OMSAS Deadline 2026: Timeline, When It Will Open and More

OMSAS will open on July 10, 2025 for the 2026 application cycle. The application deadline is 

October 1, 2025, at 4:30 PM ET, which is consistent with the traditional early October deadline that has been maintained across recent years.

Complete Timeline Overview

Pre-Application Phase

• July 10, 2025: OMSAS application opens.
• August 22, 2025: Deadline to apply for the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada Ontario Medical School Application Fee Waiver Program

Application Phase

• September 15, 2025: Recommended deadline to send reference forms to referees to allow sufficient time for completion.
• October 1, 2025, 4:30 PM ET: Final deadline to submit OMSAS application – this is a strict deadline with no exceptions.
• October 1, 2025: Deadline for transcripts, academic documents, references, and all payments.

Post-Application Phase

• October 21, 2025: Deadline for OMSAS to receive MCAT scores (scores should be requested by October 17, 2025)
• December 2, 2025: Deadline for Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) School of Medicine applications

Admission Decisions

• May 13, 2026: First round of admission offers sent out.
• June 30, 2026: Deadline for final transcripts.

Important Changes for 2026

New Residency Requirements

Starting with the 2026 application cycle, Ontario is implementing significant changes to medical school admissions. 95% of medical school seats will be reserved for Ontario residents, with only 5% available for students from other Canadian provinces. International students will be effectively barred from enrolling in Ontario medical schools. 

Learn more about  Ontario Med School Ban: Student Alternatives

Learn and Stay Program

The Ontario government is investing $88 million over three years to expand the “Learn and Stay” grant program, which covers tuition, books, and supplies for students who commit to practicing family medicine in Ontario after graduation. This program will benefit approximately 1,360 eligible students and is designed to address Ontario’s primary care physician shortage.

Read more on 2026 Guide for Ontario Medical Schools Application

Application Components and Timeline

MCAT Requirements

Most Ontario medical schools require the MCAT, though NOSM University, the University of Ottawa, and Toronto Metropolitan University do not require it. For schools that do require it, you should complete the MCAT well before the application deadline to ensure scores are available.

Reference Letters

It’s recommended to contact referees by early summer to give them adequate time to complete strong reference letters. The recommended deadline to send reference requests is September 15, 2025.

Supporting Documents

All transcripts, academic documents, and supporting materials must be submitted by October 1, 2025. The system operates on a strict timeline with no exceptions for late submissions.

Application Process Duration

On average, completing the entire OMSAS application takes 1-2 months. Given the complexity of the application, including the Autobiographical Sketch (ABS), personal essays, and gathering supporting documents, early preparation is crucial for success.

Medical Schools Participating in OMSAS

OMSAS handles applications for seven medical schools in Ontario:

• Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine (McMaster University)
• Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM University)
• University of Ottawa Medical School
• Queen’s University Medical School
• University of Toronto Medical School
• Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry (Western University)
• Toronto Metropolitan University School of Medicine

The centralized system allows applicants to apply to multiple schools with a single application, streamlining the process significantly compared to applying to each school individually.

Key Planning Recommendations

Early Preparation Timeline

Given that OMSAS applications typically take 1-2 months to complete thoroughly, you should begin preparing well before the July 2025 opening date. Start gathering transcripts, contacting referees, and preparing your Autobiographical Sketch during the spring of 2025.

Document Tracking

OMSAS provides a Document Tracking feature within your application that you should check frequently to ensure all required documents are received by their respective deadlines. Missing documents can result in your application being placed on hold.

No Exceptions Policy

It’s important to understand that OMSAS operates under a strict “no exceptions” policy for deadlines.  Late submissions will not be accepted, and medical schools will not review incomplete applications. This makes early preparation and submission essential for a successful application.

The centralized OMSAS system streamlines applications to all seven participating Ontario medical schools, but the rigid timeline structure means careful planning and early action are absolutely critical for meeting all required deadlines in the 2026 application cycle.

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