Canada seems to have the best of everything in life – healthcare, environment, education. With that, it is not surprising that it’s a magnet for international students. The high-quality education coupled with the warm welcome, a chance to learn about new cultures, and access to career opportunities have made many individuals opt to get their bachelor’s degree in this country.
This article will discuss a few essential things you should know before applying to Canadian universities. Let’s take a look at them!
Bachelor’s Degree Admission Requirements
To enter a Canadian bachelor’s program, you generally need a secondary school diploma or equivalent and strong academic grades. Many successful international students exceed the minimum GPA requirement. For example, Nadya Heryanto applied to the University of Toronto with an IB score of 44/45. Canadian universities emphasize academic performance, and most public institutions do not require standardized tests like the SAT or ACT. In addition to grades, admissions committees value rigorous preparation. Ngoc Anh Thu Huynh, a Lester B. Pearson scholar, entered the University of Toronto with both an International Baccalaureate diploma and an Ontario Secondary School Diploma, demonstrating exceptional academic readiness. Applicants should prepare to submit official transcripts, proof of completed coursework (such as advanced math for STEM programs), and often a personal statement or a resume highlighting achievements.
Language Proficiency Tests Needed for Bachelor’s Studies
Most Canadian universities teach in English, so international applicants must demonstrate English proficiency. The two main accepted tests are IELTS and TOEFL iBT. For instance, the University of Waterloo requires an IELTS score of at least 6.5 overall, with no band below 6.0. Similarly, a TOEFL iBT score in the upper 80s to low 90s is usually acceptable; for example, the University of Toronto expects around 89. Some universities also accept alternative exams such as the PTE Academic, Duolingo English Test, or CAEL. If your prior education was in English, you may qualify for a test exemption, but otherwise, it’s important to plan for these exams and aim to meet or exceed the published score requirements.
We’ll take University of British Columbia as an example for the language proficiency requirements. Here are ways to comply: complete four or more successive years of full-time English education; get at least 70% on the provincial examination portion of the Alberta English Language Arts 30-1, BC English 12, or equivalents; get at least 4 on Advanced Placement (AP) English Language & Composition or AP Literature & Composition; get at least 5 on International Baccalaureate English A; spend four or more years in an international secondary school, or receive a University of British Columbia Certificate in English Language from the university’s English Language Institute. You may also submit test scores from the following: CAEL, Cambridge English (B2, C1, C2), CEL, IELTS, PTE. You may also file a waiver if you are proficient in English already.
This waiver for the University of British Columbia English requirements involves submitting a letter explaining why you should be exempted. You must also pass a letter of recommendation from previous mentors testifying that your English skills are at par with native speakers. You must also submit academic transcripts. Other proofs like SAT scores may also be attached.
Bachelor’s Degree Application Process
Required Documents and Essays
International applicants must submit applications (often online through the university or a provincial portal) along with several key documents. This usually includes official transcripts from all high school years, proof of graduation, letters of recommendation, and one or more essays or personal statements. Applicants often work on these materials months in advance. For example, Kazakh student Alina Zholaman spent the entire summer before her 11th grade polishing her resume and essays. She had her school provide recommendation letters and even completed her Common App by early August to meet early deadlines. The personal essay is especially important; Alina reports writing many drafts of her admissions and scholarship essays, seeking feedback to ensure her story was communicated genuinely. Every program has its own questions or prompts, so tailor your statement to the school’s requirements. In general, be prepared to tell your story (academic interests, achievements, goals) authentically. Hannah Emambocus followed this advice when applying for scholarships at the University of Toronto and emphasizes being genuine in essays.
Scholarship Applications
Many international students apply for scholarships alongside admission. These can have additional steps. For example, the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship at the University of Toronto is extremely competitive and requires a school nomination. Hannah Emambocus explains that for the Pearson scholarship each high school can only nominate one student, so the selection is very tough. In her application, Hannah compiled transcripts from grades 10–12, listed all academic awards, and wrote a passionate personal essay. Ahnaf Rahman also won the Pearson Scholarship with top credentials (45/45 IB) and notes that no extra standardized tests were needed beyond normal application materials. In fact, once basic documents are ready, you often just follow each scholarship’s guidelines (deadline, essays, etc.).
Some scholarships are awarded on the basis of admission merit. Nadya Heryanto, for instance, didn’t even submit a separate scholarship application. With her outstanding grades (IB 44/45) she received multiple large merit awards from the University of Toronto upon admission. In her case, U of T offered an International Scholars Award (full-tuition) and additional scholarships totaling about CAD $100,000 for her chosen program. This illustrates that strong academic and extracurricular performance can automatically qualify you for major funding. Nonetheless, always check each university’s scholarships: some (like Pearson) require special essays or interviews, while others (like international scholarships or departmental awards) may be granted based solely on your admission application.
If you are interested, there are many scholarships offered at Canadian institutions for international students, and you can check these out in our database of Bachelor’s Scholarships in Canada. Also, if you are interested, check out stories of scholarship recipients who have received Bachelor’s scholarships in Canada.
We hope that this article on Study Bachelor’s in Canada was helpful. To learn more information on how you can study in Canada, check out the Available Programs for International Students.
