Admission in Canada: UG and PG Application Process, Eligibility Criteria, Deadline

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Veda Burman

| Updated On - Oct 13, 2023

Admission in Canada has been offered to 807,750 international students from around the globe in the last academic year. India is the greatest source of international students admission in Canada with 2,26,450 candidates entering in 2022. In the past decade, the international undergraduate and graduate admissions in Canada significantly increased from 7.2% to 17.8%. 

Prospective students can pursue undergraduate, postgraduate and professional courses across the globally recognized colleges and universities in Canada. The universities in Canada accept Indian students with degrees from recognized higher education institutions. As a non-native English speaker, Indian students will require an English proficiency test score like IELTS or equivalent to enter the universities in Canada. You might also need competitive scores in standardized entrance examinations like GRE or GMAT for admission in graduate level. Students should demonstrate SOP, academic and professional LORs, resume, proof of professional experience and related documents for specific courses.

Do you know the best intakes for Indian students to study in Canada? Click below and get full information about the intakes, here:

How To Get Admission To Canada?

The application process for admission to Canada varies based on universities, course types and admission sessions. Some of the key factors to consider before applying to study in Canada are as follows:

  • Eligibility for admission to your preferred institute
  • Documents required for admission to the specific program
  • Language proficiency requirements (English or French)
  • Application process
  • Application deadlines
  • Document submission deadlines
  • Decision dates
  • Canada student visa eligibility criteria and application process

Canada Application Process

The step-by-step application process for admission to the universities in Canada is provided below:

  • Step 1: Choose a suitable program for yourself. Check for universities offering the program.
  • Step 2: Check the intakes in which students are enrolled. The intake process in Canada is generally conducted in the academic terms of Fall, Winter, or Spring.
  • Step 3: Visit the websites of the universities you are interested in and check for the application process, application deadlines, admission requirements for international students (check country specific requirements if available).
  • Step 4: Apply to the university through the official application portal, pay the application fee and submit all the supporting documents.
  • Step 5: Wait for the decision to be released by the university. If selected, you can confirm your admission within the stipulated deadline.
  • Step 6: Apply for a Canada student visa. You need to demonstrate your proof of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) with a letter of acceptance from the university.
  • Step 7: You can apply to the scholarships available for international students to fulfill your financial requirements for the program. International students are offered with various need or merit-based scholarships to study in Canada.

Admission Requirements in Canada

The admission requirements in Canada widely vary based on the university, program type, and citizenship of the student. A list of the documents generally required for admission to the undergraduate and graduate programs in Canada is provided here:

  • Completed application form(s)
  • Academic transcripts and related certificates of high school, undergraduate or graduate degree (if available)
  • Course-specific standardized test score
  • SOP for Canada
  • Letter(s) of Recommendation
  • Language proficiency test score (English proficiency is required for majority of the programs, French proficiency is required for a few courses)
  • Scanned copy of passport
  • Canada student visa
  • Photograph
  • Updated CV or resume
  • Proof of finance availability
  • Proof of professional experience (if any)

Note: Some universities in Canada might require your physical interview after the initial selection process.

English Proficiency Requirements in Canada

International students from a non-English speaking country need to demonstrate their proficiency in English for admission to the Universities in Canada. You can demonstrate your English proficiency with competitive scores in IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo and few other tests. The following table consists of some of the top universities in Canada and the minimum English language proficiency test scores required for admission.

University Minimum IELTS Score for UG Courses Minimum IELTS Score for Graduate Courses
University of Toronto 6.5 (6.0 in each section) 6.5 (6.0 in each section)
McGill University 6.5 overall, 6.0 in each component Band score of 6.5
University of British Columbia 6.5 (6.0 in each section) 6.5 (6.0 in each section)
University of Alberta 6.5 (6.0 in each section) 6.5 (6.0 in each section)
University of Ottawa 6.5 band score 6.5 band score
McMaster University 6.5 (6.0 in each section) 6.5 with 5.5 in each section
University of Montreal - 6.5 with 6.0 in each section
University of Waterloo 6.5 overall (Writing and speaking: 6.5 | Reading and listening: 6.0) 7.0 (6.5 in each section)
Western University 6.5 6.5
University of Calgary 6.5 6.5 (6.0 in each section)
Queen’s University 6.0 (5.5 in each component) 6.5 (6.0 in each section)
Simon Fraser University 6.5 (6.0 in each section) 7.0 (6.5 in each section)
Dalhousie University 7.0 band score 6.0 band score

Standardized Test Score for Admission to Canada

International students need to submit course-specific standardized test scores for admission to various graduate programs in Canada. Following are some of the popular exams for admission to Canada and the scores required.

Program Type Test Average Score Required
MS and related courses GRE 300-320
MBA and other business courses GMAT 500-600
MD MCAT 490-500

Graduate Admissions in Canada

Admission to the graduate programs in Canada is moderately competitive for international students. For the majority of the master’s programs, students need a good bachelor’s degree from a recognized higher educational institute. Students must demonstrate a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (85%) to be considered to apply for admission to the top universities in Canada. A competitive GRE or GMAT score can add value to your graduate-program application. Following are some of the top universities in Canada for graduate courses and their application fees:

University Graduate Application Fee (CAD) Fee for Indian Students (INR)
University of Toronto 125 7,610
McGill University Winter 2024: 129.03 7,854
Summer, Fall: 132.90 8,090
University of British Columbia 168.25 10,242
University of Alberta 135 8,218
University of Calgary 145 8,827
Queen’s University 110 6,696
Simon Fraser University 125 7,609
University of Ottawa 75 4,565
McMaster University All Programs: 110 6,695
MBA and MS in Finance: 150 9,130
University of Montreal 77.25 4,702
Dalhousie University 115 7,000
University of Waterloo 125 7,608
Western University 150 9,131

Undergraduate Admissions in Canada

In Canada, the majority of the undergraduate students are enrolled in the spring semester. A list of the top universities in Canada enrolling undergraduate students, their application deadlines and application fees are as follows:

University Program Undergraduate Application Deadline
University of Toronto All programs January 15, 2024
Bachelor of Information June 4, 2024
Medical Radiation Sciences February 1, 2024
Nursing January 15, 2024
Physician Assistant January 17, 2024
McGill University All programs January 15, 2024
University of British Columbia All programs with few exceptions January 15, 2024
University of Alberta (Variable, course-specific deadlines) Most programs March 1, 2024
University of Ottawa Science Fall: April 1, 2024
Engineering Fall: February 15, 2024 and April 1, 2024
Arts Fall: April 1, 2024
McMaster University Arts and Science, Business, Computer Science and related courses April 1, 2024
University of Waterloo Most Programs February 1, 2024
Western University Full time first year programs (early consideration) October 2, 2024 | November 1, 2024 | December 1, 2024
University of Calgary All programs Fall: March 1, 2024
Nursing Winter: September 1, 2024
Energy Engineering Spring: February 1, 2024
Community Based Education Summer: March 1, 2024
Queen’s University All first year programs February 1, 2024
Simon Fraser University Undergraduate programs Fall: January 31, 2024
Summer: January 15, 2024
Dalhousie University Bachelor of Health Sciences February 15, 2024
Bachelor of Health Sciences (Post-Diploma only) June 15, 2024
Bachelor of Science (Nursing) February 15, 2024
Bachelor of Environmental Design Studies March 1, 2024
Bachelor of Science (Medical Sciences) February 15, 2024

Considering the ultramodern education facilities, admission in Canada is a wise choice. The admission requirements in Canada are comparatively more achievable than countries like USA. Remember, the university might require you to apply early for scholarships.

FAQs

Ques. How can I get admission to Canada?

Ans. For admission to Canada, international students need a high-school degree, undergraduate degree or graduate degree from a recognized university. The top Canadian universities expect a minimum GPA of 2.5 to 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (77-85%) from prospective students. You must acquire a Canada student visa to secure admission.

Ques. Do I need IELTS to study in Canada?

Ans. Indian students need a competitive IELTS score or equivalent English proficiency test score for admission to Canada. An IELTS score of 6.0 to 7.0 or equivalent is the minimum requirement for admission to the majority of the universities in Canada.

Ques. What month is Fall admission in Canada?

Ans. The Fall applications in Canada are generally accepted between September and December. Some universities also accept students for the fall term post application deadline, based on the seats available.

Ques. Is Canada accepting Indian students?

Ans. Yes. Canada's doors are open for study visas of Indian students. In 2022, a total of 2,26,450 Indian students enrolled to the Canadian higher educational institutes, making India the greatest source of international students.

Ques. What is the age limit to study in Canada?

Ans. To study in Canada, students need to be at least 18 years old. Minor students can also study in Canada with a study permit, and few additional documents.

Ques. Can I get free admission in Canada?

Ans. Students can secure admission in Canada for free with tuition and living expenses being waived by scholarships and grants. In Canada, universities and private organizations assist students financially by offering up to 100,000 CAD (60.84 lakhs INR).

Comments


1 Comment
M
monesha balasambandam
Hi , I havent given IELTS yet, booked at the end of jan . am i eligible to apply for September intake in canada . please clarify if gre has been completely waived off. Thanks in advance
S
Sinbad Chongtham

The application deadline differ from one institute to another and it is important that you must submit your application before the given deadlines. Please visit the official website of the university to check the application deadlines. The admission requirements is also program-specific. Submission of GRE score is mandatory for admission at some institutes.


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