Canadian entry requirements
Canadian entry requirements
Learn what’s required for you to enter a degree (or degree preparation) program at a Canadian university.
Am I eligible to apply to a Canadian degree program?
Your eligibility for admission to a Canadian degree program will depend on your:
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Degree admission entry requirements
Please note that admission requirements vary by university and degree program.
Use our degree finder tool to find a Canadian degree and see its specific entry requirements.
What academic qualifications do I need to apply for a Canadian degree?
For admission to a Canadian bachelor’s degree program:
- Graduation (or be graduating soon) from a recognized senior secondary school program
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 or equivalent
For admission to a Canadian master’s degree program:
- Completion of a 4-year bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- Equivalent of a minimum “B” average over the last two years of your degree
To transfer into a Canadian bachelor’s degree program:
- Minimum of 24 or maximum of 60 transferable academic credits
- Equivalent of a minimum “C” average over the most recent 12 undergraduate units attempted
What English language qualifications do I need to apply for a Canadian degree?
For admission to a Canadian bachelor’s degree program:
- Minimum IELTS 6.5 (no subscore below 6.0) or equivalent
For admission to a Canadian master’s degree program:
- Minimum IELTS 6.5 (no subscore below 6.0) or equivalent
To transfer into a Canadian bachelor’s degree program:
- Minimum IELTS 6.5 (no subscore below 6.0) or equivalent*
*The English language proficiency requirement may also be met in other ways. For example, if English is your primary language, if you’ve studied in an English-speaking country or have a qualification from a recognized institution at which the language of instruction is English.
Degree preparation entry requirements
Please note requirements vary by university.
What academic qualifications do I need to apply for Canadian degree preparation programs?
To apply for Canadian bachelor’s degree preparation programs:
- Graduation (or be graduating soon) from a recognized senior secondary school program
- Minimum 3.0 GPA or equivalent
To apply for Canadian master’s degree preparation programs:
- Completion of a 4-year bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- Minimum 3.0 GPA or equivalent
What English language level do I need to apply for Canadian degree preparation programs?
To apply for Canadian bachelor’s degree preparation programs:
- Minimum IELTS 5.5 or equivalent
To apply for Canadian master’s degree preparation programs:
- Minimum IELTS 5.5 or equivalent
If you don’t meet the entry requirements
What if I don’t meet the academic entry requirements?
If your English language level does not qualify you for admission directly into a degree program, you may have the option to join a degree preparation program.
A degree preparation program can help you meet the academic entry requirements for your chosen degree program. If you’re unsure if your academic background qualifies you for degree admission, get in touch and we can discuss your options.
What if I don’t meet the English language entry requirements?
If your English language level does not yet meet the requirements to enter a degree program, then you may be able to join an English language preparation program.
An English language program can help you meet the minimum English requirements to join a Canadian degree program or a degree preparation program, and allows you to improve your English level while you earn bachelor’s degree credits.
Which English language tests are accepted?
Our Canadian university partner accepts, scores from the following English language exams:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT
Additional entry requirements
Standardized admission tests
Some Canadian university master’s programs may require you to submit your official results from the GRE or GMAT tests.
Undergraduate students who have studied an American curriculum may need to submit an SAT or ACT score.
Previous study or experience
Canadian bachelor’s degree programs
To be considered for undergraduate admission, some bachelor’s degree programs will require you to complete high school courses in certain subjects. Depending on the program you’re interested in, you may also be required to submit supplementary application materials (such as a creative portfolio).
Canadian master’s degree programs
Some master’s degree programs in Canada may require that you earned a bachelor’s degree in a certain subject (or “major”). Depending on the graduate program you’re applying to, you may also be required to submit a supplemental application or have relevant work experience.
You need the following documents:
