A Canadian School Letter of Intent is a formal written document submitted by a prospective student to a Canadian educational institution as part of the application process for an undergraduate or college program. This letter communicates the applicant's desire to enrol in a specific academic program and provides a personal narrative that complements the formal application, transcripts, and standardized test scores.

In Canada, the education system is governed at the provincial and territorial level, meaning each jurisdiction has its own application processes and requirements. Ontario's universities accept applications through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC), Alberta uses ApplyAlberta, British Columbia uses EducationPlannerBC, and Quebec's CEGEP system has its own application service (SRAM, SRACQ, or SRASL). Other provinces handle applications directly through individual institutions. Despite these differences, the letter of intent serves a consistent purpose: it allows the applicant to present themselves as a well-rounded candidate beyond what grades and test scores can demonstrate.

The letter of intent is particularly important for competitive programs with limited enrolment, where admissions committees must distinguish among many qualified applicants. Programs in health sciences, engineering, education, fine arts, and other professional disciplines at Canadian universities and colleges frequently require a letter of intent or personal statement as a mandatory component of the supplementary application. The document gives applicants the opportunity to explain their motivation, demonstrate their understanding of the program, and articulate how their academic and personal background prepares them for success.

A Canadian School Letter of Intent is needed when applying to any undergraduate or college program that requires a personal statement, letter of motivation, or supplementary application essay. Many of Canada's leading universities require this document for competitive programs, including but not limited to programs in sciences, arts, engineering, business, nursing, and education.

The letter is typically required at the time of submitting the formal application through the relevant provincial application centre or directly to the institution. In Ontario, OUAC applications often include supplementary application requirements that may include a letter of intent. Similarly, British Columbia's EducationPlannerBC and Alberta's ApplyAlberta platforms may direct applicants to submit additional documents including personal statements.

This document is also recommended when the applicant wishes to stand out from other candidates by providing context for their academic record, explaining any gaps or challenges in their educational history, or highlighting unique experiences that make them a strong candidate. Students who are applying from another province or territory, or international students seeking admission under a study permit, should use this letter to demonstrate their genuine interest in the specific institution and program.

An effective Canadian School Letter of Intent must clearly identify the applicant by full legal name, mailing address with Canadian postal code, email, and telephone number. The letter should be addressed to the specific admissions committee or authorized representative at the educational institution, using the institution's official name and the correct mailing address.

The body of the letter should begin with a clear statement of intent, specifying the exact program and institution to which the applicant is applying. The applicant should describe their academic achievements, including relevant coursework, grades, honours, and awards. Extracurricular activities, community involvement, volunteer work, and leadership roles should be highlighted to demonstrate the applicant's well-rounded character.

The letter should express specific interest in the institution and program, referencing particular faculty members, facilities, research opportunities, co-op programs, or other unique features that attracted the applicant. This demonstrates genuine engagement rather than a generic application. If the applicant is seeking financial aid, scholarships, or bursaries, this information may be included in a separate section of the letter.

The document should be professionally formatted, clearly written, and free of errors. It should conclude with a courteous expression of gratitude and an invitation for the admissions committee to contact the applicant for further information. The letter should be signed and dated, and any enclosures (transcripts, letters of recommendation, portfolio materials) should be listed.