Canada is one of the largest and fastest-growing destinations for degree, diploma and vocational programmes. This guide explains the minimum marks required to study in Canada after Class 12 and after graduation, along with the study permit rules and top universities you should know for 2026.
Canadian universities perform strongly in global rankings, and in the QS World University Rankings 2026 four of them sit in the world's top 100. Alongside academic marks, your English test score, proof of funds and a genuine study plan all shape your admission and study permit outcome.
- The Student Direct Stream fast-track closed on 8 November 2024, so every applicant now uses the standard study permit process
- A single applicant outside Quebec must show at least CAN$20,635 in living funds, in addition to first-year tuition and travel costs
- Eligible students can work up to 24 hours per week off campus during academic terms
- In the QS World University Rankings 2026, McGill, Toronto, UBC and Alberta all place in the global top 100.
What Minimum Marks Are Required After Class 12?
For most diploma programmes in Canada you typically need around 55 to 60 percent in Class 12, while a bachelor's degree usually requires 70 percent or above, often with an SAT or ACT score. Exact cut-offs vary by university and programme, so always check the institution's official admission page.
If you are applying for a diploma, a grade point average of roughly 60 percent is expected in Class 12, though some colleges accept students with around 55 percent. For a bachelor's degree at a university you would usually need at least 70 percent along with an SAT or ACT score. Students who fall short of 70 percent can take a two-year advanced diploma with a minimum GPA of 3 and then transfer into the final years of a degree at a partner university.
| Programme (2026) | Typical Minimum Class 12 Marks | Other Common Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Diploma / Advanced Diploma | 55-60% | IELTS/TOEFL sometimes optional |
| Bachelor's degree | 70% and above | SAT or ACT often required |
| Humanities (undergraduate) | 65% and above | English proficiency test |
| Science / Commerce (undergraduate) | 70-80% | English proficiency test |
| Postgraduate / Master's | 65-75% in bachelor's | IELTS/TOEFL, sometimes GMAT/GRE |
What Marks Are Required to Study After Graduation?
For postgraduate study, most Canadian universities expect a minimum of 65 percent or above in humanities and 70 to 80 percent in science and commerce streams, alongside a recognised English test. Diploma applicants usually need around 60 percent. Requirements differ across institutions, so confirm the exact percentage on each university's official website.
An English language qualification is the minimum must for graduate study. Beyond that, a minimum academic score of 65 percent or above for humanities, and 70 to 80 percent or above for science and commerce in Class 12 and your bachelor's degree, is generally expected. For a diploma programme a minimum of about 60 percent is usually enough to be eligible, and applicants should have completed 18 years of age before joining a degree programme.
These numbers are for reference only and the actual cut-offs vary from university to university and from programme to programme.
Can You Get a Canada Student Visa With 50 Percent Marks?
A study permit does not have a fixed marks cut-off, but a strong overall profile helps. With around 50 percent, admission to top universities is unlikely, though many colleges and diploma programmes accept lower scores. A good IELTS band, a clear study plan and solid proof of funds strengthen a lower-marks application considerably.
The study permit itself does not set a strict percentage requirement. What matters most is acceptance by a designated learning institution, your English test score and proof that you can fund your studies. If your marks are modest, choosing a college or diploma programme and building a strong, honest application makes a real difference.
Once you have an offer, you apply for the study permit online. After the institution issues your letter of acceptance, you assemble your provincial attestation letter, proof of funds and other documents and submit the application through the standard process. Fewer, stronger colleges on your list often lead to a cleaner, more convincing application.
Best Universities in CanadaRead →Does a Low Percentage in Class 12 Affect Your Study Permit?
The study permit decision does not depend mainly on your Class 12 percentage. It rests more on your acceptance at a designated learning institution, your English test score such as IELTS, and your proof of funds. A modest academic record can be offset by a genuine study plan and strong financial documents.
IELTS assesses your ability to read, write, listen and speak in English, and Canadian institutions review this score closely. The test is scored in bands, and most programmes look for an overall band of 6.0 or higher, with no individual band below 5.5. A strong English score reassures the visa officer that you can cope with English-medium study.
The IELTS test covers four sections of equal weight: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Aim for a balanced performance across all four rather than a single strong band, because both universities and visa officers look at your overall profile and your consistency across sections.
Which Are the Best Universities in Canada?
In the QS World University Rankings 2026, four Canadian universities sit in the global top 100: McGill University at 27, the University of Toronto at 29, the University of British Columbia at 40, and the University of Alberta at 94. McMaster, Waterloo, Western and Universite de Montreal also rank highly.
Other strong options for international students include Simon Fraser University, the University of Montreal and McMaster University. Canada is also a favourable choice for vocational and diploma courses, where job opportunities can be plentiful. With a low population density and a growing economy, the scope for work alongside and after study is significant.
Among graduate and postgraduate courses, some of the most popular fields include pharmacy, engineering, computer studies, business management and mass media communications. Choosing a programme with strong employment outcomes can also help support your case for a study permit and, later, a work permit.
What Documents Are Required to Study in Canada?
To apply for a Canadian study permit you need a valid passport, a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution, a provincial or territorial attestation letter in most cases, proof of financial support, and passport-sized photos. Academic transcripts, English test scores, a statement of purpose and a medical exam are also commonly required.
- Valid passport and passport-sized photographs
- Letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI)
- Provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL), required in most cases
- Attested academic transcripts and mark sheets for Class 10, 12 and graduation
- English test scorecard such as IELTS or TOEFL
- Proof of funds, including tuition and living costs, often via a Guaranteed Investment Certificate
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) and, where asked, letters of recommendation
- Medical exam and police certificate, if required
Why Do Canadian Study Permits Get Refused?
Common reasons for a study permit refusal include a missing or doubtful letter of acceptance, insufficient proof of funds, weak ties to your home country, incomplete or inconsistent documents, and a weak academic or English-language profile. A clear study plan and complete, honest financial evidence reduce the chance of refusal significantly.
Before applying, you must hold a letter of acceptance from a school on the list of designated learning institutions. A visa officer may refuse your application if they doubt the authenticity of the acceptance letter, or if they are not convinced you meet the programme requirements.
Financial evidence matters too. You must show that you can pay tuition, living costs and return travel. Uncertainty about your ability to fund your stay is one of the most common reasons for refusal, so bank statements and a Guaranteed Investment Certificate should be clear and sufficient.
A study permit is temporary, so the officer must be satisfied that you will leave Canada when it expires. Weak home-country ties, inconsistent or incomplete documents, and an academic record that does not match your chosen programme can all raise doubts and lead to a refusal.
How Can You Work While Studying in Canada?
Since November 2024, eligible full-time students at a designated learning institution can work up to 24 hours per week off campus during academic terms and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. After graduating, you may apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, while employer-specific jobs often need a Labour Market Impact Assessment from ESDC.
A Canadian work permit is an authorisation issued by the Government of Canada that lets eligible foreign nationals work in the country for a set period. Employer-specific permits usually require a job offer, and in many cases the employer must first obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada, confirming that no Canadian was available for the role. Open work permits, such as the Post-Graduation Work Permit, do not require a job offer.
How Do You Apply for a Canada Study Permit?
First secure a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution, then gather your provincial attestation letter, proof of funds, passport and English test results. Since the Student Direct Stream closed in November 2024, all applicants apply through the standard online study permit process and must show they will leave Canada when the permit ends.
- Get accepted by a designated learning institution and receive your letter of acceptance
- Obtain your provincial or territorial attestation letter where required
- Show enough funds to cover tuition, living costs and return travel
- Arrange medical health insurance and, if asked, complete a medical exam
- Provide documents showing you have no criminal record
- Apply online through the standard study permit process and pay the fees