This page offers a thorough list of universities in Canada that accept students into their master’s programs who have an HND or 2.2 (second class lower) degree.
It’s great to live, work, and study in Canada. Canada’s stable government, excellent standard of living, and strong educational system are just a few of the numerous factors that make it the top country in which people wish to work and immigrate. This article provides information on Canadian colleges and universities that accept master’s degrees in the third class.
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One of the most popular places for overseas students to pursue higher education is Canada. English-language higher education is accessible and of high quality in Canada. This list will be useful if you intend to study in Canada and are looking for master’s programs that accept a HND or 2.2 (second class lower) degree.
Table of Contents
Can an HND holder apply for a Masters degree in Canada?
Someone with an HND can apply for a master’s degree in Canada. It is highly unlikely that a student with only an HND certificate will be granted admission to a master’s program in Canada right away. There is very little chance that this will occur.
On the other hand, you will have to finish a one-year PGD if your application for the master’s degree program is accepted after you have already applied with your third-class result.
Following the completion of the PGD, you are free to apply to any MSc program.
Generally speaking, Canadian university master’s programs do not accept students who graduated with an HND right away. As previously mentioned, any student who already holds an HND credential should seriously consider one of the following options for completing their education in Canada:
- Post-Graduate Diploma (PGD) or
- Post-degree certificate or diploma, or
- Advanced certificate.
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List of Schools and Universities That Accept HNDs for Master Studies in Canada
If you wish to enroll in a master’s program in Canada but currently hold an HND, I would advise you to follow this strategy:
- Apply to enroll in a Canadian institution’s Post-Graduate Diploma (PGD) program. The course should apply to your previous HND program of study, which should also be applicable to the master’s program you plan to pursue in Canada soon.
- Enroll in Canada’s postgraduate diploma program and put in a lot of effort to keep your scores respectable (a B average is usually required).
- When you are almost done with your PGD studies there, apply to a master’s program that fits your needs; both are offered in Canada. Right now, there’s a good chance you’ll be accepted into a master’s program in Canada. This is due to the fact that most Canadian colleges and institutions give preference to HND certificate holders who hold PGD degrees from Canadian universities.
List of Schools and Universities That Accept 2.2 for Masters in Canada
A 2.2 (second-class lower) degree holder can get admission to many top Canadian universities’ master’s degree programs. These universities include:
1. University Of Waterloo, Ontario
Situated in Waterloo, in the Canadian province of Ontario, is the University of Waterloo, a public research institution. The main campus, which covers 404 hectares, is situated close to Waterloo Park and “Uptown” Waterloo. Four affiliated university colleges and three satellite campuses are also managed by the university. The University of Waterloo in Ontario accepts HND certificates and second class for certain master’s programs.
2. University of Toronto, Ontario
The University of Toronto, a public research university, is located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, because it encircles Queen’s Park. Established in 1827 by royal charter, King’s College was the first postsecondary educational establishment in Upper Canada. The University of Toronto in Ontario accepts HND certificates and second class for certain master’s programs.
3. McGill University, Montreal, Quebec
McGill University is a public research institution in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. A royal charter from King George IV allowed the institution that would become McGill University to be founded in 1821 as a result of a donation made in 1813 by Scottish businessman James McGill; the name McGill University was changed from “University of McGill College” to McGill University in 1885.
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4. Queen University, Kingston, Ontario
Located in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, The Queen’s Institution at Kingston, also commonly known as just Queen’s University, is a public research university. Not only does the Queen own Herstmonceux Castle in East Sussex, England, but she also owns over 1,400 hectares of land strewn throughout Ontario.
5. University Of British Columbia
The Institution of British Columbia is a public research university with campuses in Kelowna, British Columbia, and in the vicinity of Vancouver. Founded in 1908, it is the province of British Columbia’s oldest university. The university routinely ranks among the top three academic establishments in Canada. The University of British Columbia in British Columbia accepts HND certificates and second class for certain master’s programs.
6. Fairleigh Dickinson University
International students applying to Fairleigh Dickinson University for a pre-master’s program (postgraduate diploma) and certain postgraduate degree courses may be accepted with as little as a second class lower degree.
In 1942, FDU opened its doors to students from all over the world who were considered foreigners. At Fairleigh Dickinson University, there are more than 1100 students from over 70 nations.
Graduate programs offered by Fairleigh Dickinson University (available):
- Administrative Science and Public Administration
- Animation
- Arts
- Biology
- Business and Accounting
- Chemistry
- Communication
- Computer Science
- Creative Writing
- Criminology and Criminal Justice
- Cybersecurity and Homeland Security
- Education
- Engineering and Technology
- Film
- Global Affairs
- Health Sciences
- Hospitality and Tourism
- Humanities
- Languages
- Mathematics
- Nursing
- Pharmacy
- Political Science
- Psychology and Counseling
- Social Work
- Sport Management
Fairleigh Dickinson University Application Deadlines:
- Fall (August) Semester: July 1
- Spring (January) Semester: December 1
- Summer semester (limited programs): May 1
Note that these dates could alter at any time. To find out the precise date, it is therefore advised that you visit the website of the program you are applying to.
Admission Link: Visit FDU admission website here
7. Simon Fraser University
For international students wishing to apply to some postgraduate degree courses and pre-master’s programs (postgraduate diploma), Simon Fraser University requires a minimum of a second class lower.
The websites for each of the postgraduate programs at Simon Fraser University list any additional requirements for admission, which apply to the majority of them.
Admission Requirements at Simon Fraser University:
- A bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution
- CGPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.33 scale or 3.33 on a 4.33 scale (B+) for Graduate Programs
- All CGPAs must be based on the last 60 credits of undergraduate courses.
- Graduate work
- References
- Transcripts
- Supervisors and supervision
- Proof of English language proficiency
Admission link: Visit SFU admission website here
8. Memorial University of Newfoundland
If a candidate satisfies the prerequisites for admission, Memorial University of Newfoundland will consider them for graduate admission with provisional acceptance at the second-class lower level.
Among the greatest universities in the world is this one. International students are admitted to Memorial University from more than 90 nations.
Memorial University’s prerequisites for admission:
- Application fee (non-refundable)
- Transcript(s)
- Two (2) letters of appraisal
- Resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
- Proof of English proficiency
- Test score reports
- Prerequisites
Admission Link: Visit MUN admission website here
9. University of Victoria
International students are welcome at the University of Victoria from all over the world. As long as they fulfill the prerequisites for admission, candidates with second-class lower degrees may be taken into consideration by the University of Victoria.
Approximately 25% of graduate students at the University of Victoria are international students. Interested students should submit their applications by the course deadline.
- A bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution
- An equivalent of a minimum “B” average over the last two years of your degree
- References/Recommendations
- Transcripts
- Proof of English language proficiency
- TOEFL, IELTS, or MET (only for students who are required to submit their proof of language proficiency test)
- Other requirements will be specific to your program of study.
Admission link: Visit UVIC admission website here
10. Carleton University
For foreign graduate students who have chosen to continue their education in Canada, Carleton is among the top universities in the country.
International applicants to Carleton University’s pre-master’s program (postgraduate diploma) are accepted with as little as a second-class lower.
Carleton University entrance requirements:
- Minimum of a four-year bachelor‘s degree equivalent
- 60–69% or 2nd Class (upper division)
- Transcript(s)
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Referees
- Statement of Intent (if required)
- CV/Resume (if required)
- Writing Sample (if required)
- Preference Form (if required)
- Portfolio (if required)
- GMAT, GRE, or other test score(s) (if required)
- Language Proficiency (ESL Test Scores) (if required)
- Funding sponsorship (if applicable)
- Documents for Permanent Residents of Canada (if applicable)
- Third-Party Authorization Form (optional)
Carleton Application Deadlines:
- Fall term (September) for the majority of programs
- Winter term (January) for some programs
- Summer term (May) for some programs
Admission link: Visit Carleton admission website here
11. University of Manitoba
International students who wish to enroll in any postgraduate program at the University of Manitoba can do so through the graduate programs offered by the university.
It’s interesting to note that the university offers a service called the University of Manitoba International Centre (IC) to assist international students both before and after they arrive, to facilitate their adjustment to Canada, and to guarantee a successful, safe, and pleasurable experience for them.
Under certain graduate programs at the University of Manitoba, international students who fulfill additional admission requirements may be admitted with a second-class lower degree.
Requirements for admission to the University of Manitoba:
- English-language proficiency
- A minimum of a four-year bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized college or university
- A minimum B average (3.0) in the last 60 credit hours or equivalent.
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) (if stated)
- Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT) (if stated)
Note: Higher standards and additional requirements and criteria for entry may apply to certain departments or postgraduate programs.
Admission link: Visit UMANITOBA admission website here
12. Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec
Situated in the Canadian province of Quebec, Concordia University is a public research institution. One of the three universities in Quebec where English is the primary language of instruction is Concordia University. The union of Sir George Williams University and Loyola College led to its founding in 1974.
13. University Of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta
Located in the Canadian province of Alberta, the Institution of Alberta, also known as U of A or UAlberta, is a public research university. It was founded in 1908 by Henry Marshall Tory, the first president of the organization, and Alexander Cameron Rutherford, the first premier of Alberta. The University of Alberta in Alberta accepts HND certificates and second class for certain master’s programs.
14. York University
York University, a public research university in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, is more often known by its acronym, YorkU, or just YU. With approximately 55,700 students enrolled overall, 7,000 faculty and staff members, and more than 325,000 graduates living all over the world, it is the fourth-largest university in Canada. York University in Ontario accepts HND certificates and second class for certain master’s programs.
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15. University Of Calgary, Alberta
Located in Calgary, in the Canadian province of Alberta, is the University of Calgary, a public research institution. Originally founded in 1908 as a division of the University of Alberta, the University of Calgary first opened for business in 1944. The University of Calgary didn’t become a separate, self-governing organization until 1966.
16. University Of Saskatchewan
Founded on March 19, 1907, the University of Saskatchewan is a public research university in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. It is situated on the east bank of the South Saskatchewan River. The University of Saskatchewan in Saskatchewan accepts HND certificates and second class for certain master’s programs.
It is crucial to remember that the list of Canadian universities above is not meant to be all-inclusive. As previously stated, a student needs to have a grade point average of at least 2.1, or 60%, to be admitted into a master’s program at a Canadian university. Assuming your application is approved, you will have to finish a PGD before moving on to your MSc program.
F.A.Q
Can a 3rd class grade do a Masters in Canada?
Institutions in Canada will not allow you to enroll directly in a master’s program if you have an HND or a third-class degree. On the other hand, you can apply for a postgraduate diploma, take part in certification courses, and obtain certificates after completing a degree. At none of these universities is there a direct route from an HND or third-class degree to a Master’s degree.
Can I do my Masters with a second-class lower in Canada?
Some universities and courses also accept students with second class lower degrees
Can I get a master’s degree with a 2.5 GPA?
Many people are accepted into graduate programs with a GPA of 2.5. While many graduate schools consider your grade point average to be one of the most significant considerations when making admissions decisions, it is only one of many elements that comprise your overall candidate profile.
