We’ve made it easy for you to learn everything you need to know about how to apply to Canadian universities. Read on as we walk you through the application process and important timelines. With our comprehensive insights, you’ll be well-equipped to submit a standout application and take the next step in your academic journey!
Disclaimer: BeMo does not endorse or affiliate with any universities, colleges, or official test administrators. The content has been developed based on the most recent publicly available data provided from the official university website. However, you should always check the statistics/requirements with the official school website for the most up to date information. You are responsible for your own results.
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How to Apply to Canadian Universities Step 1: Research Canadian Universities and Programs
Before you can apply to a Canadian university, you need to research schools and programs to narrow down your choices. This checklist will help you streamline the process, save time, and pick the right schools for you.
How to Apply to Canadian Universities Step 2: Learn About Admission Requirements for Canadian Universities
GPA Requirements
Each university will have specific GPA requirements for admission to their programs, but meeting the minimum requirement might not be enough to get accepted. Ask your school guidance counsellor or check your academic transcripts to see what your GPA is. You can also use a reputable online GPA calculator to figure it out.
Once you have narrowed down your list of schools to apply to, check the GPA requirements to make sure you meet the minimum requirement. We’ve done some of that legwork for you in our comprehensive guides to getting accepted to schools like Carleton University, McGill University, and Queen’s University.
Prerequisite Courses
When preparing to apply to university, you must check program prerequisite requirements. For STEM programs, expect advanced math and science courses like calculus, physics, chemistry, and biology. Humanities programs often require courses in English, history, social sciences, or fine arts. Health sciences typically need biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology courses.
Do you need to write essays or personal statements for your applications? This strategy will impress the admissions committees:
Language Proficiency
For international students, taking a language exam may be required. Most Canadian universities accept IELTS or TOEFL for English proficiency and DELF for French proficiency. You can check the IELTS website for a list of minimum scores required by Canadian Universities. For the DELF exam, a score of 50 out of 100 points is considered a pass but some schools may require a higher score to be considered for acceptance.
We recommend that you confirm which test the school you are applying to accepts, and take it early. Aim for the highest score possible to strengthen your application.
Specific Program Requirements
Certain programs, such as fine arts or music, often require additional admission criteria beyond academic records. For example, applicants may need to submit portfolios showcasing their artistic abilities. Programs in performing arts often request auditions where applicants showcase their talents in areas like music, theater, or dance. Queen’s University, University of Victoria, and the University of Ottawa are just a few of the schools that require auditions for their music programs. Some of the schools with theatre programs also require auditions, including Dalhousie University and University of Toronto Mississauga. Simon Fraser University and York University hold auditions for students applying to their dance programs.
Interested in an overview of some of the key points from above? Check out this infographic:
Personal Statements
Some universities, like the University of British Columbia, require students to submit a personal statement, also called a personal profile or essay. Each school that requires one has specific criteria that must be met like word length and writing prompts. The length can be anywhere from 500 words to a few pages, depending on the school and program.
Admissions committees use these statements to:
- Assess fit with the program
- Evaluate communication skills
- Assess motivation for the chosen field
- Understand personal growth and resilience
- Evaluate critical thinking abilities
- Assess diversity and unique perspectives
- Identify potential contributions to university life
- Evaluate self-awareness and readiness for university
- Assess interest in the institution
- Identify red flags or inconsistencies
International students are typically required to submit a personal statement as part of their application to provide insights into their academic aspirations, personal experiences, and motivations for studying abroad. The prompts and requirements for international students may vary compared to domestic applicants.
Did you know that you can get expert support when planning for university? Our team of admissions experts can help you put together an application that leads to admission!
How to Apply to Canadian Universities Step 3: Confirm When Applications Are Due
In Canada, university application deadlines for undergraduate programs generally fall between January and March for September intake, though this can vary by province and institution. Many universities have a common deadline around January 15, but some may have deadlines as early as December or as late as March.
It's important to check specific dates directly with each university, as deadlines can differ based on the program and other factors, especially for international students who might need to apply earlier to allow for visa processing.
How to Apply to Canadian Universities Step 4: Submit Your Canadian University Application
Seven out of ten of Canada's provinces do not have a centralized university application system; instead, you need to check the school's website for instructions, the exact documents, and deadlines you need to apply. On the other hand, things are a little different in Alberta, British Colombia, and Ontario. These provinces have centralized online portals that streamline the application process for students.
How to Apply to Canadian Universities Step 5: Navigate Acceptance Offers from Canadian Universities
Receiving Offers
For high school students, acceptance offers are typically made between December and May for the upcoming fall term. For other students, offers are sent out starting in the spring and may continue through the summer months. Regularly check your email and application portals for updates.
Responding to Offers
Upon receiving an offer, promptly follow provided instructions to accept and confirm enrollment. This often involves submitting deposits.
Waitlist Strategy
If waitlisted, remain patient and explore other options while awaiting updates. Check out our expert tips on how to get off a waitlist.
FAQs
1. HOW HARD IS IT TO GET INTO CANADIAN UNIVERSITIES?
There is quite a bit of competition to get into Canadian universities. The acceptance rates for getting in will depend on the school and program that you're applying to.
2. WHAT CAN I DO TO IMPROVE MY CHANCES OF GETTING ACCEPTED INTO A CANADIAN UNIVERSITY?
You can increase your chances of admission by maintaining a high GPA, researching thoroughly, planning your application early, and working with college admissions consultants to strengthen your application.
3. WHAT GRADES DO I NEED TO GET INTO A CANADIAN UNIVERSITY?
In Canada, universities and their respective programs have their own overall grade requirements, so you should check the school's website for the most up-to-date information.
4. DO CANADIAN INSTITUTIONS ACCEPT INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS?
Yes. Not all of them do, but there are many that welcome international students. Simply check the school's website to confirm that international students can apply.
5. WHAT IS OUAC?
OUAC stands for the Ontario Universities' Application Centre. It is the centralized system through which applicants to Ontario undergraduate schools have to submit their applications.
6. WHAT IS APPLYALBERTA?
ApplyAlberta is similar to Common App or OUAC. It is a centralized system that allows prospective students to apply to multiple post-secondary institutions in the province at once.
7. WHAT IS EDUCATIONPLANNERBC?
EducationPlannerBC is a centralized resource that helps students plan, research, and apply for admission to post-secondary institutions in the province of British Columbia.
8. WHEN SHOULD I START PREPARING MY APPLICATION TO CANADIAN UNIVERSITIES?
It would be best if you started preparing at the beginning of your senior year of high school. This gives you enough time to thoroughly research your schools and programs before you have to prepare and submit your application.
9. CAN I TRANSFER CREDITS FROM ANOTHER INSTITUTION TO A CANADIAN UNIVERSITY?
Yes, many Canadian universities accept transfer credits from other institutions, both within Canada and internationally. It's advisable to contact the admissions office of the university you're interested in attending to ask about their specific transfer credit policies and procedures.
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