How Nigerian Students Can Use WAEC Result to Get Admission in Canadian Universities – 2025/2026
If you want to study in Canada using your WAEC result, great news—it’s possible! Many Canadian universities accept WAEC when you meet certain conditions. This guide will help you understand:
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What WAEC is and why it matters
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Key Canadian universities that accept WAEC
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How to apply, including language requirements and scratch card verification
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Pros and cons of using WAEC for Canadian admission
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Real examples, comparisons, a summary table, FAQs
What Is WAEC and Why Canada Accepts It
Keywords: WAEC validity, WAEC Canadian admission
WAEC (West African Examinations Council) is Nigeria’s official O-level certificate. Canada recognizes it as proof you finished secondary school. Many universities accept WAEC, but they often require strong grades and verified results.
Universities in Canada Accepting WAEC Result (2025/2026)
Brandon University – Manitoba
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Requirements: Minimum C5 in five subjects including English and Math.
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Notes: WAEC scratch card needed for online verification.
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Language: May bypass IELTS if WAEC English is strong.
University of Manitoba – Winnipeg
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Requirements: Five full credit passes; at least C6 in English, C5 in other core subjects.
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Notes: Scratch card verification and IELTS/TOEFL usually required.
University of Winnipeg – Manitoba
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Requirements: B3 average in five subjects including English and Math.
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Notes: WAEC scratch card required. May waive English test if WAEC grade qualifies.
University of Toronto (U of T) – Ontario
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Requirements: Strong WAEC results, e.g. B2 in core science subjects for STEM.
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Notes: Scratch card needed; IELTS/TOEFL often required.
Trent University – Ontario
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Requirements: B3 in five subjects including English; transcripts of Grades 10–12.
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Notes: IELTS required unless WAEC English is high.
York University – Toronto
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Requirements: Foundation entry: minimum C6 in three subjects including English.
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Notes: Direct entry: GPA equivalent to 2.6 + strong WAEC; IELTS required.
University of Manitoba
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Same as earlier listing, reiterated from multiple sources.
University of Alberta – Alberta
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Requirements: Five academic WAEC subjects (credits or better).
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Notes: Scratch card needed; English proficiency via WAEC or test.
University of Regina – Saskatchewan
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Requirements: Standard WAEC acceptance with scratch card and supporting documents.
University of Western Ontario (Western)
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Requirements: Accepts verified WAEC results via WAEC Direct portal; conditional admission offered based on current results.
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How to Apply: Using WAEC for Canadian University Admission
Step 1: Choose Your University
Select institutions based on program, location, tuition, and WAEC acceptance.
Step 2: Check Admission Requirements
Include minimum WAEC grades, required subjects, language proof (IELTS/TOEFL), and scratch card verification.
Step 3: Prepare WAEC Scratch Card
You must provide the WAEC scratch card PIN and serial number for result verification.
Step 4: Complete Application via University Portal or OUAC
Ontario schools use OUAC; others have direct university portals.
Step 5: Submit Supporting Documents
Include transcripts, scratch card info, passport, English test scores if required.
Step 6: Accept Admission & Apply for Visa
Follow conditional offers and apply for Canadian student permit.
Pros and Cons of Using WAEC for Canadian Admission
Pros:
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Less costly than international exams like IB or A-levels
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WAEC is officially recognized
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Many schools accept it directly
Cons:
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Some require higher grades than A-levels
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Language tests like IELTS/TOEFL still often required
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Scratch card must be intact and verified
Comparison Table: Canadian Schools Accepting WAEC vs Others
University | WAEC Grade Requirement | English Test Required? | Scratch Card Needed | Notes |
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Brandon University | C5 in 5 subjects | Sometimes waived | Yes | Small, supportive campus |
University of Manitoba | C5/C6 thresholds | Usually yes | Yes | Research-intensive |
University of Winnipeg | B3 average | Waived if WAEC English strong | Yes | Affordable, B-Grade focus |
University of Toronto | B2 in sciences | Usually yes | Yes | Very competitive |
Example Student Scenarios
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Chinelo uses WAEC with five Cs for Brandon University and benefits from lower tuition and supportive faculty.
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Tunde achieves WAEC B3 and no IELTS for University of Winnipeg and studies affordably.
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Amaka uses strong WAEC science grades to gain competitive entry to U of T with IELTS.
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Emeka receives conditional offer from Western Ontario using in-progress WAEC results and completes condition later.
Summary Table
University | Accepts WAEC? | Min Grade | English Test | Scratch Card |
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Brandon University | Yes | C5 | Possibly waived | Required |
Univ. of Manitoba | Yes | C5/6 | Usually | Required |
Univ. of Winnipeg | Yes | B3 avg | Waived if strong English | Required |
Univ. of Toronto | Yes | B2 (STEM) | Usually | Required |
Trent University | Yes | B3 | Usually | Required |
York University | Yes | C6 | Yes | Required |
University of Alberta | Yes | C6 | Yes | Required |
University of Regina | Yes | Unspecified | Yes | Required |
Western Ontario | Yes | Varies | Not always first term | Required |
Top 10+ FAQs (Clear Answers)
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Is WAEC enough for Canadian admission?
Yes, for many universities—but strong grades and sometimes additional tests are needed. -
Do I need IELTS if WAEC English pass is strong?
Some schools waive it (e.g., University of Winnipeg), but most still require an English test. -
What grades do I need?
Typically C5–C6; competitive schools may want B3 or higher in relevant subjects. -
Is scratch card required?
Yes, for WAEC result verification by Canadian universities. -
Can I enter science/engineering with WAEC?
Yes—like U of T requires B2 in core science subjects. -
Are application fees high?
Fees are CAD 100–260, depending on school and application portal. -
Can I get scholarship with WAEC?
Some schools like Brandon and Winnipeg offer entrance scholarships based on average. -
What if I don’t meet requirements now?
You may complete a foundation or pathway program first. -
Are these programs eligible for Canadian student visa?
Yes—full-time admission with recognized credentials qualifies. -
Can WAEC be combined with NECO or GCE?
Some schools accept two sittings; check university policy.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Many Canadian universities accept WAEC results for 2025/2026 admission, especially when paired with verified scratch cards and strong English or STEM performance. Schools like Brandon, Manitoba, Winnipeg, Toronto, Trent, Alberta, Regina, Western Ontario, and York offer viable pathways.
To get admission:
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Prepare strong WAEC grades (C5 or better)
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Secure scratch card for result verification
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Take IELTS/TOEFL if needed with WAEC
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Apply early through proper channels (OUAC or university portals)
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