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Canada

What’s Unique About Applying to the Canadian University System?

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1. Academics Are the Main Focus

  • Admissions are mostly based on academic performance—especially your final two years of high school (grades 11 and 12).

  • 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

  • Like the UK and Australia, students apply directly to a specific program (e.g., Life Sciences, Engineering, or Commerce), not just to the university.

  • You’re expected to have taken certain high school courses that match the program (e.g., math, chemistry, physics).

3. Centralized vs. Direct Applications

  • Some provinces use centralized systems, like:

    • OUAC (Ontario Universities' Application Centre)

    • ApplyAlberta

  • In other provinces, or for international students, you may apply directly to the university through their website.

4. Rolling and Early Offers

  • Applications are generally open from October to January/February.

  • Many universities make early offers based on predicted or mid-year grades.

  • Offers can be conditional, depending on your final marks.

5. Cost and Scholarships

  • Tuition for international students is less expensive than the U.S., but more than for domestic students.

  • There are merit-based scholarships, and some universities offer automatic entrance awards based on grades.

  • A few universities (like UBC and University of Toronto) offer need-based or full-ride scholarships for international students.

6. Bilingual and Regional Options

  • Canada has both English and French-language universities. Some, like University of Ottawa or McGill, offer bilingual programs.

  • There’s a wide geographic spread—from big-city campuses (like Toronto or Vancouver) to smaller university towns.

7. Work Opportunities

  • 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

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