Is mathematics required for a general bachelor's program in Canada?

The honest answer depends entirely on which bachelor's stream counts as general, since Canadian universities don't apply one blanket math rule across every Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science or professional programme, and the requirement is usually set at the individual subject level rather than the degree level.

Which Programs Skip the Math Requirement

• Humanities and most social sciences: English, History, Political Science and Sociology typically need only the general high-school admission requirements, with no dedicated math prerequisite.
• Psychology: requirements vary by university, so check the specific programme rather than assuming it's math-free.
• International Relations: commonly admits students without a math prerequisite at several Canadian universities.

Where Math Still Matters

Economics is the clearest exception within Arts programmes; UBC, for instance, requires Pre-Calculus 12 for Economics even though its general Arts admission does not. Computer Science, Engineering, Science and quantitative fields like Business or Commerce commonly require Grade 12 math, calculus or equivalent, and Concordia specifically flags actuarial mathematics and other quantitative programmes as exceptions to its otherwise math-free BA admission.

This Information Is Also Available On

• University of British Columbia
• Concordia University
• University of Toronto

My Advice

In my experience, students who skipped Class 12 Maths assume this rules out an entire university rather than just specific programmes, and end up avoiding good-fit options unnecessarily. Check the exact programme page for your intended major, not the faculty's general admission page, since a university can admit you to Arts broadly while still requiring math for one specific subject within it.