International Students Applying to Study in Canadian Universities: Understanding Acceptance Rates
International students applying to study in Canadian universities often worry about whether these institutions will offer them provisional admission. This concern arises because many schools in Canada, despite having an open admission policy, have low acceptance rates. To assist you, we have compiled information on Canadian universities with high acceptance rates.
Canada is one of the top study-abroad destinations for international students worldwide, thanks to its world-class educational system. Institutions in Canada are frequently ranked among the best by Times Higher Education and QS World University Rankings.
Another reason why international students choose Canada is its safety, making it one of the safest places to live globally. This is a major factor why international students also enroll in a vocational school in Finland, the safest country in the world. Graduates from Canadian institutions are highly sought after, and the degrees offered are globally recognized.
Additionally, Canada offers some of the best social work certificate programs. If you’re facing challenges with IELTS, there are several universities in Canada that might accept you regardless.
If you wish to study in Canada and are looking for a school that will consider your application and offer direct admission, this article will provide you with a list of Canadian schools with high acceptance rates.
Which University Has the Highest Acceptance Rate in Canada?
The University of Lethbridge boasts the highest acceptance rate in Canada at 93%.
Which University in Canada is the Easiest to Get Into?
Brandon University is the easiest university to get into in Canada. Other universities that are very accessible include Université de Saint-Boniface, University of Guelph, Canadian Mennonite University, Memorial University of Newfoundland, University of Saskatchewan, and the University of Manitoba.
Additionally, there are some very affordable universities in Canada that might be ideal for you.
How Acceptance Rate Affects Admission
The acceptance rate of an institution significantly impacts the offer of provisional admission.
A low acceptance rate indicates that the institution has a selective admission policy, is highly competitive, and receives more applications than available seats, resulting in fewer applicants being offered admission. Conversely, institutions with high acceptance rates are less selective.
The acceptance rate of an institution does not solely determine the quality of the university. Acceptance rates serve as a measure of an institution’s exclusivity.
Highly selective institutions have acceptance rates in single digits, such as 7% or 8%. Additionally, schools that many applicants seek admission to usually have the lowest acceptance rates.
Thirteen Canadian Universities With High Acceptance Rates
Applying to study in Canadian universities can be challenging as you may not be offered provisional admission due to some schools having low acceptance rates. However, some institutions admit a large number of local and international applicants due to their high acceptance rates.
Below is the list of Canadian universities with high acceptance rates:
- Toronto School of Management
- University of New Brunswick
- Wilfrid Laurier University
- Lakehead University
- Ryerson University
- University of Guelph
- University of Montreal
- Concordia University
- University of Saskatchewan
- Carleton University
- University of British Columbia
- University of Waterloo
- McGill University
1. Toronto School of Management
Toronto School of Management (TSoM) is a private post-secondary institution in Ontario, Canada.
TSoM offers certificate, diploma, and advanced diploma-level programs in business, hospitality & tourism, accounting, big data, digital marketing, data analytics, and cybersecurity.
These industry-relevant programs are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to meet the demands of today’s ever-changing job market.
Toronto School of Management has an acceptance rate of 70%, although this rate can vary depending on the specific program students are applying for.
2. University of New Brunswick
Founded in 1785, the University of New Brunswick (UNB) is a public university with two primary campuses in Fredericton and Saint John, New Brunswick.
UNB enrolls approximately 9,700 students across both campuses.
The university offers over 75 undergraduate programs leading to certificates, diplomas, and bachelor’s degrees. Additionally, UNB provides more than 30 graduate programs through its School of Graduate Studies.
The University of New Brunswick has an acceptance rate of 67%, making it among Canadian universities with high acceptance rates. It also maintains a student-faculty ratio of 16:1.
3. Wilfrid Laurier University
WLU offers a wide range of academic programs leading to bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Wilfrid Laurier University has an estimated acceptance rate of 89%, while its student-faculty ratio is 19:1.
4. Lakehead University
Students at LU are offered academic programs through nine faculties including the Faculty of Business Administration, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources Management, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, etc.
Lakehead University has an acceptance rate of 83%, making it one of the Canadian universities with very high acceptance rates.
5. Ryerson University
Ryerson University (Ryerson, RyeU, or RU) offers various academic programs through seven faculties. The academic faculties include the Faculty of Arts, the Faculty of Communication and Design, the Faculty of Community Services, the Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science, the Faculty of Law, the Faculty of Science, and the Ted Rogers School of Management.
Ryerson University has an acceptance rate of 80% and a student-to-faculty ratio of 21:1.
6. University of Guelph
The University of Guelph (U of G) is one of the Canadian universities with high acceptance rates that offers over 90 majors in 13-degree programs and 63 open learning/distance education opportunities.
These academic programs are offered through seven colleges (faculties). The University of Guelph has an estimated acceptance rate of 66% and a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1, making it one of the Canadian public universities with high acceptance rates.
7. University of Montreal
The Université de Montréal (UdeM or the University of Montreal) is a French-language public research university in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, established in 1878.
UdeM offers over 650 undergraduate and graduate programs as well as 71 doctoral programs. These academic programs are offered through 13 faculties, 60 departments, and two affiliated schools.
UdeM has an estimated acceptance rate of 78% and a student-to-faculty ratio of 20:1.
8. Concordia University
Concordia University has two campuses: Sir George Williams Campus and the Loyola Campus.
During the 2023/24 academic year, Concordia enrolled 49,898 students into their credit courses, making the university one of the largest in Canada by enrollment.
Concordia University has an estimated acceptance rate of 78% and a student-to-faculty ratio of 22:1.
9. University of Saskatchewan
The University of Saskatchewan offers various academic programs including agriculture and bioresources, arts and science, biotechnology, business, dentistry, education, engineering, medicine, law, nursing, pharmacy, kinesiology, physical therapy, and veterinary medicine, etc.
U of S offers education, certificate, and degree programs through its affiliated colleges and Centre for Continuing and Distance Education.
U of S has an acceptance rate of 55%, which makes it among the Canadian universities with high acceptance rates and a student-to-faculty ratio of 19:1.
10. Carleton University
As of the 2023/2024 academic year, Carleton University has 30,678 students, including 26,163 undergraduate students and 4,515 graduate students. Carleton University is organized into six faculties through which it offers undergraduate and graduate programs.
Carleton University has an acceptance rate of 65% and a faculty-to-student ratio of 19:1.
