Canada Conditional
Canadian Conditional Admission Application Guide
Conditional in Canada
Simply put, it’s a 'conditional exchange.' When reviewing your application, the school evaluates your eligibility based on all criteria except language test scores. If you meet these requirements, the school will issue a Conditional Acceptance Offer.
Conditional admission does not mean 'completely test-exempt,' nor does it disregard academic performance.
Some schools require students to take an internal English proficiency test, which is easier than official English language exams. Only by passing this threshold can students gain admission through the 'conditional' pathway.
Your academic transcripts, statement of purpose, recommendation letters, work experience, and other documents already meet the school's admission criteria.
When unable to take official English exams like TOEFL/IELTS before deadlines, or when scores fall below admission requirements...
The term 'conditional' means you are essentially admitted to the university. The condition will be lifted upon completing the institution's designated language program, allowing you to enroll formally.
Application Timeline
For those who have hit a plateau in learning English.
-
TOEFL/IELTS scores not ideal
-
No matter how much you practice, just can't break through that score threshold
-
Don't have enough time to prepare for required entrance exams (SAT, GRE, GMAT, etc.)
BEAR's Experience Sharing: In Taiwan, it's genuinely challenging to find an immersive English environment for meaningful improvement. Many students hit a wall—consistently scoring 5 points below on TOEFL or 0.5 short on IELTS—no matter how much they cram. This is where conditional admission becomes your strategic solution.
For those who wish to adapt to the environment in advance.
-
Dream of studying abroad but unsure if it's the right path for you?
-
Those aiming to obtain a degree abroad in the short term.
-
Individuals who wish to adapt to the local environment in advance while learning English.
BEAR's Experience Sharing: We understand that studying abroad is not an easy decision, so we recommend students first enroll in a partner language school through conditional admission. When your scores meet the university's entry requirements, you can choose to apply to your dream school for further studies or bring valuable language learning experience back to Taiwan.
For special cases
-
Low GPA
-
For those who wish to pursue a graduate program completely unrelated to their undergraduate major and thus cannot apply directly.
BEAR's Experience Sharing: We were once students too, and it's common to have had periods of lackluster performance during studies. But should this necessarily hinder the next stage of learning? Some universities not only offer language enhancement programs but also lower admission thresholds, allowing students to earn 'advance credits' while maintaining excellent grades as a pathway to secure full admission status.
Application Timeline
Option A: Language Only + Academic Only
The student is admitted to a formal university without TOEFL/IELTS scores but is required to enroll in language courses at the university's affiliated language center.
On the first day of classes, the language center administers a placement test to the student. While the language program is generally divided into 12 levels, the student is not necessarily required to complete all levels. The actual duration of study depends on the gap between the initially assigned level and the target level specified by the university.
(Example: Based on his placement test results, Student Bear was assigned to Level 6. This means he only needs to complete 6 months of language school before being eligible to transition to university studies.)
Option B: Language and Academic Bridging Program
The student has met the university's "conditional" admission threshold. While the student can understand most of the instructor's speech in class and the instructor can comprehend most of the student's communication, the TOEFL/IELTS scores still fall slightly below the requirement. Therefore, the student must incorporate some English courses while taking credit-bearing classes to fulfill the institution's admission criteria.
(Note: The exact proportion of language support varies by program—some may require concurrent enrollment in ESL classes alongside degree coursework.)
(Example: Student Bear's TOEFL score was only 75, but the university evaluated his overall qualifications and granted him "conditional admission" on the requirement that he achieves TOEFL 90 within a specified period. As a result, Bear needs to complete two semesters of English enhancement courses. The credits earned during these semesters count toward his degree requirements, ensuring no graduation delay.)
Option C: Language Only + English Academic Bridging Program
Similar to Option B, although the student has submitted TOEFL/IELTS scores, they fall significantly below the program's actual minimum admission requirements. Therefore, the student must first complete intensive language training before being eligible to transition into regular credit-bearing courses.
(Example: Student Bear scored IELTS 4.0. Although he took the test, his result did not meet the pathway program's minimum requirement. Therefore, he must first complete several months of intensive English training before becoming eligible to enroll in the credit-bearing bridge program.)
