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Application Procedure for Graduate Courses

This section explains the process of applying to Canadian universities for Graduate (Masters’ & Doctorate Degree) courses. 

Application Requirements
  1. Academic Records
  2. Standardized Tests
  3. Work Experience Details
  4. Letters of Recommendation
  5. Statement of Purpose (SOP)

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Send enquiries at least 15 to 18 months before the proposed date of admission. There are two ways to get application forms.
  1. Requesting Application Forms via email : You can request application forms from the universities website. Most universities have a form on their website which can be completed online to request application material.

  2. Downloading from the university website : Many universities have a downloadable and ready to print versions of their application forms  on the net. These can be used for applying just as regular forms.


Most schools require qualifications comparable to a Canadian Bachelor’s (Honours) degree (Four Year Degree Program). That means a minimum of 16 years of formal education. In the Indian context, it implies qualifying in a professional four-year degree like engineering or other such courses.

For Doctorate programs, most universities require a Master’s degree in that subject. In a few exceptional cases like a good undergraduate engineering degree, they may offer a direct admission to a Doctorate course.

Programs/
Level of study

Graduate/Post-Graduate  level

Business

  • 2-3 years full time work experience

  • GMAT : 580-600 min.

  • TOEFL : PBT: 580-600 min.
                     CBT: 237-250 min.

  • 4 yr Bachelors degree, 70% aver.

Computer Science

  • 4 yr Bachelors degree, 70% aver., preferably in Computer Science

  • TOEFL : PBT: 580-600 min.
                     CBT: 237-250 min.

  • Some universities will require GRE Score (1200-1500)

Engineering

  • 4 yr Bachelors in Engineering, 70% aver.

  • TOEFL : PBT: 580-600 min.
                     CBT: 237-250 min.

  • Some universities will require GRE score (1200-1500)

Fine Arts

  • 4 yr Bachelors in Fine Arts

  • Portfolio/audition

  • TOEFL : PBT: 580-600 min.
                     CBT: 237-250 min.

Media/ Communications

  • 4 yr Bachelors in Mass Communications

  • Portfolio

  • TOEFL : PBT: 600 min.
                     CBT: 250 min.

  • Work experience is an added advantage

  • Some institutions may require written samples or copies of published work

Three year Graduates

If you have completed a three-year degree program in India, the advisable plan of action to maximize eligibility for Canadian graduate schools is to apply for a Post Graduate degree here in India. A one-year university affiliated program will make up for the fourth year of a Canadian Undergraduate degree.

IMPORTANT :
  • Professional programs like the CA, ICWA, part time diplomas from a university such as those in management, communication may or may not be accepted, though most MBA programs now accept the Indian CA qualification in lieu of the fourth year graduation.

  • Independent certificate courses offered by private institutions like Aptech, NIIT, etc. will most likely not be accepted. The decision is based on each university’s individual evaluation.

  • One-year education of a two-year degree course (like M.Tech., M.A. etc.) may not be accepted by most schools. The full course has to be completed for qualification, unless there is a recognized university examination at the end of one year.

No standardized policy exists regarding the acceptance of such programs. Some universities may accept the three-year Indian Graduation Degree for a few programs. Confirmation can only be obtained by either writing directly or formally applying to the universities concerned


Application Requirements

Your past academic record is one of the most important deciding factors in securing admission to a college abroad. Most schools require you to have a reasonably good academic record especially for programs and courses offering a master’s or doctoral degree. Each university has its own minimum requirement for its programs, which are flexible depending on the candidate’s profile.

Universities in Canada have their own marking and evaluation systems, which are considerably different from the Indian system. It is advisable not to convert your marks in the Indian system of grading to the Canadian Grade Point Average system or any other system since the conversion may not be accurate. You may attach an explanatory note from your college to indicate your rank in your class and/or university. The letter may also indicate your place as compared to the class and the university average and the number of students in the class and the number of colleges and students in the university. You may also provide any other information or documents that you feel may help you in the admission process.

Students applying for Graduate courses (MBA, MS etc) are required to submit an official transcript (mark-sheets) from each college or university that they have attended after secondary school with complete details of the subjects/credits involved (for each year) and other details like correspondence courses, diplomas etc. Most universities ask for the transcript (mark-sheets) to be sealed in an envelope and signed and attested across the seal by the registrar. This procedure is to be done for each and every college that you have attended. Some universities may ask for more than one copy of the transcript. 

If the transcripts are in a language other than English, then they must be translated into English only by the issuing authority or university otherwise it may not be accepted.


Standardized Tests

Top

Many Courses and Universities in Canada require you to take one of the standardized tests like GRE, GMAT along with English Proficiency tests like TOEFL, TWE and IELTS.

English Proficiency


TOEFL: This test is mandatory for International students applying to a Graduate course or University in Canada. The minimum score required by most universities for admission is 570 (Paper-based test) and 230 (Computer-based test).

Note:
Many universities and colleges also accept IELTS scores.
Other Tests

GMAT : For most management courses, International students are required to take GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test).

GRE    : For Graduate Courses in any field other than Management.

Work Experience Details

Top

A number of professional and vocational courses require relevant work experience. For instance, many MBAs or master’s courses in information studies require at least a couple of years’ work experience. Most Canadian universities are pretty strict about this.

A detailed R�sum� is an important part of your application. It should include all information of professional work experience along with the details like positions held, achievements and range of work.

Find Resumes a problem? Check out our Resume section for tips.

Letter of Recommendation

Top

Letters of reference or recommendation letters play a very important part in your admission especially in courses that earn you a master’s or doctoral degree. A recommendation letter is a signed statement from a person who knows you well professionally or has taught you in a subject that is related to the course you are applying to. It should list your positive and negative qualities, strengths and other such information.

The author or teacher must indicate his position, how long he/she has known the applicant and in what capacity. He/she should briefly discuss the need, importance and usefulness of the study the applicant proposes to undertake. Authors are usually asked to rank applicants in their letters of recommendation, which helps admission officers to interpret the academic credentials of foreign students. Students should obtain letters of recommendation (often on the prescribed forms sent by the institutions) from teachers who know them as a person as well as a student. You may like to request your author to give concrete examples that may show your qualities and help your case.

Many universities have their own format and questions that have to be answered by the person who is giving the letter of recommendation on your behalf. Letters, which do not give enough information, can jeopardize a candidate’s chances of selection. 

Note : Even if not mentioned, it is advisable to include at least two letters of recommendation in your applications as they increase your chances of getting admissions.

For more details on letters of recommendation, formats and tips, check out Letters of Recommendation

Statement of Purpose

Top

The personal essays, and/or statement of purpose, play a very important role in the process of evaluating your application for both admission as well as financial aid because it gives the faculty assessing your application their most significant impression of you as an individual. This section is the key to distinguish your application from other suitable candidates and a chance to market yourself.

A personal statement should include your reasons for choosing a particular course, the suitability of your education and experience for the chosen course, your personal interests and career goals.

Some courses like Business school courses will have their own essay questions and format. Others may ask for a r�sum� or reasons for applying to that particular course.

For more details on various essay topics, tips, sample essays, check out our Essays/Statement of Purpose section.
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