Memorial University of Newfoundland
Memorial University of Newfoundland will consider applicants with a lower GPA when paired with a strong letter of recommendation and personal statement, and is located in one of Canada’s more affordable provinces for both tuition and living costs.

Institution size
Large
Min. CGPA floor
No fixed floor; strong LOR considered
Tuition / yr
C$14k–C$19k
Type
Public university
Key Facts
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada |
| Type | Public university |
| Institution size | Large |
| Rankings | Featured in QS/THE global rankings outside the top 800; recognised nationally within Canada, particularly for oceanography and marine research. |
| Notable feature | Notably low tuition relative to most Canadian universities; strong oceanography and marine research |
| Official website | mun.ca |
Admission Requirements for Low CGPA and Backlog Applicants
- Lower GPA applicants considered when paired with a strong letter of recommendation and personal statement
- Requirements vary by faculty; confirmation with the specific graduate programme recommended
Tuition and Fees
| Item | Approximate Range |
|---|---|
| Graduate tuition (international) | C$14k–C$19k per year |
| Living costs (St. John’s) | Below most mainland Canadian cities |
Figures are indicative and reviewed annually by the institution. Confirm current rates directly with the university before budgeting.
Programmes Offered
- Business Administration
- Engineering
- Oceanography and Marine Science
- Science graduate programmes
- Nursing
- Medicine
- Social Work
- Education
This list covers the primary subject areas available; it is not the full course catalogue. Confirm the complete, current list of programmes directly on the university’s official course finder.
Degree Levels Offered
- Diploma / Certificate: Offered
- Undergraduate (Bachelor’s): Offered
- Postgraduate (Master’s / MSc / MA): Offered
- Doctorate (PhD): Offered
- Post-Doctoral Fellowship: Offered
- Short Courses: Offered
Availability of Short Courses and Post-Doctoral Fellowship positions can vary by department and is not always centrally advertised; confirm current openings directly with the relevant faculty.
Scholarships and Funding
- Graduate fellowships and assistantships available, particularly in research-based science and engineering programmes
- Confirm current funding opportunities directly with the relevant faculty
Application Process
- Confirm the specific CGPA, GPA, or classification requirement for the target programme directly with the admissions office
- Complete required English proficiency testing (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent) if applicable
- Prepare transcripts, statement of purpose, recommendation letters or references, and a resume or CV
- Submit the application through the university’s official admissions portal and pay the application fee
- Await the admission decision and, once accepted, pay any required deposit
- Apply for the relevant student visa or study permit using the offer letter and financial documentation
Admission Outlook
Memorial combines genuinely low tuition, among the lowest of any Canadian university on this list, with a documented willingness to weigh a strong personal statement and reference letter against a lower GPA, making it a strong budget-conscious option.
Campus Life
St. John’s, Newfoundland offers a distinctive Atlantic Canadian setting with living costs below most mainland Canadian cities, alongside provincial immigration pathways for graduates who remain in the region.
International students generally have access to a dedicated international student office, orientation programming, and student clubs and societies. Housing options typically include on-campus or university-affiliated accommodation alongside private rental options; applicants should apply for housing as early as possible after accepting an offer, since availability varies by intake and city.
Other Essential Information
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Typical intakes | September (Fall) is the primary intake; many universities also offer January (Winter) and May (Summer) intakes with varying programme availability. |
| English language requirement | IELTS overall band 6.5 (no component below 6.0) is typical for graduate admission. |
| Student visa type | Study Permit |
| Post-study work options | The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows work authorisation matching the length of the completed programme, up to 3 years, for eligible degrees. |
Official Resources
- University homepage: mun.ca
Compare Memorial University of Newfoundland against other accessible universities on our Find a Course page, or contact us for help confirming eligibility.