Canadian Universities with Low GPA for Masters 2023

graduate schools that accept low GPA in Canada

In this article, I have carefully listed and explained the best Canadian universities with low GPA for masters. There are some of the top Universities that accept low GPA in Canada.

This is much of a good news for students with low GPAs that want to study in Canada. This article will serve you the solution that you have been looking for.

Having a low GPA does not directly imply that Canadian universities will not accept you for a master’s or any other postgraduate degree program.

Although GPA is one of the most important admission requirements for Postgraduate degree programs in most Canadian universities, other approaches can also get you this even with a low GPA.

What is a low GPA in Canadian Universities?

To make this article helpful, let’s explain what range of GPA is regarded as a low GPA in the Canadian Universities grading system.

Canadian universities that accept low GPA for masters degree programs

According to the Canadian Universities’ GPA grading system, a low GPA is any GPA within the range of, or below 50% out of 100% total grades.

That means that any GPA within the range or below a 2.0 GPA for the 4.0 GPA scale and 2.5 for the 5.0 GPA scale is regarded as a low GPA in Canadian Universities.

In fact, most universities, especially the public Universities in Canada regard any GPA lower than second class upper as a low GPA.

Meaning that many public universities in Canada will require you have a grade that is above an average to be qualified to apply for a masters’ or any postgraduate degree program.

But the good news is that there are universities in Canada that still accept low GPAs for pre-masters (Postgraduate diploma program) and other Postgraduate degree programs.

Can I get into Canadian University with Low GPA?

Yes, for sure……!!!!

Students wishing to apply and study in Canada can get into a Canadian university with a low GPA as long as such student meets the entry requirements for the University.

In fact, GPA is not the only admission criteria for Postgraduate degree programs in Canada. Your overall academic records and working experience are essential things that can help you.

Summarily, students that apply to any Canadian university with a low CGPA lower than second class upper can still stand a chance of being accepted as long as such student has good academic records.

Check also: Universities in Canada that accept second class lower

How can I get into University in Canada with low Grades?

How to get into a University in Canada with a low GPA? The following are the things to look out for if you want to apply and get into a Canadian university with a low CGPA:

  • Professional Working Experience(s) in relevant fields
  • Community Services and Commitments
  • Good extra-curricular activities
  • A strong statement of Purpose
  • Personal skills
  • Proof of expertise
  • Achievements and Research
  • Obtain good GRE/GMAT scores
  • Strong letter(s) of recommendation

Adding all of these together will not only show how important you are, and how much you have achieved, but it will also prove how compatible and ready you are for further academic pursuit.

Note: GPA alone cannot define a student’s academic ability and that is how many universities reason when it comes to whom to admit.

Students with good GPA but poor or no academic achievements, working experience, commitments, extra-curricular activities, personal skills, etc. may likely not be admitted by many research Universities in Canada.

Recommended:

List of Universities in Canada that accept Low GPA 2023

The following are some of the Canadian universities that accept low GPAs for master’s and pre-masters (Postgraduate Diploma) degree programs.

  1. Carleton University
  2. Mount Saint Vincent University
  3. University of Manitoba
  4. Fairleigh Dickinson University
  5. Memorial University of Newfoundland
  6. Simon Fraser University
  7. University of Victoria
  8. University of Winnipeg

1. Carleton University

Carleton is one of the best Universities in Canada for international graduate students who chose to further their studies in Canada.

At Carleton University, students with as low as a 2.5 GPA for international students applying for Pre-master’s program (Postgraduate diploma) are accepted.

Carleton Admission requirements:

  • Minimum of Four-year bachelor‘s degree equivalent
  • 60-69% or 2nd Class (upper division)
  • Transcript(s)
  • Proof of English Language proficiency
  • Referees
  • Statement of Intent (if required)
  • CV/Resumé (if required)
  • Writing Sample (if required)
  • Preference Form (if required)
  • Portfolio (if required)
  • GMAT, GRE, or Other test scores (s) (if required)
  • Language Proficiency (ESL Test Scores) (if required)
  • Funding Sponsorship (if applicable)
  • Documents for Permanent Residents of Canada (if applicable)
  • Third-Party Authorization Form (optional)

Carleton Application Deadlines:

  • Fall term (September) for the majority of programs
  • Winter term (January) for some programs
  • Summer term (May) for some programs

Admission link: Visit Carleton admission website here

2. Mount Saint Vincent University

Graduate programs at Mount Saint Vincent University have different admission requirements. Some Postgraduate programs may accept students with a 2.5 GPA.

Meanwhile, it is important to contact the department or the Graduate Admissions Office directly to get more information about the requirement for your course. You can do that via graduate@msvu.ca

Mount Saint Vincent University Application Deadlines:

January 2023 Entrance Graduate Application Deadlines
Graduate Certificate in Health Communication and Aging November 1, 2022
Master of Arts in Child and Youth Study November 2, 2022
Master of Arts in Education November 2, 2022
Master of Education November 2, 2022
Master of Arts in Family Studies and Gerontology November 2, 2022
Master of Family Studies and Gerontology November 2, 2022
July 2022 Entrance Graduate Application Deadlines
Ph.D. in Educational Studies November 15, 2022
September 2022 Entrance Graduate Deadlines Application Deadlines
Graduate Certificate in Health Communication and Aging June 1, 2022
Master of Applied Human Nutrition (non-thesis) January 31 2022
Master of Applied Human Nutrition (non-thesis) with Internship January 31 2022
Master of Science in Applied Human Nutrition January 31, 2022
Master of Science in Applied Human Nutrition with Internship January 31, 2022
Master of Arts in Child and Youth Study February 15, 2022
Master of Arts in Education February 15, 2022
Master of Education February 15, 2022
Master of Arts in School Psychology December 15, 2022
Master of Arts in Family Studies and Gerontology February 15, 2022
Master of Family Studies and Gerontology February 15 2022
Master of Arts in Communication February 15 2022
Master of Public Relations February 15 2022
Master of Arts in Women and Gender Studies February 1, 2022
January 2023 Entrance Graduate Application Deadlines
Graduate Certificate in Health Communication and Aging November 1, 2022
Master of Arts in Child and Youth Study November 2, 2022
Master of Arts in Education November 2, 2022
Master of Education November 2, 2022
Master of Arts in Family Studies and Gerontology November 2, 2022
Master of Family Studies and Gerontology November 2, 2022

Admission link: Visit MSVU Admission website here

3. University of Manitoba

The University of Manitoba provides graduate programs to international students that want to enroll in any postgraduate program at the University.

Interestingly, the university has provided a service known as the University of Manitoba International Centre (IC) to help international students before and after their arrival, to ease their transition to Canada, and to ensure that their experience upon arrival is enjoyable, safe, and successful.

The University of Manitoba has graduate programs that may accept a 2.5 GPA for international students that have met other admission entry requirements.

University of Manitoba Admission Requirements:

  • English language proficiency
  • Minimum of four-year bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized college or university
  • A minimum B average (3.0) in the last 60 credit hours or equivalent.
  • Graduate Record Examination (GRE) (if stated)
  • Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT) (if stated)

Note: some departments or postgraduate programs may have higher standards and may need additional entry requirements and criteria.

Admission link: Visit UMANITOBA Admission website here

4. Fairleigh Dickinson University

Fairleigh Dickinson University accepts as low as 2.0 GPA for international students applying for Pre-master’s program (Postgraduate diploma) and some Postgraduate degree courses.

FDU started accepting foreign (international) students from all over the world in 1942. The Fairleigh Dickinson University host over 1100 students from more than 70 countries.

Application Deadlines for Master’s Programs

  • Fall (August) Semester: July 1
  • Spring (January) Semester: December 1
  • Summer semester (limited programs): May 1

Note: Deadlines vary and are subject to change at any time. Kindly check the website for the program you are applying to, to find out the exact application deadline.

Admission Link: Visit FDU admission website here

5. Memorial University of Newfoundland

The Memorial University of Newfoundland accepts a 2.0 GPA for provisional acceptance graduate admissions as long as the applicant meets the necessary entry requirements.

This university is one of the best universities in the world. Memorial University accepts international students from over 90 countries.

Memorial University Admission Requirements:

  • Application fee (Non-refundable)
  • Transcript(s)
  •  Two (2) letters of appraisal
  •  Resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
  •  Proof of English proficiency
  •  Test score reports
  •  Prerequisites

Admission Link: Visit MUN Admission website here

6. Simon Fraser University

Simon Fraser University accepts a minimum of 2.0 GPA for international students applying for a Pre-master’s program (Postgraduate diploma) and some Postgraduate degree courses.

Meanwhile, most of the Simon Fraser University postgraduate programs have additional admission requirements which can be found on the website of each of the programs.

Simon Fraser University Admission Requirements:

  • A bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution
  • CGPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.33 scale, or 3.33 on a 4.33 scale (B+) for Graduate Programs
  • All CGPA must be based on the last 60 credits of undergraduate courses.
  • Graduate work
  • References
  • Transcripts
  • Supervisors and Supervision
  • Proof of English Language proficiency

Admission link: Visit Admission website here

7. University of Victoria

The University of Victoria welcomes international students from all apart of the world. The University of Victoria may consider applicants with accepts a 2.5 GPA as long as they meet the necessary entry requirements.

At the University of Victoria, International students make up about a fifth of the graduate student community. Interesting students are to send their applications before the deadline set for their course.

  • A bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution
  • An Equivalent of a minimum “B” average over the last two years of your degree
  • References/Recommendations
  • Transcripts
  • Proof of English Language proficiency
  • TOEFL, IELTS, or MET (only for students that are required to submit their proof of language proficiency Test)
  • Other requirements will be specific to your program of study

Admission link: Visit UVIC admission website here

8. University of Winnipeg

The University of Winnipeg may accept students with at least a 2.5 GPA provided they meet the entry requirements for their program/course.

Available Courses at the University of Winnipeg Faculty of Graduate Studies:

  • Master’s in Development Practice
  • Master in Management
  • Master of Marriage and Family Therapy
  • Master in Public Administration
  • Master of Arts in Applied Economics
  • Master of Arts in Criminal Justice
  • Master of Arts in Cultural Studies
  • Master of Arts in History
  • Master of Arts in Indigenous Governance
  • Master of Arts in Peace and Conflict Studies
  • Master of Arts in Religion
  • Master of Science in Applied Computer Science and Society
  • Master of Science in Bioscience, Technology, and Public Policy
  • Master of Arts in Environmental and Social Change
  • Master of Science in Environmental and Social Change
  • Master of Environment in Environmental and Social Change
  • Master of Arts (Theology) M.A
  • Master of Arts Spiritual Disciplines & Ministry Practices M.A
  • Master of Sacred Theology S.T.M.

Admission link: Visit admission website here

Those are the Canadian universities with low GPA and the Universities that accept low GPA in Canada for master’s programs and Postgraduate diplomas.

2 comments
    1. Let me quote directly from the University of Regina admission website:

      A graduating average of at least 70 per cent from a four-year baccalaureate degree (or equivalent) is required for admission to all programs except for English, History, Mathematics and Statistics and the Master of Public Administration where the required average is 75 per cent.

      Applicants with a marginally lower four-year average may be accepted if their performance in the last two complete years is significantly higher (75 per cent or more).

      Applicants must have the academic background required to undertake graduate studies in their chosen field. Applicants who fail to meet this requirement but who otherwise meet the criteria may be admitted; however, background deficiencies must be addressed by taking appropriate courses either prior to or in parallel with graduate work

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