Studying Physics in Ontario
You can’t always apply to physics directly. Some universities admit you straight into it; others admit you into a broad first-year category and you choose physics later. That difference is why searching for a major by name can make it look like a university doesn’t offer it.
Apply broad, choose physics later
Western University
Apply to Science (ES)
You choose physics at the end of first year, during Intent to Register in March.
Physics, Astrophysics and Medical Physics are all modules inside the Department of Physics and Astronomy in the Faculty of Science — one OUAC choice (ES) covers them; there is no standalone 'Astronomy' module, only a Minor in Conceptual Astronomy. Western's own worked example says Math and Physics share code ES, so list Science only once.
https://welcome.uwo.ca/what-can-i-study/undergraduate-programs/science.htmlQueen's University
Apply to Science – Physical and Chemical Sciences (QSP)
You choose physics during Plan Selection in May at the end of first year.
Physics, Astrophysics and Mathematical Physics are all plans chosen after first year — Astrophysics is confirmed in the Arts and Science plan list. Requires English 4U, Calculus and Vectors 4U, and Physics 4U or Chemistry 4U. Do not confuse this with Engineering Physics, which is a Smith Engineering discipline entered through the engineering common first year (QE) — different faculty, different application, different degree. CODE CAVEAT: confirm QSP on OUAC; Queen's requirements table still prints Science (QS).
https://www.queensu.ca/artsci/undergraduate/first-year-students/plan-selectionMcMaster University
Apply to Chemical & Physical Sciences Gateway
You choose physics at the end of first year.
Honours Physics, Astrophysics, Medical & Biological Physics and Honours Mathematics and Physics are all Level 2 choices. If you want the combined Math & Physics program the Mathematics & Statistics Gateway also lists it — the requirement is the Level 1 courses, not which Gateway you sat in.
https://future.mcmaster.ca/programs/chemical-and-physical-sciences-gateway/University of Toronto — St. George
Apply to Mathematical & Physical Sciences
You choose physics at the end of first year.
Calendar confirms both the Physics Major and the Physics Specialist are open enrolment at 4.0 credits. Only SPH4U and MCV4U are required in Grade 12 — SCH4U is not on the requirement list for this program.
https://future.utoronto.ca/program/physics/University of Toronto — Mississauga
Apply to Chemical & Physical Sciences
You choose physics after first year (4.0 credits).
Physics, Biophysics, Astronomy and Astronomical Sciences all sit behind this one application code.
https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/future-students/programs/physicsUniversity of Toronto — Scarborough
Apply to Physical & Environmental Sciences (OUAC TSP)
You choose physics end of first year, on ACORN.
The program is called Physics and Astrophysics and it applies under TSP, not under Mathematics (TXS). Grade 12 Physics, Advanced Functions and Calculus & Vectors are all required; mid 70s.
https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/admissions/programs/physics-astrophysicsUniversity of Waterloo
Apply to Physical Sciences
You choose physics you name your physics major when you apply; Waterloo's physics page words it as selecting the major in first year, so it is not locked at application time.
Four separate physics majors live under Physical Sciences — Physics, Physics and Astronomy, Biological and Medical Physics, and Mathematical Physics — and you indicate one on the application. Mathematical Physics is confusingly also one of the 16 Mathematics majors (wm), so the same degree name sits under two different admission programs with different first years and different admission bars.
https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/programs/physical-sciences
Read off each university’s own admissions pages, and covering the seven campuses Ontario students apply to most. Entry structures change — confirm with the university before you build a timetable around one. Search all programs.