Canada is home to 100+ English—and French-speaking universities, among which there are a few hardest universities to get into. With the rising number of international applicants and the increasing quality of education to match the modern in-demand skills, applying to a few universities in Canada can be competitive. Don’t worry! Getting into these universities can be easier with the right application process and maintaining the right eligibility.
This blog will take you through the top hardest universities and how to apply for these in detail.
List Of Hardest Universities To Get Into In Canada – Overview
| Name of the University | Acceptance Rate | QS Ranking |
| University of Toronto | 43% | #21 |
| The University of British Columbia | 50-55% | #34 |
| The University of Waterloo | 53% | #112 |
| The University of Alberta | 52% | #110 |
| Carleton University | 21% | #671-680 |
| McMaster University | 59% | #189 |
| The University of Montreal | 57% | #141 |
| Western University | 58% | #114 |
8 Hardest Universities To Get Into In Canada
Whether you’re applying to Canadian universities as a domestic or international student, knowing Canadian universities’ rankings, acceptance rates, and admission statistics is beneficial. According to the recent data, the hardest universities to get into in Canada are:
1. The University Of Toronto
The University of Toronto is regarded as the hardest university to get into in Canada, but it has a much higher acceptance rate. However, compared to other schools, it is one of the best universities in Canada for international students. It has consistently been ranked among the top universities in North America, and it currently ranks 21st globally. It is Canada’s largest university, with over 84,000 students.
Popular Courses:
- Master in Psychology (MA)
- BsC in Materials Science
- BsC in Human Biology
- Statistical Sciences
- Masters in Immunology
- BsC in Actuarial Science
- MA in Sociology
- Management
University Of Toronto Entrance Entry Requirements
Though the University of Toronto is one of the hardest universities to get into in Canada, with moderately selective acceptance rates, its admission requirements are strict. Let’s look at the exact admission requirements for UG and PG courses:
| Category | UG & PG Admission Requirements |
| Application Portal | Online application |
| Application Fee | 180 CAD (11,008 INR) |
| GPA Requirement | 80%-95% (Varies according to course) |
| Academic Requirement | Personal profile | SOP for Canada | Self-reported grades form |
| English Proficiency Test Scores | UG: IELTS: 6.5 (6.0 band score) | TOEFL iBT: 100 (22 in writing) PG: TOEFL iBT: 93 (22 in writing/speaking) | IELTS: 7.0 (6.5 band score) |
2. University Of British Columbia
The University of British Columbia is another school best suited for admission. It also offers one of the most competitive undergraduate business programmes, the Bachelor of Commerce. The university is the oldest in British Columbia and is consistently ranked among Canada’s top three. It is also one of the hardest universities in Canada to get into. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is a notable alumni of the University of British Columbia.
Popular Courses:
- Master of Science in Computer Science. Duration
- Master of Science in Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
- MSc in Business Administration in Finance
- Full-Time MBA
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
University Of British Columbia Entry Requirements
Keeping close track of application deadlines is crucial to ensure you take advantage of admission opportunities because of an avoidable mistake. To assist you with this step in the admission process, some details regarding admission to The University of British Columbia are compiled as follows:
| Category | UG & PG Admission Requirements |
| Application Portal | UG: Graduate Studies Application PortalPG: University Portal |
| Application Fee | UG: 125.25 CADPG: 168.25 CAD MBA: 157.25 CAD |
| GPA Requirement | UG: 3.0 out of 4.0 or 86% PG: Minimum: 2.5 out of 4.0 or 80%Average: 3.6 out of 4.0 or 90% |
| English Proficiency Test Scores | TOEFL iBT: 90 | IELTS: 6.5 |
| Standardised Exam Scores | GMAT score: 550 (650 for competitive edge) |
| GRE score: 155 [Quant] | 155 [Verbal] (Total 320 for competitive edge) | |
| SOP/LOR | 3 LORs for Canada | Statement of purpose |
| Additional Requirements | Resume | Portfolio | Work experience |
3. University Of Waterloo
Waterloo University is known as the “MIT of Canada.” It offers business, engineering, health, humanities, environmental studies, and sciences. It also hosts the world’s largest paid cooperative education programme. The university is internationally renowned for its academic excellence and ranks among the hardest universities in Canada to get into.
Popular Courses:
- Master of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
- Master of Mathematics- Computer Science
- Bachelor of Computer Science
- Master of Applied Science in Chemical Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Optometry
University of Waterloo Admission Requirements
The University of Waterloo has a rigorous admissions process. To enhance their prospects of gaining admission, applicants must demonstrate outstanding academic performance and fulfil all the mandated eligibility criteria.
| Admission Criteria | Postgraduate Admission | Undergraduate Admission |
| Application Portal | Online Graduate Studies Application | OUAC |
| Application Fee | CAD 125 | CAD 125 |
| Academic Average | 75% or equivalent in the last 2 years of the 4-year undergraduate programme | 85% overall and 75% in relevant subjects |
| Test Scores | GRE: 300-310 or GMAT: 550 or above | |
| English Language Proficiency | IELTS: 7.0 or TOEFL IBT: 90 | IELTS: 6.5 or TOEFL IBT: 90 |
4. University Of Alberta
The University of Alberta is ranked fifth in Canada and among the world’s top 150 universities. It also has Canada’s top nursing programme and programmes in petroleum engineering, geology, forestry, and palaeontology. Although it is not the hardest university to enter in Canada, it is competitive, and students must maintain a 3.0 GPA to remain competitive.
Popular Courses:
- M.B.A
- M.S Computer Science – Statistical Machine Learning
- M.B.A Business Analytics
- M.B.A Finance
- M.Eng Electrical and Computer Engineering
University Of Alberta Entry Requirements
The University of Alberta provides extensive academic offerings, comprising over 500 graduate courses across 250 specialisations and 300 research areas. Concurrently, the university’s undergraduate programme is equally robust, with over 200 Bachelor’s degrees and 48 honours degrees available through its 14 faculties, including disciplines such as science, engineering, business, education, medicine & dentistry, nursing, law, pharmacy, and others. The following are the entry requirements for these respective programmes.
| Details | Graduate Admissions | Undergraduate Admissions |
| Application Fee | CAD 135 | CAD 125 |
| Academic Requirements | Undergraduate Degree | High school grades, Course descriptions for postsecondary courses completed outside of Canada |
| GPA or Aggregate | 3.0 (85%) | 2.0 0r 75% |
| English Language Proficiency | IELTS: 6.5 (6.0 in each section) TOEFL-IBT: 90 (21 in each section) | TOEFL: 90 IELTS: 6.5 75%+ in Standard 12th English |
| Standardised Test Scores | GMAT: 550+ GRE: 310 | LSAT: 161 MCAT: 128 DAT: 68 |
5. Carleton University
Carleton University, located in the heart of Ottawa, has a fantastic location, cutting-edge research facilities, and competitive undergraduate programmes. The university offers 22 of the hardest university programmes to get into in Canada in arts, sciences, humanities, and engineering.
Popular Courses:
- M.B.A
- Master of Computer Science
- Bachelor of Engineering [B.Eng], Software Engineering
- Bachelor of Science [B.S], Economics
- M.Arch
Carleton University Admission Criteria
Carleton University maintains a highly selective admission process, with an acceptance rate of only 21%. It is one of the lowest acceptance rate universities in Canada. While most undergraduate programmes require a minimum aggregate score of 70%, certain competitive courses may demand a higher average of 85% or above.
Admission to graduate programmes necessitates a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (equivalent to 85%). Prospective applicants to Carleton University are advised to aim for an aggregate score that exceeds the minimum requirements, as this enhances their chances of receiving equal consideration during the admission evaluation process.
| Details | Undergraduate Requirements | Graduate Requirements |
| Application Portal | OUAC Portal | Carleton360 Portal |
| Application Fee | CAD 100 | CAD 110 |
| Academic Requirements | Official Transcripts of all previously attended institutions. | Bachelor’s degree |
| GPA or Aggregate | 70% equivalent | 3.0 or 85% |
| English Proficiency | IELTS 6.5 | IELTS 6.5 |
Hardest Programmes To Get Into In Canada
Specific programmes in Canada, such as medicine, law, engineering, and business at top universities, are among the most challenging to gain admission into. These highly competitive programmes have stringent entry requirements, including exceptional grades, impressive test scores, strong recommendations, and well-rounded profiles.
With low acceptance rates, securing a spot demands remarkable achievements, strategic applications, and outstanding credentials that set applicants apart from the vast pool of talented candidates. Given below are the most competitive programmes in Canada:
| Programmes | University |
| Mechanical Engineering | McGill University |
| Bachelor Of Commerce | University of British Columbia, Sauder School of Business |
| Engineering Science | University of Toronto |
| Software Engineering | University of Waterloo |
| Bachelor of Commerce | Queen’s School of Business |
Canada is one of the world’s top study destinations. Even though there are several schools in the country, the universities listed above are the best and the hardest universities to enter in Canada. Academic success, however, is determined more by the effort you put into university than by the university you attend in Canada. One of the most crucial and common aspects of being accepted into Canada’s most competitive institutions is having outstanding grades.
FAQs
1. Which is the most difficult degree in Canada?
In Canada, the most challenging undergraduate programmes to gain acceptance into are the Bachelor of Commerce programme at the University of British Columbia, the Mechanical Engineering programme at McGill University, and the Smith Bachelor of Commerce programme at Queen’s University.
2. What are the admission requirements for the most competitive universities in Canada?
You will typically need to provide several documents to apply for study programmes in Canada including official academic transcripts, a scanned copy of your passport, a comprehensive CV/resume, a Letter of Recommendation, English language proficiency test scores etc.
3. What is a good GPA in a Canadian university?
In Canada, the typical minimum GPA required by most universities is around 2.0 or 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Nevertheless, specific universities and programmes might have differing criteria for GPA expectations.
4. Which Canadian university is the hardest to get into?
Compared to other institutions in Canada, McMaster University maintains one of the most demanding admission criteria. It boasts a low acceptance rate of 13.3% for international students.
5. Which Canadian university accepts most international students?
McGill University attracts many international students from more than 150 countries each year. Moreover, it has the highest percentage of PhD students among all Canadian research universities.
6. Which university in Canada has the lowest tuition fee?
The University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) is one of the cheapest universities in Canada. Its average tuition fee is CA $7494.
7. Are there open universities in Canada?
Athabasca University and Thompson Rivers University are two open universities in Canada.
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1 thought on “Top PGDM Courses In Canada: Universities, Specialisations & Eligibility”
I have done Bachelor’s in Culinary Arts from India and completed my graduation in the year 2022 .I am 22 years old. After graduation, I have done 1 year paid internship from USA .Now, I would like to take occupational experience and learn culinary skills and also do masters in Culinary arts.How can I find the college n best course / country where I can persue studying further