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Requirements for International Students

Your academic performance in your previous studies is the main determining factor for admission to Carleton’s undergraduate degree programs. Secondary school (high school) graduation is the typical level required for admission to the first year of an undergraduate program. Admission requirements vary by program, so depending on the program of choice you may also be required to present specific subjects (prerequisites). In some cases, you will also be required to present specific courses (prerequisites).

If your first language is not English, in addition to your academic performance, you will also need to demonstrate English language proficiency. You can do this by demonstrating you have been studying for the last 3 years (full time) in a high school, college, or university in Canada, the U.S., the U.K. or any other country in which the primary language is English and where the language of instruction in the relevant institution was exclusively English. Alternatively, you may submit TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson, or CAEL test results. See https://admissions.carleton.ca/esl/ for required scores for admission.

Procedure for International Students

The majority of Carleton's undergraduate degree programs have a September entry date. Deadlines for application vary by program from January to April, so be sure to check the website for your program of choice. To see the specific admission requirements for your chosen degree program from the education system you have completed, please visit admissions.carleton.ca/apply.

We operate on a rolling admission timeline, which means that the sooner your application documents are received, the sooner we can process your application. We recommend starting the application process by the January of the year you wish to begin your studies.

Academic Year

Type of SystemSemester
Entrance DatesJanuary, May, September
Notes:The academic year is divided into three sessions: Fall, Winter and Spring/Summer. The majority of programs have a Fall (September) start date, though some programs may allow for entry in Winter (January) or Sprint/Summer (May) if space allows.

The fall session runs from September to December, the winter session from January to April, and the 2 summer sessions from May to June and July to August.
Language of InstructionEnglish
Modified on December 20, 2023