15 Universities in Canada With the Highest Acceptance Rate for International Students 2024

Reviewed by Soliu.

The best universities in Canada with the highest acceptance rate for international students are the University of Lethbridge, Wilfred Laurier University, Lakehead University, Thompson Rivers University, and Toronto Metropolitan University.

Canada is a very welcoming country to international students, and if you dream of studying in there and wonder about your chances of getting accepted, you’re in for good news. 

After all, it was reported by CBIE that at the end of 2022, there were over 800,000 legal and documented international students in Canada, and with projections, this number will continue to rise.

So, guess what? Many of these universities have high acceptance rates, making them accessible to a broader range of students from across the globe.

Now, you might be thinking, “High acceptance rates? Does that mean these universities compromise on quality?” Absolutely not! 

These institutions offer top-notch education and are recognized globally for their academic excellence.

Their high acceptance rates aren’t a dip in quality but factors like a more significant number of available spots, a variety of programs with lower demand, and sometimes a focus on regional inclusivity.

Without wasting too many words, this post will look at universities in Canada with the highest acceptance rate for international students and what you need to do to get in.

Buckle up and read on!

Factors Contributing to High Acceptance Rates

1. More Spots Available: First off, some universities have more spots open; universities with a larger capacity can accept more students than the smaller ones.

2. Lower Demand for Certain Programs: Think of it like a store with lots of one type of product. If only a few people buy it, there’s more left for those who want it. Similarly, some fields of study, like humanities or social sciences, might not be as crowded as business or engineering. So, these programs might have higher acceptance rates.

3. Focus on Regional Needs: Some universities are like local cafes catering to the neighbourhood crowd. They may prioritize students from their region, which makes it easier to get in if you fit that profile.

4. Easier Admission Criteria: Not every university seeks straight-A students. Some have more relaxed entry requirements, making it easier for more students to get admitted.

5. Less Competitive Programs: Some programs are not as fiercely contested. They may be newer or in niche areas that haven’t caught everyone’s attention yet. These programs can have higher acceptance rates simply because they’re not on every student’s radar.

The 15 Universities In Canada With The Highest Acceptance Rate for International Students

1. University of Lethbridge

Acceptance Rate: The University of Lethbridge has an impressive 93% acceptance rate, making it highly accessible for international students.

Tuition Fees: around CA$7,282.80 to CA$11,661.66, depending on their course load.

About the University: Located in Alberta, Canada, the University of Lethbridge is known for its strong emphasis on research and offers a wide range of undergraduate and doctoral programs. The university provides a vibrant campus life with numerous student services and activities and is a hub of multiculturalism.

2.   Wilfrid Laurier University

Acceptance Rate: With an acceptance rate of 89%, it is a highly accessible institution.

Tuition Fees: Student fees range from $2,680 to $4,431 CAD. The exact fees can be confirmed on the university’s official website.

Description: Located in Waterloo, Ontario, Wilfrid Laurier University is recognized for its academic excellence, diverse fields of study, and vibrant campus life.

It offers a range of programs across arts, social sciences, business, and more, fostering an environment of engaged learning.

I recommend it, especially since its fees are lower than other universities on this list.

3.   Lakehead University

Acceptance Rate: Lakehead University boasts an 83% acceptance rate.

Tuition Fees: $20,000 CAD upwards, depending on your program

Description: This university is known in Ontario for its innovative and student-centered approach.

It offers many programs emphasizing hands-on learning and academic success across numerous disciplines. Lakehead University has over 57 disciplines you can choose to study.

4.   Thompson Rivers University

Acceptance Rate: It boasts an 82% acceptance rate.

Tuition Fees: $8,000 CAD upwards. The exact fees are available on their website.

Description: Situated in British Columbia, this institution is renowned for its inclusive environment and many on-campus and online programs.

It’s known for sustainability and offers comprehensive training across various fields.

The university is understood for being double platinum ranked and seems committed to admitting international students.

5.   Toronto Metropolitan University

Acceptance Rate: Formerly known as Ryerson University, it has an acceptance rate of 80%.

Tuition Fees: $33,423 to CAD 38,584

Description: Located in the heart of Toronto, this university is distinguished by its cultural diversity and an extensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs; it also offers more than 100 courses to its 45,000 students, of which you could be the newest student.

6.   University of Northern British Columbia

Acceptance Rate: 75% acceptance rate

Tuition fees: $8,000 CAD upwards

Description: Popularly known as the Green University of Canada, the famous university is known for its revolutionary teaching methods focused on a student-friendly approach, prioritizing student understanding above everything else.

You should probably put the university on your bucket list as you consider which schools to apply for.

7.   University of New Brunswick

Acceptance Rate: 75%

Tuition Fees: $7,459 – $8,177 CAD

8.   University of Saskatchewan 

Acceptance Rate: 72% Acceptance Rate

Tuition fees: $3000 CAD upwards

Description: This is one of Canada’s most research-intensive institutions, with its 27,000-student base to prove it.

This university is recognized globally for its research programs in water resources and food security, and many of its alumni have continued in that line of research to save our dear planet.

The university is one of the UI5, the nation’s top research institutes, an honour that must be earned and not gotten.

9.   Brock University

Acceptance Rate: 70%

Tuition Fees: $5,000 upwards

Description: Located in St. Catharines, Ontario, this university is one of the best universities in Canada with the highest acceptance rate for international students.

The university is a cultural and creative hub that has produced some of the best alumni in the world. The school has over 130 programs, including over 70 undergraduate and 50 graduate programs.

I have a soft spot for this university as a friend who attended the school, and from the positive remarks I got, I added it to my budget.

10.    University of Prince Edward Island

Acceptance Rate: 70%

Tuition Fees: $14,000 CAD

Description: This prestigious university focuses on human capital development and helping vulnerable communities. It boasts of Canada Research Chairs, UNESCO Chairs, and many memberships in high-ranking humanitarian agencies.

11.   Mount Allison University

Acceptance Rate: 70%

Tuition Fees: CAD 20,000

Description: This university is one of the best in Canada regarding varying programs and diverse disciplines.

It boasts an expansive cannon, many study programs, and well-grounded and tenured professors to teach and guide students actively. If given the money, I would love to attend this university.

12.  York University

Acceptance Rate: 66%

Tuition Fees: CAD 34,000

Description: Although lower than others on this list in terms of acceptance rating, York University is still one of the best universities in Canada with the highest acceptance rating for international students.

With over 7,000 academic and administrative personnel and over 300,000 alumni, York University is truly a golden paradise for international students interested in quality education.

13.   University of Guelph

Acceptance rate: 66%

Tuition Fees: $33,000 CAD

Description: The University of Guelph is the largest university in Ontario and a worthy mention on our list.

With 94 undergraduate degrees, 48 graduate programs, and several diplomas, the University of Guelph also offers cooperative education.

If you have the funds, you should try the university out and see what life as a student in Ontario gives you

14.  Acadia University

Acceptance Rate: 65%

Tuition Fee: $21,000

Description: This university has been around since 1838 and has lived up to the prestige expected of an almost 200-year-old university. Its alumni have held and represented the university remarkably in all walks of life.

The university has this natural décor setting with gardens, trees, and multiple parks.

15. Concordia University

Acceptance Rate: 50%

Tuition Fees: $19,581 – $27,761 CAD

Description: 22^nd on the list of the best universities in Canada, Concordia is one of the best universities in Canada with the highest acceptance rates for international students.

The university takes its obligation to train the students properly and seriously and has a rigorous and expansive module for learning.

 Conclusion

That concludes the list of the best universities in Canada with the highest acceptance rate for International students. I hope you will find the right match for your study dreams.

Please note that detailed information regarding these universities’ admission policies can be found on their websites.

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