Admission Requirements for a Doctorate in Canada
If you want to do a doctorate in Germany, there is usually no avoiding a master’s degree. This is actually different in Canada. Under certain conditions, there is the possibility of entering a doctoral program (fast track) after a four-year bachelor’s degree. This is not uncommon, especially in science and engineering subjects. In this case, however, applicants must be able to demonstrate outstanding performance and have already focused on research during their bachelor’s degree.
Otherwise, a good master’s degree with a research component (Master by Research) is usually the prerequisite for a PhD in Canada. How high the expected grade average is varies. Of particular importance are the letters of recommendation, the letter of motivation and the frequently requested synopsis, the so-called research proposal, in which the research project is explained.
Short term study in Canada with low admission requirements
It doesn’t always have to be a full course of study. When it comes to studying in Canada, short-term programs such as a semester abroad, an academic gap year or summer sessions are particularly popular. This is due on the one hand to the lower costs and on the other hand to the low admission requirements. Because in the context of visiting student programs or summer sessions, German applicants do not compete with Canadian applicants. Letters of motivation or recommendation are rarely required. And the language requirements are often more moderate and do not necessarily have to be proven through a complex and expensive IELTS or TOEFL.
In order to be able to participate in a semester or summer program, in addition to a language certificate, it is usually sufficient to have a high school diploma. At some universities in Canada, however, applicants must have been enrolled at a German university for at least two semesters and therefore already have study experience.
Anyone wishing to attend courses at the master’s level must also prove that they have the necessary specialist knowledge. Proof of this is usually provided by a so-called transcript of records. All courses that the applicant has attended so far are listed here and the course content covered is described.
Studying in Canada without a high school diploma: (Community) colleges
The admission requirements of Canadian colleges are much more moderate than at universities, not least because of the accessibility required by the Canadian government in the course of lifelong learning. Of course, this makes college studies in Canada interesting for Germans too, because a secondary school leaving certificate and a completed vocational training are often sufficient for admission. Within two years, the students first acquire what is known as an associate degree. You can then switch seamlessly to the third year of a bachelor ‘s program via a transfer program.
Language requirements for studying in Canada
Whether university or college, whether a full course of study or a short-term program: In most cases, Canadian universities require foreign applicants to provide evidence of a sufficiently good command of English or French by means of a standardized language test. The English-speaking universities most often require taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The minimum number of points differs depending on the level of study or subject.
Those who do not achieve the required number of points often get the chance to bring their lack of language skills to the appropriate level by attending language courses on site and parallel to their studies.
Alternative language certificates for short-term programs
Those who only want to study in Canada for one or two semesters often benefit from the relaxed admission requirements in terms of language. In addition to submitting a TOEFL or IELTS result, Canadian universities usually also accept alternative language certificates that are less time-consuming and, above all, less expensive or even free of charge. These are, for example, a DAAD language certificate, a confirmation from a professor of the existing language skills or a good English grade in the Abitur certificate.
If you take part in a summer program in Canada, a major country in North America listed on a2zcamerablog, you usually do not need to provide proof of language proficiency at all. In your own interest, you should of course have sufficient knowledge of English in order to be able to follow the course content adequately.
Other admission requirements
Depending on the subject, applicants may have to meet additional requirements. In artistic courses this can be a portfolio, in others, such as an (Executive) Master of Business Administration or in the field of health, professional experience in relevant areas.
