4.3 Categories of Applicants, Admission Criteria and Other Information

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The categories of applicants applying for admission/readmission as well as the admission criteria and other related information are listed below. Before a final admissions decision can be reached all required documents must be received. All documents must be official and be forwarded directly to the Admissions Office, Office of the Registrar from the appropriate institution(s) or source(s). Photocopied documents are not acceptable unless duly certified.


4.3.1.1 Admission Criteria

The courses below are courses designed for students who intend to seek post-secondary education at the University or other institutions whose programs demand levels of proficiency equivalent to those required by the University. Applicants shall have completed Graduation Requirements for high school as set down by the Department of Education and obtained credits in the following subjects with an overall average of not less than 70% compiled from the grades received in those courses at the 3000 level.

  • English: English 3201 (2 credits); or the former combination of Language 3101 (1 credit) and one of Thematic Literature 3201(2 credits) or Literary Heritage 3202 (2 credits).

  • Academic or Advanced Mathematics: One of Mathematics 2200, 2201, 2204, or 2205 and one of Mathematics 3200, 3201, 3204, or 3205 (valued at 2 credits each).

  • Laboratory Science: Four credits in Laboratory Science (i.e. Biology, Chemistry, Earth Systems, Physics), including at least two credits at the 3000 level chosen from one of Biology 3201, Chemistry 3202, Earth Systems 3209, or Physics 3204 (valued at two credits each). The remaining two credits may be selected from 2000-level courses in the above-noted subject areas or from Science 1206.

  • Social Science/Modern or Classical Language: Two credits at the 3000 level in a Social Science area or in a Modern or Classical Language.

  • Electives: Two credits at the 3000 level in elective courses chosen from the subjects above or from additional courses approved by the Department of Education for offering at the 3000 level for certificate purposes.


4.3.1.2 Other Information

  • Early Acceptance: Applicants in their final year of high school who have completed or who are completing a slate of courses which meets the course requirements specified in Applicants Who Have Followed the High School Curriculum of Newfoundland and Labrador, may be granted early acceptance prior to the writing of final examinations. This early acceptance will be subject to verification, when final examination results are released by the appropriate authorities, that the applicant has successfully met the requirements for admission as specified above in Admission Criteria. Applicants who fail to meet the minimum admission requirements at that time will have their acceptance revoked. This does not preclude the application of selective admission criteria for particular faculty/school programs.

  • Advanced Placement: Applicants completing Advanced Placement courses through the Advanced Placement Program offered by the College board should also refer to Transfer Credit Advanced Placement (AP).

  • English Language Proficiency Requirements will apply to all applicants.


4.3.2.1 Admission Criteria

  • Applicants from other provinces of Canada are required to have successfully completed Grade XII in the University Preparatory Program (in the case of Quebec students, Secondary V Certificate) with a passing mark in each of the following Grade XII academic or advanced-level subjects and an overall average of not less than 70% compiled from the grades received in the courses selected:

    • English

    • Mathematics

    • Laboratory Science (1 of Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Geology or Physics)

    • Social Science/Modern Classical Language

    • Elective

  • Further information on admission requirements by province may be found at www.mun.ca/undergrad/apply or by contacting the Admissions Office, Office of the Registrar by e-mail at admissions@mun.ca.


4.3.2.2 Other Information

  • Early Acceptance: Applicants in their final year of high school who have completed or who are completing, a slate of courses which meets the course requirements in Applicants Who Have Followed the High School Curricula of Other Provinces of Canada may be granted early acceptance prior to the writing of final examinations. This early acceptance will be subject to verification, when final examination results are received by the Office of the Registrar from the appropriate authorities, that the applicant has successfully met the minimum requirements for admission as specified above in Admission Criteria. Applicants who fail to meet the minimum admission requirements at that time will have their acceptance revoked. This does not preclude the application of selective admission criteria for particular faculty/school programs.

  • Advanced Placement: Applicants completing Advanced Placement courses through the Advanced Placement Program offered by the College Board should refer to Transfer Credit Advanced Placement (AP).

  • Applicants seeking credit for enriched High School Grade XII courses or Ontario Grade XIII/OAC courses should refer to Transfer Credit Enriched Courses and Ontario Grade XIII/OAC.

  • English Language Proficiency Requirements will apply to all applicants.


4.3.3.1 Admission Criteria

Applicants who do not meet the requirements for admission to Memorial University of Newfoundland under one of the two categories above but who do hold a high school diploma may be eligible for admission under this category. Applicants applying under this category must successfully complete all qualification requirements for the award of the Comprehensive Arts and Science (CAS) Transition Year Certificate from the College of the North Atlantic. A full outline of this program is available in the College of the North Atlantic Calendar which is available online at www.cna.nl.ca.

This does not preclude the application of selective admission criteria for particular faculty/school programs. Applicants may wish to consider the course requirements for their intended program of study at Memorial University of Newfoundland when selecting CAS Transition Year courses for completion of the Transition Year Certificate program.


4.3.3.2 Early Acceptance

Applicants who have completed, or who are completing, a slate of courses which meets the Admission Criteria as described above for applicants completing the College of the North Atlantic CAS Transition Year program may be granted early acceptance prior to the writing of final examinations. This early acceptance will be subject to verification, when final examination results are received by the Office of the Registrar from the College of the North Atlantic, that the applicant has successfully met the minimum requirements for admission as specified above in Admission Criteria. Applicants who fail to meet the minimum admission requirements at that time will have their acceptance revoked.


4.3.4.1 Admission Criteria

  • Applicants in or about to enter their final year of high school with a superior academic record (i.e. normally an overall average of 85% or above in completed English, Math and Science courses at the 2000 or 3000 level) may apply to enrol in university courses. The applicant for concurrent studies must be enrolled in a high school and completing a slate of courses that meets the course requirements for admission to the University as specified in Applicants Who Have Followed the High School Curriculum of Newfoundland and Labrador.

  • Applicants will be required to submit a letter requesting enrolment in a specific course and provide a list of final year registrations; an official high school transcript; and a letter from the high school principal or guidance counsellor clearly supporting admission for concurrent studies.

  • Applicants must submit a completed application for admission/readmission with the appropriate fee. For further information refer to the Financial and Administrative Services website at www.mun.ca/finance/fees/.

  • Normally, enrolment for concurrent studies students will be limited to 3 credit hours in a given semester. Fees and deadlines are the same as for regularly admitted students. University credit will be awarded after successful completion of the course(s) and successful completion of the requirements for admission to the University.

  • Normally, eligibility to enrol is limited to the Fall and Winter semesters.

  • Concurrent studies students must apply for general admission to the University for the Fall semester of the following academic year. The requirements for admission to the University will apply. Additional faculty application and admission requirements may apply.


4.3.5.1 Admission Criteria

Applicants shall have completed the Level III Adult Basic Education Certificate (ABE) with the approved combination of thirty-six credits set down by the Department of Education and successfully completed, with an overall average of not less than 70%, the following courses as outlined below:

  • Communication Skills: IC 3112 and IC 3321 OR English 3101A, 3101B, and 3101C

  • Mathematics: One of the following groups:

    • Mathematics: IM 3115, 3211, 3212, 3213, and 3216 OR

    • Mathematics: IM 3218, 3219, and 3221 OR

    • Mathematics: 2104A, 2104B, 2104C, 3104A, 3104B, and 3104C OR

    • Mathematics: 2101A, 2101B, 2101C, 3101A, 3101B, and 3101C

  • Science: One of the following patterns:

    • Biology: IBT 3113, 3115, 3211, 3212A/B, 3214, and 3316 OR

    • Biology: 2101A, 2101B, 2101C, 3101A, 3101B, and 3101C

    • Chemistry: ICH 3111, 3112, 3113, 3114, 3116, 3117, 3118, and 3215 OR

    • Chemistry: 2102A, 2102B, 2102C, 3102A, 3102B, and 3102C

    • Geology: IS 3212

    • Physics: IP 3111, 3112, 3213, 3215, and 3216 OR

    • Physics: 2104A, 2104B, 2104C, 3104A, 3104B, and 3104C


4.3.6.1 Admission Criteria

  • An applicant, 21 years of age or older within one month after the beginning of the semester or the session to which admission is being sought, who has not fulfilled the admission criteria outlined in any of the above categories may be admitted to the University with the approval of the University Committee on Admissions.

  • Applicants for mature student status will be required to submit proof of age; two letters of reference from persons competent to assess the candidate's ability to proceed with university studies; a letter from the applicant outlining the grounds for requesting special consideration; and high school marks and marks from post-secondary institutions, if applicable.

  • Applicants will be required to submit a completed application for admission/readmission with the appropriate fee. For further information refer to the Financial and Administrative Services website at www.mun.ca/finance/fees/.

  • Applicants for mature student status may be required to show through an interview that they possess the potential to proceed with university studies.

  • Since admission as a mature student is not on the grounds of age alone, the University Committee on Admissions reserves the right to refuse admission to any applicant.


4.3.7 Applicants for Visiting Student Status

An applicant who wishes to enrol as a student at Memorial University of Newfoundland for a limited period of time and who does not wish to be admitted to a program for the purpose of completing a degree at this University may apply for admission under the Visiting Student category. This category includes, but is not limited to, students who are in good standing at their current or most recently attended post-secondary institution and who either:

  • wish to complete one or more courses for the purpose of transferring the resulting credit to their home institutions; or

  • wish to come to Memorial University of Newfoundland to complete an unpaid research internship under the supervision of a Memorial University of Newfoundland faculty member; or

  • have been offered provisional acceptance to a Memorial University of Newfoundland graduate-level program subject to the successful completion of specific pre-requisite courses.


4.3.7.1 Application and Admission Criteria

  • Applicants will be required to submit a completed Undergraduate Application for Admission/Readmission with the appropriate fee. For further information refer to the Financial and Administrative Services website at www.mun.ca/finance/fees/.

  • Applicants for admission as visiting students will be required to supply one of either (1) a final official transcript from the most recent institution attended, (2) a Letter of Permission (LOP) from their current or former institution, or (3) confirmation of acceptance to the School of Graduate Studies.

  • Visiting students enrolling at Memorial University of Newfoundland under an approved exchange agreement or as visiting interns will be required to submit a letter of recommendation from the head of the academic unit that will host the student confirming that the nature and duration of the student’s visit and the courses for which the student will register.

  • Visiting students are normally eligible to register at Memorial University of Newfoundland under this category for a maximum of two semesters and registration eligibility is subject to course availability and successful completion of course pre-requisites. For courses at a level beyond first year in particular, consultation with the academic unit offering course(s) of interest for the purpose of verifying registration eligibility, prior to submission of an application, is strongly encouraged.

  • In order to obtain access to University resources and, where applicable a study permit, visiting research interns will be required to register for each semester of their visit for one of either (1) UGRD 5900 if they are visitors at the undergraduate student level or (2) GRAD 9900 if they are visitors at the graduate student level. Registration for one of these courses will be conducted by using a Course Change Form.

  • Visiting research interns will be exempt from tuition fees. However, all visiting research students will be required, as a condition of registration, to participate in the University’s mandatory health insurance plan and enrol in the University’s recreation program.


4.3.7.2 Other Information


4.3.8.1 Admission Criteria

  • An applicant, 60 years of age or older within one month after the beginning of the semester/session to which admission is being sought, may be admitted to the University as a senior citizen, upon submission of a birth certificate or other proof of age.


4.3.9 Applicants Who Have Followed the High School Curriculum of Another Country or a Recognized Standardized Curriculum

The criteria below apply to applicants who have completed a high school program and diploma under a curriculum sanctioned by a ministry of education or government jurisdiction other than the ministry of education of a province or territory of Canada or under an organization that offers internationally-recognized standardized examinations.

Applicants shall have completed the requirements for a recognized high school diploma or senior secondary certificate following completion of university-preparatory courses at, as a minimum, either the senior secondary or grade 12 level in the following five subject areas: Mathematics, English, Laboratory Science (Biology, Chemistry, Earth Systems/Geology, or Physics), Social Science or Modern or Classical Language, and an Elective. The courses in each subject area shall have been of a depth and breadth that prepares students to continue studies in the related subject areas at the undergraduate university level. An overall minimum average grade among the courses used to satisfy admission requirements may also be required.


4.3.9.1 International Baccalaureate (IB)

  • Applicants seeking admission on the basis of the International Baccalaureate Organization's IB Diploma program may be admitted upon award of the IB Diploma with a minimum total score of 24. See Transfer Credit regulations and www.mun.ca/undergrad/admissions/ib-chart.php for details regarding the University's IB transfer credit eligibility.


4.3.9.2 American-based High School Curriculum

  • Applicants completing an American-based high school program are required to provide official transcripts reflecting a minimum overall average of “B” or better in the required five grade 12 subjects.


4.3.9.3 United Kingdom (UK) or UK-patterned Curriculum

  • Applicants are required to have completed the General Certificate of Education (GCE) with at least five subjects. These must include at least three Advanced Subsidiary (“AS”) Level subjects or two Advanced (“A”) Level subjects with grades of “C” or better or, for applicants completing the Higher-Level subjects of the Scottish Leaving Certificate, at least two subjects at the Higher-Level with grades of “C” or better. Exceptional candidates may be admitted based upon Ordinary (“O”) Level results. Applicants should refer to Transfer Credit for information concerning transfer credit eligibility.


4.3.9.4 France and French-Patterned Curriculum

  • Applicants are required to complete and supply a certified copy of the Diplôme du Baccalauréat General (Diploma of General Baccalaureate) with a minimum grade of 12 in the required subject areas.


4.3.9.5 West Africa (Nigeria, the Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone)

  • Applicants are required to complete the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) Senior School Certificate with a minimum grade of C6 in the required subjects. Applicants from Nigeria may also be considered based upon completion of National Examinations Council (NECO) examination results with a minimum grade of C6 in the required subjects.


4.3.9.6 Caribbean (Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Turks and Caicos Islands)

  • Applicants are required to hold a Caribbean Examinations Council Secondary Education Certificate (CESC) with a minimum grade of 2 in the required subject areas and a minimum of two 2-unit subjects on the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) examinations. Applicants who have completed Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) examinations may be eligible for transfer credit at the undergraduate level.

Further details regarding admission criteria by country are provided online at www.mun.ca/undergrad/admissions. Applicants may also contact the Admissions Office, Office of the Registrar by e-mail at admissions@mun.ca.


4.3.9.7 Other Information

  • Early Acceptance: Applicants in their final year of high school who have completed, or who are completing, a slate of courses which meets the course requirements as specified under Applicants Who Have Followed the High School Curriculum of Another Country or a Recognized Standardized Curriculum may be granted early acceptance prior to the writing of final examinations. This early acceptance will be subject to verification, when final examination results are received by the Office of the Registrar from the appropriate authorities, that the applicant has met the minimum requirements for admission as specified under Applicants Who Have Followed the High School Curriculum of Another Country or a Recognized Standardized Curriculum. Applicants who fail to meet all requirements at that time will have their acceptance revoked. This does not preclude the application of selective admission criteria for particular faculty/school programs.

  • Applicants from other countries should submit official matriculation certificates at least two months prior to the commencement of the semester to which they are seeking admission. Certificates in a language other than English or French should be accompanied by notarized English translations.

  • Applicants from other countries may be required to submit with their application, a statement of satisfactory financial resources.

  • English Language Proficiency Requirements will apply to all applicants.


4.3.10.1 Admission Criteria


4.3.10.2 Other Information

  • In addition to the non-refundable application processing fee, an additional fee is required of all applicants who apply for admission from post-secondary institutions outside of Newfoundland and Labrador and/or non-Canadian applicants. Neither fee is refundable nor will it be credited to the applicant's financial account in any circumstances. For further information refer to the Financial and Administrative Services website at www.mun.ca/finance/fees/.

  • Students applying for transfer from other recognized universities or colleges shall submit their high school transcript confirming receipt of a high school diploma and official transcript(s) from all universities and colleges attended. All documents must be forwarded directly to the Admissions Office, Office of the Registrar from the appropriate institution(s). These documents must be certified and official and received in the Office of the Registrar not later than two months prior to the first day of lectures in any semester, as stated in the University Diary. An application is not considered complete until these documents have been received.

  • Applicants transferring from other universities or colleges should also see Transfer Credit.

  • English Language Proficiency Requirements will apply to all applicants.


4.3.11 Applicants Who Are Requesting Special Admission

Where circumstances warrant, applicants not meeting the regulations for Admission/Readmission to the University may be admitted to Memorial University of Newfoundland with the approval of the University Committee on Admissions.


4.3.11.1 Admission Criteria

  • Applicants must submit a completed application for admission/readmission with the appropriate fee. For further information refer to the Financial and Administrative Services website at www.mun.ca/finance/fees/.

  • Applicants must submit a letter to the Committee outlining the grounds for requesting special consideration and provide a letter from a school principal, guidance counsellor, employer or other responsible person substantiating those grounds.

  • In order to allow sufficient time for reasonable and consistent consideration of special cases, supporting letters must be received at least one week prior to the beginning of the semester to which admission is being sought.


4.3.12.1 Admission Criteria

  • Applicants for non-degree status must normally be 21 years of age or older within one month after the beginning of the semester or the session to which admission is being sought.

  • Applicants will be required to submit a completed application for admission/readmission with the appropriate fee. For further information refer to the Financial and Administrative Services website at www.mun.ca/finance/fees.

  • As per regulation Admission/Readmission to the University (Undergraduate), Admission/Readmission Information, non-degree students are required to submit a new Application for Admission/Readmission with the appropriate application processing fee if they do not register for courses for three consecutive semesters.

  • Non-degree students are subject to the same academic and nonacademic regulations as all other undergraduate students, as applicable.

  • Memorial University of Newfoundland students not in good academic standing may not avail of this option.

  • Applicants will not be required to submit academic documentation for admissions purposes with the exception of students who may be required to demonstrate proof of English proficiency and/or students who may be required to submit academic documentation to meet requirements of specific courses.

The information on this site has been extracted from the Official 2023-2024 University Calendar. While every reasonable effort has been made to duplicate the information contained in the official University Calendar, if there are differences, the official Memorial University of Newfoundland Calendar will be considered the final and accurate authority.

Copyright © 2024 Memorial University of Newfoundland.
Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
calendar.editor@mun.ca