This checklist outlines the common documents required for admission to Canadian Designated Learning Institutions. Requirements vary by institution and program, so additional documents may be requested based on your specific application.

Most Ontario colleges do not accept applicants with gaps in education exceeding five years.
DLIs make admission decisions independently—we cannot influence or expedite their decision-making process.
Document requirements are institution-specific; we will identify your DLI's exact requirements once we begin working on your application

Standard Requirements for Most Colleges and Universities

Identity and Travel Documents

Valid passport

  • Include all biography pages, signature pages, and any pages with visas or stamps

  • Must be valid for the duration of your intended study period

Language Proficiency

English language test scores (valid for two years from exam date)

  • Accepted tests: IELTS Academic, PTE, Duolingo, CAEL, TOEFL

Some DLIs require scores to be valid when classes start, while others require validity at application submission
We discourage language-conditional admissions due to higher study permit refusals.

Educational Documents

High school education

  • Grade 10 certificate and mark sheets

  • Grade 12 certificate and mark sheets

College or university education (for each degree or diploma program):

  • All semester mark sheets

Consolidated mark sheets are not accepted.

  • Degree or diploma certificates

  • Backlog certificate or no-backlog certificate on official letterhead, stating:

    • Number of backlogs in each semester

    • Number of attempts for each course

    • If no backlogs exist, the certificate should state "0 backlogs"

Professional Documents

Resume or curriculum vitae

  • Up-to-date with all education, work, and volunteer experience

  • Presented in detailed chronological order with months and years

  • For graduate programs, align your resume with your desired field of study

Study gap supporting documents

  • Work experience letters with last month's pay slip

Include all experience letters from the date you completed your previous studies

Application Materials

Signature authorization

  • Clear photo of your signature on plain white paper using a blue ballpoint pen

Application fee

  • Amount varies by institution (will be confirmed during application process)

Emergency contact details

Proof of residency and immigration status (if already in Canada)

  • Current address proof

  • Copy of valid study permit, work permit, or visitor record

Medium of instruction letter (required by some DLIs)

  • Must be on official college or university letterhead

  • Confirms that your previous education was conducted in English or French

Quebec-Specific Requirements

For institutions in Quebec, also provide:

  • Birth certificate

  • Parents' information: full name, date of birth, phone number, address

Communication Requirement

Monitor your email frequently

  • Check the email address you provided for the admission process regularly

  • DLIs may send time-sensitive requests for additional information or interview invitations

Additional Requirements for Universities and Some Colleges

Official Academic Documents

Official transcripts and certificates

  • Must be sent in a sealed envelope directly from the issuing institution to the DLI

  • DLIs will not accept documents if they cannot confirm authenticity

  • Some DLIs accept official transcripts via email, sent directly from the issuing institution's official email to the receiving institution's official email (no cc to other parties)

  • Some DLIs may accept WES ICAP reports or online credential verification from your home university

Credential Evaluation

WES course-by-course evaluation report

  • Required by many universities to assess international credentials

  • Must be sent directly from WES to the DLI

Standardized Tests

GRE or GMAT scores

  • Required for many graduate programs

Some universities may waive this requirement if you have significant professional experience in your field

Written Application Components

Personal statement or letter of intent

  • Describe your academic and professional background

  • Explain your motivation, aptitude, and career goals related to the program

  • Demonstrate why you are an ideal candidate for the program

  • Some universities require this in a prescribed format (such as a one-page cover letter)

Do not submit generic statements, each statement must be unique and tailored to the specific DLI and program

Sample of written academic work

  • May include essays, research papers, or published articles

  • Requirements vary by program

References

Reference list (minimum three references)

  • Required information for each reference:

    • Full name

    • Organization or employer

    • Position title

    • Official company email address (generic email providers like Gmail or Yahoo are not accepted)

    • Phone number

    • Complete company address

Formal reference letters (required by some universities)

  • Must be on official letterhead

Some institutions require a mix of academic and professional references

Additional Assessments

Interview

  • Some DLIs conduct interviews as part of the admission process

You will be notified if an interview is required

Thesis and Research Programs

Supervisor identification and approval

  • For thesis-based or research programs, you are responsible for:

    • Identifying potential supervisors

    • Contacting and communicating with prospective supervisors

    • Securing supervisor approval before or during the admission process

Some programs will not issue admission without confirmed supervisor acceptance

Application Timeline Considerations

Document Validity

  • Ensure all documents meet validity requirements at the time specified by your DLI (application submission or program start date)

  • Language test scores must not expire before the required date

  • Passport must be valid throughout the application and study period

Processing Official Documents

  • Allow extra time for obtaining official transcripts and certificates

  • Some institutions take several weeks to process requests for sealed documents

  • Plan for courier or postal delivery times to Canada

Credential Evaluation

  • WES evaluations typically take 5-7 weeks to complete

  • Start this process early if your program requires credential evaluation

Important Reminders

Each DLI is unique

  • These are common requirements, but each institution has specific documentation needs

  • Review your DLI's admission requirements carefully

  • We will confirm exact requirements when we work on your application

Authenticity matters

  • Submit only genuine, unaltered documents

Fraudulent documents will result in application rejection and may affect future immigration applications

Completeness is critical

  • Incomplete applications may be rejected or significantly delayed

  • Double-check that you have provided all required documents before submission

Stay responsive

  • Check your email regularly throughout the application process

  • Respond promptly to any requests from the DLI or our team

  • Missing deadlines for additional information can result in application rejection

Plan ahead

  • Start gathering documents well before application deadlines

  • Some documents (such as official transcripts, backlog certificates, or WES reports) can take weeks to obtain

  • Allow time for unexpected delays or requests for additional documentation

By preparing these documents in advance and ensuring they meet your DLI's specific requirements, you will streamline your admission application process and increase your chances of acceptance to your desired Canadian institution.