Ontario Tech's high school student application growth continues to significantly outpace provincial university system

As Ontario Tech celebrates its 20th anniversary, the university has experienced another significant achievement with more Ontario high school students than ever before applying to study at the university.

This achievement comes in the form of a surge in applications from Ontario high school students, marking a record-breaking total of 13,365 applications according to the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) 2024-2025 data released on January 22. This reflects an impressive 7.6 percent increase compared to the previous year, positioning Ontario Tech as the third-highest in year-over-year percentage growth across the provincial university system. Notably, Ontario Tech surpasses the overall university system application growth average of five percent, as highlighted by OUAC.

Ontario Tech’s application data is even more impressive when measured against recent history. The current application figures represent an almost 30 percent rise from January 2022 when the university surpassed the 10,000-application milestone for the first time. Additionally, there is a remarkable 73 per cent increase when compared to January 2021, showcasing the university’s sustained and notable upward trajectory

Corresponding increase in number of students selecting Ontario Tech as their first-choice university

Ontario Tech’s success in the new recruitment cycle is paralleled by more students indicating it as their first-choice university, which is testament to the university’s brand strength and impressive reputation. With 1,626 students choosing Ontario Tech as their first-choice institution, the university has seen a 3.1 per cent increase over last year in the same category.

Why are more students than ever choosing Ontario Tech?

Some of the reasons why Ontario Tech continues to experience a strong surge in applications include:

• Tech-driven and career-focused programs that prepare students to excel for in-demand industries.
• 100 per cent of programs include experiential learning opportunities (activities such as: Capstones, co-ops, internships, entrepreneurial work terms, practicums/placements, labs, research/independent study, and/or undergraduate thesis) which offer students access to 300+ industry and community partners.
• New direct-entry co-op programs allow for students to gain valuable experience within their field of study.
• Ontario Tech’s growing reputation and influence: named one of the world’s Top 200 Young Universities (universities founded later than 1973), continued strong results in the Maclean’s magazine rankings and being named Canada’s Research University of the Year among the country’s smaller universities.
• A modern, close-knit university campus community where students can thrive and build long-lasting memories and relationships.

Popular Ontario Tech programs for the 2024-2025 recruitment cycle

• Biological Science
• Communication and Digital Media Studies
• Educational Studies
• Finance
• Human Health Science
• Mechanical Engineering
• Neuroscience
• Nuclear Engineering

Over the coming months, Ontario Tech will continue to send offers of admission to its leading degree programs and award-winning campus.

• Learn more about student success stories at Ontario Tech University.

Quote

“Ontario Tech’s reputation for delivering a compelling array of in-demand degree programs, all complemented by high-quality student services and our powerful connections with industry partners, is reflected in our consistent growth in applications. Our job-ready graduates, equipped with the tools of our ethical approach to technology, are making a difference in today’s workplaces. The Ontario Tech story and fresh brand we unveiled in 2019 are clearly resonating with the future students we look forward to joining our welcoming campus culture.”
-Dr. Joe Stokes, Ontario Tech Registrar

Media contact

Bryan Oliver
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
289.928.3653
bryan.oliver@ontariotechu.ca

About Ontario Tech University: Celebrating 20 years
A modern, forwarding-thinking university, Ontario Tech advances the discovery and application of knowledge to accelerate economic growth, regional development and social innovation. We inspire and equip our students and our graduates to make a positive impact in a tech-focused world. For us, it’s not only about developing the next tech breakthrough. Understanding and integrating the social and ethical implications of technology differentiates us as university. Learn more at ontariotechu.ca.