StudyCanada guide · reviewed October 2026
Prepare your application
Create a separate checklist for each program: academic records, language evidence, deadlines and documents requested by the institution.
Ask how documents must be submitted and whether translations are required. Check conditions and refund rules before paying an application fee or deposit.
- Record the exact program and intake
- List missing documents
- Use the institution’s official application process
Official resources
My study plan →Read the current guide on this topic →Historical record
The original text is preserved below.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: Undergraduate studies
This listing
provides a general outline of requirements for students interested
in applying to a university undergraduate program in Canada. There
are a wide variety of programs to choose from at this level.
Please note that specific requirements for institutions will vary and students are encouraged to check directly with the institution(s) they are interested in for specific admissions requirements.
Successful completion of the equivalent of a Canadian secondary school academic program with strong marks. Proof of strong proficiency in English (or French if studies in French). Students may be required to provide proof of language proficiency by way of a language proficiency test (For example TOEFL, IELTS, MELAB). Generally, Francophone universities require international students to complete their own test of French proficiency. Some institutions have other forms of English or French language assessment; they may offer their own language proficiency test or, may admit students to academic programs on the basis of having successfully completed that institution's language program
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: Graduate Studies
This listing provides
a general outline of requirements for students interested in applying
to a university graduate program in Canada. There are a wide variety
of programs to choose from at this level.
Please note that specific requirements for institutions will vary and students are encouraged to check directly with the institution(s) they are interested in for specific admissions requirements.
- Completion of an acceptable undergraduate degree from an accredited/recognized university
- High level of academic achievement in previous studies
- Strong reference letters
- Written Statements
- Standardized tests such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT)
Specialized Programs
To enter programs such as health sciences,
law, and architecture, students must have already completed up to
four years of university study.