How to Apply to a Canadian College from Ghana

Before applying, you should confirm that your Ghanaian credentials are accepted and meet Canadian standards.

Key equivalency guidelines:

For Bachelor’s degree programs, you must hold qualifications equivalent to the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and meet required subjects.

Examples: West African School Certificate + General Certificate of Education A-Levels with a minimum grade B3 in required subjects.

Or Senior School Certificate (by Ghana’s exam bodies) + scratch card, with at least B3 in required program subjects.

If you have any postsecondary transcripts, those may also be considered.

For Postsecondary Diploma / Certificate programs, equivalency also requires OSSD-level equivalence plus required subjects.

E.g. WASSCE/WAEC + GCE O-Levels/A-Levels with minimum grades, or Senior School Certificate with scratch card and minimum grade C6 in required subjects.

For Graduate Certificate / Postgraduate programs, having a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) is required.

Because each college and program may have slightly different subject prerequisites or grade cut-offs, always check the specific program page for those details.

Ensure it is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Only DLIs are eligible for hosting international students under Canada’s study permit rules.

Pick a program aligned with your goals (business, engineering, health, arts, etc.), and check its specific academic and subject prerequisites.

Review deadlines, tuition fees, and living costs in the province where the college is located.

Check for capacity limits. High-demand programs may close early, so applying early is safer.

You’ll need a full set of documents. Below is a typical list:

Ghanaian Secondary School Transcripts / Exam Certificates e.g. WASSCE, WAEC, West African School Certificate, Senior School Certificate

If using GCE A-Levels / O-Levels, include those transcripts.

Include the scratch card information (serial number, PIN, exam year) when requir

English Language Proficiency Proof

Since most instruction is in English, if English is not your first language or your education wasn’t in English, you’ll need IELTS, TOEFL, or another accepted test.

Some schools allow conditional admission via an English preparation program (EAP).

Other Supporting Documents

• Valid passport
• Statement of purpose / personal essay (if required)
• Letters of recommendation
• Any portfolio or supplementary work (for programs like design, arts)
• Transcripts from any postsecondary institutions (if applicable)

Most colleges use online application portals for international students.

Complete all required sections and upload your documents.

Pay the non-refundable application fee (amount depends on institution).

Some colleges may require additional attestation letters (e.g. provincial attestation).

Wait for the admission decision. If accepted, the college will send you an Offer or Letter of Acceptance.

Information from www.canada.ca

Once you have your Letter of Acceptance from a DLI, you can proceed to apply for a study permit. Steps generally include:
Confirm eligibility (accepted to DLI, prove finances, clean record, good health).

Gather documents:

• Letter of Acceptance
• Proof of funds
• Valid passport
• English test results (if needed)
• Medical exam results
• Police clearance / background checks (if required)
• Any provincial attestation, if required

Apply online via IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada)

Submit biometrics (fingerprints, photos) as required

Wait for processing and decision

If approved, you will receive a Letter of Introduction and visa endorsement on your passport.

If refused, you’ll receive a refusal letter stating the reason

Travel to Canada

At the Canadian port of entry, present your documents and the border officer will issue your study permit.

Arrange housing (on-campus or off-campus)

Book your flight and gather travel documents

Ensure you have health insurance (some provinces/colleges require it)

Keep digital + physical copies of all your documents

Make sure you comply with your study permit conditions (remain enrolled, make academic progress, etc.)

After completing your program, you may be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), depending on program length.

Canadian work experience can support immigration pathways (for example, through Express Entry).

Some students move from student status to permanent residency over time (if eligible).

Start early. Visa processing, document procurement, and application review take time.

Check equivalency carefully. Make sure your Ghanaian credentials meet the college’s requirements; sometimes bridging or extra courses are needed.

Meet the English requirement in time; don’t delay your test.

Demonstrate strong funding. A weak financial proof is a frequent reason for visa refusal.

Stay organized. Keep track of deadlines and requirements for multiple colleges.

Reach out to the college’s international admissions office if something is unclear (e.g. scratch card format, paper translation, attestation letters).

Have a backup plan. It’s wise to select alternative colleges or intakes in case your first choice doesn’t work out.