Top Canadian Universities That Accept Low CGPA Now

Let’s be honest, low CGPA feels so awkward when applying abroad. But Canada isn’t about to ghost you just because your grades slipped. If you’re worried about doors closing, breathe easy. Canadian universities that accept low CGPA exist and they’re ready for applicants who bring ambition, skills and strategy to the table. This blog gives you the list, admission strategies and alternative hacks to make your profile shine. After this, you’ll know exactly where and how to land in Canada without your GPA haunting you.

Canadian Universities That Accept Low CGPA in 2026

Getting a low CGPA does not mean your Canada dream is over. Canadian universities look at more than just marks. They check your work experience, statement of purpose, recommendation letters and overall profile. Many universities follow a holistic admission process, especially for international students. 

In 2026, several Canadian universities continue to accept students with low CGPA if they show strong intent. Here are options where low CGPA students get admitted.

University of Windsor

The University of Windsor is known for being flexible with academic scores. Students with a CGPA below the usual cutoff can still get admission if their SOP clearly explains gaps and learning outcomes. Programs in engineering, management and applied sciences are more open to profile-based evaluation. Work experience and internships carry strong weight here.

Memorial University of Newfoundland

Memorial University has one of the most student-friendly admission policies in Canada. It accepts students with lower CGPA, especially for diploma, undergraduate and selected postgraduate programs. The university focuses on affordability, academic improvement and subject relevance rather than perfect grades.

University of Regina

This university considers students with CGPA lower than average if they meet course-specific requirements. It values practical exposure, academic consistency in recent semesters and strong academic intent. Programs in computer science, engineering and business often review the full profile before rejecting an applicant.

Brock University

Brock University allows flexibility for students with low CGPA, especially in humanities, social sciences and professional programs. A well-written SOP and relevant academic background improve chances. Some programs also allow conditional admission based on performance improvement.

University of Northern British Columbia

UNBC evaluates applications beyond grades and gives importance to subject relevance and learning outcomes. Students with lower CGPA but strong academic focus in their major subjects often receive positive responses. Smaller class sizes also work in favor of international students.

Thompson Rivers University

TRU is a popular choice for low CGPA students because of its open learning model and applied programs. It accepts students with academic gaps and focuses on skill development. Many students use TRU as a pathway to further studies or better job exposure in Canada.

Cape Breton University

Cape Breton University is known for accepting students with low CGPA for business, IT and management programs. It looks closely at motivation, career clarity and improvement over time. This university is often recommended for students restarting their academic journey.

What is a Low and Good CGPA?

Good CGPA: A first-class honour and second-class upper honour are considered to be good CGPAs for a postgraduate degree in most Canadian universities.

First-Class (Very Good CGPA)	On a scale of 4.0 4.0 out of 4.0	On a scale of 5.0 4.5 to 5.0 out of 5.0
Second-Class Upper (Good CGPA)	On a scale of 4.0 3.3 to 3.7 out of 4.0	On a scale of 5.0 3.5 to 4.49 out of 5.0

Low CGPA: A CGPA that is below second-class upper honour is considered low for a postgraduate or undergraduate degree. While the low CGPA affects the admission process, there are plenty of Canadian universities that accept low CGPAs.

Second Lower Class (Low CGPA)	On a scale of 4.0 2.7 to 3.0 out of 4.0	On a scale of 5.0 2.5 to 3.49 out of 5.0
Third Class (Very Low CGPA)	On a scale of 4.0 1.0 to 2.3 out of 4.0	On a scale of 5.0 1.5 to 2.49 out of 5.0

You’ll Want to Bookmark This One: Medical Coding Jobs in Canada: Salary, Courses, Certification

How to Secure Admission in Canada With a Low CGPA?

Canadian universities want clarity, honesty and effort. If your profile shows growth and intent, your grades alone will not stop you. Here is how to secure admission in Canda with a low CGPA. 

Choose Universities That Follow Holistic Admissions

Apply to Canadian universities that review the full profile instead of only CGPA. Many mid-ranked and regional universities focus on skills, academic relevance and intent. Avoid blindly applying to highly competitive universities where CGPA cutoffs are strict.

Write a Strong Statement of Purpose

Your SOP matters a lot when your CGPA is low. Clearly explain why your grades dropped without excuses. Show what you learned, how you improved and why the chosen course fits your career plan. Simple and honest writing works better than dramatic stories.

Highlight Work Experience and Internships

Relevant work experience helps balance low academic scores. Even internships, projects, or part-time work related to your field add value. Universities like to see practical exposure and real-world learning.

Score Well in English Language Tests

A strong IELTS or TOEFL score helps create trust in your academic readiness. It shows you can handle coursework, presentations and exams in an English-speaking environment. This often supports applications with weak CGPA.

Apply for Conditional or Pathway Programs

Many Canadian universities offer conditional admits, diploma pathways, or pre-master programs. These allow students to prove their ability before entering the main degree. Performance in these programs can lead to full admission.

Show Academic Improvement

If your recent semesters show better grades, highlight them clearly. Universities focus more on upward trends than early mistakes. Improvement shows discipline and maturity.

Get Strong Recommendation Letters

Letters from professors or managers who know your academic or professional growth help a lot. They should talk about skills, effort and learning ability, not just marks.

You’ll Regret Skipping This: MD in USA: Top Universities, Fee Structure & Scholarships

Tips and Alternatives for Low CGPA Students Eyeing Canada

Low CGPA students should think long term instead of rushing applications. Course selection matters more than university ranking. Choosing programs that match your academic background and skills increases acceptance chances and helps you perform better after admission. 

Timing also plays a role. Applying early gives universities more space to review profiles carefully. Late applications often face stricter screening. Keeping documents clean, error free and well structured shows seriousness and discipline, which universities notice.

For students who do not get direct admission, pathway options work well. Diplomas, graduate certificates and pre-master programs help rebuild academic trust. Performing well in these programs opens doors to full degree courses later.

Another strong option is improving your profile before applying. Short certifications, online courses and skill-based training show active learning. Even one year of relevant work experience can change outcomes significantly.

Canada values consistency and effort. A low CGPA may slow you down, but it does not block your future if you plan smartly and stay focused.

Don’t Miss This Seriously: IELTS and GMAT Scores to Study in New Zealand

Limitations of a Low CGPA for International Students 

A low CGPA does not end your study abroad plans, but it does create certain restrictions. International students need to understand these limits early so they can plan better and avoid unrealistic expectations.

• Top-ranked Canadian universities usually have strict CGPA cutoffs and rarely offer flexibility
  
• Course choices become limited, especially for research-based and thesis programs
  
• Scholarship opportunities reduce as most merit-based funding depends on academic scores
  
• Admission decisions may take longer due to additional profile review
  
• Some programs may offer conditional admission instead of direct entry
  
• Visa applications may need stronger financial and academic justification
  
• Fewer chances for competitive internships during the first semester

FAQs

Hand-Picked Reads Fot You

CMA USA: A Student’s Guide	Best Universities for Finance in UK
What Are the Top Accounting Courses in Canada?	Top 5 Animation Courses in New Zealand: Benefits, Requirements and Jobs
Accounting and Finance (BA Hons) at Yorks St John University: A Guide	IELTS and GMAT Scores to Study in UK

This was everything you needed to finally crack Canadian universities that accept low CGPA. Now you know which universities welcome you, how to strengthen your profile and what steps to take to get admitted without overthinking every detail. Keep learning and stay connected with the Study Abroad page on Leverage Edu for more student-friendly blogs. And if this helped you, do not forget to share, rate and drop a comment. Your support helps more students find the good stuff.