What Is CIMP?

All You Need to Know as an Arab or MENA Student

August 28, 2025

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What Is CIMP?

It stands for Canadian International Matriculation Programme (CIMP)

CIMP is a pre-university programme modeled after the Grade 12 curriculum in Ontario, Canada, officially recognized by the Ontario Ministry of Education. It is designed to deliver the final year of secondary education and prepare students for university-level study.

Curriculum & Qualification:
Students who complete the CIMP (usually in 12 months or less) earn the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)—a globally respected qualification accepted in universities across Canada, the UK, the U.S., Australia, and more.
Assessment Format:
Unlike traditional exam-heavy systems, CIMP relies on:
- 70% coursework (assignments, projects, presentations, etc.)
- 30% final exam or culminating activity
Programme Structure:
Students typically take six subjects, which must include one of the English courses (ENG4U or ENG4C), along with a mix of:
- Business Studies
- Mathematics
- Sciences
- Computer/communications technology
- Social sciences

- Additional graduation requirements include:
  - Passing an external literacy test (OSSLT)
  - Completing 10 hours of community service

Global Recognition & University Pathways:
CIMP is the only Canadian pre-university programme in Malaysia officially approved by the Malaysian Ministry of Education, with oversight by Ontario’s Ministry of Education. Graduates have successfully entered top-tier universities not only in Canada, but also in the UK, U.S., Australia, and beyond—including schools like Harvard in the USA, University of Toronto and University of British Columbia in Canada, Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, Australian National University, and etc.

Why is CIMP Valuable?

Globally Recognized Qualification — the OSSD

CIMP awards students the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), which is the same qualification received by Grade 12 students in Ontario, Canada. This credential is:

Officially approved by the Ontario Ministry of Education and recognized by the Malaysian Ministry of Education.
Widely accepted by universities across Canada, the UK, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and etc.

Balanced and Supportive Assessment Model

CIMP has a more balanced, student-centered evaluation structure compared to traditional exam-heavy programmes:

70% coursework (projects, presentations, assignments, etc.)
30% final exam or culminating activity.

This model:

Reduces exam pressure.
Reflects university-style learning where continuous engagement matters.

Short Duration & Flexibility

CIMP typically takes 10 to 12 months to complete — faster than many other pre-university options like A Levels or IB Diploma.
Intakes are available in January, March/July, September, offering scheduling flexibility.

Holistic & University-Ready Curriculum

In addition to academics, students undertake 10 hours of community service and must pass the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT)
The curriculum emphasizes soft skills like critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, and global citizenship.

Strong Track Record in University Placement

Sunway has placed over 10,000 CIMP graduates into more than 140 universities worldwide. Many students achieve Ontario Scholar status (average >90%) and earn awards and scholarships.
Universities attended include top-ranked institutions in Canada, UK, Australia, the US, and beyond.

Positive Student Feedback & Lower Stress

Real student experiences highlight why CIMP is a preferred alternative to more rigid programmes:

More manageable and less exam-intensive:

“CIMP is perfect if you hate cramming for exams… very manageable.”

High achievement possible with balance:

“I did A Levels before I did CIMP … Got a 95% … got a scholarship to study overseas.”

Accessible to top universities with high scores:

“Some people from CIMP are accepted at NUS/NTU … it’s extremely competitive so it’s recommended to have at least 90% and above in each subject to be considered competitive.”

Wide Subject Choice & Customization

CIMP allows students to take six subjects, including mandatory English plus electives across Business, Sciences, Humanities, Math, Computer Studies, and Performing Arts. This flexibility lets students tailor their preparation to specific career or university goals.

What are Entry Requirements for CIMP (Sunway College) – English Proficiency?

According to official Sunway CIMP admissions criteria:

IELTS: Minimum overall score of 5.5, with Writing not less than 5.5, and no band lower than 5.0.
TOEFL: A minimum score of:
- 550 (paper-based), or
- 79 (internet-based)

Additional Notes & Context:

These requirements are specific to the CIMP programme in Malaysia, notably at Sunway College—the primary provider of CIMP locally.
No public mention of acceptable equivalents (like Cambridge English, PTE, etc.) has been found in official CIMP entry criteria.
While not a direct CIMP reference, a general guideline for international undergraduate entry into Canadian universities suggests:
- IELTS: 6.0–7.5 overall
- TOEFL iBT: 79–100

This reflects the expectations of Canadian institutions, but does not directly apply to CIMP programme entry.

What are CIMP Subject Offerings?

CIMP students may choose six pre-university courses, one of which must be an English credit (either ENG4U or ENG4C), to earn the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). These subjects are grouped across various disciplines:

Performing Arts

Music
Drama

English Courses

English for College
English for University
Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course (OSSLT)
The Writer’s Craft

Business Studies

Business Leadership: Management Fundamentals
Financial Accounting Principles
International Business Fundamentals

Computer Studies

Communications Technology
Computer Science

Mathematics

Advanced Functions (MHF4U)
Calculus and Vectors (MCV4U)
Mathematics of Data Management (MDM4U)

Science

Biology (SBI4U)
Chemistry (SCH4U)
Physics (SPH4U)

Social Sciences / Humanities

World Issues: A Geographic Analysis
World History Since the Fifteenth Century
Families in Canada
Analysing Current Economic Issues
Challenge and Change in Society
Introductory Kinesiology

Subject Selection & Additional Requirements:

Total Subjects: Students must complete six subjects, including one English course.
Other graduation requirements include:
- Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT)
- 10 hours of approved community service

ENG4U stands for English, Grade 12, University Preparation. This course is designed for students who plan to go to university. It focuses on developing advanced English skills such as critical reading, analytical writing, oral communication, and media literacy. ENG4U prepares students for the kind of academic work they will encounter at university, including writing essays, researching topics, and analyzing complex texts. It’s a more challenging and academic course aimed at helping students succeed in degree programs that require strong English proficiency.
ENG4C stands for English, Grade 12, College Preparation. This course is intended for students who are planning to enter college or vocational programs rather than university. ENG4C focuses on practical English skills needed in everyday life and the workplace, such as effective communication, reading comprehension, and writing simple reports or letters. It is less demanding than ENG4U and emphasizes functional English that will help students succeed in college courses or on the job.

What do the Selection criteria of these 6 subjects depend on?

The selection criteria for the six subjects you choose in CIMP depend mainly on several key factors tailored to your academic goals and future university plans:

University Admission Requirements
Different universities and degree programs have specific subject prerequisites. For example, engineering programs often require strong mathematics and physics, while business degrees may require economics or business studies. So, students pick subjects that align with the entry requirements of their preferred universities and courses.

Student’s Academic Strengths and Interests
Choosing subjects that match your strengths and interests helps improve performance and motivation. If you enjoy sciences and excel in them, selecting biology, chemistry, or physics makes sense. For those interested in arts or social sciences, subjects like world history or family studies might be better.

Future Career Goals
Your subject choices should support your long-term career aspirations. For example, students planning to enter medical school often choose biology and chemistry, while those interested in IT might take computer science and advanced mathematics.
Balance and Workload
Since CIMP requires six subjects, it’s important to select a balanced mix to manage your workload effectively. Combining challenging courses with ones you find more manageable can help maintain good grades across all subjects.
Mandatory Requirements
One of the six subjects must be an English course (ENG4U or ENG4C), which is compulsory for earning the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).

What is Grading System in CIMP (OSSD Standards)?

Grades are given as percentages (%) for each subject, based on combined coursework (70%) and final exam/project (30%).
The percentage score is then converted into letter grades and Ontario Grade Levels as follows:

Percentage Range	Letter Grade	Ontario Grade Level	Description
90 – 100	A+ / A	Level 4+	Excellent / Outstanding
80 – 89	B+ / B	Level 4	Very Good / Above Average
70 – 79	C+ / C	Level 3	Satisfactory / Competent
60 – 69	D+ / D	Level 2	Passing / Basic Achievement
Below 60	F	Level 1 or 0	Fail

Passing Score

The minimum passing score for each subject is typically 50%.
To successfully earn the OSSD through CIMP, students must pass all six subjects with at least 50% or higher.

Additional Graduation Requirements

Besides subject grades, students must pass the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT), which is a separate standardized literacy assessment.
Students must also complete 10 hours of community service.

What Happens with High Scores?

Students who achieve average scores above 80–90% may be awarded Ontario Scholar status, which is recognized as a mark of academic excellence.
High grades improve university admission chances and scholarship opportunities.

What Happens if Students Fail in CIMP?

Retake the Failed Subject(s)
Students usually have the option to retake the failed subject(s), either during a repeat term or the next intake. This allows them to improve their grades and meet the passing requirements for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
Academic Support & Remediation
Many colleges offering CIMP provide additional academic support, such as tutoring, revision classes, or extra assignments to help students catch up and succeed on their retake.
Failing to Meet Graduation Requirements
If a student fails to pass all required subjects after retakes, they will not earn the OSSD and therefore will not complete the CIMP program successfully.
Alternative Options
- Some students may consider switching to a different pre-university program, such as A Levels or Foundation programs, if they find the CIMP curriculum challenging.
- Students might also repeat the entire CIMP year if allowed by the institution, to strengthen their knowledge and skills before reattempting exams.
Impact on University Admission
Without passing the OSSD, students will not be eligible to apply to universities through the CIMP pathway, so passing all subjects is essential to move on to higher education.

Sunway College in Malaysia offers CIMP

It is in Bandar Sunway, Selangor.

Sunway College is a pioneer in offering CIMP in Malaysia. The program is recognized by both the Ontario Ministry of Education and Malaysia's Ministry of Education. Graduates receive the OSSD upon successful completion.

Graduates of CIMP in Malaysia have successfully gained admission to various prestigious Canadian universities, including: