Many Nigerian and West African students think they need A-levels or a foundation year to study in Canada. Several Canadian universities accept your WAEC (WASSCE) results, and some also accept NECO, for direct entry into a bachelor's degree.
We checked each university's own admissions page. Requirements change and vary by programme, so always confirm on the official link before you apply.
Important: Admission is not a scholarship. These universities charge international tuition. Look for entrance scholarships on each university's website after you apply.
Universities that accept WAEC and NECO
1. University of Ottawa (Ontario)
- Accepts: WAEC/WASSCE, and NECO ("Students who have completed NECO are also eligible for admission consideration").
- Grades: Minimum 75% average; some programmes ask for more.
- English: A test is needed unless you studied for 3 years in English in an English-speaking country.
- Official page: https://www.uottawa.ca/study/undergraduate-studies/international-applicants/nigeria
2. University of Regina (Saskatchewan)
- Accepts: WAEC and/or NECO results.
- Verification: Buy a scratch card and give the exam number, year, exam type, card serial number and PIN.
- English: A pass in English on your WAEC meets the English language requirement.
- Official page: https://uregina.ca/international/future-students/how-to-apply/c-nigeria.html
3. University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC)
- Accepts: WAEC, WASSCE and NECO.
- Grades: Minimum overall average of D7 or higher in English, three academic subjects and an elective.
- Official page: https://www.unbc.ca/sites/default/files/sections/admissions/undergraduate/nigeria-admissionrequirementssept2021at.pdf
Universities that accept WAEC (WASSCE)
4. University of Guelph (Ontario)
- Grades: Minimum B3 on predicted grades.
- Verification: A scratch card is needed to confirm your final results.
- Official page: https://www.uoguelph.ca/admission/undergraduate/international/requirements
5. University of Manitoba (Manitoba)
- University 1 and most Arts: C5 average, with at least C6 in each of four senior subjects.
- Engineering and Science: B3 average.
- Business (Commerce): B2 average.
- Note: When applications exceed spaces, you may need higher grades.
- Official page: https://umanitoba.ca/sites/default/files/2020-10/waec-curriculum-sheet.pdf
6. University of Alberta (Alberta)
- Early admission: Send your SS2 marks and, if available, SS3 registration or first-term grades.
- Final admission: Send official WAEC results or scratch card details (exam number, year, PIN and serial number).
- Official page: https://www.ualberta.ca/en/admissions/how-to-apply/international-admission-requirements/your-country/west-africa.html
7. Simon Fraser University (British Columbia)
- Grades: Based on your senior academic subjects; you need a C or better in Senior Mathematics.
- Verification: Through the WAEC Digital Certificate Platform, or online with your exam details, PIN and serial number.
- Note: Many programmes also need Maths, Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
- Official page: https://www.sfu.ca/students/admission/admission-requirements/international-highschool/country/nigeria.html
8. Western University (Ontario)
- Accepts: WASSCE, with a Confirmation of Results from WAEC, or a certified copy plus scratch card details.
- Note: Conditional admission can be based on mid-year results.
- Official page: https://www.kings.uwo.ca/future-students/admissions/admission-requirements/international-students/nigeria
Tips before you apply
- Keep your scratch card safe. Most Canadian universities verify your results online with it.
- Check programme subjects. Engineering, science and business often need specific subjects and higher grades.
- Plan your English proficiency. Some universities waive the test for Nigerians; others still ask for IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo.
- Apply early. Fall intake deadlines for international students are often months before September.
- Budget honestly. You will need tuition and living costs for your study permit. Apply for entrance scholarships at the same time.