a college outside of Ontario, you'll need apply directly on that college's website.
What is an Indigenous Institute?
In 2017, the Government of Ontario passed The Indigenous Institutes Act, recognizing Ontario's accredited Indigenous owned and operated Institutes as a foundational pillar of Ontario's post-secondary education system.
Visit the Indigenous Institutes Consortium website to learn more, and to find out how you can apply.
Joint programs in less time
Did you know that there are many joint programs between Ontario's colleges and universities? Everything from business, to journalism and health sciences allows you to graduate with both a university degree and a college certificate/diploma, often in less time
Check out a list of all Collaborative University and College Programs listed on the Ontario Universities' Application Centre website.
Increase your chances of employment
Many students graduating from a bachelor's degree at university are choosing to attend college afterward in order to obtain graduate certificates to increase their changes of employment.
Check out ONTransfer's website to find out more.
Apply for it
To apply for a collaborative university and college program, follow the instructions listed on the Collaborative University and College Programs website.
Thinking of starting your own business?
Check out the Young Entrepreneurs page on the Government of Ontario's website to find out about all the opportunities.
What is a transfer?
Did you know you can transfer between schools, both part-way through your studies or after you have completed your program?
- College to/from University
- College to College
- University to University
- Indigenous Institute to/from College or University
- Indigenous Institute to Indigenous Institute
Find out more
Check out ONTransfer's website to explore your transfer pathways and options.
Why university?
Universities offer a variety of three and four-year bachelor degrees. University classes are a mix of small to large lecture-style learning combined with real-world learning opportunities, such as cooperative education.
Find out more
Start by looking at what programs are available in Ontario as well as their prerequisites using OUInfo. You should also look over the websites of the universities you're thinking about, and plan a campus visit. The Transition Resource Guide compares different universities and what special education accommodations they provide. Plan on attending the Ontario Universities' Fair each fall in Toronto or the University Information Program here in Ottawa.
Read the reviews
Learn about Indigenous student resources
Visit the Ontario Universities' Indigenous Student Resources Page to learn more.
Looking to study in a different province?
Check out a directory of Canada's universities.
Considering studying in the United States?
Considering studying in the United Kingdom?
Apply for it
Ontario Universities
Apply online through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) using the 101 Application (for applicants currently attending an Ontario high school). To get started on the OUAC website, you'll need your Application Access Code Letter which contains your PIN code. The OUAC will send these to us in November of your Grade 12 year, at which point we will email them to you.
Canadian Universities Outside Ontario
If you're applying to a university outside of Ontario, you'll need to apply directly on that university's website. Many out-of-province universities use the OUAC services to collect your marks electronically. Save time by providing them with your OUAC Reference Number.
Universities in the United States
Most universities in the United States require you to apply online either through the Common Application website, or the Coalition for College website, or by applying directly on individual university websites.
Universities in the United Kingdom
Most universities in the United Kingdom require you to apply through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), while some will require you to apply directly on their websites.
Important: Get in touch with your Guidance Counsellor if you're applying to the United States or the United Kingdom. We need two weeks notice to prepare our part of your applications.
You're under 25 and you're eager to work and contribute your ideas.
Apply for a Social Insurance Number
The Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a 9-digit number that you need to work in Canada or have access to government programs and benefits. Click here to find out more.
Learn how to market yourself
Learn how to create a cover letter, resume, and practice your interview skills using Career Owl.
Find a job
Consider searching for your next job using the Government of Canada Job Bank,the City of Ottawa's Jobs page, and the YMCA's employment listings. Discover all the employment opportunities and programs available to young workers in Ontario.
Learn about your rights and responsibilities
Read more about Young Workers on the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development's website.
Working abroad
If you're thinking of travelling and working abroad, find out more on the Government of Canada's website.
Taking a gap year, travelling, or pursuing another passion? Whatever your plans are after you graduate high school, your Guidance Counsellor is here to support you.
You can also still definitely apply for an apprenticeship, to college or to university in the years ahead, should you decide to.
Unsure about what to do after graduation? Check out Discover Year as a structured gap year program:
Pay for it
Post-secondary education is an investment you're making for your future. Make sure you research all the ways to finance your investment.
OSAP is a financial aid program that can help you pay for post-secondary education. Learn More
Please click here to jump to the Scholarships & Awards page.
Start by visiting the Awards and Financial Aid websites of the post-secondary institutions you are considering attending. You may find that the price tag of your program may vary depending on the program and school.