Eligibility Criteria to Pursue STEM Courses in Canada

Eligibility Criteria to Pursue STEM Courses in Canada: Canada has emerged as the go-to destination for international students aspiring to pursue STEM courses abroad and wishing to accelerate their learning curve. Students get the chance to enrol in the world’s best universities and gain education in their chosen field of study. 

An eye-catching factor for international students is the Canadian universities that rank high on the list of the world’s leading universities and offer high-quality and acclaimed education and globally recognized STEM degrees. These facts make Canada one of the most desirable destinations to pursue STEM courses in Canada.

The new IBM survey also revealed that Canada ranks #12 out of #16 peer countries with an overall STEM field graduation rate of 21.2%, which is shockingly higher than the United States. Being at the top of the list of most international aspirants, it is equally important to know in depth about the eligibility criteria to pursue STEM courses in Canada for international students. 

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Why Study STEM Courses in Canada? 

STEM degrees are made up of courses in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. These courses, which require study and reasoning to solve issues, may lead to a variety of professional pathways in a variety of industries. Students graduate with an in-demand set of abilities because STEM courses take an applied, multi-subject approach to education. Several STEM courses are given by colleges and universities in Canada, making it challenging for students to pick among the numerous possibilities available.

Before we discuss the eligibility criteria to pursue STEM courses in Canada for international students, let us shed some light on why students should opt to pursue STEM courses in Canada in the first place:

• Learning and Research of High Quality: STEM disciplines are always developing and in need of new ideas! There will be cutting-edge programmes, professors, and facilities. You will get the opportunity to work on research projects that will help you develop your creativity, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.

• High-Quality College and University Programmes: You may pursue a great STEM education through either college or university courses in Canada. College courses are frequently shorter and more focused on practical, technical skills. Typically, you will be awarded a certificate or diploma. Universities provide greater academic and research-based opportunities. A Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD degree is normal. Whether you study at a college or university, you will be prepared for a STEM job.

• Opportunities for Employment and Industry Connections: Canada is a great place for you to gain quality work experience while studying. International students can gain a blend of classroom and hands-on training to help them become job-ready. Several institutions also have significant industry links, so you will have access to networking, co-op, and internship possibilities.

• You will be Offered High Salaries: STEM industries need extensive training, and practitioners frequently bear a great deal of responsibility. As a result, many STEM careers in Canada are quite well compensated, particularly if you have a Master's degree. Like with any other profession, the more experience and information you have, the more valuable you will be. Wages can vary widely between businesses and jobs, so it is important investigating how much your desired career pays before deciding to pursue it.

• You will be Among the Ones Making an Impact: STEM experts provide vital functions. It is up to STEM to tackle the world's most imperative challenges, such as developing green, sustainable energy, combating climate change, treating illnesses, and safeguarding the natural world's future. If you want to improve the world, a STEM degree from a Canadian institution is a terrific place to start.

Eligibility Criteria to Study STEM in Canada

As an international applicant, you must carry an excellent academic score record that is parallel or equivalent to the homogenized mandatory examinations required for admissions in Canada.

However, these test scores may vary based on the university or the level of degree you are interested in pursuing. It is almost similar to cut-offs for different examinations such that if the field or branch contradicts, the test scores do not always coincide. The fact remains, however, that the higher your score, the greater your chances of getting admitted to recognized international universities.

Let us now dive a little deeper into the eligibility criteria specifications at both the bachelors and masters level in Canada:

Minimum Academic Qualification for Bachelor in STEM in Canada

As you know, STEM-based programmes require a strong background in the disciplines of mathematics as well as science. Hence, the basic level of qualification i.e., twelfth-grade learning must be from these two backgrounds. The muscular reason behind these eligibility criteria is you should be familiar with the same subjects you are planning to learn overseas. A stronghold over these subjects will act as a backbone for your further detailed education.

Let us assume that you are about to go for a Bachelor of Computer Science. Then you are expected to have a hold over the knowledge of basic coding skills and computer networking. On the other hand, if you aim to study Biomedical Engineering, then you are expected to have familiarity with botanical names, derivatives and integration in your twelfth grade.

Below are the subject-specific eligibility requirements to pursue STEM undergraduate courses in Canada. However, candidates must note that Biology is mandatory for Bioengineering courses.

• Engineering theme: 10+2 in PCM with (Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics)

• Science theme: 10+2 in PCM or PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics/Biology)

• Mathematics theme: 10+2 in PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics)

• Technology theme: 10+2 in or PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics)

To pursue your bachelor's degree in Canada, it is stated that a minimum requirement of 70% or above marks on the scoresheet of twelfth grade (a minimum of 75% marks aggregate with 75% marks in Maths) is requisite to get into universities in Canada. Nevertheless, some universities also hire students with a scoresheet of 60-70% marks.

As we know, Canadian universities commonly prefer students to seize a four-year undergraduate degree because enrollment in STEM master's programmes in Canada is highly competitive. Therefore, the inclination will be down towards the bachelors who adhere to the standardised requirements of a particular university. Make sure you meet all the prerequisite requirements for higher studies mentioned below:

1. Test Scores:

Students interested in studying overseas must take the IELTS or TOEFL test to demonstrate their proficiency in English. In some cases, students may need to submit the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) regardless of the nature of the program and the university.

This test could be a vital aspect while considering admission criteria. Looking at the other side, if you wish to get admitted to some of the top universities in Canada, a GRE score of 315+ is considered competitive.

• Fees for GRE: 280-320 CAD.
• TOEFL Score: Minimum of 75 and above. Students with a 100+ score have a higher chance of being admitted to a top-ranked university.
• Fees for TOEFL: 220- 345 CAD.
• IELTS Score: Minimum 6.0 or above. The top universities generally require a score of 7.0 to 7.5+.
• Fees for IELTS: 220 CAD.

2. GPA:

The least GPA of 3+ can bring the most benefits to getting admitted to the leading universities, especially in Canada.

3. Application Deadlines for STEM courses in Canada

The table tabulated below will depict the application deadlines for international students to pursue STEM courses in Canada:

4. Documentation for Masters in STEM Canada:

• Submission of the following documents is also required -

• A copy of each mark sheet for Standard X, XII, and the Bachelor's degree (if applicable).

• A letter of recommendation from two people who know you well and can speak to your professional abilities, if you have work experience.

• Statement of Purpose (SOP).

• Photocopied score reports of TOEFL/ IELTS.

• Resume/CV.

• At least two letters of recommendation from professors who have taught you most recently.

• The rest (state and national awards, and extracurricular activities).

• Art and design portfolios (if applying for courses in art and design or architecture).

• Funds verification.

• A medical test.

The requirements might seem overwhelming at first, but as you walk along the path of your dream education everything will fall into place. Find out the eligibility requirements to pursue STEM courses in Canada by speaking to our expert counsellors rather than trying to collect shattered pieces of information from the internet.

If you would like more information on Eligibility Criteria to Pursue STEM Courses in Canada, please email us at abroad@collegedekho.com.