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List of Universities in Canada Accepting 3 Years Bachelor’s

Updated on 16 November, 2023

Pragya Sharma

Pragya Sharma

Sr. Content Editor

Are you a graduate who aims to pursue a master's degree in Canada? If so, are you aware of the eligibility requirement for admission to a PG program at Canadian universities? Well, most Canadian colleges usually require at least 16 years (12+4) of academic qualification. But is it a strict requirement observed at all universities? And if not, which universities accept a 3-year bachelor's degree in Canada? Let's find out.

This requirement of 16 years of education can be a little unpleasant for students coming from nations like India, Australia, and New Zealand that offer three-year undergraduate programs, totaling the education years to 15. 

Professional programs like engineering, medicine, law, and architecture frequently require a 4-year degree, however, many other sciences, business, and humanities degrees are open to individuals with a 3-year bachelor's. In this article, we are focused on Canadian universities that accept 3-year bachelor's degrees, but let us first look at some major benefits of pursuing a master’s program in Canada.

Advantages of Pursuing PG Programs in Canada

PG programs direct education to a single area of concentration, helping you to become a master in your niche. They serve as a route to employment and doctoral study.

  • Many PG diploma programs include co-op alternatives, allowing you to intern with various businesses and institutions. A PG program can be what you need if you are interested in forming positive connections with people and businesses worldwide. 
  • One can have the opportunity to earn extra money and support oneself while studying in the country because many PG programs allow for part-time employment.
  • If one wishes to attain a degree in less than a year, a PG course is a better option in Canada.

Years of Education Accepted in Canada for PG Courses

Courses leading to professional degrees, such as architecture, medicine, engineering, and law, often last four to five years. Though a three-year bachelor's degree does not preclude students from enrolling in PG degree programs with various specializations, choosing a Canadian university for study can be problematic because its education system requires 16 years of academics.

Fortunately, there is hope in the form of prestigious Canadian universities that accept applicants from abroad with a three-year bachelor's degree. Students are admitted to PG programs in Canada based on their unique accomplishments, skills, and grade equivalents.

List of Universities Accepting 3-Year Bachelor’s in Canada

Some universities in Canada accept 3-year bachelor's or undergraduate degrees from international applicants for their postgraduate programs.  In the list below, we will know which universities accept 3-year bachelor's degrees in Canada.

Ryerson University: 

International applicants may apply to Ryerson Institution, a public research university headquartered in Toronto, Ontario. Additionally, this university is home to the Ted Rogers School of Management, a renowned business school that provides excellent postgraduate business-related courses.

The University of Toronto: 

The best university in the nation, the University of Toronto, is in Ontario. The Rotman School of Management, a renowned business school within this university, offers an MBA program and other business-related courses. If a student has an outstanding record in academics and extracurricular activities, several courses offered at Canadian universities will accept applications for post-graduation programs for those with a three-year bachelor's degree.

York University: 

York University is a Canadian public research university in Toronto. It is one of Canada's largest universities. In fields with a high need for workers, the York University School of Continuing Studies provides professional programs. It is located on the Keele campus of York University. A test of English competence is required from the students. Among the acceptable ones are IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE scores. 

University of Manitoba: 

The University of Manitoba is a public research university in Canada's Manitoba province. Being the oldest institution in Western Canada, it is well known for its extensive educational history. The university comprises 24 faculties in a variety of disciplines and provides more than 100 undergraduate programs. BSc in Electrical Engineering, Master of Fine Arts (MFA), and Doctor of Medicine (MD) are some of the University of Manitoba's top academic offerings.

HEC Montreal: 

HEC Montreal is a well-known university in the Canadian province of Quebec. It is one of the top business schools, although admission might be challenging. However, HEC Montreal is one of the Canadian colleges that accept international applicants for three-year bachelor's degrees.

University

QS World University Ranking 2024

Average Annual Tuition Fee

The University of Toronto

21

CAD 63,020

University of British Columbia

 

34

CAD 53,146

HEC Montreal

151-200 (in Global MBA Ranking)

CAD 54,000

York University

353

CAD 22,205

University of Manitoba

671-680

CAD 21,350 

Ryerson University

801-1000

CAD 24,792

Source: official university websites

Reasons Behind Canadian Institutions Accepting Three-year Bachelor's Degrees

  • The constant influx of overseas students allowed many institutions to estimate the timeframe of undergraduate programs around the world.
  • In addition to academic brilliance, the admissions committee will also consider other factors, such as additional certificates, awards, professional courses, etc.
  • World Education Services (WES) and other independent firms serve international students who need equivalent grades to apply to Canada or the United States. Students now have a responsibility to double-check every piece of information before applying. It's crucial to remember that not all universities accept WES grades.

Eligibility Criteria

Every university has different criteria for entry requirements. In addition, depending on the course one chooses, other eligibility requirements may apply. We have included a few typical prerequisites for the PG program in Canada below.

  • A bachelor's degree earned after 16 years of study at an accredited institution.
  • Some universities also accept a 3-year bachelor’s degree if it is accompanied by a one-year diploma program.
  • GPA of at least 3.0 on a scale of 4.0
  • IELTS scores of at least 6.5 or other results from tests of English language proficiency.
  • GRE results and an MS degree
  • GMAT score or MBA programs

Application Process

  • Visit the university’s official website.
  • Complete the application for the course you want to take.
  • Fill out your educational background with the required credentials.
  • Include information about your employment, if needed.
  • Submit your SOP to Canada.

Despite the standard 4-year bachelor's degree in Canada, you can benefit from several universities in Canada accepting international students with 3-year bachelor's degrees. Students are advised to check out the official university websites to learn more about their specific eligibility requirements before applying.

Disclaimer: The mentioned costs are indicative and subject to change at any time.

More Articles on Study in Canada:

FAQs

Where should I submit my application to attend a university in Canada?

Make a selection of your top institutions based on your suitability for the institute's program. This can include details such as whether the university recognizes a three-year bachelor's degree or whether any work experience is necessary.

What is the time required to complete a degree from a Canadian university?

Depending on the coursework and integrated Co-op programs, you can earn a bachelor's degree in four years or longer. On the other hand, graduate programs normally last one to two years, and the graduate diploma can be earned in eight months to a year.

Is an Indian 3-year degree valid in Canada?

While most Canadian universities require a 4-year bachelor’s degree for admission to a master’s program, some universities in Canada also accept a 3-year UG degree. More detailed information about these universities is included in the guide above.

Pragya Sharma

Sr. Content Editor

Pragya Sharma is a content developer and marketer with 6.5+ years of experience in the education industry. She started her career as a social media copywriter for NIELIT, Ministry of Electronics & IT, and has now scaled up as a 360-degree content professional well-versed with the intricacies of digital marketing and different forms of content used to drive and hook the target audience. She is also a co-author of 2 stories in an anthology based on the theme- women empowerment.

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