Before you compare requirements
Meeting minimum requirements establishes eligibility only. It does not guarantee admission, scholarship consideration, PGWP eligibility, or study permit approval.
- Check the official institution and program page
- Confirm required subjects, grades, and credential level
- Confirm accepted English or French language tests
- Check whether portfolios, references, resumes, interviews, auditions, or evaluations are required
Typical requirements by institution type
High Schools
Admission requirements for international students
Admission requirements
- Academic transcripts from previous years (typically last 2–3 years)
- Proof of English or French language proficiency (school assessment or test scores, as required)
- Letter of recommendation (if requested by the school)
- Custodian declaration if under 18 (as required by the province)
Requirements vary between districts and schools. Meeting minimums establishes eligibility only and does not guarantee admission.
Colleges
Diploma / Advanced Diploma, College Bachelor's, Post-Graduate Diploma / Certificate
Diploma / Advanced Diploma
- English proficiency: IELTS 6.0, TOEFL 80–86, Duolingo 105–115
- Secondary (high) school diploma or equivalent (by curriculum / country)
- Program-specific requirements (math, science, etc.)
- Minimum average: 65–70%
- Some programs require portfolios
College Bachelor's (3–4 years)
- English proficiency: IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 86–88, Duolingo 115–120
- Secondary school diploma or equivalent
- Program-specific subject requirements
- Minimum average: 70–75%
- Supplemental documents / portfolios if required
Post-Graduate Diploma / Certificate
- English proficiency: IELTS 6.5–7.0, TOEFL 86–88, Duolingo 120+
- Relevant bachelor's / college degree, minimum average 70–75%
- Program-specific requirements
- Some programs require additional forms, auditions, or portfolios
Requirements vary by institution and program. Meeting minimums establishes eligibility only and does not guarantee admission.
Universities
Bachelor's, Course-Based Master's, Thesis-Based Master's, PhD / Doctoral
Bachelor's Programs
- English proficiency: IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 86–88, Duolingo 115–120
- Secondary school diploma or recognized equivalent
- Program-specific prerequisite courses
- Minimum average: 75–80%
- Additional documents or portfolio if required
Course-Based Master's
- English proficiency: IELTS 6.5–7.0, TOEFL 88–100, Duolingo 120–130
- Honours bachelor's degree, minimum 75–78%
- Resume and supplementary information form
- Official transcripts
- Three references (two academic)
- Standardized tests (e.g., GRE / GMAT) may be required by some programs
Thesis-Based Master's
- Everything required for a course-based master's
- Plus a faculty supervisor's endorsement at admission
PhD / Doctoral Programs
- Usually a relevant master's degree; some programs allow direct entry from an honours bachelor's degree or transfer from a master's program
- Strong academic standing; minimum GPA or average varies by program and country of education
- Evidence of research ability and a statement of research interests or research proposal, where required
- Academic references, CV, and transcripts from previous post-secondary studies
- A suitable research supervisor; confirmation may be required before applying or before admission
- Proof of English or French proficiency, unless an exemption applies
- Interviews, writing samples, or standardized tests may be required by the program
Requirements vary by institution and program. Meeting minimums establishes eligibility only and does not guarantee admission.
Language tests
Most Canadian programs accept these English-language tests. Minimums vary by institution and program, and Duolingo, CAEL, and PTE are also widely accepted.
| Test | Undergraduate | Graduate |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.0–6.5 | 6.5–7.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | 80–88 | 90–100 |
| Duolingo / CAEL / PTE | Accepted | Accepted |
Scores can often be submitted after applying, and conditional admission is common when the rest of the file is strong.
Important Notice!
Admission, immigration, and study/work permit requirements can change. Always confirm current requirements before making final decisions.
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