How do international students apply to Canadian universities?

Ontario undergraduate applications go through OUAC (Ontario Universities' Application Centre). BC undergraduate applications go through BCCAT's portal. Quebec has its own system. Other provinces use direct university applications. Graduate applications are always direct to each university.

When is the deadline to apply to Canadian universities?

Ontario universities have an OUAC deadline around January 15 for September entry (the equal-consideration date). BC and Quebec have similar January–February deadlines. Many universities accept late applications on a rolling basis, but earlier applications have better chances for competitive programmes and housing.

What grades do I need to get into a top Canadian university?

University of Toronto and UBC typically require 90%+ (high distinction equivalent) for competitive programmes like computer science, engineering and commerce. Less competitive programmes admit at 80–85%. McGill requires 85–95% depending on the programme.

Do Canadian universities require a personal statement?

Most undergraduate programmes in Canada do not require a personal essay or statement. Some selective programmes (Ivey HBA at Western, Rotman Commerce at Toronto, UBC Engineering) require supplemental applications with short-answer questions. Graduate programmes always require a statement of purpose.

Do I need to take the SAT for Canadian universities?

Most Canadian universities do not require SAT or ACT scores from international students. Admission is based on academic grades and English proficiency tests (IELTS, TOEFL). Some US-style or American-curriculum applicants may submit SAT scores but it is rarely required.

What English test do Canadian universities accept?

Most Canadian universities accept IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and Cambridge C1/C2. Typical minimums: IELTS 6.5 for undergraduate, 6.5–7.0 for graduate. Some universities also accept Duolingo English Test.

How to Apply to Canadian Universities as an International Student (2026)

Application systems by province

Province	Undergraduate system	Notes
Ontario	OUAC (ouac.on.ca)	105+ universities; most international applications here
British Columbia	Direct to university	UBC, SFU, UVic, etc. all have own portals
Quebec	College application via SRAM; university direct	McGill, Concordia, UQAM accept direct
Alberta, others	Direct to university	University of Alberta, Calgary etc.

Graduate/postgraduate: always apply directly to the university, regardless of province.

Ontario OUAC process

OUAC is the most common route for international students applying to Ontario universities (Toronto, Waterloo, McMaster, Queen’s, Western, etc.):

Create an OUAC account at ouac.on.ca
Select up to 3 university/programme choices (or more with additional fees)
Enter academic history and supporting information
Pay the OUAC processing fee ($156 CAD + $33 per choice)
OUAC forwards your application to each university
Universities request official transcripts directly

Entry requirements

University of Toronto (competitive programmes):

Computer science, engineering, life sciences: 90–93% equivalent
Arts and social sciences: 82–88% equivalent

UBC:

Engineering: 90%+
Arts/commerce: 82–88%

McGill: 85–93% depending on programme

International qualifications — approximate equivalents for a 90% Canadian standard:

China Gaokao: 620+ (varies by province)
India CBSE: 90%+ aggregate
IB: 36+ points
A-Level: AAA

Supplemental applications

Some competitive programmes require a supplemental application:

Ivey HBA (Western): video response + short essays
Rotman Commerce (Toronto): supplemental application form
UBC Engineering: short-answer responses
McGill Medicine/Law: MCAT/LSAT plus interviews

Standard programmes (most arts, science, education) have no supplemental requirement.

Deadlines

Province	Equal consideration deadline	Late application
Ontario (OUAC)	January 15	Possible until March
UBC	January 15	Rolling until April
McGill	January 15	Some programmes

Sources: OUAC 2025, UBC, McGill and University of Toronto admissions pages.

How to Apply to Canadian Universities as an International Student (2026)