How to get into Carleton | Ultimate University Guide

Written by Arry Pandher and Kim Spencer

Wondering how to get into Carleton?

Among the best comprehensive universities in Canada, Carleton University is a dynamic, research-intensive university, committed to ensuring an outstanding learning experience for its students. Enrolled at Carleton are around 28,000 students from over 100 countries. The university offers 65 degree programmes in more than 50 academic disciplines, and is particularly renowned for its courses in journalism, public affairs, international affairs, architecture and technology.

Rankings

Carleton University is one of the top Public universities in Ottawa, Canada. It is ranked #601-650 in QS Global World Rankings 2022.

Received a 4.5/5 Overall Satisfaction rate in the Global Student Satisfaction Awards 2019

Quick Facts:

  • $55 Million in sponsored research funding.
  • 1,000 plus research projects underway.
  • 185 new start-up companies since 2010.
  • 27,863 Full-time and part-time undergraduate and graduate students.
  • 83% average entering grade – up from 75% in 1995.

So, you’re probably thinking, WOW, this school sounds amazing! Well it is! If you’d like to know how you can study at this school, keep reading! Make sure to also check out our Ultimate University Guide YouTube video below to learn more about getting into the Carleton!

General Admission Requirements

All students have to submit their application package through the Ontario University Application Centre (OUAC). The OUAC processes applications for admission to all Ontario Universities. To do this, you’ll need to:

  • Register and create an OUAC account
  • Use the OUAC 101 form if you are a current (or a graduate already) Ontario High School student
  • Use the OUAC 105 for Canadian High School students outside of Ontario and International High School Students

Carleton Admission Average and Prerequisites

An overall average of at least 70% is normally required to be considered for admission. Some programs may also require specific course prerequisites and prerequisite averages and/or supplementary admission portfolios. Higher averages are required for admission to programs for which the demand for places by qualified applicants exceeds the number of places available.

Ontario High School Students

  • OSSD with six Grade 12 courses at the 4U or 4M level
  • Prerequisite courses must be at the 4U level with no individual grade below 60%
  • Grade 12 English 4U is recommended for all degrees
  • Grade 12 4U/4M credits for co-op work experience will not be considered as part of the six courses

Students are expected to present a minimum percentage grade and prerequisite average. Grade ranges apply to the overall and prerequisite average.

CEGEP Students

  • One year of CEGEP with a minimum of 12 academic courses (within the D.E.C or three-year diploma program). No individual prerequisite grade below 60%.
  • Those with more than 12 pre-university courses will be considered for admission with advanced standing
  • English or Anglais at the pre-university level is recommended for all degrees

*Students are expected to present a minimum percentage grade and prerequisite average. Grade ranges apply to the overall and prerequisite average.*Canadian High School Students Outside of Ontario

Applicants to degree programs at Carleton must normally be admissible to a university in their own province. Below is an example of the Alberta requirements.

  • High school diploma including five courses numbered 30 or 31
  • Courses should be five credits but one five-credit course can be substituted with two 3 credit courses
  • Prerequisite courses must be at the Grade 12 level with no individual grade below 60%
  • English 30 is recommended for all degrees
  • Find out more about acceptable Alberta courses. Please contact Admissions Services if you have questions with regards to specific courses.

The overall average required for admission is determined each year on a program-by-program basis. All programs have limited enrolment. Admission is not guaranteed and all requirements are subject to change. International Baccalaureate Students

  • You will need the full IB (three standard [SL] and three higher level [HL] subjects), with a minimum of 28 points (please note that some programs are more competitive, and will require higher scores).
  • You may have one subject with a grade of 3, provided it is offset by a grade of 5 or better. Prerequisite subjects must have a grade of 4 or better.
  • IB students may be awarded advanced standing (transfer) credit for higher level subjects with a grade of 5 or better subject to the discretion of the appropriate faculty, to a maximum of 3.0 credits.
  • If you are currently completing the IB in a Canadian high school, please refer to the admission requirements and application deadlines for your province.

For more information on the admission requirements applicable to your specific educational background and province, please check it on the university’s website.

Degree Specific Requirements

The specific requirement for your degree will also depend on your education background and province.

In this case, let’s look at the Bachelor of Arts specific requirements.

  1. For Ontario High School students, you will need English
  2. CEGEP students will need English 603
  3. International Baccalaureate will need SL or HL English

International Baccalaureate Requirements

One of:

  • SL Analysis and Approaches
  • HL Analysis and Approaches
  • HL Applications and Interpretation

Two of:

  • SL or HL Chemistry
  • SL or HL Physics
  • SL or HL Biology

For majors in Physics: HL Math and HL or SL Physics are strongly recommended.

Visit the How to Apply web page for information about dates and deadlines for your applicant type and program.

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