Obtaining a high school diploma is a basic admissions requirement for all accredited colleges in Canada. Acceptance is based on grades. Each institution has a different minimum grade requirement, but the standard is typically higher for out-of-province applicants.
Students can submit high school transcripts for evaluation through their provincial Ministry of Education or Learning. Provinces may charge a fee for this service. When official transcripts are unavailable---from international students for example---notarized documents proving academic eligibility may be accepted.
Canadian colleges don't list a minimum age requirement, but students are generally 18 and over--or will turn 18 during their first academic year at the institution. Immigration Canada requires international students under the age of majority to list a Canadian citizen as their guardian. Colleges won't take responsibility for guardianship, so it's up to the student's family satisfy this requirement.
The age of majority in Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec and Saskatchewan is 18. In British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Yukon, the age of majority is 19, as of 2010.
Language standards vary by institution, but most require students to have a strong proficiency in English and in some cases, French. Canada is a bilingual country so some colleges are Francophone. Successful completion a senior-level high school English course is enough to prove language proficiency among students who list English as their primary language.
International students who do not list English as their first language can prove their proficiency through TOEFL--Test of English as a Second Language. It's the most widely recognized English test in the world, according to ETS, the American nonprofit group that's been administering TOEFL since 1947. Tests can be taken on-line or at one of the ETS-certified centers around the world.
Test of English as a Second Language
ETS
Rosedale Road
Princeton, NJ 08541
609-921-9000
ets.org
Depending on the program, there may be additional requirements to the admission process. These can include writing a placement exam, submitting a portfolio, or even participating in a pre-admission interview. Some Canadian colleges also want a personal essay from the applicant. Check with the institution for specific program requirements.