How Do NCAA Core Course Requirements Differ Across Canadian Provinces?

If you're a Canadian athlete trying to play NCAA sports, you’ve probably asked: How do NCAA core course requirements differ across Canadian provinces? The short answer? While the NCAA rules stay the same, the way each province’s high school system aligns with them is very different.

Let’s break it down province by province — so you don’t lose eligibility because of course confusion.

Why Core Courses Matter

The NCAA requires you to complete 16 core academic courses to be eligible to compete in Division I or II. These include:

• 4 years of English

• 3 years of math (Algebra I or higher)

• 2 years of natural/physical science

• 2 years of social science

• 1 additional year of English, math, or science

• 4 years of additional academic courses (language, philosophy, etc.)

  
  

The NCAA Eligibility Center evaluates your high school transcript to ensure these courses are met — but they must come from NCAA-approved core courses.

This is where the differences between Canadian provinces matter.

How Do NCAA Core Course Requirements Differ Across Canadian Provinces? Here is a breakdown

Each province has its own course codes, naming system, and ministry-approved pathways. Here's how they line up:

Ontario

• Focus on U-level and M-level courses (e.g., ENG4U, MCV4U)

• Open-level or college-level courses (e.g., PPL4O) do not count

• Courses must appear on your school’s NCAA-approved list✅ Use Ontario GPA Calculator for exact results

  
  

British Columbia

• Courses ending in “12” (e.g., English 12, Pre-Calculus 12) are typically NCAA approved

• Applied skills courses like career education are excluded

• French Immersion may count as foreign language if listed

  
  

Alberta

• Look for “30-level” academic courses (e.g., English 30-1, Math 30-1)

• Must come from the academic stream (not 30-2 or modified)

• Social 30-1 is typically eligible, but 30-2 may not be

  
  

Quebec

• Trickier due to CÉGEP system

• Students typically submit high school and CÉGEP transcripts

• NCAA looks for Grade 11/Secondary V academic-level coursework⚠️ Eligibility reviews can take longer — plan ahead

  
  

Manitoba & Saskatchewan

• Grade 12 academic courses labeled as “40S” (Manitoba) or “30-level” (Sask.)

• “S” indicates academic stream — vocational courses are not accepted

  
  

Atlantic Provinces (NS, NB, PEI, NL)

• Grade 12 academic courses are accepted (e.g., English 621A in PEI)

• Be careful with local course naming — always cross-check with the NCAA

• Some provinces offer combined English/History programs — confirm if both count

  
  

Step-by-Step: How to Know If Your Courses Count

1. Use the NCAA High School Portal

Go to NCAA.ORG your school and province, and see the list of approved core courses.

2. Use Our Core Course GPA Calculator

We’ve built the only GPA calculator that filters by province — so you know exactly which courses work.👉 Try it here

3. Ask Your Guidance Counselor (but double-check)

Some school staff may not know NCAA rules, especially in provinces where NCAA-bound students are rare. Always confirm with Collegiate Goals or the Eligibility Center.

Personal Story: A Small Fix, A Big Impact

One athlete from Alberta thought he was eligible because he had English 30-2 and Math 30-2. Unfortunately, only the 30-1 academic track counts for NCAA. We caught this in time — he retook English 30-1 through distance learning, updated his transcript, and was cleared just before the deadline. A single course nearly cost him eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why doesn’t the NCAA just accept all Canadian courses?

Because each province has different standards. The NCAA only accepts courses that meet U.S. academic equivalents.

2. What if my province uses different grade levels?

The NCAA typically maps based on Grade 9–12 equivalents. For example, Quebec Secondary V = Grade 11 in NCAA terms.

3. Can I appeal if my course isn’t listed?

Yes — but it’s a long process. It’s much easier to use approved courses or contact your school to get a course approved in advance.

4. Are summer school or online courses accepted?

Yes, if they’re accredited and approved by the province and the NCAA. Keep records and transcripts!

5. Do private or Catholic schools follow different rules?

No — as long as they’re accredited and their courses are NCAA approved, they’re treated the same as public schools.

Conclusion

NCAA eligibility requirements are the same for every athlete—but your path to meeting them depends entirely on what province you're in. One mistake in course selection could cost you your season or scholarship.

Don’t risk it — check your courses, use the tools made for Canadian athletes, and stay ahead of NCAA requirements.