If you are a student from Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, or The Gambia and you are considering studying in Canada, Good news is,several Canadian universities accept your West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE)—popularly known as WAEC.
One of the challenges African students face when applying abroad is that not all foreign universities accept WASSCE as part of their admission requirements. Some schools ask applicants to write other standardized exams before their application can be considered.
But thankfully, some universities in Canada recognize WASSCE results, especially since the curriculum has similarities with the British system of education. In this post, we highlight the top universities in Canada that accept WAEC and their requirements.
What is WASSCE?
West African Senior School Certificate Examinateion (WASSCE) is the exam conducted by WAEC for students who have completed secondary school in West Africa.
It is a widely recognized school-leaving certificate and is accepted by several universities both locally and internationally.
Though Canadian universities accept Waec results for their admission process, it is important to note that the subject requirements matter.
WASSCE Subject Requirement
Most Canadian universities that accept WAEC expect you to have a minimum of C6 or better in core subjects.
While requirements vary by school and course of study, some common subjects they look out for include: English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Economics, Geography, and History.
It is very important to double-check the subject requirements for your specific program before applying to any university in canada.
Top Universities in Canada That Accept WAEC
Canada is one of the best destinations for abroad students for international students, particularly those from Nigeria.
Beyond gaining access to a world-class education system with highly ranked universities and programs across all fields, students benefit from more inclusive, affordable tuition fees and living costs compared to other popular study destinations like the US or the UK.
Below are some top Canadian universities that accept WAEC as part of their admission criteria, and what you should know about each of them.
University of Waterloo
The University of Waterloo needs your WAEC General Certificate of Education (Advanced Level) or WASSCE results, depending on the program. For example, business-related courses usually require strong grades, like B2 in English and Math.
You might need to prove English proficiency with IELTS or TOEFL, unless your WAEC English is accepted (not always).
University of Toronto(U of T)
U of T is one of the most prestigious universities in Canada, and it accepts WAEC. You will need to submit your results electronically.
Your WAEC certificate makes you eligible for consideration, but admission is very competitive, so it is advisable to have strong grades and supporting documents like A-levels or extracurricular achievements.
University of Alberta
According to the university’s website, applicants are evaluated for Final Admission by presenting final WAEC scores meeting the U of A’s requirements and submitting scratch card information enabling their scores to be validated online.
The requirement states that candidates must have completed five academic subjects, and the academic subjects you need to present will vary by program and faculty.
For English proficiency, you must have your previous education in English recognised by the university or complete a test of English Language Proficiency and earn the minimum score required.
University of Manitoba
The university’s international admission page states that if you are from Nigeria or Ghana, you can apply with your WAEC result. However, they require proof of English proficiency through tests like IELTS, TOEFL, CAEL, or others, even if you wrote English in WAEC.
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Simon Fraser University (SFU)
Though SFU accepts WAEC, you need to meet some other requirements to be considered for admission, according to their website.
The requirements are the university’s English Language Requirement and Quantitative and Analytical Skills. Additionally, you need a minimum letter grade of a C or a score of 5 or 6 in Senior Mathematics for admission
York University
According to York University’s website, for entry onto a Foundation (year 0) plus degree (4-year programme), you must have WAEC with at least 3 grades at C or higher, including English language .
While for direct entry into Year 1, you need your transcript with a GPA of 2.6, OND or NCE with lower credit or better. The English language proof is usually IELTS 6.0, but they also accept WAEC English with C6 or better
University of Winnipeg
For undergraduate admission, the university accepts WAEC. According to the admission page, you need five academic passes, including English, and an average of B.
Also, if you are from Nigeria, Ghana, Gambia, or Sierra Leone, you do not need extra proof of English. WAEC English is enough.
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University of Regina
This university accepts WAEC results specifically for early admission. Applicants can be evaluated for early admission by providing their transcript showing their SS2 school marks and SS3 course registrations, or SS3 first semester grades if available
For English proficiency, a WAEC English Grade C or above can be accepted in place of an IELTS or equivalent English language qualification.
Trent University
For admission into Trent University, you will need at least a B3 minimum in your results and transcripts from Grades 10, 11, and 12.
The website notes that requirements can change, so it’s always a good idea to contact the admissions office for up-to-date info.
University of British Columbia (UBC)
UBC accepts WAEC as part of its admission requirements for undergraduate international students. You need a WAEC result with at least five or six credits, including English and Mathematics.
Now that you have discovered top universities in Canada that accept WAEC as part of their admission requirements, another challenge might be the Tuition fee. It is normal to feel a bit worried about the cost of studying abroad, but do not worry.
There are a wide variety of scholarships specifically available for undergraduate students, just like you, who are applying with WAEC results.
Undergraduate Scholarships in Canada for Nigerian Students
- Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (University of Toronto): The scholarship is funded, covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence.
- York University International Student Scholarship: It values up to CAD 180,000 over 4 years (CAD 45,000/year).
- UBC International Scholars Program: It is a fully funded award, covering full tuition and living expenses.
- University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship: The award is partially funded, with its value of up to CAD 20,000 (renewable).
- Carleton University Entrance Scholarships: It is available as automatic or application-based awards.
- University of Manitoba International Scholarships: This award is based on GPA, with a minimum of 85% average required.
- Humber College International Entrance Scholarships: Offers partial tuition waivers—up to CAD 4,000.
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