Yes, there are a number of universities and colleges in Canada that will accept the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WAEC). This is good news for West African students from Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, or The Gambia.
This post highlights the top Canadian universities that accept WAEC for their admission requirements.
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Canada Universities WAEC Subject Requirement
A minimum grade of C6 or above in core topics is required by the majority of Canadian universities that accept WAEC.
English language, math, biology, chemistry, physics, economics, geography, and history are some of the subjects they seek; however, specific school and course requirements may differ.
✅ General WAEC Requirements (Across Most Programs)
Most Canadian universities typically require at least 5 subjects passed at credit level (C6 and above), including:
- English Language (compulsory for all programs)
- Mathematics (compulsory for Science, Business, and Engineering programs)
- Plus 3 other relevant subjects depending on the course.
📘 For Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
Required WAEC subjects often include:
- English Language (mandatory)
- Literature in English
- Government or History
- Mathematics (some schools require it)
- One other relevant subject (e.g., Christian Religious Studies, Economics)
🧪 For Science & Engineering Programs
Required WAEC subjects usually include:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology (for health-related courses) or Further Mathematics (for Engineering)
💼 For Business & Economics
Common WAEC subject requirements:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Economics
- Accounting or Commerce
- One other relevant subject (e.g., Government or Geography)
🏥 For Medicine, Nursing, or Health Sciences
Strong credits in:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
Note that before you apply to any Canadian university, it is crucial to confirm the subject requirements for your particular program.
Canada’s Top Universities That Accept WAEC
The best Canadian institutions that accept WAEC as a requirement for admission are listed here, along with some important information about each.
#1. University of Waterloo
The University of Waterloo need the results of your WASSCE or WAEC General Certificate of Education (Advanced Level), depending on the program. For instance, business-related courses typically call for high scores, such as a B2 in math and English.
Unless your WAEC English is approved (which isn’t usually the case), you may need to demonstrate your English competence with the IELTS or TOEFL.
#2. University of Toronto (U of T)
One of Canada’s most prominent universities, U of T, accepts WAEC. Your results must be sent in electronically.
Though admittance is highly competitive, having outstanding grades and accompanying documentation, such as A-levels or extracurricular accomplishments, is advised. Your WAEC certificate entitles you to consideration.
🎓 Learn more & apply: https://future.utoronto.ca/apply/requirements/international-high-school-secondary/
#3. University of Alberta
The University of Alberta requires candidates to submit their scratch card information that allows their scores to be authenticated online and show final WAEC scores that satisfy U of A’s requirements.
Candidates must have completed five academic subjects, albeit the specific academic topics required will differ depending on the program and faculty.
To be considered proficient in English, you must either have your prior English-language education accepted by the institution or pass an English Language Proficiency test with the requisite minimum score.
Requirements:
- Present 5 WAEC/WASSCE subjects (credits or better), including English and program-specific subjects (e.g., Math, Sciences, Humanities) admissions.carleton.ca+11ualberta.ca+11ualberta.ca+11.
- Use the program finder to check required Grade 12 equivalents.
- English proficiency via high school English credit or recognized test (IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo) ualberta.ca+1ualberta.ca+1ualberta.ca.
🎓 Learn more & apply: University of Alberta Admissions – West Africa
#4. University of Manitoba
You can apply using your WAEC results if you’re from Ghana or Nigeria. Even if you wrote in English in WAEC, they still need evidence of your English competence from exams like the IELTS, TOEFL, CAEL, or others.
Although SFU recognizes WAEC, its website states that you must fulfill additional prerequisites in order to be considered for admission.
The prerequisites include quantitative and analytical skills as well as the university’s English language requirement. Additionally, to get admitted, you must receive at least a C letter grade or a Senior Mathematics score of 5 or 6.
🎓 Learn more & apply: https://umanitoba.ca/sites/default/files/2020-10/waec-curriculum-sheet.pdf
#5. York University
According to York University, you need to have a WAEC with at least three grades at C or above, including English language, in order to be admitted to a Foundation (year 0) plus degree (4-year program).
However, you must have a transcript with a GPA of 2.6, OND, or NCE with lower credit or better in order to be directly admitted into Year 1. IELTS 6.0 is typically used as the English language test, but WAEC English with a C6 or higher is also accepted.
🎓 Learn more & apply: https://www.yorksj.ac.uk/international/how-to-apply/your-country-or-region/nigeria/
#6. University of Winnipeg
The university accepts WAEC for undergraduate enrollment. The application page states that you must have a B average and five academic passes, including English.
Additionally, additional confirmation of English is not required if you are from Sierra Leone, Ghana, Nigeria, or the Gambia. WAEC English is sufficient.
🎓 Learn more & apply: https://www.uwinnipeg.ca/future-student/international/countries-a-to-z/-n-.html
#7. Carleton University (Ottawa)
Requirements:
- Admission via WAEC/WASSCE through “West Africa” curriculum category.
- Must meet program prerequisites, including English and other subjects relevant to your intended major (e.g., Math, Sciences, Economics) graduate.carleton.ca+5ualberta.ca+5ualberta.ca+5.
- English proficiency required via diploma or test (IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo).
✅ Learn more & apply: Carleton Undergraduate Admissions – WAEC/WASSCE
#8. Queen’s University (Ontario)
Requirements:
- Submit WAEC/WASSCE (treated as West African curriculum).
- Requires five academic credits, including English, and additional courses depending on the program (e.g., Math and Sciences for Engineering or Health).
#9. Simon Fraser University (SFU)
Although SFU recognizes WAEC, its website states that you must fulfill additional prerequisites in order to be considered for admission.
The prerequisites include quantitative and analytical skills as well as the university’s English language requirement. Additionally, to get admitted, you must receive at least a C letter grade or a Senior Mathematics score of 5 or 6.
🎓 Learn more & apply: https://www.sfu.ca/students/admission/admission-requirements/international-highschool/country/nigeria.html
#10. University of Regina
The University of Regina’s official admissions guide confirms WAEC as a recognized secondary education credential for Nigeria.
You’ll need to:
- Provide your WAEC results directly in your application by uploading scanned WAEC certificates.
- Submit WAEC scratch-card details (exam number, year, PIN, serial number) for verification
- Mail original documents upon arrival in Regina, or use certified copies in the application.
🎓 Learn more & apply: https://www.uregina.ca/ur-international/index.html
✅ How to Apply to Universities in Canada with Your WAEC/WASSCE
- Visit each university’s international/WAEC admissions page (linked above).
- Search your intended program to find subject prerequisites.
- Ensure you have five credits in WAEC/WASSCE, including English.
- Provide proof of English proficiency (diploma or test).
