
Next Level College Application
Canada
What’s Unique About Applying to the Canadian University System?
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1. Academics Are the Main Focus
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Admissions are mostly based on academic performance—especially your final two years of high school (grades 11 and 12).
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There’s usually less emphasis on essays, extracurriculars, or recommendation letters—unless you're applying to competitive programs (e.g., business, engineering, or scholarships).
2. Program-Specific Entry
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Like the UK and Australia, students apply directly to a specific program (e.g., Life Sciences, Engineering, or Commerce), not just to the university.
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You’re expected to have taken certain high school courses that match the program (e.g., math, chemistry, physics).
3. Centralized vs. Direct Applications
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Some provinces use centralized systems, like:
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OUAC (Ontario Universities' Application Centre)
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ApplyAlberta
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In other provinces, or for international students, you may apply directly to the university through their website.
4. Rolling and Early Offers
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Applications are generally open from October to January/February.
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Many universities make early offers based on predicted or mid-year grades.
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Offers can be conditional, depending on your final marks.
5. Cost and Scholarships
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Tuition for international students is less expensive than the U.S., but more than for domestic students.
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There are merit-based scholarships, and some universities offer automatic entrance awards based on grades.
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A few universities (like UBC and University of Toronto) offer need-based or full-ride scholarships for international students.
6. Bilingual and Regional Options
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Canada has both English and French-language universities. Some, like University of Ottawa or McGill, offer bilingual programs.
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There’s a wide geographic spread—from big-city campuses (like Toronto or Vancouver) to smaller university towns.
7. Work Opportunities
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International students can work part-time while studying and may be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)—a pathway to permanent residency for many students.
Canada

Resources
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Ontario Universities' Application Centre
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Canadian University Application Centre
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