Canadian Universities Accepting 3 Years Bachelors Degree
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Canadian Universities Accepting 3 Years Bachelors Degree

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Raj Vimal
Assistant Manager Editorial
Updated on Jan 11, 2026 17:13 IST
So, you want to pursue your masters in Canada but are not sure which universities accept 3-year undergraduate degrees? Well, you're not alone. In India, 3-year bachelor's programs are common, resulting in most graduates having 15 years of total education. There are multiple universities in Canada that accept 3 years Bachelor’s Degree.

You want to pursue your masters in Canada but are not sure which universities accept 3-year undergraduate degrees? you're not alone. In India, 3-year bachelor's programs are common, resulting in most graduates having 15 years of total education. There are multiple universities in Canada that accept 3 years Bachelor’s Degree.

Universities in Canada Accepting 3 years Bachelors

Can you study in Canada with a 3-year degree? Yes, you absolutely can. While most institutions traditionally require a 4-year degree (16 years of education), there are many Canadian universities accepting 3 years bachelors today. This creates great opportunities for Indian students.

University of Toronto and University of British Columbia are one of universities often accept 3-year degrees for admission to MS programs in Canada. If you have a strong academic record. Rules can be strict. You might need a credential evaluation (like WES) to prove your degree is equivalent to a Canadian bachelor's. Otherwise, you may need to show relevant work experience.

You can opt for PG diploma courses in Canada to bridge the gap. Target the right Canadian universities accepting 3 years bachelors. You can successfully achieve your dream of studying in Canada.

Table of contents
  • Universities in Canada Accepting 3 years Bachelor’s Degree
  • Do Canadian Institutions Accept 15 years of Education?
  • Eligibility Criteria to Study Master's in Canada
  • What if Universities Are Not Accepting a 3-year Bachelor’s Degree?
  • FAQS Related to Canadian Universities Accepting 3 Years Bachelors

Universities in Canada Accepting 3 years Bachelor’s Degree

Below mentioned is the list of Canadian universities accepting a 3-years bachelor’s degree.

University

Program offered

Thompson Rivers University

  • MBA
  • Masters of Science in Data Science

University of British Columbia 

PG Diploma

University of Toronto (U of T)

MBA

Ryerson University 

Business courses

University of Manitoba 

MBA, MIM

York University

PG Diploma courses

HEC Montreal

PG Diploma courses

Vancouver Island University

PG Diploma in Business Studies

Do Canadian Institutions Accept 15 years of Education?

Students often ask, “Which countries do not accept 3 year degree?” Some of these countries include Canada, the USA, etc. However, some institutions in these countries also accept a 3-year Bachelor’s degree; but this acceptance comes with certain riders. Higher education institutes in Canadian accept 15 (12 3) years of education for post-graduate diploma programs. For a master's program, most universities accept 16 (12 + 4) years of education. Some universities accept candidates with 15 years of education.

In Canada, colleges and universities act as separate entities. Usually, colleges offer diplomas and universities offer degree/master's programs. Some universities offer diploma programs in addition to master's courses.

Students with professional degrees in engineering, medicine, and architecture have four-year degrees. However, there are certain Canadian universities that accept 3-year bachelor's degrees on a case-to-case basis. They monitor the skills and achievements of the candidate along with his academic performance.

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Eligibility Criteria to Study Master's in Canada

A Master's degree in Canada is usually offered as a one to two-year full-time study program. Entry requirements vary from institution to institution. Also, eligibility criteria may differ depending on the course you selected. Below we have given some common requirements for studying master's in Canada.

  • A bachelor's degree with 16 years of education from a recognized instruction
  • With a 3-year bachelor's degree, a candidate needs to have a 2-years master's degree. However, certain universities accept 3-year bachelor's degrees as well.
  • GPA of 3.0 or more on a scale of 4.0 GPA
  • English language proficiency test results like IELTS with a minimum score of 6.5
  • GRE score for an MS program
  • GMAT score a degree in MBA, Finance, Accounting or management.

What if Universities Are Not Accepting a 3-year Bachelor’s Degree?

Although it is true that certain colleges only accept applicants with a 16-year pre-master education, here are a few ideas that could help students overcome this obstacle:

  • You may pursue a postgraduate degree in India and then apply to your desired course abroad.
  • You may pursue a PG Diploma course from abroad and then apply to your desired university.
  • You may get a WES evaluation of your 3-year degree. If you have pursued your degree from a top Indian institution, it might be recognized as equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from the U.S. if the degree is earned in Division-I from an Indian institution with an NAAC accreditation of "A" or higher.

The popularity of Canadian higher education institutions and friendly immigration facilities have made it a preferred destination for international students. It offers a high standard of living and quality education at one of the lowest rates in comparison to other developed nations. Canadian universities also check the candidate's academic score and achievements before giving admission.

Candidates looking to study abroad can get in touch with our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors for assistance with university applications. Candidates can also write to us in the comments section below.

FAQS Related to Canadian Universities Accepting 3 Years Bachelors

Q:   Which top Canadian universities accept a 3-year bachelor's degree?
A:

Several top universities accept them. Though often on a case-by-case basis. Prominent names include the University of Toronto, University of British Columbia (UBC), York University, Thompson Rivers University, and Vancouver Island University. Always check the specific programme page as requirements can differ by department.

Q:   Can I do an MBA in Canada with a 3-year bachelor's degree?
A:

Yes, many business schools are flexible. Universities like New York Institute of Technology and University Canada West accept 3-year degrees for their MBA programs. Having 2-3 years of managerial work experience can strengthen your application even if you lack a 4-year degree.

Q:   What if my 3-year degree is not accepted for a Master's in Canada?
A:

You have excellent alternatives. You can apply for a PG Diploma or a Graduate Certificate first. These courses usually accept 15 years of education. It can act as a bridge, allowing you to apply for a Master's degree later or apply for a work permit directly.







About the Author
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Written by
Raj Vimal
Assistant Manager Editorial
Hi, I am Raj. I help Indian students figure out study abroad without the confusion. For 8+ years, mostly in Ed-Tech, I have written about the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. I cover what peo Read Full Bio
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Prayas
UG & PG expert
Armed with a decade of professional experience, Prayas is a connoisseur of the overseas education industry. He holds a post-graduate diploma in marketing and has the knack for finding ideal study options for student Read Full Bio
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