Are you worried that low acceptance rates could end your Canada study dream before it even starts? Every year, thousands of international students give up after seeing high cut-offs, intense competition, and confusing admission rules at top-ranked Canadian universities.
The reality is frustrating with many capable students being rejected not due to lack of merit, but because popular universities have limited seats and oversubscribed programs. Here’s the good news: Canada follows a decentralised education system, which means students aren’t limited to just a few highly competitive universities.
With stronger alignment to regional immigration pathways, these universities make studying in Canada a smarter and significantly lower-risk choice.
Why Choose Universities in Canada with a High Acceptance Rate?
Choosing a university with a high acceptance rate does not mean lower academic quality. These universities:
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- Evaluate students holistically, not just grades
- Offer career-focused, PGWP-eligible degree programs
- Are often located in affordable provinces
- Provide better access to Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
For students aiming at education + employment + permanent residency, these universities are strategic choices.
Top 10 Universities in Canada with High Acceptance Rate
Getting into a Canadian university doesn’t always require perfect grades or an extraordinary profile. Several public universities in Canada focus on accessibility, skill development, and long-term student success rather than extreme competition.
These institutions are often located in student-friendly provinces, offer PGWP-eligible degree programs, and follow holistic admission policies, meaning your overall profile, academic consistency, and intent to study matter more than just cut-off percentages.
| University | Location | Acceptance Rate (Approx.) | Avg. Annual Tuition Estimates (INR/CAD) | Why Choose It? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Lethbridge | Alberta | 90–93% | INR 13.6L to INR 15.5L (CAD 22K to CAD 16K) | High acceptance, small classes |
| University of Regina | Saskatchewan | 85% | INR 14.9L to INR 17.4L (CAD 24K to 28K) | Career-focused, PR-friendly province |
| Lakehead University | Ontario (Thunder Bay & Orillia) | 80–83% | INR 16.1L to INR 18.0L (CAD 26K to 29K) | Hands-on learning, strong engineering |
| University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) | British Columbia (Prince George) | 70–75% | INR 14.3L to INR 16.1L (CAD 23K to 26K) | Low student-to-faculty ratio |
| University of Prince Edward Island | Prince Edward Island | 70% | INR 6.2L to INR 9.9L (CAD 10K to 16K) | Affordable, small-campus |
| Mount Allison University | New Brunswick (Sackville) | 70% | INR 12.4L to INR 14.3L (CAD 20K to 23K) | Excellent undergraduate teaching |
| Memorial University of Newfoundland | Newfoundland & Labrador | 65–67% | INR 7.4L to INR 14.3L (CAD 12K to 23K) | Low tuition, affordable living |
| Laurentian University | Ontario (Sudbury) | 65% | INR 8.7L to INR 16.7L(CAD 14K - 27K) | Flexible entry, bilingual programs |
| St. Thomas University | New Brunswick (Fredericton) | 65% | INR 7.4L to INR 13L (CAD 12K to 21K) | Ideal for Arts & Education |
| University of Manitoba | Manitoba (Winnipeg) | 50–55% | INR 14.3L to INR 16.1L (CAD 23K to 26K) | Research-focused, moderate competition |
1. University of Lethbridge
The University of Lethbridge, founded in 1967, offers 150 programs to 9,000 undergraduates and 600 postgraduates. With campuses in Lethbridge and Calgary that offer various course options, it is one of the universities with the highest acceptance rates in Canada.
2. University of Regina
The University of Regina, located on Treaty 4 and Treaty 6 territories, was founded in 1911 and became an independent university in 1974. It serves over 15,600 students and offers 190 undergraduate and 80 graduate programs, including specialised areas like police studies and public policy.
With 25 academic departments and 10 research centres, it also partners with three federated colleges: Campion College, First Nations University of Canada, and Luther College.
| Requirement | Scores |
|---|---|
| Minimum Percentage | 60% |
| IELTS | 6.5 |
| TOEFL | 86 |
| PTE | 59 |
3. Lakehead University
Lakehead University empowers you to think critically and solve real-world issues. Its campuses in Northwestern Ontario and Simcoe County focus on sustainability, social justice, and Indigenous rights.
The Thunder Bay campus offers modern labs and libraries, while Orillia provides interdisciplinary programs like business and environmental sustainability. Lakehead supports over 1,920 international students with visa help and wellness services.
| Requirement | Scores |
|---|---|
| Minimum Percentage | 70% |
| IELTS | 6.5 |
| TOEFL | 80 |
4. University of Northern British Columbia
The University of British Columbia (UBC), founded in 1908, is a top Canadian research university offering around 500 Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. UBC has launched 1,300 research projects and helped create nearly 200 companies.
With campuses in Vancouver and Kelowna, UBC provides modern facilities, including Canada’s second-largest research library.
| Requirement | Scores |
|---|---|
| Minimum Percentage | 65% |
| IELTS | 6.5 |
| TOEFL | 90 |
| PTE | 65 |
5. University of Prince Edward Island
The University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) offers a well-rounded education that helps you become future leaders. With over 200 years of history, UPEI serves 4,840 undergraduates and 620 graduate students across diverse Arts, Business, Science, Engineering, and other programs.
| Requirement | Scores |
|---|---|
| Minimum Percentage | 70% |
| IELTS | 6.5 |
| TOEFL | 80 |
| PTE | 58 |
6. Mount Allison University
Mount Allison University, founded in 1839, is a small school in Sackville, New Brunswick, with 2,350 students from over 80 countries. It offers degrees in Arts, Science, Commerce, Fine Arts, and Music, with over 50 flexible programs.
| Requirement | Scores |
|---|---|
| Minimum Percentage | 65% |
| IELTS | 6.5 |
| TOEFL | 90 |
| PTE | 60 |
7. Memorial University of Newfoundland
Memorial University, founded in 1925, is one of Canada’s top universities and among the top 20 research institutions. It offers over 100 degree programs and 300 options.
Memorial has five campuses and world-class research facilities located in Newfoundland and Labrador. With 19,000 students, including 25% international students from 125+ countries, it provides a diverse and inclusive community.
| Requirement | Scores |
|---|---|
| Minimum Percentage | 70% |
| IELTS | 6.5 |
| TOEFL | 90 |
| PTE | 61 |
8. Laurentian University
Laurentian University in northern Ontario offers 113 programs, including 34 in French. Its success is due to its personalised approach and strong teacher-student relationships, as 94% of graduates find employment within six months.
Students from 71 countries bring a rich diversity to campus, creating a unique bilingual environment where you can thrive academically and personally.
| Requirement | Scores |
|---|---|
| Minimum Percentage | 70% |
| IELTS | 6.5 |
| TOEFL | 88 |
| PTE | 60 |
9. St. Thomas University
St. Thomas University, founded in 1910, is Canada’s only exclusively liberal arts undergraduate university. It is located in Fredericton, New Brunswick, and offers over 30 disciplines in social sciences and humanities, along with programs in Education and Social Work.
With small class sizes and close professor-student interaction, the university provides a supportive environment for its 1,800 full-time undergraduates and 30 graduate students.
| Requirement | Scores |
| Minimum Percentage | 50% |
| IELTS | 6 |
| TOEFL | 79 |
| PTE | 53 |
10. University of Manitoba
The University of Manitoba, founded in 1877, is located in Winnipeg and serves nearly 30,000 students, 15% of whom are international. It has one of the highest acceptance rates in Canada, offers over 100 degree programs, and is home to one of Canada’s largest Indigenous student populations.
With 19 libraries housing 2.5 million books, Manitoba also supports 20,000 local jobs. In sports, its Bison teams have won 42 national championships.
| Requirement | Scores |
|---|---|
| Minimum Percentage | 47% |
| IELTS | 6.5 |
| TOEFL | 86 |
| PTE | 58 |
Application Process for Canadian Universities
- Shortlist Universities & Programs
Choose PGWP-eligible programs at public DLIs; compare duration, fees, and outcomes. - Check Eligibility
Review academic requirements, subject prerequisites, and English test scores. - Prepare Documents
Collect academic transcripts, certificates, SOP, CV, and LORs (if required). - English Proficiency Test
Take IELTS / TOEFL / PTE and meet minimum score requirements. - Submit Applications
Apply via university portals or OUAC (Ontario); pay fees and track status. - Receive Offer Letter
Accept conditional/unconditional offer within the deadline. - Pay Tuition Deposit
Pay a deposit to confirm admission and obtain a fee receipt. - Apply for Study Permit
Apply through IRCC with offer letters, funds, biometrics, and medicals.
Scholarships to Study at Top Universities in Canada with High Acceptance Rate
Financial support can make your Canadian study journey much smoother, especially at universities with high acceptance rates.
With the right scholarships for international students, you can focus on your studies and career goals without worrying too much about tuition in 2026.
| Scholarship Name | Amount |
|---|---|
| Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships | INR 31L (CAD 50K/year) |
| Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships | INR 43L (CAD 70K /year) |
| Ontario Trillium Scholarship | INR 24.8L (CAD 40K /year) |
| Quebec Government Scholarship | INR 15.5L to INR 21.7L (CAD 25K to 35K /year) |
| Trudeau Foundation Scholarships | INR 12.4L (CAD 20K/year) |
Cost of Living in Canada (2026 Estimates)
Living costs in Canada vary widely by city, province, and lifestyle, but with smart planning, students can manage expenses comfortably, even on a budget.
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost Approx (INR/CAD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation (shared) | INR 37K to INR 74K (CAD 600– CAD 1.2K) |
| Food & Groceries | INR 18.5K to INR 28K (CAD 300 to CAD 450) |
| Transportation | INR 5K to INR 9.3K (CAD 80 to CAD 150) |
| Utilities & Internet | INR 6.2K to INR 9.3K(CAD 100 to CAD 150) |
| Health Insurance | INR 3.7K to INR 6.2K (CAD 60 to CAD 100) |
| Personal & Misc. | INR 6.2K to INR 12.4K (CAD 100 to CAD 200) |
PGWP Eligibility: The Definitive Regulatory Guide
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows you to work in Canada after completing your studies and is a key step toward gaining Canadian work experience and permanent residency.
For 2026, PGWP eligibility continues to depend mainly on your institution, program type, and length of study, rather than your grades or nationality.
| University | PGWP Risk | Typical Graduate Salary ROI (CAD/year) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Regina | Low | 70K (Strong tech & business outcomes) |
| Memorial University (MUN) | Low | 55–80K (Excellent ROI due to low tuition) |
| University of Lethbridge | Low | 50–65K (Good ROI, high acceptance) |
| University of Manitoba | Medium | 45–75K (Higher for Master’s grads) |
| Lakehead University | Medium | 60K (2 years post-graduation) |
| UNBC | Medium | 50–60K (Small campus, regional jobs) |
| UPEI | Medium | 45–60K (Provincial average outcomes) |
| Mount Allison University | Medium | 50–60K (Strong completion rates) |
| Laurentian University | Medium | 45–60K (Niche programs) |
| St. Thomas University | Medium | 40–55K (Liberal arts focused) |
Conclusion
Studying in Canada is no longer just about rankings, it’s about choosing universities in Canada with high acceptance rates that offer PGWP eligibility, affordable living, and strong career outcomes. With the right university, program, and city, you can reduce admission stress while improving your chances of post-study work and PR.
A strategic approach today can turn your Canadian education into long-term success tomorrow.
Ready to take the next step in your education in Canada? Let Leap Scholar guide you through every part of the journey, from selecting the perfect university to visa assistance and SOP review. Get started today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Are universities in Canada with high acceptance rates recognised globally?
Yes. Most universities in Canada with high acceptance rates are public Canadian institutions recognised worldwide. Their degrees are valid for employment, further studies, and immigration, and many offer PGWP-eligible programs for international students.
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Does a high acceptance rate affect job opportunities after graduation?
No. Your job prospects depend on skills, internships, Canadian work experience, and program relevance, not a university’s acceptance rate. PGWP access plays a bigger role in employability.
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Can international students get PR by studying at high acceptance universities?
Yes. Many such universities are located in PNP-friendly provinces, allowing graduates to apply for PR through Express Entry or provincial nomination programs after gaining Canadian work experience.
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Are scholarships available at high acceptance universities in Canada?
Yes. International students can apply for university-level, provincial, and federal scholarships, especially for master’s and PhD programs. Early applications improve scholarship chances.
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Is studying in smaller Canadian cities better for international students in 2026?
Often, yes. Smaller cities offer lower living costs, less competition for jobs, and stronger regional PR pathways, making them a smart choice for long-term settlement.
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