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ORPAS – How to Apply

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Refer to the application and the university's website for up-to-date program details.

The Application Process

Step 1: Research your university options and the application process

  • Check out university publications, universities’ websites, etc.
  • Review the:
  • Become familiar with and observe the application procedures for each university and program you apply to.
  • If you are considering a program in the rehabilitation sciences, you should be aware of the guidelines developed by the Ontario Council of University Programs in Rehabilitation Sciences. You should direct any questions about these guidelines to the university’s accessibility services office or the specific program’s admission office.

Step 2: Send request for references

Ensure you give your referees enough time to complete their reference and submit it to ORPAS by the deadline.

Step 3: Prepare and submit your application

Submit your application and all required documents and transcripts by the deadlines, as specified by the rehabilitation science schools you apply to.

Required documentation includes:

ORPAS will forward required documentation received after the deadline to the applicable rehabilitation science schools; however, we cannot guarantee that they will consider these documents. The application process may be delayed until all required transcripts and documents are received, as specified by the universities and programs you apply to.

Normally, unsolicited application materials and information will not be considered for admission purposes.

Step 4: Upload supplementary documentation

Any time after you start your application, you can use Secure Applicant Messaging (SAM) to upload your supplementary documentation, as required by the universities you apply to.

Supplementary documentation includes:

  • Course descriptions (if required)
  • Proof of Indigenous status
  • Proof of permanent resident (landed immigrant) status (not required if you are a Canadian citizen)

Check Document Tracking in your application frequently to ensure that all documents are received by their respective deadlines.

Step 5: Submit your application by the deadline

  • Prepare and submit your application by the deadline.
  • You will receive an OUAC/ORPAS Reference Number (2025-84xxxx) and an acknowledgement email from ORPAS when you submit and pay for your application.
  • If you do not receive an acknowledgement email, contact us immediately via SAM.
  • We will perform an item‑by‑item review to compare all courses on the academic record against your official university transcripts. Beginning in February and after this review, you will be able to verify the application data we have on file.

Your Responsibilities

Immunizations

You must be immunized against various diseases before you enter a clinical setting. If you fail to fulfill these requirements, it may delay or prevent you from graduating from your program.

Training

Some programs, such as Standard First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), require training prior to admission.

For some clinical sites, you must complete site-specific training before clinical placements begin. Training costs are at your own expense.

Police Record Check

As a condition of admission, some schools require you to undergo a Police Record Check (PRC) or Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) (the most comprehensive type of PRC available) prior to or upon acceptance into a program. In addition, many placement sites require you to have a PRC or VSC prior to going on placement or field work.

If you fail to comply with these requirements, it may result in the following:

  • You may not be permitted to register in the program until the check is complete.
  • You may not be able to attend your clinical placement.
  • You may be asked to leave your placement site and not return until you can show your PRC or VSC.
  • A placement site may not accept you for a placement based on the results of your check.
  • Progression through the program may be delayed or suspended.
  • Multiple checks may be required throughout the program, and all costs associated with obtaining the checks will be at your expense.

Travel Requirements

You may be required to travel for program-related activities and courses, including, but not limited to:

  • Mandatory teaching sessions
  • Clinical placements within a program’s catchment area
  • Clinical placements outside of a program’s catchment area

Hours of Study

Evening and/or weekend hours may be required during the academic program, including clinical practica.


Other Responsibilities and Reminders

Your ORPAS Application

  • Each of the universities and programs has its own admission requirements and reserves the right to determine whether degrees granted by postsecondary institutions are suitable for the purpose of admission. Be aware of these variations and be sure you qualify for consideration before submitting your application.
  • The application process is lengthy. The amount of time required depends on the number of universities and programs you apply to. Allow 5 to 25 hours to prepare your application.
  • You must rank your program choices in order of preference. Ranking information is not used during the application review process and is not used as a criterion for admission.
  • Submit only 1 ORPAS application for admission in 2025.
  • Submit only 1 set of application materials and academic documents, regardless of the number of schools you apply to.
  • We will process and forward applications to all requested rehabilitation sciences programs regardless of your qualifications or the completeness of your application.
  • Contact the rehabilitation sciences program directly for additional information about their academic program and admission requirements.

Your OUAC Account

  • If you already created an OUAC account, you do not need to create a new one. Do not take over an account created by someone else.
  • Protect the personal information in your OUAC Account and your application. Do not provide it to anyone else or to other organizations in any form (e.g., paper, PDF).

Fees and Documentation

  • Application fees are non‑refundable.
  • We will not accept faxed or emailed documentation.
  • We do not accept “collect” courier deliveries (COD) of any documents.
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