Can a Student with Average or Low Academic Record Eligible for Canadian Study Visa?

Every year thousands of students apply for a Canadian study visa or permit, and only a few are selected for studying in Canadian universities.

There might be various reasons behind the rejection of the student’s study permit. However, the most common amongst them is an average or low academic record.

Academic Record

The academic record, also known as GPA (Grade Point Average), is a cumulative record of the overall academic performance of a student which scales from 1 to 4.

Inevitably, a high GPA (3 or higher) can be a key for getting a study visa quickly, but it doesn’t mean that a student with an average or low GPA (2.5 or below) can get a rejection right away.

Canadian Study Visa- Eligibility and Requirements

Before entering the country, you are required to get a Canadian study permit. For this purpose, you must have an acceptance letter from the Designated Learning Institute (DLI).

Designated Learning Institutes consist of all the institutes which are approved by the Canadian government to host international students.

Afterwards, you can start the application process in which you have to explain to the immigration officer about your resources, funds for the study, your stagnant health condition, your criminal record and other requirements which will ensure that you are eligible for the study permit.

Exemptions

Apart from the factors mentioned above, there are some exceptional cases where you don’t need to apply for a study visa. Such cases are-

• If you are going to Canada for pursuing a course or program that has a duration of fewer than six months,
• Students who are a member of foreign armed forces,
• If you relate to an international representative to Canada,
• If you are from India and have registered Indian status in Canada,
• If you are from visa-exempt nations.

Options Available for those with Average or Low Academic Score

Despite an average academic record, various options are available to regain your eligibility that can help to get your visa and carry on your study in Canada.

IELTS or TOEFL

IELTS or TOEFL is a mandatory language test, especially for those students who belong to Non-English speaking nations. 

Securing better scores in the test will help you in making your application resourceful.

SAT Exam

Scholastic Assessment Test or SAT is an entrance exam taken by the international students for getting enrollment in undergraduate courses.

Getting a sturdy score on the SAT exam will specify that your low academic score doesn’t reflect your robust capabilities.

Extracurricular Activities

During your school studies if you actively took participation in extracurricular activities like sports, music, dance and others, then you have a chance of getting ahead of other students as many Canadian universities prefer to admit overall active students.

Ultimately, it can be one of the reasons to accept you despite your low or average academic scores.

Recommendation Letter

Ask your teacher or coach to write a recommendation letter for you as your teacher knows you better than anyone else.

These letters will help the immigration officer to know you better.

Statement of Purpose (SOP)

Statement of Purpose (SOP) is as important as your other documents as it consists of your details and describes why you should get a letter of acceptance.

Make sure to include every minor detail about yourself like your skills, accomplishment, and experience in your SOP.

Bottom Line

Well, you should not get disappointed by your average or low academic scores. Instead, it would be best if you try an alternative way of improving your overall rating for successfully getting a study visa.

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Shobha Vats

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