Préparer sa candidature au baccalauréat au Québec et dans le reste du Canada

Academic excellence, affordable tuition, a welcoming population and breathtaking scenery. These are just some of the reasons why thousands of students choose Quebec universities every year.

What do I need to know before applying to work in Canada?

In Quebec and Canada in general, there is no centralized application system, as is the case in the UK (UCAS), France (Parcoursup) or the USA (Common App). This means that you have to send in an application and pay an application fee for each of the universities to which you wish to apply.

As each establishment has its own selection criteria and admission procedures, we recommend that you contact your university admissions department you wish to request.

In Canada, admission is mainly based on school reports. At McGill, for example, evaluation is based solely on grades 11 and 12. For each program, McGill indicates the minimum grades required. For example

for bachelor of arts : 15/20 average (no specialty prerequisites) ;
For bachelor of arts and sciences : 16/20 average with 14/20 in maths and science (Maths speciality – in première and terminale – and two sciences in première, either: SVT speciality and physics/chemistry speciality, or physics/chemistry speciality);
For bachelor of commerce : de 15 to 16.5/20 average and 14.5 to 16.5/20 in maths with specialization in mathematics (première and terminale) or specialization in mathematics (première) and complementary mathematics option (terminale);
for >engineering bachelors: de 13.5 to 16.5/20 average and 13.5 to 16.5/20 in mathematics and science (specializing in mathematics in première and terminale) and physics and chemistry (in première).

Application deadlines also vary from one university to another, generally running from January 1^st to March 1^st. So be sure to check each university’s website to make sure you don’t miss the deadline!

If you’re applying to English-language programs (McGill, Concordia, Bishop’s), you’ll need to provide proof of your ability in English. In your application, you’ll need to include the result of a standardized English test such as IELTS or TOEFL. Note that each university or program may have its own minimum score. For example, McGill University, the University of Toronto and the University of British Columbia (UBC) all require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5, while Concordia may require a score of 6 or 6.5 (provided you take additional English courses once you’re here). Don’t wait until the last minute to take your test, as it may take several attempts to get the score you’re aiming for.

It’s a good idea to take a year or so in advance to select the universities and programs that match your career plans, prepare a complete application and take an English test.

What is the application process in Canada?

While Canadian universities have their own selection criteria, the application processes are quite similar. Most universities allow applicants to apply online, following a few simple steps.

Create your personal space

Before you start preparing your application, you’ll need to create your personal space by choosing your login and password. Each university has its own platform, so you’ll need to go to each university’s website, click on Premier cycle et Apply to create your account. .

Enter your personal data and a valid e-mail address

Be sure to write down your full name and contact details as they appear on your passport. Make sure

Choosing the program you’d like to follow means taking the time to think about your plans. McGill University and UBC allow you to select two Bachelor’s programs, while Concordia University offers a choice of three.

For McGill, you don’t have to choose a specific course of study, just a faculty: the faculty of arts for all humanities (literature, economics, international relations, mathematics…), the desautels faculty of management (for all business and management courses). For the faculty of engineering (for engineering), each curriculum has its own admission criteria, so you’ll need to choose a specific program.

As long as you have not validated your file, you can always modify these choices.

Add the required documents

Most Canadian universities ask applicants for transcripts of their high school grades.

You’ll also need to send your TOEFL or IELTS score and your baccalaureate results to the universities you’ve applied to, as soon as you’ve obtained them. Other documents may be required depending on the universities and programs selected. A valid passport is also required at the time of application.

For some universities, you will be able to send your English test score and additional documents at a later date. At McGill, for example, you’ll need to submit your online application by January 15, but you’ll have until March 15 to send in your English test score.

Pay the application fee

To submit your application, you’ll need to pay an admission fee of around €70 per university.

Follow your request

You can track the progress of your application via the various platforms available on university websites (Myconcordia for Concordia University or Minerva for McGill University).

Apply for your visa

When you arrive in Canada, you’ll need your CAQ (Certificat d’acceptation au Québec) and a study permit from Immigration Canada.

Would you like to study in Canada after high school? Don’t hesitate to Contact us to discuss your project!