Curious about becoming a postgraduate student in Canada? Canadian postgraduate programs attract a driven and diverse cohort of students, and the country is home to some of the world鈥檚 most respected academic institutions. Below, we’ve assembled a postgraduate application process guide, which will take you through the key steps toward becoming an international student in Canada.
As you explore study abroad options, you鈥檒l find each country has its own application process and requirements. Before assembling your applications, refer to the related program pages on the 老九品茶 platform for up-to-date information.听
Securing student housing is another key step in the study abroad journey. Find your new home quickly and easily with our partner University Living.
Creating Your Academic Roadmap
Consider starting your research as early as 24 months before your desired program鈥檚 start date. A good way to start is by talking with people you know who have worked or studied in Canada. Learn about their experiences, and ask them what they wish they knew before arriving.听
With 20 months to go, continue researching and/or working with your student advisor to create a list of top programs. Understanding specific program requirements can help you determine which tests you should take before applying. These tests could include postgraduate standardized tests, English language proficiency tests like TOEFL and IELTS, or French language proficiency tests like (TEF) and (TCF).
Understanding Postgraduate Standardized Tests听
Graduate Record Examinations (GRE)
The GRE . There are two types of GRE: a General Test and a Subject Test.听
The is a multiple-choice exam which takes around two hours to complete. You may complete it at a test centre, or online with a virtual proctor. It assesses your:听
- Verbal reasoning
- Quantitative reasoning
- Analytical writing skills听
The GRE is adaptive, which means that how you score in early sections will affect how easy or hard later sections are. Your GRE scores are valid for five years.
are for students with an extensive background or undergraduate major in a specific discipline. Taking a GRE Subject Test can help you highlight your subject knowledge and stand out. GRE Subject Tests are available for:听
- Math
- Physics
- Psychology听
Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)听
The is a standardized test for master’s of business administration (MBA) applicants. While some business schools also accept GRE scores, if you鈥檙e pursuing a future in consulting, management, or logistics, the GMAT may be a better fit.
Its sections include:
- Analytical writing assessment (essay format)
- Integrated reasoning
- Quantitative reasoning (algebra, arithmetic, and geometry)
- Verbal reasoning
Before you write the GMAT, note that you鈥檒l be given two minutes at the end of the test to accept or cancel your score. So, go into the test with a target score in mind, and understand whether your chosen schools require your best score or all scores from multiple attempts.听
How to Prepare for Graduate Admissions Tests
To better understand each test鈥檚 timing and style, take online practice tests. Once you take the GRE or GMAT, if you don’t like your score, both tests may be re-taken. However, each attempt requires a payment of the exam fee鈥攕o use the free practice tests, and don鈥檛 treat the actual test day like practice.听
We recommend taking the GRE or GMAT 15 to 18 months before your chosen institution鈥檚 intake date. This gives you time for retakes, if needed, and ensures your scores arrive before application deadlines.听
Is the GMAT or the GRE right for you? Learn more about these tests on our blog.
Assembling Your Program Applications
With 12 to 13 months to go, start assembling your applications. A good way to start is by drafting your statements of interest or personal statements. These statements allow you to highlight your research interests, how your education has prepared you for success in this program, and why you鈥檝e chosen a specific program.
Also, start assembling a resume and a portfolio of work, if you鈥檙e applying to a program that requires one. Programs like architecture, software engineering, and design may ask for portfolios.听
To obtain certified copies of academic transcripts, reach out to the institution where you completed your undergrad. Processing times can vary, so it鈥檚 wise to request these as soon as possible.
Lastly, contact past professors or employers to request letters of recommendation. Ask for references , as a general letter can hurt your chances of being accepted. Let references know which institutions you鈥檙e applying to, the deadlines, and what鈥檚 required of them, so they can write the best letter possible.
Submitting Your Applications
Once your application materials are ready, start applying. We recommend starting to apply for programs 9 to 10 months before you want to begin your studies. This gives you enough time to apply for immigration documents. For example, to apply for a Canadian study permit, you鈥檒l need a Letter of Acceptance, which can take up to two months to be issued.听听
It’s good to know when each program鈥檚 application deadlines are, and which intakes align with your target programs. Many programs start exclusively in September.
Canadian academic institutions have up to three yearly intakes:
- Fall: Application deadlines are between January and March. The semester starts in September.
- Summer: Application deadlines range between January and March, with the semester starting in May.
- Winter: Application deadlines range between September and November. The semester starts in January.
Some institutions have rolling intakes. This means classes start every couple of months. Other schools offer rolling admission, where incoming applications are processed as they are received, and programs close once filled.
Common program application requirements:
- An official bachelor鈥檚 degree transcript, or a diploma transcript for a postgraduate diploma or a certificate program which meets the minimum GPA requirement.
- Proof of language proficiency: TOEFL or IELTS for English; TEF or TCF for French.
- Standardized test scores: (GRE) or (GMAT).
- An educational credential assessment establishing the equivalency of coursework completed outside of the US or Canada. This may be done through an organization like or .
- A personal statement or statement of interest.
- A resume.
- Letters of recommendation.
- A portfolio.
Institution Responses and Student Visas
With four to five months to go, you should be hearing back from the institutions you applied to. Now, work independently or with an international student advisor to make your program selection, accept and return the offer, and pay a deposit if required.听
Study permits can take multiple weeks, even a few months, to process. So, it’s smart to start your application early. As part of the study permit application, applicants are that addresses potential questions or concerns, like if you took an authorized leave from your studies, have a conditional offer of admission, or are missing a required document. These formal letters are one to two pages long, and can also speak to your study plan, travel history, and ties to your home country. Drafting this letter and gathering supporting documents can take a while, so start working on it as early as possible.
Learn how to draft an effective letter of explanation with our guide.
Moving Forward
Once your offer is returned, plan for your daily life! Set up your travel arrangements, find student housing, and learn about different health insurance options.听
Take time to explore what makes your new home special, whether that’s trying rock climbing on Canada鈥檚 west coast, line dancing in the prairies, or kite skiing in the north. Engaging with your new community can help it feel like home.
A month or so before classes begin, share your arrival details with any necessary parties. Soon, you鈥檒l be an international student in Canada. Bon voyage!
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