Are you interested in pursuing a Master's degree in Canada but have a low-grade point average or hold an OND or HND certificate? You may be wondering if Canadian universities accept students with lower grades. The answer is yes, but it is important to understand that admission into Graduate programs in Canada is highly competitive. Typically, a 70-75% CGPA is the minimum grade required, which translates to a 3.5/5.0 CGPA scale. However, successful applicants with entrance funding tend to have higher grades than the minimum, particularly for research-based programs.
There are several reasons why admission to graduate programs in Canada is competitive. There are over 100 universities in Canada, and not all of them offer graduate programs. However, not all universities offering graduate programs have the specific program or course that you are interested in. Also, universities have a quota for the number of students they can admit, and there are often more applicants than places available.
Canadian universities typically do not accept HNDs for a Master's or PhD degree, as the admission requirement is usually a certificate, from a Degree Awarding Institute. Other Institutions affect are comfortable paying attention to the last two years of your B.Sc Degree.
If you have a low B.Sc grade, OND/HND, or a 2:2 CGPA/lower B.Sc Grade, your best bet may be to look for a Graduate Certificate (GC) or equivalent program. Graduate Certificate programs are a great option for those with low undergraduate grades or those who have ND/HND. These programs are eligible for a postgraduate work permit (PGWP) and other benefits that other international students receive. Moreover, if you are coming to Canada for a Graduate Certificate program or a PGD, you can bring your family.
Universities Accepting OND, HND and 2.2 Grades in Canada
- Bishop's University
- Brandon University
- Canadian Mennonite University
- Crandall University
- Delft in the Netherlands
- Memorial University
- Mount Saint Vincent University
- Royal Roads University
- Saint Mary's University
- Thompson Rivers University
- The University of Canada West
- University of Prince Edward Island
- University of Regina
However, if you want to try for a Master's or PhD program, despite a low grade, it is not impossible. People who have succeeded in the past often had more than just low grades. They built a research and publication portfolio, gained related work experience, applied to lower-ranked schools, wrote standardized tests, and prepared strong documents such as CV, SOP, and reference letters. Some Canadian universities that have been considerate of students with low grades for Master's degrees in the past are listed above. However, it is important to note that successful applicants often had other factors that complemented their low grades.
Finally, it is important to know that Graduate Certificate programs are not only for students with ND/HNDS or low BSc grades. These programs offer hands-on training and are practical, making them attractive to students with 2:1 (Second class upper) and First Class CGPAS who do not want to pursue a Master's degree.
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It is recommended that international students apply to an approved Designated Learning Institution to make them eligible for a post-graduation work permit if they plan to stay back and work in Canada after their studies. To apply for a study permit, you need an acceptance letter from a designated learning institution. To check if a school is a designated learning institution and if their programs are eligible for a Post-graduation work permit, check the link provided.
