Universities that accept 2.5 GPA for masters in Canada

Undoubtedly, GPA is important if you want to do your masters in a country like Canada.

However, while GPA does hold significant weight in the admissions process, it is not the sole criterion for acceptance.

Other factors contribute to determining an applicant’s fate.

Most universities and colleges in Canada adopt a holistic approach when evaluating applications.

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They consider factors beyond grades to gauge your “potential” and “eligibility” for their master’s programs.

Therefore, they accept low GPAs.

Can I do Masters with a 2.5 GPA in Canada?

Sure, you can do your masters with a 2.5 GPA in Canada. While your grade plays a huge role in determining your eligibility for a Master’s program in Canada, it is not the only determining factor for admission.

Beyond grades, Canadian universities and colleges consider what you have done in your field, research experience, personal statements, or letters of recommendation when evaluating your application for a master’s program.

Universities that accept 2.5 GPA for masters in Canada

In Canada, Athabasca University, Brock University, Cape Breton University, Laurentian University, Lakehead University, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Mount Royal University, Ryerson University, University of Manitoba, University of Northern British Columbia, Thompson Rivers University, Vancouver Island University, University of Regina, Cape Breton University, University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI), University of Lethbridge, Simon Fraser University, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Memorial University of Newfoundland, and others, accept 2.5 GPA for Masters program.

• Athabasca University

Athabasca University is an open university that offers online programs.

Athabasca University is a renowned open university that offers online programs to students worldwide.

Their structure allows students to pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees without the need for on-campus attendance.

The university excels in areas like business, health, and education, providing a wide range of accredited courses.

Aside from your grades, Athabasca will consider your work experience, relevant certifications, and personal statements before offering you admission to their master’s program.

• Brock University

Brock University is a public research university located in St. Catharines, Ontario, and is known for its strong focus on experiential learning and co-op programs.

Brock considers applicants with a 2.5 GPA for some master’s programs, particularly if they have relevant work experience or demonstrate potential in other areas.

• Cape Breton University

Just like Brock University, Cape Breton University looks at your work experience, research proposal, the strength of your letters of recommendation, and personal statements, in addition to your GPA.

• Laurentian University

Laurentian University is a bilingual public university located in Sudbury, Ontario. They offer programs in both English and French.

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For masters, they accept applications with a lower GPA if you have a relevant research proposal or other achievements that demonstrate your potential.

• Lakehead University

At Lakehead University, your entire academic profile will be considered if you want to do your master’s program.

Your research experience, references, and personal statement are all part of the determining factors.

• Memorial University of Newfoundland

Memorial University will accept your application even with your low GPA, however, you need a strong letter of recommendation and a compelling personal statement.

• Mount Royal University

Mount Royal University assesses your application holistically and accepts a 2.5 GPA if you demonstrate potential in your academic profile.

• Ryerson University

Ryerson University takes a comprehensive approach to admissions.

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They’ll consider your GPA, plus other relevant parts of your profile that align with your program.

• University of Manitoba

The University of Manitoba is a public research university located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and is the oldest university in Western Canada, founded in 1877.

They accept applicants with a 2.5 GPA for some master’s programs, particularly if you have a strong letter of recommendation.

• University of Northern British Columbia

The University of Northern British Columbia will accept your application (even with a low GPA) if you have relevant achievements to prove your potential.

• Thompson Rivers University

Thompson Rivers University is known for its flexible admission policies.

They admit students with a 2.5 GPA.

• Vancouver Island University

If you can provide proof of your strong professional or academic potential through other means outside your grades, you’ll be offered admission at Vancouver Island University.

• University of Regina

The University of Regina also accepts students with lower GPAs, especially if it is for professional or course-based Master’s programs.

If you have relevant work experience and strong letters of recommendation, it can improve your chances.

• Cape Breton University

Cape Breton University has several graduate programs and accepts applicants with lower GPAs on a case-by-case basis.

• University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI)

If you demonstrate relevant experience or strong references, UPEI will offer you admission to a master’s program even with your 2.5 GPA.

• University of Lethbridge

If you have significant professional experience, you can get admission to a master’s program with a 2.5 GPA.

• Memorial University of Newfoundland

MUN requires a minimum GPA of 2.75 for full acceptance or 2.0 for conditional acceptance.

• Simon Fraser University – Requires a minimum GPA of 2.0
• Fairleigh Dickinson University – Requires a minimum GPA of 2.0

Other universities that accept 2.5 GPA for masters in Canada include:

• Saint Mary’s University
• University of New Brunswick
• Mount Saint Vincent University
• University of Saskatchewan
• University of Windsor
• Vancouver Island University
• University of the Fraser Valley
• Carleton University
• Trent University
• University of Victoria
• Wilfrid Laurier University
• York University

What is the minimum CGPA requirement for a master’s in Canada?

The minimum CGPA requirement for a master’s program in Canada varies depending on the university and the specific program you are applying to.

Previously, Canadian universities had a minimum CGPA requirement of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (which is equivalent to a B average).

However, this requirement is not uniform – it does not cut across all institutions and programs.

Some programs have higher (Cumulative Grade Point Average) requirements while others accept CGPA lower than 3.0, which is why you have a chance.

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While a 3.0 CGPA is a common benchmark (for many universities), some universities have more lenient admission criteria.

They consider multiple factors (aside from grade) when evaluating applications

Therefore, even if your CGPA falls below the minimum requirement, it does not necessarily mean you cannot pursue a master’s degree in Canada.

You may not qualify for a particular Master’s program (program with a high CGPA requirement) but there are other options for you.

You have a chance with many other universities and colleges in Canada.

Can a second-class lower do a master’s in Canada?

Of course, a second-class lower degree is sufficient for admission to a master’s program in Canada. Some master’s programs in Canada accept lower degrees for master’s admission.

Just like anyone with a 2.5 GPA, if you have a second-class lower degree and wish to do your masters in Canada, you still have a chance.

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Check the specific entry requirements of the universities and programs you are interested in – many institutions are open to students with your second-class lower.

There are several strategies you can use to increase your chances of getting admission into your desired master’s program with your 2.5 GPA or lower.

How to improve your chances of getting admission in Canada if you are applying for a master’s degree with a low grade

If you are applying for a master’s degree in Canada with a lower grade and want to increase your chances, you need to:

• Acquire relevant work experience

Your grade is already giving a negative view about you, you need to crush that out with work experience that is related to your field.

In your application, highlight these work experiences. Talk about the skills, responsibilities, and achievements you gained during your professional engagements.

• Gain enough research experience

If you have participated in research projects, (whether during your undergraduate studies, internships, or as an assistant), showcase your involvement in your application.

Discuss the nature of the research, your contributions, and any outcomes or publications resulting from your work.

• Submit a strong statement of purpose

Craft a compelling and well-written statement of purpose.

Your SOP should clearly state your passion for the subject, your motivations for pursuing a master’s degree, and how the program aligns with your academic and career goals.

• Submit letters of recommendation

Get strong letters of recommendation from professors, employers, or professionals who can attest to your abilities, character, and potential.

If possible, a letter of recommendation from a professional or professor in Canada would be just great.

• Strong interview performance

If an interview is part of the application process, prepare thoroughly and showcase your passion, knowledge, and readiness for the program.

Use the opportunity to address any concerns or questions about your academic performance and emphasize your growth and preparedness for the master’s program.

• Go for programs with flexible admission criteria

Some universities and specific programs have more lenient admission requirements.

They accommodate students with low grades. You can go for these options.

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Look for programs that value work experience, research experience, and other relevant qualifications.

You have a better chance with these programs than those who value grades more than anything else.

Low GPA masters programs in Canada

There are many low GPA master programs in Canada, they include:

• MBA at Fairleigh Dickinson University – Minimum GPA: 2.5
• MSc in Computer Science at Fairleigh Dickinson University – Minimum GPA: 2.5
• Master’s in Nursing at Fairleigh Dickinson University – Minimum GPA: 2.8
• Master’s in Education at Simon Fraser University – Minimum GPA: 2.7
• Master’s in Public Health at Memorial University of Newfoundland – Minimum GPA: 2.75 (conditional acceptance: 2.0)
• Master’s in Information Technology at Memorial University of Newfoundland – Minimum GPA: 2.75 (conditional acceptance: 2.0)
• Master’s in Finance at Memorial University of Newfoundland – Minimum GPA: 2.75 (conditional acceptance: 2.0)
• Master’s in Business Administration at Carleton University – Minimum GPA: 2.5
• Master’s in Accounting at Carleton University – Minimum GPA: 2.5
• Master’s in Social Work at Carleton University – Minimum GPA: 2.5
• Master’s in Education at the University of Victoria – Minimum GPA: 2.5
• Master’s in Nursing at the University of Victoria – Minimum GPA: 2.5
• Master’s in Criminal Justice at the University of Victoria – Minimum GPA: 2.5
• Master’s in Psychology at the University of Victoria – Minimum GPA: 2.5
• MBA at University of Manitoba – Minimum GPA: 2.5
• Master’s in Cyber Security at the University of Manitoba – Minimum GPA: 2.5
• Master’s in Information Systems at the University of Manitoba – Minimum GPA: 2.5
• Master’s in Health Service Administration at the University of Manitoba – Minimum GPA: 2.5
• MBA at Dalhousie University – Minimum GPA: 2.7
• Master’s in Environmental Studies at Dalhousie University – Minimum GPA: 2.7
• Master’s in Engineering at Dalhousie University – Minimum GPA: 2.7
• Master’s in Public Administration at Dalhousie University – Minimum GPA: 2.7
• Master’s in Business Administration at Technical University of Nova Scotia – Minimum GPA: 2.5
• Master’s in Engineering at Technical University of Nova Scotia – Minimum GPA: 2.5
• Master’s in Computer Science at Technical University of Nova Scotia – Minimum GPA: 2.5
• Master’s in Business Administration at the University of Regina – Minimum GPA: 2.5
• Master’s in Education at the University of Regina – Minimum GPA: 2.5
• Master’s in Social Work at the University of Regina – Minimum GPA: 2.5
• Master’s in Engineering at the University of Regina – Minimum GPA: 2.5

Find more through the links below:

• StudentMajor.com​​
• IBS Consulting​​
• Leverage Edu​​​​

Disclaimer: The GPA requirements for specific master’s programs change over time – before you start your application, ensure you check the current GPA requirement.