Recognition of IB diploma for admission to universities and colleges

Canada has no single national policy on university entrance. There is no national university entrance exam, nor a centralized bureaucracy that controls admission. Each of Canada's universities sets its own admissions standards, and each candidate for admission is evaluated individually.

For a quick overview, there is a recognition policy summary chart of how some universities in Canada recognize the IB diploma available for download as a PDF document.

A student interested in post-secondary study in Canada must make direct contact with the college or university he or she would like to attend. One good way to begin is to use this web site. As you examine the IB recognition policies of Canadian colleges and universities, make special note of those institutions that interest you. Using the links available in each policy, explore the college's web site to find information on exactly what the college requires. It is your responsibility to meet all the requirements and deadlines of the specific institution.

IB exams, while helpful in the admissions process, do not guarantee admission. Several Canadian universities accept the IB Diploma as an admission credential, if the scores on the diploma meet certain targets. International students must meet a university's general admission standards. If their native language is other than English or French, they must also demonstrate a high level of proficiency in the university's language of instruction. Usually, a score of 550 or better on the Test of English as a Foreign Language will suffice for English-speaking universities. Canada's French-language universities have similar requirements. International students should contact the Canadian university that they wish to attend at least one year in advance.

In all cases, the official transcript of IB exam results must be sent to the Canadian college or university directly from the IB office in New York City.

More information on studying in Canada is available from the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada.