r/CanadaUniversities

Hey everyone,

I just graduated high school in BC and I’m trying to decide between BCIT’s Computer Systems Technology (CST) 2-year diploma and UBC Computer Science.

My grades:

  English 12: 90

Pre-Calculus 12: 81

Chemistry 12: 85

Punjabi 12: 97

Anatomy & Physiology 12: 90

Long-term goal is to become a software engineer, ideally at a big company like Microsoft.I’m leaning toward BCIT because it’s more hands-on and I can finish in 2 years and start working sooner. But I also know UBC has a stronger name and better networking.

What do you guys think? Realistic chances of getting into both with these grades? Any BCIT CST grads or UBC CS students who can share their experience?

My dream has always been to be a filmmaker, executive producer but because I come from a social and financial background where this isn't considered a feasible job unless you have financial stability and a solid backup plan - I pursued Bachelors in Quantitative Finance, thinking that I will study in my home country and then apply for masters abroad for finance (film finance). My dream school was Columbia, I thought I'd study finance while hustling through fine arts, film financing and writing/pitching etc. but apparently that's illegal under F1 visa. My dreams were crushed solely because of the place I was born at. I figured if I attend U of T or other Canadian university, I'll be able to hustle through fine arts while simultaneously doing finance. However Canada does not provide industry like NYC or LA where I could have hustled as a fine arts enthusiast while being financially stable with the city's finance industry.

It just makes me sad how your life can change significantly based on the place of birth. An american student can do a wall street job, audition for Broadway, pitch their ideas while an international student can't even make monetized youtube content or even earn through blogging/writing on F1 visa.

Now I'll end up working as a financial consultant at a media private equity firm, rising through the ranks to be Executive Producer and then a filmmaker which will take decades because apparently, I can't even invest/produce films outside of the firm I'll work for.

What should I do? I can't drop finance as a field, I can't study on a restrictive visa, and I can't leave the country until I have paid the education loan because of nominal exchange rates. Should I apply to Canadian universities and leave my dream university?

I am at a verge where I'll go crazy now! please anyone who has even the smallest insight on WLU pleaseeeeeeeee contact me huhuhuhuu. I want to join masters program in computer science related field

Hi everyone,

I’m a Computer Science graduate with a 2.9 CGPA. I know it’s relatively low due to some personal circumstances during university, which were unfortunately beyond my control. However, I believe my technical background is relatively strong.

I have published two research papers, contributed to three open-source programs, did two internships, and qualified for the ICPC “International Collegiate Programming Contest”

I’m interested in pursuing a Master’s degree, but I’m worried that my GPA might be a major obstacle. How do universities generally evaluate and accept
students for Master’s programs in cases like mine?
I understand that my GPA is low, but I’m hoping my research experience, technical skills, open-source contributions, and other achievements can help compensate for it.

Has anyone been in a similar situation or have any advice on how I can strengthen my application?

Hiii, I am currently a high school student going into grade 12. I am really nervous about uni apps and scholarship apps. I have no idea where to look for scholarships, specifically merit based ones. Does anyone have any advice for where I can look? Thanks!

I’m a high school senior in BC. I’m interested in studying psychology and possibly anthropology. I have no idea about careers but I want to help people.

I prefer to stay in BC but I’m tired of hearing about UBC and SFU. Not saying they’re bad, but everyone applies to them. Are there any other good ones here? I know education planner BC exists, but it’s hard to tell how a school is from their website when I don’t know people who’ve went to these places.

Also, when I’m older and out there finding a job, is my undergrad really going to matter or help me find a job at all? (I know that it’s getting unpredictable.) Or does it only matter when I do more education?

I know colleges and transferring are also options. I guess I’m asking if there’s anything other than the big schools and which ones may be good for psych? Any Ontario ones if they really stand out in that I guess. And any general advice! :)

Thanks

Hi everyone! I am starting college this fall and am looking at possibly transferring to McGill university in two years. I’m trying to weigh my options and it would be really nice to get some input from people who have already/ are going through studying there. I wanna know, what has your experience been like at McGill and how was the transfer process?
Do you think it was worth it for you versus the huge financial cost?
How much are you actually paying per year to go to school there? I have found numbers online but I’m not sure how accurate it is.
One more thing, I was homeschooled for my whole life until I started taking a couple of classes at a community college nearby. Any other homeschooled students here experience issues or complications because of that?

I appreciate any advice, thanks!

currently i have 30 short sleeves 15 long sleeves and a bunch of jackets and hoodies

i need to cut down on short sleeves... how many is good?

Hi everyone! I just want to share my situation and ask for some advice, especially from people who might know about this.
I’m Ukrainian and moved to Canada in 2022. I’m going into Grade 12 this year, which means I’ll soon have to start applying to universities and colleges. My grades are 90%+, so academically I feel ready for university, but my immigration status is making the situation really difficult.
I currently have a work permit connected to my PR application, but I don’t have PR yet. From what I understand, I may not get PR for at least another 6 years.
I really want to continue my education and start building my career, but I’m feeling completely stuck because international tuition is extremely expensive.
Is there any way for someone in my situation to study in Ontario at the domestic tuition rate? Are there any programs, exemptions, or other options I should look into?
My main goal is to eventually become a notary, so ideally I’d like to choose a program that could lead me toward that career. However, I’m also open to other programs where I could graduate with a diploma/degree or certificate that would allow me to get a job and start working while I figure out my long-term path.
I don’t want to spend the next several years just waiting for PR. I want to study, get an education, work, gain experience, and actually move forward with my life.
If anyone has been in a similar situation or knows about domestic tuition exemptions, bridging programs, college programs, or other options for people with a work permit but no PR yet, I would really appreciate any advice or information.
Thank you so much! ❤️

I’m an Ontario Grade 11 student applying to business/commerce programs. I did pretty well in Grade 10, with around a 92% average, but my Grade 11 grades dropped quite a bit to around 70.

The main reason was that my grandfather and aunt passed away during Grade 11, and it affected me pretty badly mentally and emotionally. My motivation and overall mood were really low, and my grades suffered because of it.

Going into Grade 12, I feel like I’m in a much better place and I’m confident that I can get 90%+ in my Grade 12 courses. I’m wondering how universities will look at this kind of situation.

Do universities mainly focus on my Grade 12 marks when making admission decisions, or will my Grade 11 grades still hurt my chances significantly? Would the improvement from 92% in Grade 10 → poor Grade 11 → hopefully 90%+ in Grade 12 help show that Grade 11 was more of an outlier?

I’m mainly looking at BCom/Business programs. Any advice from people who have been in a similar situation would be appreciated.

Hi everyone! 👋

I’m planning to go to Canada next school year to take my Master’s degree, ideally through a program that would make me eligible for a PGWP after graduation.

I’m currently considering Niagara/Ontario and Alberta as possible locations.

For those who are already living, studying, or working in these areas, I’d really appreciate some honest and realistic insights about the current situation.

How is it there right now in terms of:
- Finding part-time/student jobs
- Cost of living and housing
- Job opportunities after graduation
- PGWP and immigration/PR prospects
- Overall experience as an international student
-Whether you would still recommend coming to Canada in 2026/2027

I’m especially interested in hearing from people who are actually living in Niagara or Alberta, rather than just general opinions about Canada.

Please feel free to share the good, bad, and ugly. 😅 I’m trying to make a realistic decision before spending a significant amount of money on my studies.

If you were in my position, would you still choose Canada? Why or why not?

Thank you in advance for your honest answers!

hi!! I'm about to finish highschool at the Philippines and I'm planning on getting the accounting program in nova scotia since that's where my family lives. How many years would it take to finish the program? I saw online that it only needs 2-3yrs. Do I need cpa to get a job? Thank you!

i know that universities in the US look for lots of extracurriculars activities (in and out of schools). for those more competitive schools they also ask for leadership experience and personal projects. however, im also wondering if this is the same case for Canadian universities? does it matter for your application or not so much?

Incoming g12 and I am planning on applying to UoFT Chem Eng, waterloo Chem Eng, and McMaster Chem Eng (I believe these are the three that require interviews). How are they? And how important are they for getting an offer if your grades are great? I have a 97 avg. also, would I be in the upper or lower bounds if my ECs are just very average (nothing very notable but not empty either).

also how competitive would I be for uoft chem? Same with Queen’s Engineering Chemistry, engineering chemistry and Western Chemical Engineering?

i’m an international student who has lived in ontario (not the GTA) for 2 years.

i’ve been to toronto for a few times and really loved it, but i’ve never been to vancouver.

i’m also in my early 20s so i’m a little older than most UG students - which also means if i can avoid doing grad studies that’ll be better

UofT BA pros:
- location (in my bucket list, i aim to live in a big city like toronto before i turn age 35)
- networking opps for toronto jobs
- econs is not a bad degree - it’s versatile and decently regarded in my home country and i don’t need grad studies
- i can minor in GIS which i’m interested in (i guess this can open some doors?)
- i like ontario culture more than bc culture? i also love how diverse and accepting toronto is

UofT BA cons:
- too broad of a degree, i worry about job prospects
- my math foundation isn’t the best, so i have heaps to catch up on
- if things don’t go well in toronto (eg bad grades, can’t make friends etc), i worry i may be upset at myself for choosing a less employable degree.
- at the back of my head im still gonna try to transfer to rotman, although chances are low so i need to be okay w econs
- i hope to work in toronto eventually so i may need to do grad studies

ps im open to other BA or Bsc recs at UofT. i chose econs mainly for its employability.

UBC Sauder Commerce pros:
- recruitment pipeline (although it’s mainly to vancouver and i don’t really wanna live in vancouver after i graduate). but a job’s a job and maybe i’ll learn to like vancouver more
- possibility of doing an accredited professional programme (accounting) —> i’m not sure if i’ll like accounting, but at least i’ll give it a shot!
- less chance of needing graduate studies if i want to work in canada
- commerce is not a bad degree, i would say it’s equal to uoft’s econ degree in my home country.
- it’s so much harder to get into than UofT BA.

UBC Sauder Commerce cons:
- i don’t think i will like vancouver. i hate the rain. i hate skiing as its so expensive and i suck at it. i’m not super outdoorsy (although i’m down to pick up new hobbies like hiking)
- i worry it’ll be harder to make friends in UBC (apparently BC bail and Vancouver Freeze is a thing?)
i’m staying off campus (altho it’s near to campus). i’ll deffo join clubs but i heard they are cliquish?

ik i should have applied for other ontario commerce schools, but i was an idiot who only applied to uoft and ubc. and i’m really not keen on a gap year.

would really appreciate some insights! TYSM!

For those of you who got into bcom what was your average? Early or regular applications?

Context: In a few months, I’ll be entering my senior year, and my parents have offered to pay for me to attend a university in Canada. I’m a Peruvian student who wants to study either Journalism or Communications, and so far I’ve been looking at Carleton, uOttawa, Simon Fraser, and McGill, but I’d like to expand my options.

I’m currently unsure whether I should add Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) and/or York University to my list of options. I haven’t researched them very much, but I know that both have a good reputation for Communications, and in TMU’s case, Journalism as well. However, I’ve also seen some rankings where TMU doesn’t rank particularly high among Canadian universities, and from what I’ve noticed, York doesn’t seem to have a particularly strong reputation either.

I’m honestly not sure whether I should add one of them, both, or neither. I’d really appreciate some suggestions or advice, especially from people who have experience with these universities or their Communications/Journalism programs.

This is my first Reddit post, so I hope I can get some responses. Thank you!

For reference, I am a partial IB student in Alberta going into grade 12 in September and im trying to get into eng at uoft, ubc, waterloo, mcgill, uofc, uofa, etc.

I know that most of these universities use either a 5 course or 6 course competitive avg and for engineering it uses (for Alberta) Chem 30, physics 30, math 30, math 31, english 30 and your next highest course, and if you don't have an available final grade for a 30 level course they will use your grade for the completed 20 level course or your interim marks for said 30 level course for your application (for IB they will also use your predicted score) (please correct me on any of this if I am wrong).

So I have an average of 98 across chem 20 IB, physics 20 IB, math 30 IB and math 31 IB HL, and am confident that I will be predicted a 7 in both physics and chemistry IB which I can use in my application. But when factoring in english 20, my average drops to a 94.2 as I performed poorly in that class and only ended with a flat 80, and I believe that this ruins my chances to get into any prestigious university, additionally, I have english 30 in my semester 2 so even if I were to perform well in it I wouldn't be able to use that grade for any of the applications since they most close around January. So my question is, will unis hold out on giving me an acceptance due to my poor english 20 mark and wait until they have an interim english 30 mark they can use instead in around March or February, or am I stuck with an 80 in english due to my bad luck with my schedule? And if it is the latter, what else can I do, is there anything else I can do?

Our university offers a full year abroad and I'd love to hear more about your advise on ranking the options based on what I'm looking for or comments on which places to avoid before committing. Most important aspects for me would be the classes (major in polisci but will need to complete some reqs in Chemistry) and prestige.

Main options:
Queen's University
University of British Columbia
University of Calgary
University of Guelph
University of Victoria

There are other options, mostly in the States (Rhodes College, Drexel University, UNC at Chapel Hill or Wilmington, University of Vermont and University of Maine) but Canada would be my first choice.

EDIT: I can ONLY choose from the universities on this list. There are a few others included but they are massively lower ranked.