Destination

Canada
Using your Cambridge
qualifications to study
in Canada
 Contents
A pathway to university success
with Cambridge International...................... 1
Why choose Canada?...................................2
Studying in Canada –
What you need to know...............................3
What are the entry requirements
for Canadian universities?............................4
How do I apply to study at a
Canadian university?....................................5
Student success stories ...............................6
Recognition of Cambridge
qualifications...........................................10
Canadian universities that accept
Cambridge qualifications (map) .............. 12
Additional sources of information............ 12

About us
Cambridge Assessment International Education prepares school students
for life, helping them develop an informed curiosity and a lasting passion
for learning. We are part of the University of Cambridge.
Our international qualifications are recognised by the world’s best
universities and employers, giving students a wide range of options in
their education and career. As a not-for-profit organisation, we devote
our resources to delivering high-quality educational programmes that
can unlock learners’ potential.
A pathway to university success with
Cambridge International
Cambridge International AS & A Levels are recognised as a passport to success in
education, university and employment. They are valued by Canadian universities as
academically rigorous qualifications that equip students with the skills they need to
succeed, both at university and beyond.

Our qualifications are recognised by over 50 Canadian

universities, including some of the country’s most
prestigious, globally top-ranking institutions.
Students who have earned Cambridge qualifications
are not just equipped to get into universities in Canada
– they are also well prepared with the necessary
academic skills to succeed in their studies. We offer
over 55 subjects at Cambridge International AS &
A Level, so they can choose the subjects they enjoy
and want to specialise in.

Did you know?

• I n 2015, there were 353 000 international
students in Canada – 1 per cent of the
entire population.

•  round 30 per cent of the international

A
student population comes from China,
followed by students from India, South
Korea, France and Saudi Arabia.

Please note: All information is correct at June 2018.

McGill has a highly selective admission process that focuses on the

academic merit (grades) of applicants. The University attracts bright,
accomplished students from around the world and many present Cambridge
International A Levels as their basis of admission. When reviewing an application
from a Cambridge International A Level candidate, our admissions officers can
be confident about the accuracy and security of the information provided.
Cambridge International A Level subjects are consistently assessed favourably
for equivalency by our Faculty subject experts. Finally, and most importantly,
admitted Cambridge International A Level students perform well at McGill.
Kim Bartlett, Director of Admissions, McGill University

Destination Canada – Using your Cambridge qualifications to study in Canada 1

 Why choose Canada?
There are many reasons to consider studying at undergraduate level in Canada.
Canada is home to some of the world’s leading universities and welcomes applications
from students around the world.

Canadian universities are renowned for their word-

class facilities, vibrant student communities and
innovative research programmes. Canada’s institutions
value high academic standards and rigorous quality
control. This means that you can gain a quality
education, with long-term career benefits. A Canadian
degree, diploma or certificate is globally recognised as
equivalent to those obtained in the United States or
from Commonwealth countries.
While living standards and education quality are
among the highest in the world, the costs of attending
university in Canada are generally lower than in the
US or UK.
Canada is a proudly multicultural society, with Toronto,
Montreal and Vancouver home to large immigrant
communities. This makes it much easier for
international students to find familiar foods or cultural
activities, while enjoying all that is unique to Canada. Key facts
The United Nations consistently ranks Canada as one of • Canada is the world’s second largest country,
the best places in the world to live. International students behind Russia.
enjoy the same freedoms as local Canadians – including
respect for human rights, equality, and a stable and • Canada is a bilingual country. Academic programmes
are offered in English or French, so you can improve
peaceful society.
your language skills while you study.
•  ccording to the OECD (Organisation for Economic
A
Co-operation and Development), Canada tops the
national rankings of spending per student on public
post-secondary education.
• More than one-third of Canada’s research is
undertaken by its universities – one of the highest
rates of academic research among OECD and
G8 countries.
• International students are able to apply for a range
of work permits while studying in Canada. This work
experience gained while studying can help you make
valuable contacts in the business world and count
towards a residency application after graduation.

2 Destination Canada – Using your Cambridge qualifications to study in Canada

Studying in Canada – What you need to know
Canada has over 90 universities and 135 additional colleges. There are also a number
of non-university-level institutions focusing on vocational training.

There is no federal Canadian Ministry of Education – Universities

instead, each institution is the responsibility of the Canada has 96 public and private universities and
province or territory it is located in. Canadian higher university degree-level colleges, ranging from small
education operates a trimester calendar system, with liberal arts teaching schools to larger, research-
admissions accepted in September, January and May. intensive universities. Together, Canada’s universities
offer over 15 000 undergraduate and graduate degree
Colleges programmes, with pathways from undergraduate to
There are over 8000 college programmes, offered by PhD. Professional designations, certificate and diploma
courses, and short career-focused programmes are
around 135 institutions. College courses are closely
also offered.
aligned to the needs of business and industry, covering a
wide range of technical and professional fields. College Three levels of degree are offered: bachelor’s degree,
generally three or four years of undergraduate study;
programmes lead to a variety of recognised credentials
master’s degree, one or two years of study post-
such as certificates, diplomas or academic or applied
bachelor’s degree; and doctoral degree, a further three
degrees. Programmes vary in length from a few months years of study, usually after a master’s degree. Tuition
to four years, and 90 per cent of college graduates (on fees range from CAD 7000 to CAD 29 000 depending
average) find employment within six months of on the programme, but there are opportunities for
graduation. Fees can range from CAD 5500 to CAD cooperative education and internships. International
15 000 per year, depending on the programme. students often work while they study.

For up-to-date information on Canadian colleges and universities accepting Cambridge qualifications, search our
recognitions database at www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/recognition-and-acceptance.
Check with your preferred institution for information on programme fees.

The prestige of Cambridge International A Levels meant that I was

regarded as a student who had undergone rigorous academic training, which
enabled me to be accepted into the University’s prestigious Mathematics
Faculty. The mathematical content in my A Level courses gave me a strong
foundation for university study. I also learned how to express ideas clearly
and succinctly and improved my written communication skills. I was glad to
be challenged by the academic rigour of the Cambridge programme, which
changed my perspective on study. Instead of just aiming to ace the exam,
I also seized the opportunity to learn the material and gain insights into
solving some of the problems in our daily lives.
Anzo Teh Zhao Yang, University of Waterloo

Destination Canada – Using your Cambridge qualifications to study in Canada 3

 What are the entry requirements
for Canadian universities?
Academic requirements Language requirements
College All Canadian universities will ask for evidence of
For college entry, students are typically asked for at language proficiency in either English or French.
least five Cambridge IGCSE or O Level qualifications
Additional requirements for
or a combination of Cambridge International AS &
international students
A Levels and Cambridge IGCSEs (specific requirements
are detailed on individual college websites). Some International students may be asked to meet some
colleges will accept students with IGCSEs or O Levels additional entry requirements – get in touch with your
only. A combination of IGCSEs, O Levels, AS and/or preferred institution for details.
A Levels is better proof of eligibility.
Additional standing and transfer credit
University Cambridge International AS & A Level students may be
Students with at least four AS Levels and/or at least eligible for advanced standing credit, which can reduce
two A Levels are eligible to apply to a Canadian a degree course from four to three years. Advanced
university, but every course will have specific entry placement (and in many cases also advanced credit)
requirements. The more competitive programmes may be given for secondary school subjects where high
(such as the sciences or business) may have additional levels of academic achievement have been recorded,
minimum requirements. Successful university and all coursework and exams completed before joining
applicants will usually receive a ‘conditional offer a degree course. Be sure to check the policy of your
of admission’, specifying the conditions they have preferred institution for details.
to meet in order to confirm their place. This usually
requires maintaining a specified academic grade
average and successfully completing and graduating
from secondary school.

4 Destination Canada – Using your Cambridge qualifications to study in Canada

How do I apply to study at a Canadian university?
Choosing a university programme is a very important decision. You will need to think
about the type of university you are most interested in, the courses offered, the
location of the university, the choice of activities on offer and the costs.

In Canada, the application process varies by institution There will be an application fee (mostly non-refundable)
and by province. If you are applying to a university in and you will need to provide a range of supporting
British Columbia or Ontario, you can use the common information including:
electronic application portal for the province. • evidence of your high school qualifications, grades
In all other provinces, applications are made through and any additional external examinations taken
individual university admissions offices. Check with your • details about your extracurricular activities and
preferred institution for details. community involvement
Application deadlines will also vary, but they are • a personal reference
typically in January or February. Many universities use • an essay of intent
a ‘rolling admissions’ policy where a decision is made • a portfolio
within weeks of the application being received.
• a criminal record check.
This is not a complete list. Do check with your
preferred institution about the particular requirements
for the programme you are interested in.

The application process

Step 1: Choosing courses – 10–12 months before courses start

• Identify Canada as your preferred destination
• Decide on a study programme and institution
• Check entry requirements for the course and submission deadlines

Step 2: Applying
• Make your application – make sure you understand the process for your preferred institution
• Check your eligibility for advanced standing and transfer credit related to your Cambridge qualifications
• Receive conditional offer of admission

Step 3: Starting your course

• Use your conditional offer of admission to start the application process for a study permit (international
students must have a valid study permit to enrol on study courses that are longer than four months)
• Plan your travel

Good luck!

Destination Canada – Using your Cambridge qualifications to study in Canada 5

 Student success stories Adeline Esses
A passport to study in Canada Course: Finance
School: Da Vinci International
School, Belgium
University:
Concordia University, Canada
Adeline took Cambridge
Samved Dhar International
Course: Business AS Level Art and A Level Mathematics,
Economics School: ICT and Business Studies.
Alliance World School, India
University: University of Saskatchewan, Canada
“exempt
With my A Level Mathematics grade, I was
from some of the university’s compulsory
Samved gained Cambridge International A Levels mathematics courses, so could take economics
in Mathematics, English, Economics, and Business courses right away. A Level Mathematics developed
Studies, as well as six Cambridge IGCSEs. my problem-solving skills which have greatly helped
me in my economics and statistics courses. At
“ As my first and second year course choices related
to my A Level subjects, my prior subject knowledge
university, good time management is essential and
can be hard in the beginning. Thanks to Cambridge
gave me confidence and allowed me to settle easily
International, I already knew how to manage my
into classes. My Cambridge qualifications also
allowed me to take second year courses in my first ”
time effectively to stay on track with my studies.

semester. Considering the cost of tuition, this is a big

advantage as I will be able to complete my degree in
less time. I received 21 credits for my four A Level Chen Jiaxuan
qualifications. I need 120 credits to graduate, so the Course: Computer Science
21 credits are worth more than one semester of study.
” School: Shanghai Experimental Foreign
Language School, China
University: University of Toronto, Canada
Ishan Saxena Chen studied Cambridge International AS &
A Level Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics,
Course: Computer Science
as well as five Cambridge IGCSEs.
School: Alliance World School, India
University: University of “theI chose the University of Toronto because of
beautiful scenery, great academic atmosphere
Saskatchewan, Canada
and also because it is one of Canada’s top
Ishan studied Cambridge International universities. My Cambridge IGCSE and GPA scores
A Levels in Physics, Mathematics, were very important in my application and helped
and ICT, and AS Level English. me gain an offer and high grades in
“ The University of Saskatchewan awarded me 12
credits for my Cambridge International A Levels,
the Cambridge exams. My Physics
and Chemistry qualifications gained
out of the 30 credits that I needed in the first year. me two extra credits, while
As a Cambridge learner, I have always been used Mathematics laid the foundation for
to application-based learning, so whenever I’m my future computing study, helping
introduced to new concepts in my field, I want to
apply them to real-world problems to better
me deal with data and numbers.
”
understand how things work. This is a fantastic
approach to learning. Because I was fortunate enough
to have been educated in a Cambridge school, this
approach comes naturally to me now.
”

66 Destination
Destination Canada
Canada –– Using
Using your
your Cambridge
Cambridge qualifications
qualifications to
to study
study in
in Canada
Canada
 Xiaochuan Yu
Course:
Political Studies and Philosophy
Wenya Deng
School:
Course: Zhengzhou Foreign Language
Rotman Commerce programme School A Level Center, China
School: Shenzhen College of University: Queen’s University, Canada
International Education, China
Xiaochuan took Cambridge International AS
University: University of
& A Levels in Mathematics, Physics, Economics,
Toronto, Canada
and Chemistry.
Wenya took Cambridge International AS & A Levels
in Mathematics, Chemistry, Economics, Geography,
and English as a First Language.
“helped
Studying Cambridge International AS & A Levels
me to achieve academic excellence, and to
gain the critical learning skills needed to succeed
“ I’ve always believed I would be a businesswoman
one day, so I chose the University of Toronto as its
at university. I’m studying Philosophy and Political
Studies, two of the most demanding arts majors
Rotman Commerce programme is ranked No 1 in
for international students. With the writing and
Canada, and my straight A Cambridge International
reading skills I gained from the Cambridge
A Level results gave me the confidence to apply.
curriculum, I find it less challenging than others
Studying A Levels was a perfect introduction to
to understand the complicated treatises and
university in an English-speaking country, especially
philosophical course materials. I also appreciate
for students like myself who have English as a
my previous experience preparing for Cambridge
second language. I was able to fit right in, without
examinations, which taught me how to manage
any gaps in my knowledge or understanding. The
style of teaching and learning is similar and, more
my time and improve my efficiency.
”
importantly, the challenging nature of Cambridge
assessments trained me to think critically when
solving problems.
” Sinamys Bagh
Course:
Physiology and Neuroscience
School: Kuwait English School,
Nadine Mukondiwa Kuwait; Fieldstone King’s
Course: College, Canada
Management Information Systems University:
School: University of Toronto, Canada
Chisipite Senior School, Zimbabwe
Sinamys took Cambridge International AS Levels
University:
in Biology, Chemistry, Maths, and English, as well
University of Alberta, Canada
as eight Cambridge IGCSEs.
Nadine took Cambridge International
A Levels in Chemistry, Geography and Mathematics, “ In Kuwait, I had followed the Cambridge
curriculum so when I moved to Canada I made sure
and an AS Level in Global Perspectives.
I joined another Cambridge school. I really believe

“toAsmake
a student in the Faculty of Business, I have
many presentations. I know that Global
that Cambridge International provided me with
a strong and rich foundation in preparation for
Perspectives helped me develop my presentation university, and my four Cambridge International
and communication skills. Academically, Cambridge AS Levels were accepted when I applied for a place.
International helped me maintain a high standard in Although it was a challenging journey, I highly
my coursework. The biggest challenge I’d found was recommend Cambridge qualifications to current
managing my workload, but this has now helped students. If you like a challenge and are willing to

”
me adjust very quickly to university life.
”
put in the extra effort, it will all pay off in the end.

Destination Canada
Destination Canada –– Using
Using your
your Cambridge
Cambridge qualifications
qualifications to
to study
study in
in Canada
Canada 77
 Student success stories Deep Patel

A passport to study in Canada Course: Process Engineering and Chemistry

School:
continued Academic International Secondary School, Tanzania
University: Memorial University of
Newfoundland, Canada

Syed Hussain Raza Deep took Cambridge International AS &

A Levels in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and
Course: Computer Science
Advanced Mathematics.
School:
Beaconhouse School, Pakistan “were
My Cambridge International A Level results
recognised by all of the Canadian universities
University: University
of Waterloo, Canada I applied to, making the process easy. My Cambridge
qualifications also gained me 33 transfer credits
Syed gained Cambridge International A Levels
before I even started my first class.
in Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science,
Though it was dependent on my
and Economics.
grades, it still kick-started my

“ Cambridge International A Levels are considered

to be advanced and are valued by Canadian
university career. Process
Engineering is a mix of Chemical
universities. According to other students, Cambridge and Mechanical Engineering and
International A Level courses are difficult compared it was definitely a very good
to Canadian high school courses. My good career choice for me. Living in
performance in my Cambridge courses helped me Newfoundland (known as ‘The Rock’)
gain a place at the University of Waterloo. I have
already covered some of the material in my first
is also an adventure.
”
year at university in my Cambridge International
A Level courses, so the transition will be easy. I have
also been granted credits and exemptions from Tom Stubbs
some of my university courses because of my Course: Mechanical Engineering
Cambridge qualifications.
” School:
Peterhouse School, Zimbabwe
University: University of
Saskatchewan, Canada
Tom gained nine Cambridge O Levels and Cambridge
International AS & A Levels in English Language,
Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics.

“ Having good grades in my Cambridge exams

meant that all of the universities I contacted
were quick to accept my application. Cambridge
exams made me stand out from the thousands of
other applicants – the courses teach you a great
deal academically and give you an in-depth
understanding of how you work best. The
Cambridge courses are similar in structure to
university courses, and I found that I had already
dived deeper into the fundamentals than in many
first-year courses. Cambridge study methods, exam
techniques, assignments and laboratory-based
”
science practicals set me up well for university.

8 Destination Canada – Using your Cambridge qualifications to study in Canada

 Anoop Nair
Course: Chemical Engineering
University: Ryerson University, Toronto

“ Taking Cambridge International A Levels has had a

significant impact in my life, both inside and outside
the classroom. The application based approach of
the syllabus has moulded me to see the bigger
Madhumita Varma
picture of whatever I learn, which was how I ended
Course:
up realising Chemical Engineering was what I
BA in International Relations
wanted to pursue. The problem solving skills that
University: I gained and sheer depth of the syllabus have made
University of British Columbia the transition to post-secondary education

“ When I started Cambridge A

Levels, I did not imagine that it would play such an
seamless. I forged great bonds with the
school faculty members, who were
important role in taking me to where I am today. extremely approachable and
During my last year in school, I realised how much of supportive of my aspirations for
an advantage the Cambridge curriculum gave me in which I am always grateful. Learning
terms of applying for university programmes across in such a diverse environment has
the world. I recently completed a four-year Bachelor’s also sharpened my interpersonal
degree in International Relations at the University and communicational skills. The
of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver, Canada. Cambridge Syllabus has proved to be
The grades I received for the Cambridge A Level an instrumental role in laying a solid foundation and
examinations were recognised by UBC and
I was awarded credits, which meant that I could delve
giving me the desire required to achieve my goals.
”
right into second year courses in my first year at UBC.
More importantly, however, I am amazed by how well
the material I learned in A levels stuck with me all Angie Ruiz
these years. I had not taken any science courses in Student, ranked #1 in her Senior
university, and yet, thanks to the education I received Class, South Broward High School
in school, I was able to have meaningful discussions School: South Broward High
with my friends in the faculty of science at UBC. School, Florida, USA
This shows that the kind of education I received
through my excellent teachers and through the “ Cambridge courses are as
rigorous as other senior classes but the final exams
Cambridge curriculum has helped me retain the focus on whether you have learned the material and
information I learnt, and to use logic and reason to can reason and make connections, not on
solve practical issues. In my opinion, this is what sets memorisation. The curriculum is always up to
the Cambridge curriculum apart from other syllabi, international standards and presents information
for it is in putting learned theories to practice that from a global perspective, given that the same
the true value of education is discovered.
” material is taught all over the world. Cambridge
classes therefore efficiently equip students for life
outside high school. Not only do you learn more
information and skills, you learn how to apply your
learning and think in terms of a worldwide platform.
”

Destination Canada – Using your Cambridge qualifications to study in Canada 9

 Recognition of Cambridge qualifications

More than 50 universities across Canada welcome applications from Cambridge students.

Cambridge International A Levels are widely accepted McGill University

for direct entry to undergraduate degree courses. Minimum requirements are three Cambridge International
A growing number of universities now also accept A Levels with predicted and final grades of B B C or better,
Cambridge Pre-U, an alternative to A Level taken or two A Levels and two AS Levels with grades of B B C C
in UK schools. or better, or B C B B or better.
Here is a snapshot of some of the leading Canadian Most programmes are competitive and require higher
universities and how they consider Cambridge grades for Cambridge IGCSEs, Cambridge International
qualifications from applicants. AS & A Levels, CAPE and Cambridge Pre-U. Applicants
presenting minimum requirements are not guaranteed
University of Toronto admission. A maximum of 30 credits of advanced standing
Cambridge students must provide: may be granted for final official results.
• a Cambridge Pre-U certificate in three Principal Students completing Upper Form VI will be considered
Subjects, or the Cambridge Pre-U Diploma (including on Cambridge IGCSEs, AS Levels and predicted A Levels.
three Principal Subjects, or a combination of A Levels Students only completing Lower Form VI with AS Levels,
and Principal Subjects), Global Perspectives and the with a minimum of five appropriate IGCSEs with clearly
Independent Research Report. superior marks, can be considered for admission on an
• prerequisites presented as AS or A Levels or Principal individual basis.
Subjects – some programmes may consider excellent Students attending a school where all exams are taken
Cambridge IGCSE or O Level results for fulfilling at the end of the second year (and who do not sit for
a prerequisite. unit/module examinations and/or do not claim AS Level
Students taking A Level exams in the academic year qualifications at the end of AL1) must tell McGill University.
of application will be considered for a provisional offer If completed, AS Level results must be submitted.
of admission. For students with Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects,
the minimum grade is M3, with not more than one at M3.

University of Toronto

10 Destination Canada – Using your Cambridge qualifications to study in Canada

University of British Columbia (UBC) Concordia University
Students must provide standing in at least five academic Two appropriate Cambridge International A Levels (Grade C
subject areas, including English, with at least three UBC- or better), plus three appropriate IGCSEs, are accepted for
approved academic Cambridge International A Levels (or six entry. Two appropriate AS Levels may be accepted in lieu
AS Levels). A subject may not be counted at both A Level of an A Level, and Business School applicants must also
and at IGCSE or O Level. A Level and AS Level courses that have at least three O Levels with a B average. Certain
are not sufficiently academic in content (as determined by programmes require additional material – visit the website
UBC) cannot be used. The admission average is calculated for more information. Engineering and Computer Science
on at least two IGCSEs or O Levels and three A Levels or six applicants must have a minimum B grade in A Level
AS Levels. Students may be eligible for first-year credit at Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry, plus superior grades
UBC. Visit the university website for more details. in five appropriate IGCSEs. Students who have not
completed Year 13/Upper Form VI need superior grades
University of Alberta in a minimum of five appropriate IGCSEs plus one year
Students may use a combination of AS or A Level and of formal schooling beyond IGCSE.
O Level courses to meet the five required admission
subjects. A minimum of two (sometimes three) subjects University of Saskatchewan
must be at A or AS Level – remaining subjects may be at Applicants must present five acceptable O Levels
O Level. some applicants may qualify for admission based (including Mathematics and a first-language literature/
on forecast results. composition course) and at least two acceptable A Levels.
Students may apply for admission in the year they sit
A Level exams if they submit at least five suitable O Level
results and predicted A Level results. Students not taking
A Levels may be considered for admission if they have
completed four acceptable AS Level subjects.

For up-to-date details and a full list of Canadian colleges

and universities accepting Cambridge qualifications, search
our recognitions database at
www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-
qualifications/recognition-and-acceptance

Cambridge International helps us to go to university and to be accepted

because we have more knowledge.
Zongyan Yao, student at Fieldstone King’s College School, Toronto, Ontario

Destination Canada – Using your Cambridge qualifications to study in Canada 11

 Canadian universities that accept Cambridge qualifications

15
Universities that recognise Cambridge International A Levels

Additional sources of information

For further information for universities, schools and students, visit the Cambridge Assessment International Education
Recognition web pages: www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/recognition-and-acceptance
For further information about studying in Canada and choosing a school, college or university, visit the Government
of Canada website:
www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/prepare/choose-school-
college-university.html
For further information about applying to study at a Canadian university, visit www.universitystudy.ca

12 Destination Canada – Using your Cambridge qualifications to study in Canada