Are you preparing to start your admissions application and considering studying in Canada? This is yours. You will get details about:
- Looking for study programs in Canada
- Admission requirements
- CV/statement of intent help
- Seeking a supervisor for your research
- Options for studying for pupils with poor grades or CGPA
- Potential financing sources
It is crucial that you respond to these six (6) questions before starting your admissions application:
1. Which field of study do you wish to study, and what level (graduate or undergraduate)?
2. Which Canadian university has the desired program available?
3. What are the prices and conditions for admission?
4. Are you qualified?
5. What is the plan for program financing?
6. What is the date and method of application submission?
Let’s now discuss the six (6) crucial questions you should be prepared to answer before you start the study abroad application process.
1. Which field of study do you wish to study, and what level (graduate or undergraduate)?
Provide your own response to the following.
- What is my educational background right now?
- What do I do for a living right now?
- Where do I come from and where do I see myself in a few years for my career?
- What program is best for this?
- Which interests do I have?
- Give this careful thought.
2. Which Canadian university has the desired program available?
Believe me, Google is helpful at this point. For example, if you are thinking of getting a Master’s in Economics, search for “Masters in Economics program in Canada” on Google.You will receive sufficient information to get going. Moreover, you can look through UniCollegeLink or University Study or Educanada.
3. What are the prices and conditions for admission?
Narrow down your options based on the information you found on Google, and make sure to review the particular requirements of each university that offers the program. Keep an eye out for things like the necessary GPA, tuition, funding sources, application costs, and deadlines.
4. Are you qualified?
You will be able to decide whether or not to move forward now that you are aware of the entrance requirements.
The prerequisites for admission differ depending on the program and university, but in general, your high school grades will be the primary consideration when applying for an undergraduate program. Your high school transcript’s “goodness” will also rely on the university or program.
In many of the well-known universities, I have seen that applicants from Nigeria must have a minimum entrance average of C4. If your score is lower than this, you might attempt a few Atlantic Canadian universities or colleges that offer undergraduate degrees.
Although the admission average is based on five topics, make sure the school you are applying to has the requirements listed.
When applying for graduate school (Master’s or PhD), six criteria are typically taken into account.
A) Grade
B) Intent Letter
C) Curriculum Vitae
D) Letters of Recommendation
E) Research Proposal (if applying to programs requiring theses)
F) Proficiency in English (if English was not taught in your previous degree program)
Some professional or business/finance-related programs may further require you to submit the results of a standardized test, such as the GMAT or GRE, in addition to these six considerations. Verify the particular prerequisites of the course, program, or university to which you are applying, and provide the necessary documentation.
A) Standard Grade
To apply for admission to Canadian universities, you do not require an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) or any other type of degree evaluation. However, you will require your transcripts and diplomas from each prior college, university, or polytechnic you have attended.
Canada has competitive admissions for master’s and doctoral programs. Your chances of being admitted are higher the higher your CGPA.
Generally, a CGPA of 70–75% is the minimum needed. Successful applicants and those who are awarded entrance scholarships are likely to have higher grades on a CGPA scale of 5.0, which is at least 3.5.
There are alternative options to consider if you don’t have this.
Options for Masters and PhD programs for students who have low grades.
It is important to note that the cumulative average of the final two years of undergraduate coursework is given more weight when evaluating graduate school applications.
Thus, you could try it if you’ve had good grades for the past two years, years of work experience, or proof of productive research! Only the opportunities you choose not to seize are lost.
Furthermore, you might want to give priority to applying to less well-known or difficult universities, or to universities where obtaining a research supervisor is a must for admission.
Getting a research supervisor would be very beneficial if that is possible. During the admission evaluation process, your research supervisor could be able to say more on your behalf, which would greatly improve your chances.
Here’s a rundown of some actions you may do to increase your chances of studying abroad even if you have a low grade:
- Get professional work experience—even if it’s through voluntary employment.
- Apply to universities that are ranked lower.
- Develop a portfolio of articles and research.
- Submit an application for study programs beyond a bachelor’s degree (but not a master’s).
- Write and pass standardized examinations with great proficiency (e.g., the GMAT or GRE, if needed for your program or to study in the USA).
- Find an overseer for your research.
- Complete a WES course-by-course evaluation for a nation such as the USA (so that the courses you failed can be removed and your grade can be converted to a 4.0 scale).
- Send applications to state universities in the USA that get public funding, or distribute them to universities in Europe, Asia, and the UK.
- As you complete your degree, develop your skills!
Additionally, students in our corner have previously been accepted to the following Canadian universities for a Master’s degree (with a 2:2 or second-class lower grade):
- Bishop’s University
- Royal Roads University
- Memorial University
- Thompson Rivers University
- Clark University
- University of New Brunswick
- University Canada West
- Saint Mary’s University
- University of Regina
- Mount Saint Vincent University
- Prince Edward Island University
- Saint Paul University
Several of the students who succeeded in doing so and were accepted into Masters’ and PhD programs in Canada despite receiving low grades did so with very well-written admissions essays that supplemented their grades with one or more of the following:
- improved marks over the final two years of college studies.
- Writing and passing with great proficiency the mandatory standardized tests (GMAT/GRE) for their programs.
- A good number of years of experience working professionally in the intended field of study.
- Application materials that are well-prepared, including resumes, recommendation letters, and SOPs.
- Excellent publications, excellent research proposals, and fantastic research experience.
- Finding a professor willing to serve as their research supervisor.
There is an unending list of things you can do to increase your chances of being accepted into a graduate program (Masters or PhD) in Canada even if you have a low grade. Since graduate admissions decisions in Canada are made holistically, you should be able to demonstrate that you are a choice candidate with more to offer than just a strong GPA and that you have what it takes to thrive in the program.
Additional study alternatives for student with low grades
In the event that none of the aforementioned options work, you can apply to colleges in Canada. Do you know of any colleges like Conestoga, Humber, Seneca, or Nova Scotia Community College, among others? On the Ontario Colleges website, you may learn about a few of the colleges in the province as well as the programs they provide.
If you already hold a first degree, you should think about applying to these colleges for a Graduate Certificate program, Post-Graduate Diploma, or Post-Baccalaureate Diploma. These programs provide students who have already earned a first degree practical training and are ranked better academically than Ordinary or Advanced Diplomas.
Numerous advantages also apply to the Graduate Certificate programs. The majority of them last one or two years, and they qualify for the post-graduation work permit (PGWP). After finishing their degree, qualifying graduates of the PGWP are permitted to stay in Canada and work full-time.
In other regions of the nation, such as New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan, graduate certificate programs are also offered and even more reasonably priced.
Look for programs or courses you are interested in or qualified for by conducting a Google search for colleges in those provinces.
Remember that a poor grade is generally not fatal. It might require more work from you than from others, but it is doable. Put your attention toward your own and your career’s growth, and acquire the necessary abilities to position you as an outstanding prospect in your industry.
Options for ND/HND students
You can also apply to Canadian Graduate Certificate programs if you hold an ND or HND.
Candidates holding an ND/HND may apply for Graduate Certificate Programs using one or both of the two diplomas.
B) The purpose statement and letter of intent
This is your chance to explain to the admissions committee why you are interested in the program and why you are motivated. Make the most of this to market yourself!
- Describe your educational history, achievements, and program readiness.
- Write about yourself and your reasons for wanting to pursue graduate studies in your Statement of Intent.
- Why did you select the particular university or program?
- Your abilities and background, as well as what will make you successful in the course.
- Your objectives for the program and beyond.
- How the course will assist you in reaching this goal.
The components of a strong statement of purpose can also be found on the following Twitter page:
• Dr. Olumuyiwa Igbalajobi click here.
• As well as this YouTube website click here..
Additionally, Oludayo Sokunbi (Deewon) offers a step-by-step tutorial on how to construct a strong statement of purpose on his YouTube channel here and Twitter page here..
C) Resume/CV
Display evidence of your exceptional professional, academic, and research experience on your CV or resume. Make sure your resume meets the requirements of the university to which you are applying.
Every Canadian university has a Career Advancement Center, and they provide examples of their resumes online. Once more, Google is your friend when it comes to finding CV samples from the university you are applying to.
Enter “University name & resume or CV guide” into Google. Take the “University of Calgary resume guide,” for example. You will be sent to this page by the highest response.
Additionally, I previously created an article with resume/CV templates from ten (10) Canadian universities. You may access this post by clicking here. Additionally, you can locate another Harvard University CV advice here.
D) Recommendation letters
The amount of letters required for this crucial document will vary depending on the program and university.
A referee should be able to evaluate your suitability for graduate-level work and confirm that you have what it takes to succeed in the program if accepted.
A letter of recommendation for graduate school should come from someone who is familiar with your qualifications—both academically and professionally. It’s crucial that you get in touch with your references and ask them to write you a letter specifically about you before sending in their names and information.
Additionally, your references ought to attest to your qualifications and clarify the following for you:
- The academic results of the classes or projects they worked on with you.
- Examples of things they have worked on with you in the past;
- Your general approach to work and life, and the capacity to work well with others;
- Your research prowess, if they worked with you in that capacity;
- Your language proficiency and ability to speak and write fluently;
- Your leadership, social attributes, and extracurricular capacity;
- Further justifications for your consideration and why you will make a strong addition to the program.
E) Suggested Study
If you are applying to a thesis-based program, you might need to submit a draft of the research you plan to do. Some programs may require you to find a supervisor before applying.
Ensure that you complete this if it relates to your university or program.
Actually, even though the website states that it is not required, I strongly advise Ph.D. applicants to get in touch with and find a research supervisor before applying to programs.
As someone who wishes to pursue a demanding research program, you should be able to begin with three things on your own if you are interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in Canada.
- Look for educational institutions that provide your program.
- Examine the prerequisites for admission and ascertain your qualification.
- Put effort toward finding a possible research mentor.
Your success as a Ph.D. student will be largely based on your capacity to do the three tasks listed above on your own. Having a supervisor will improve your chances of being admitted and receiving a scholarship, and it will also help you get ready for the rigors of conducting independent research.
How can you locate a supervisor (and do cold emails)?
Program websites often provide a list of faculty members along with their research specialties. Reach out to people whose fields of study coincide with your proposal via email. Forward your meticulously organized study proposal to them. Make use of their passions!
- Provide a brief introduction of yourself in your email to a prospective supervisor.
- Indicate why you are reaching out to them.
- Explain your interest in them and their work, as well as your desire to carry out your research under their guidance.
- Enclose the suggested study for review.
You can find another excellent example from a professor here., as well as a helpful advice on how to draft the email here.
Furthermore, the Dr. Olumuyiwa Igbalajobi YouTube video, which is accessible here, is very helpful.
You can also use LinkedIn to connect with professors at your school or find research supervisors if you’re looking for one.
- Visit LinkedIn. Look up the school’s name. Choose the “People” filter located at the top of the page. Locate subjects and take your best shot.
F) Test of English Proficiency
An English proficiency test is only required if English was not the language of instruction, examination, or predominant language for your previous degree. This means that if English was your major in your previous degree, you do not require the IELTS.
You can ask for a waiver if you are requested to submit your IELTS results. Additionally, you can use the World Higher Education Database to confirm the language of instruction for your program, which you can then provide as proof when applying for a waiver.
5. How are you going to pay for your program?
You will have to pay for living expenses and tuition while studying overseas. I am aware that you’ll require money to cover your living expenses and tuition.
In order to obtain your visa as a foreign student, you must also provide strong evidence of your financial stability. For a Canadian study visa, you must provide proof of money equal to at least $10,000 CAD (for living expenses) plus the cost of your first year’s tuition, which varies depending on your program and school. Visit the IRCC website here for more details on how much money you will need in total to bring yourself and/or your family to Canada to study.
Thus, the entire cost of living and tuition as mentioned above is what studying in Canada would cost you.
The following are potential financing sources:
- Personal finances
- University internal scholarships
- External research grants from supervisors
- Scholarships from organizations or the government.
In many Canadian universities, students are considered for internal scholarships when an admission application is submitted. A separate funding application is usually not required.
6. How and when are you going to send in your application?
You will apply directly to the university or college of your choice for admission. The application process for your specific program or course can be found on the course/program page.
Send in your application as soon as possible! Applications are taken ahead of time to give consideration to funding/admission choices as well as visa applications.
Applications are typically accepted from August/September of the prior year through January/February of the resumption year for Fall Term (September) resumptions. As soon as you can, begin your preparation, make sure your desired program has deadlines, and submit an application.
The majority of Canadian universities accept electronic or scanned copies of transcripts, certificates, and other documentation. Applications can also be filed online, and application fees can be paid online.
Following the submission of an offer, original copies of the papers may be required.
You’ve done well if you’ve made it this far! You now have some knowledge about studying in Canada, including the prerequisites for admission, the paperwork needed, potential funding sources, etc.
You can also refer to the Canadian Study Permit Application Guide I created here if you have been granted admission and are ready to apply for your study permit.
One final and crucial point to remember!
Crucially, if you intend to remain in Canada and work after your studies, it is strongly advised that, as an international student, you apply to designated learning institutions that have been recognized and institutions that would grant you a post-graduation work permit.
You must have an admission letter from a recognized educational institution in order to apply for a study permit. A school that has received approval from a provincial or territorial government to accept international students is known as a designated learning institution.
Check here to see if a school is qualified for a post-graduation work visa and whether their programs qualify as authorized learning institutions.
