Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity to gain new experiences and expand your worldview. For many international students, Canada is a top choice with its multicultural cities, beautiful landscapes, and world-class education. However, the admissions process can be competitive, especially if you have a lower grade point average (GPA) from previous studies.
The good news is that while a good GPA often helps, there are still quality colleges and universities across Canada that accept Higher National Diplomas (HNDs), 2.2 bachelor’s degrees, and 3rd class honors from the UK system.
This guide will highlight the best Canadian schools that offer admission to students with these qualifications, along with application tips tailored to those with a less competitive academic background.
Why Consider Canada for Studies?
There are many great reasons to study in Canada as an international student, including:
High-Ranked Universities and Colleges
Canada features 26 universities in the QS World University Rankings 2022, including the University of Toronto, McGill University, the University of British Columbia, and McMaster University in desirable locations. Many colleges also partner with these research powerhouses to allow transfers or post-graduate diploma options later.
Lower Costs Than Other Major Destinations
The average international undergraduate tuition in Canada is an affordable CAD $18,000-30,000 per year compared to countries like the USA and UK. Cost of living is also lower in student-friendly cities like Montreal and Calgary.
Post-Graduation Work Opportunities
International graduates from Canadian schools qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), allowing them to work legally for up to 3 years after finishing full-time studies. This makes Canada an appealing choice for those hoping to immigrate long-term.
Multicultural, Tolerant Society
Canada promotes diversity and multiculturalism. Almost 22% of Canadians are immigrants with over 200 ethnic origins represented. Major cities like Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal are extremely diverse and welcoming to people from all backgrounds.
Top Canadian Colleges and Universities Accepting Lower GPAs
The following list highlights some of the best Canadian schools that offer admission to students with HNDs, 2.2s, and 3rd class honors from the UK. They represent a mix of public universities, technical institutes and private career colleges found across Canada’s 10 provinces.
1. Douglas College
Douglas College is a large public college located just outside beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia. It accepts both university transfer and vocational students into over 170 programs.Unlike many Canadian schools, Douglas College considers applicants holistically without a cut-off GPA requirement. Those with a 2.2 bachelor’s degree or 3rd class honors can qualify for bachelor’s degree transfer programs like Commerce, Computer Science and Nursing.The college also widely recognizes HND qualifications for advanced entry into further undergraduate studies. Subject to approval, those with HNDs can transfer up to 2 years of credits towards Douglas College credentials.
2. Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) has four campuses across the metro Vancouver region of British Columbia, offering polytechnic education focused on professional skills.KPU offers a mix of vocational certificates, diplomas, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees spanning diverse fields like design, technology, business, science and arts. The university has a flexible approach to international admissions and evaluates applicants holistically. HND holders and those with lower-ranked bachelor’s degrees are encouraged to apply.
3. Thompson Rivers University
Located in Kamloops, British Columbia, Thompson Rivers University (TRU) welcomes a large number of international students each year. TRU offers both academic and career-oriented programs, from English preparation certificates to bachelor’s and master’s degrees across faculties like Law, Business, Nursing, and Computer Science.The university does not publish a minimum GPA requirement and takes a flexible approach to assessing international applicants. Those holding 2.2s, 3rd class honors degrees, or HND qualifications in relevant fields are encouraged to apply for bachelor’s degree transfer or post-graduate studies at TRU.
4. University of Winnipeg
The University of Winnipeg is a public research university located in the Manitoba capital of Winnipeg. It is known for student diversity, flexibility and accessibility.The UWinnipeg considers international applicants holistically and does not publish a minimum GPA requirement for most programs. Students with 2.2s or 3rd class degrees can qualify for bachelor’s degree transfers into a wide range of majors. College diploma holders may also be eligible for the integrated “Collegiate” program.
5. Lakehead University
Lakehead University is an acclaimed public research university with campuses in Thunder Bay and Orillia, Ontario. It offers a personalized approach to education and is home to over 8,500 students.
Lakehead University considers all candidates individually for undergraduate and graduate studies based on their unique profile. While competitive GPAs give students an advantage, those with graded college diplomas, 2.2s degrees, or 3rd class honors may still gain admission by demonstrating their motivation, experience and communication skills.
6. University of Prince Edward Island
The University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) is a public university located in the scenic province of Prince Edward Island. It offers a friendly, close-knit environment to study in programs like Veterinary Medicine, Nursing, Business, Arts and Aviation.For international students, UPEI does not publish a minimum GPA requirement. Admission decisions are made holistically based on each applicant’s full profile. Students with 2.2 bachelor’s degrees or 3rd class honors are encouraged to apply to UPEI for further undergraduate studies or transfers.
7. Cape Breton University
Located on beautiful Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Cape Breton University (CBU) offers a personalized approach to education for domestic and international learners.CBU offers over 100 degree programs and does not have a minimum GPA requirement for international student admission. Instead, applicants are evaluated holistically on additional factors like relevant work experience, personal statements, references and interview performance for competitive programs.Those with 2.2 bachelor’s degrees, 3rd class honors or HNDs can qualify for undergraduate transfer programs in fields like Business, IT, Arts, Nursing, Tourism and Hospitality. Conditional acceptance may be offered in some cases.
8. Toronto College of Dental Hygiene
The Toronto College of Dental Hygiene and Auxiliaries Inc. (TCDHA) offers intensive diploma programs related to dental hygiene, assistance and orthodontics.TCDHA runs an open admission policy that welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. As Canada’s premier dental college, they evaluate candidates individually and do not base decisions solely on grades. This provides opportunities for students with 2.2/3rd class qualifications or HNDs to launch careers in the high-demand dental industry.
9. triOS College
triOS College is a private career college with four campuses across Ontario offering vocational diplomas in Business, Healthcare, Legal Studies, Technology and other fields.triOS runs an open admissions policy designed to make education accessible for diverse groups of learners. They objectively assess each applicant’s complete profile instead of focusing solely on grades. This provides opportunities for those with 2.2s, 3rd class honors, or HND qualifications to study eligible diploma programs on a full-time or part-time basis.
10. Eastern College
Eastern College operates 17 campus locations across Canada, offering career-focused programs in Healthcare, Business, Legal Studies, Early Childhood Education, Trades, and more.The college employs an open admission policy designed to make education accessible for all learners from various backgrounds. Admission decisions are based on the full applicant profile. As a result, those holding 2.2/3rd class university grades or HND qualifications can gain entry to applicable Eastern College diploma programs in fields with high employment demand.
11. Columbia International College
Columbia International College is Canada’s largest boarding high school, offering university preparation programs for domestic and international students planning to transition into post-secondary studies.
The college employs a holistic approach to admissions without minimum grade requirements. Students are assessed based on their overall academic promise, extracurricular involvement, communication skills and motivation level. This creates opportunities for those with 2.2 bachelor’s degrees, 3rd class honors, or HND qualifications to strengthen their academic profile. Conditional acceptance is also possible in some cases.
12. Royal Roads University
Royal Roads University is a prestigious public university located just outside Victoria, British Columbia. It offers a flexible learning format with online and on-campus options for working professionals and students.Undergraduate programs like Commerce, Environmental Science and Management Studies consider applicants holistically without hard grade cut-offs. Those with 2.2 bachelor’s degrees, 3rd class honors or HND qualifications can demonstrate their potential through career achievements, references and personal statements.Conditional acceptance may also be offered in some cases with supplemental courses required.
Application Tips for Applicants With Lower GPAs
Students with HNDs, 2.2s or 3rd class degrees should utilize the following tips to strengthen their applications when applying to Canadian colleges and universities:
Getting Your Documents Certified
Ensure all previous transcripts and certificates are properly certified by the institution or relevant government body. This verifies their authenticity and supports accurate credential assessments.
Writing a Strong Personal Statement
The personal statement allows applicants to expand on their academic journey, professional background, future goals and suitability for the program. Use vivid examples to showcase your strengths beyond grades.
Compiling Other Supporting Documents
Supplement with detailed reference letters, evidence of English ability, academic essays or reports to highlight additional skills. These validate your overall promise as a student.
Interview Preparation
If required, spend time preparing common interview questions related to your past academic challenges, professional achievements, future ambitions and problem-solving abilities. This further demonstrates your capability and motivation.
Considering Conditional Acceptance
Some colleges offer conditional acceptance with supplementary English training, credential enhancement or preparatory courses required before beginning main program studies. While lengthening the process, this provides another potential pathway.
How to Improve Your Chances of Admission
Applicants should highlight any relevant work experience, professional qualifications, or personal achievements when applying to Canadian schools.
Scoring well on standardized tests like IELTS or TOEFL can also offset lower academic grades.Registering with a university or college agent familiar with overseas admissions may help guide qualified applicants to the best program and school based on their profile.Studying in Canada remains an excellent decision – even if you don’t have perfect grades.
With the right guidance, those with HNDs, 2.2s or 3rd class results can gain quality credentials leading to exciting career and immigration opportunities in Canada.
Also Read
- McGill University | Nursing Abroad: This article provides information about McGill University, one of Canada’s best-known institutions of higher learning and one of the leading universities in the world. It also covers the history, rankings, courses, admission requirements, scholarships, and placements of the university for nursing students.
- A Guide to Becoming a Nurse in Canada as a Foreign Nurse through the PNP Pathway | Nursing Abroad News: This article explains the essence of the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), a crucial pathway for foreign-trained nurses aspiring to work and live in Canada permanently. It also outlines the comprehensive process for foreign nurses to become licensed in Canada, and the significance of the nursing profession in the country’s healthcare system.
