Admission Requirements

Learn about the requirements for admission to Dawson College for those who studied in Quebec or outside Quebec.

Secondary Studies In Quebec

All students who completed or who are in the process of completing their Quebec high school diploma must meet the basic requirements. Additional admission requirements may be required for a specific program.

For admission to all CEGEP programs, every student must have the Quebec Secondary School Diploma (DES) or the equivalent**. In addition, all students must complete the following courses, or the equivalent including:

Secondary V Language of Instruction
Secondary V Second Language
Secondary IV Science or Physical Science
Secondary IV Math
Secondary IV History

Students with a DES missing any of the above subjects may be admitted, space permitting, but will be required to complete remedial courses.

All required documents for admission are outlined once an applicant completes their online application and these documents must be uploaded by the applicant as part of the application process.

**T.E.N.S. Attestation of Secondary Studies (High School equivalency Diploma) does not meet admission requirements.

Secondary Studies Outside Quebec

All students who completed or who are in the process of completing their high school diploma outside of Quebec must meet the basic requirements. Additional admission requirements may be required for a specific program.

Students who attended secondary schools in a province other than Quebec must be complete the following to be considered for admission:

Alberta: Grade 11 (67-100 credits)
British Columbia: Grade 11
Manitoba: Grade 11 (minimum 13 credits )
New Brunswick: Grade 11 (minimum 12 or 13 credits, depending on regime)
Newfoundland: Grade 11 (minimum 24 credits)
Nova Scotia: Grade 11 (minimum 12 credits)
Ontario Secondary School Diploma Grade 11 (minimum 22 credits)
Prince Edward Island: Grade 11 (minimum 12 credits)
Saskatchewan: Grade 11 (minimum 16 credits)

All required documents for admission are outlined once an applicant completes their online application and these documents must be uploaded by the applicant as part of the application process.

IMPORTANT: A French Language Proficiency is required for applicants who completed or who are in the process of completing their high school diploma outside of the Province of Quebec. Please review the section below on Language Testing Requirements.

Applicants presenting academic credentials from outside Canada are required:

to provide their secondary and if applicable post secondary transcripts/records to Dawson College so that we may complete an evaluation of their secondary school credentials. An additional non-refundable fee of $50.00 is required for this evaluation. This evaluation is recognized by the Admissions Department of Dawson College only.
Or to obtain and submit an official attestation of equivalence from the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration, MIFI (recommended).

All required documents are outlined once an applicant completes their online application and these documents must be uploaded by the applicant as part of the application process.

All documents submitted in a language other than English or French, must be accompanied by an official translation into English or French, translated by a certified translator.

If you are admitted to Dawson College and you have confirmed your acceptance, the following essential documents must be obtained by all international students requesting to study in Quebec:

The Quebec Certificate of Acceptance (CAQ) issued by the Ministry of Immigration of Quebec.
More information can be obtained at: Direction de l’immigration économique – Québec Section Étudiants étrangers et Travailleurs temporaires ; Mailing address or by appointment only: 285, Notre-Dame St. West, 4th floor Montreal, QC H2Y 1T8 Canada. The CAQ Application form and additional information are available at www.immigration-quebec.qc.ca
A Study Permit issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada, CIC . After you obtain your Certificate of Acceptance from Quebec, you must apply to Citizenship and Immigration Canada to obtain your Study Permit. These applications may take several weeks to process. We suggest that you begin the process immediately upon receipt of your letter of acceptance. For more information on obtaining a Study Permit to study in Canada please visit the CIC website at www.cic.gc.ca
International students must carry medical & hospitalization insurance which must be valid for the entire academic year from the date of their arrival in Montreal. International students must make their own medical insurance arrangements and will be required to submit proof of such coverage to the College before being permitted to register for courses.
Students whose program includes a “stage” / internship must obtain a Work Permit as well as the Study Permit for the duration of their stage / internship.

Dawson College does not operate dormitory (sleeping) facilities, and meal facilities are limited. Therefore, students will be expected to make their own housing arrangements. Limited assistance in finding housing arrangements is available under Student Services.

Note

IMPORTANT: Winter Admissions

Due to the length of time required to obtain authorization to study in Quebec, International students who apply for a Winter admission semester must have a preexisting collegial level CAQ and study permit. Those who appy without these required documents will be refused admission.

Language Testing Requirements for Studies Outside Quebec

All applicants whose mother tongue or whose secondary school language of instruction was not English must submit an English Proficiency Test as outlined below.

All applicants who have not completed high school or CEGEP in Quebec, must submit a French Proficiency Test as outlined below. Please refer to our FAQ on the changes to the Quebec Charter of Language for more information on the reason for this requirement.

All applicants whose mother tongue or whose secondary school language of instruction was not English must submit the result of either:

the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). The minimum accepted score is 61 for Internet based, 175 for Computer based or 500 for Paper based. Information concerning this test can be obtained on the Internet at www.toefl.org

OR the IELTS (International English Language Testing System – Academic Version). The minimum accepted score is 6.0 on the IELTS 9-band scale. The test must be the academic version of the IELTS. Information concerning this test can be obtained on the Internet at www.ielts.org

OR PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic). The minimum accepted score is 50. Information concerning this test can be obtained on the Internet at: Pearson PTE

OR Duolingo. The minimum accepted overall score is 95-100. Information concerning the test can be found at: Duolingo

Please note that these scores are valid for a period of two years from the date of the exam.

All applicants who have not completed high school or CEGEP in Quebec, must submit either:

DELF tout public – niveau B2 (Diploma Of French Language Studies) is an internationally recognized French Language Proficiency. Applicants are required to complete the four parts of the DELF (oral comprehension & production, written comprehension & production). The minimum accepted score is B2 for admission to Dawson College.

DALF – French language proficiency test. The DALF is recognized as proof of language level by various CEGEPs.

TEF or TEFAQ French language proficiency test. The TEF or TEFAQ is recognized as proof of language level by various CEGEPs and universities. The minimum accepted score is B2 (level 7) for admission to Dawson College.

Applicants must complete the following four modules of the TEF or TEFAQ.

Oral comprehension

Written comprehension

Oral expression

Written expression

TCF tout public – B2 (TCF Québec and TCF Canada are not accepted) The TCF tout public is the language level test, it assesses general French language skills for those whose first language is not French. The minimum accepted score is B2 for admission to Dawson College.

Applicants must complete the following four modules of the TCF.

Listening comprehension

Reading comprehension

Written skills

Verbal skills

Bright Language Five Star. The Bright Language Five star is a fully comprehensive language skills assessment test and is recognized as proof of language level by various CEGEPs and universities. The minimum accepted score is level 3.5-4 (B2) for admission to Dawson College.The test takes place online: results are available within 48 hours.

Applicants must complete all four modules

Oral comprehension

Written comprehension

Oral expression

Written expression

Please note that these scores are valid for a period of two years from the date of the exam.

Program Thresholds

Thresholds are the cut-offs that will be used to admit applicants who hold a Certificate of Eligibility for English Instruction. Applicants without a Certificate will be admitted after all Certificate holders meeting these thresholds have been offered admission. Cut-offs for applicants without a Certificate may vary depending on the number of applications received in the requested program. Space will be available in all programs for applicants without a Certificate of Eligibility.

Fall 2025 Recommended thresholds for admission of applicants who hold a Certificate of Eligibility for English Instruction

Program Specific Requirements

For certain programs, specific prerequisites are required such as a particular level of math or science, an interview, audition, video statement, letters of intent and/or portfolio.

To learn about the program admission requirements please review the specific program webpage by selecting from the list of programs.

Take a moment to review the program videos also found on each programs webpage.

If you studied outside of Quebec you may be required to attend an admission pre-test. Please take a moment to review the information found below in Admission Pretesting for Specific Programs.

Admission Testing for Specific Program Prerequisites

Note

All Admission Pretesting occurs on campus in Montreal.

Please read the information on this page carefully. The dates for pretests are listed below. Applicants will receive an email with the time and room number, 3 to 4 days prior to the test. If you do not attend the pretest as indicated in the email, you will be refused admission.

If you have applied to Dawson College and have no record of completing the program prerequisites in the Quebec secondary school curriculum or your prerequisite was completed over 5 years ago you may be notified by email for admissions testing in order for the Admissions Committee to assess your preparedness in the required program prerequisite(s). Testing takes place at Dawson College (Montreal, Canada) on weekdays. We will be holding several testing rounds from March to April for Fall admissions, and in November for Winter admissions. For the dates of specific rounds, click on Dates of Testing Rounds below. If you are selected for testing, you will receive a notice by message in your application account with full details on the test(s) to write, when and where on campus the test(s) will take place. We strongly recommend that you write requested tests, as you may be disqualified if you fail to attend. Click on each test below for details.

Please note that if you reside outside Canada and require a visa to travel to Canada, the notice for admissions testing will NOT qualify you to apply for a study visa to enter Canada.

Depending on where you are travelling from, travel and accommodation expenses may be costly. You will need to carefully consider whether it is worth your while to attend the testing session(s) since unfortunately, there is no guarantee that you will be admitted to Dawson College.

Pre-Test FAQ

Testing dates for Winter admissions:

November 13, 14, 15

IMPORTANT: Applicants cannot choose which day to attend. Attendance is mandatory and the date is determined by the test required. Applicants will be notified by email as to the exact date and time of their exam(s) 3 to 4 days prior to the testing date.

Dates may be subject to change and/or additional dates may be added.

Reminder: If you are selected for testing, you will receive a notice by message in your application center account with full details on the test(s) to write, along with when and where the test(s) will take place. We strongly recommend that you write requested tests, as you may be disqualified if you fail to attend.

English and French Tests

English: Overall duration of test – 60 minutes (In person at Dawson College)

The English test is a 60 minute test that focuses on comprehension and writing skills.

Applicants are asked to read two short passages and to then write about one of them.

Students are asked to do their best to demonstrate their English language skills.

French: Overall duration of test – 60 minutes (Online at Dawson College)

The French test consists of 60 multiple choice questions.

Each applicant will have a maximum of 60 minutes to complete the test and must use headphones as there are some audio questions.

Math, Science, Chemistry and Physics Tests

To help prepare for your test, we have provided below a description of the format, the topics that will be covered, and for certain subjects, the name of a reference textbook. Click on each test for details.

Please note, that the textbooks referenced below are available for in-Library use only for 3 hours from the Circulation Desk at the Dawson College Library. You must present a valid photo ID in order to borrow these textbooks.

Manuals referenced within each description may be purchased at the Dawson College Bookstore. (Listed prices may vary.)

For previous final exams in Science, Chemistry, Physics & Mathematics go to the Dawson website and on the toolbar under Programs, scroll down & click the appropriate discipline (e.g. Chemistry) . On the right-hand menu, locate & click on Previous Final Exams. Links are provided within each test type.

Secondary IV (Grade 10) Science: Overall duration of test – 1 hour

The exam is based on the material covered in Environment Science & Technology – Youth Sector 558-404 / CEGEP course # 105-003 RE.

Topics include: structure of matter, the nuclear atom, the Periodic Table, chemical and physical properties of matter, acids and bases, chemical nomenclature, types of chemical reactions, calculations of concentrations (mass percent, molarity), and introduction to electricity and magnetism; gravity, velocity and Coulomb’s Law.

For previous final exams in Secondary IV (Grade 10) Science, look for the exam for CEGEP course # 982-003-50 in the following link:

https://www.dawsoncollege.qc.ca/chemistry/previous-final-exams/

Secondary IV (Grade 10) Math – Algebra: Overall duration of test – 1 hour

The exam is based on the material covered in Mathematics – Youth Sector 564-426 or 565-426.

Topics include: fundamental operations with algebraic expressions, products, factoring, long division, combining fractions, laws of exponents and radicals. Additionally, you will find questions regarding: linear equations and inequalities in one or two unknowns and quadratic equations, the quadratic formula, triangle trigonometry and word problem applications.

Textbook: Sabetghadam, Noushin. Remedial Activities for Secondary IV Mathematics. DC Printing. Approx. $23

For previous final exams in Secondary IV (Grade 10) Math – Algebra, look for the exam for course #201-016-RE in the following link:
https://www.dawsoncollege.qc.ca/mathematics/previous-final-exams/

Secondary V (Grade 11) Math – Functions and Trigonometry: Overall duration of test – 1.5 hours

The exam is based on the material covered in Mathematics – Youth Sector # 564-506 / 565-506.

Topics include: functions and their graphs, inverse functions, trigonometric functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, circular functions, trigonometric equations, laws of sines and cosines, trigonometric identities and word problem applications.

Textbook: McArthur, George. Remedial Activities for Sec. V Math (Functions & Trigonometry). DC Printing. Approx. $24

For previous final exams in Secondary V (Grade 11) Math – Functions and Trigonometry, look for the exam for course #201-015-RE in the following link:

https://www.dawsoncollege.qc.ca/mathematics/previous-final-exams/

Secondary V (Grade 11) Chemistry: Overall duration of test – 2 hours

The exam is based on the material covered in Chemistry – Youth Sector 551-504

Topics include: chemical problem solving, formulas and equations, metric units, mass and energy, mole conversions, weight relationships, gas laws, chemical nomenclature, types of chemical reactions, and stoichiometry. Note: A Periodic Table of the Elements will be supplied.

Textbook: Zumdahl. Introductory Chemistry, 2nd Custom ed., Cengage.

For previous final exams in Secondary V (Grade 11) Chemistry, look for the exam for course #202-001-50 in the following link:

https://www.dawsoncollege.qc.ca/chemistry/previous-final-exams/

Secondary V (Grade 11) Physics: Overall duration of test – 2 hours

The exam is based on the material covered in Physics – Youth Sector #553-504.

Topics include: free fall, the effects of forces, friction, work & energy in classical mechanics, as well as reflection, refraction, lenses, and mirrors in geometrical optics.
Textbook: Wilson, Buffa and Lou. Custom edition of College Physics.6th ed. Prentice Hall Pearson
(Call Number: QC23.2 .W57 2008B)

For previous final exams in Secondary V (Grade 11) Physics, look for the exam for course #203-001-50 in the following link:.

https://www.dawsoncollege.qc.ca/physics/previous-final-exams/