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ADMISSION PROCESS IN CANADA
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
In order to get admitted to a Canadian college or university, students have to meet certain criteria and requirements, whether it is an undergraduate or graduate program. Each institution sets its own admission standards depending on field of studies, program level, and each individual applicant. Furthermore, entry requirements are subject to change at the time of application.
It is highly recommended to check the application deadlines and start the application process at least one year prior the actual date of enrolment.
Although admission policies vary from school to school, below is a general list of documents that international students might be required to provide in order to be officially accepted at a post-secondary institution in Canada:
PROOF OF IDENTITY
You will be asked to provide a valid passport (scan of photo identification pages). Also, your passport should be valid for more than 6 months at the time you submit the application form.
ACADEMIC RECORDS
You will be required to submit full official transcripts from all your relevant academic qualifications:
- Official transcript of your last three years of high school or any other college you have attended
- Certified copy of high school graduation certificate/diploma (if available at time of application)
- High school Grade Point Average (GPA) may be required in some cases.
STANDARDIZED TESTS
There are no centralized Canada-wide entrance tests. Each institute sets its own admission standards and assesses the qualifications of each applicant individually. The most common entrance exams are:
- SAT I and II (Scholastic Aptitude Tests)
- MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)
- LSAT (Law School Admission Test)
- GRE (Graduate Record Exam) – for graduate programs
- GMAT (General Management Aptitude Test ) for graduate programs
International students whose native language is not English must take one of the following English proficiency tests:
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
- TOEFL – the minimum score required by most universities for admission is 580 paper-based or 90 internet-based
- IELTS – the minimum overall band score of 7 or above
- CAEL – 70 with no band score lower than 60
- MELAB – 85 per section
GRADUATE STUDENTS
- TOEFL – the minimum score is 570 paper-based or 61 Internet-based
- IELTS – an overall band score of 6 or above
- CAEL – band score of 50-60 or above
- MELAB – 80 per section
- PTE Academic – 6 or above
Please note that proficiency levels are determined by the institution, and may require higher scores, depending on the major of study.
Note: Additionally, many universities in Canada have their own English proficiency tests for undergraduate and graduate programs. French institutions may ask for a DELF test or have their own language assessment methods.
LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation letters play an important part in the admission decision, especially in courses that may lead to master’s or doctoral degrees. Many universities have their own format and questions that have to be answered by the person who is writing the reference letter on your behalf.
It is advisable to include at least two letters of recommendation in your application package, as they increase your chances of obtaining a successful admission.
CREDENTIAL EVALUATION
If you completed your undergraduate studies outside of Canada, you may have to pay an International Credential Evaluation fee to validate your qualifications.
ADMISSION ESSAY
The essay should include your reasons for choosing a particular program, the suitability of education and experience for your chosen field, and your personal interests and goals. In addition, the essay should be no more than 500 words in length. Please not that some courses, like Business school courses, will have their own essay questions and format. The essay may help you in receiving for both admissions and financial aid or scholarships (if applicable).
INTERVIEW
Some universities and colleges arrange interviews with prospective students. The interview could be with college representatives, admissions counselors, or alumni of the institution, and may take place on campus or via Skype/telephone. These interviews are usually more informal and do not require much preparation in advance.
There are some differences in the application process if you are applying to colleges and universities in the province of Ontario and in the province of Quebec, compared to colleges and universities in the rest of Canada. Please contact our advisors for more information and assistance.
